Officials, residents staying alert amid flood threat
By Kyle Schmidt
Water levels in the Missouri River are creeping toward the moderate flood stage, and officials are keeping their eyes open for any risk the river can have to the land above.
“There are a couple of areas that we want to watch out for,” said Bill Lamar, emergency manager. “Obviously we’re going to keep a really close eye on what the predictions are from the weather service and NOAA.”
Lamar spoke about the preparations that take place as the river rises. He said around the 25-foot level is when he sees an impact and roadways would need to be cleared.
Some St. Joseph residents checked out the river by the Nature Center on Friday, enjoying the peacefulness it can bring.
“Kind of a little bit of serenity, peaceful,” resident Rodney O’Dell said. “You want to get away and clear your head a little bit, come to the river.”
O’Dell remembered the flood of 1993 and even spoke about a water company that was lost due to the flood. O’Dell, having experienced floods before, spoke about preparation that can be done.
“Stack up on some water and maybe some essentials because you never know,” O’Dell said. “You never know what can happen. It’s not like it used to be as bad but you know, be prepared.”
As the peak of the river gets closer, even without a flood, it can affect river activities. O’Dell said it’s something to keep in mind when fishing.
“It can, it’s usually if you catch it when it’s first coming up it’s probably best,” he said. “But like this, you’re wasting your time.”
As for properties that are close to the river, Lamar gave insight on what preparation might be in play.
“Folks that are impacted as far as their different cabins, you might even see some sandbagging in those areas,” Lamar said.
Some residents, like Kenneth Reeder, have been living by the river for a long time and have made permanent preparations.
“I’ve been here on the river for about 42 years,” Reeder said. “I built my house hurricane style, Florida style, where I’m up on a foundation.”
In regard to the Kansas side, Lamar said he thinks it shouldn’t see huge issues.
“They have had their levee raised already, so I think they’re in pretty good shape this time,” Lamar said. “It hasn’t been tested since the 2019 floods, but they have had levee improvement since then.”
