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Flooding better, but not finished

By Scott Fitzgerald, The Southern

Wednesday, July 2, 2008 11:04 AM CDT

MURPHYSBORO - Barring unexpected torrential rains, flooding that has worried much of Jackson County is subsiding, emergency officials said Tuesday.

However, Randolph County emergency officials still are reporting roads that are partially closed because of high water.

Flood gates on Route 155 near the Monroe County line on the Prairie du Rocher Creek at Prairie du Rocher are expected to close within the next coming days.

Sandbags are being placed near the flood gates to hold back water, said Larry Willis, public information officer for the Randolph County Emergency Management Agency.

The Kaskaskia River in Randolph County near Evansville remains closed to recreational boating, and it is not likely to be open for the July 4 weekend, Willis said.

Randolph County EMA officials, Stringtown levee commissioners and Army Corp of Engineers personnel are continuing to monitor a levee problem near Fort Chartres. A pressure release well that has spewed water into agricultural land has forced road closures and is posing a threat to reach homes in Prairie du Rocher.

"Road closed" and "no trespassing" signs are posted on the levee, and motorists should not drive on it, Willis said.

Motorists are being rerouted on several roads in the county, including Kaskaskia Street in Chester from the Menard Correctional Center in front of the assistant warden's home, at the Pierre Menard Home and at Kane Hill.

Two inches of water were reported on the entrance road to Kaskaskia Island on Monday.

scott.fitzgerald@thesouthern.com / 351-5076