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City by the Lake.org, The Voice of Michigan City, Indiana _ City Talk _ MC flooding
Posted by: southsider2k7 Sep 13 2008, 03:21 PM
We went out to Garwood today, and driving along Highway 20, there are significants parts of it underwater. Behind the Big Lots building, where the marshland is, that has overflown and is covering a lane to a lane and a half of the road, and it is still raining. Going along 20, there are lots of parts of Evergreen Plaza and Trail Creek that are flooding as well. Hopefully everyone out there is OK!
Posted by: mcstumper Sep 14 2008, 09:34 AM
Aarrgh. I'm out of town on business and am missing all of this. Please post updates. The News-Dispatch website is useless. Looks like the Friday-Saturday rain total in South Bend was the most ever in a 24 hour period at 7.09 inches, which beat the old record by two and half inches. Hope everyone and their basements are dry. Stay safe.
Posted by: JHeath Sep 14 2008, 09:38 AM
They actually closed sections of I-94 yesterday near the MC exits. Portions were completely flooded. Smae thing might happen today on eastbound 20, just east of 421. The flooding there extends across both lanes.
Hope our winter isn't this bad. Anyone know the rain to snow conversions?
Posted by: Dave Sep 14 2008, 09:51 AM
QUOTE(JHeath @ Sep 14 2008, 10:38 AM) 
Hope our winter isn't this bad. Anyone know the rain to snow conversions?
IIRC, one inch of rain equals 6 to 10 inches of snow, depending on the snow (heavy and wet vs. dry and powdery).
The weather station at The Beacher shows 4.83 inches for September 13 and 1.67 inches for the day today so far, for 6.5 inches. If this was snow, think at least 3 feet, possibly as much as 5 feet.
That kind of excitement I don't need.
Posted by: Roger Kaputnik Sep 14 2008, 10:11 AM
The rain gauge outside my window (see my photo with the U of M sparrow in the MC Photos thread) has overflowed; its measured capacity is 6 inches, but the top part probably yields another inch.
Posted by: southsider2k7 Sep 14 2008, 10:33 AM
QUOTE(Dave @ Sep 14 2008, 10:51 AM)
IIRC, one inch of rain equals 6 to 10 inches of snow, depending on the snow (heavy and wet vs. dry and powdery).
The weather station at The Beacher shows 4.83 inches for September 13 and 1.67 inches for the day today so far, for 6.5 inches. If this was snow, think at least 3 feet, possibly as much as 5 feet.
That kind of excitement I don't need.
Tempature is a big factor in now heavy snow is. The stuff that falls at 32 degrees is the stuff that is about 10-12 inches per inch of water. The stuff that falls at 20 degrees is more along the 5:1 ratio.
Posted by: Roger Kaputnik Sep 15 2008, 10:33 AM
This is the Creek in the new park by Krueger Jr Hi. The flow in the following picture is from left to right around the point where these guys are standing. Some ditch flows out of the picture to the point. This is about ΒΌ mile upstream from the bridge on Springland Avenue.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
The following photograph is looking upstream from the point described above.
This area looked like this on July 26, 2008:
Posted by: southsider2k7 Sep 15 2008, 12:29 PM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=17351&TM=52166.55
QUOTE
DOWNPOUR WILL CONTINUE TODAY
Deborah Sederberg
The News-Dispatch
MICHIGAN CITY - Some areas of the city on Saturday had rainfall approaching the level of a 100-year storm, which is weather talk for the kind of weather a community might expect only every 100 years.
"We have rain gauges in various parts of the city," said Al Walus, Michigan City Sanitary District general superintendent. "In Washington Park, we had about 3 inches of rain, but near (Michigan City High School), we had about 5 inches.
"We've had a pretty significant rainfall."
Crews were responding to reports of standing water and basement flooding Saturday morning, Walus said, and they were still working into the night.
Many calls naturally came from the area south of U.S. 20, where the most rain fell.
Reports of overflowing ditches and catch basins plugged with leaves and other debris were frequent. Some residents, however, ended up with storm water and/or sanitary sewage in their basements. A storm of this magnitude can overwhelm the treatment plant, Walus said.
According to Indiana State Police, a portion of westbound Interstate 94 between Michigan City and Chesterton was closed because of flooding. Traffic was diverted to U.S. 20. The highway itself, was flooding in certain areas, especially near Evergreen Plaza, which also is near the high school: the site of the most significant rainfall.
Don't look for much relief today, said Sara Weisser, a meteorologist with the Syracuse, Ind., office of the National Weather Service.
"There likely will be more flooding in your area," she said. "We'll see the remnants of Hurricane Ike on Sunday."
Weisser expected the rain to end by Monday.
"This is the most rain we've had for quite a while," she added. "We're seeing small stream flooding and standing water."
According to the U.S. Geological Service measure of Trail Creek at the Springland Avenue bridge, the creek depth usually is about 2 feet, but by mid-morning Saturday, it was 10 feet. Later Saturday, it peaked at 11 1/2 feet.
Contact Deborah Sederberg at dsederberg@thenewsdispatch.com.
Deborah Sederberg
The News-Dispatch
MICHIGAN CITY - Some areas of the city on Saturday had rainfall approaching the level of a 100-year storm, which is weather talk for the kind of weather a community might expect only every 100 years.
"We have rain gauges in various parts of the city," said Al Walus, Michigan City Sanitary District general superintendent. "In Washington Park, we had about 3 inches of rain, but near (Michigan City High School), we had about 5 inches.
"We've had a pretty significant rainfall."
Crews were responding to reports of standing water and basement flooding Saturday morning, Walus said, and they were still working into the night.
Many calls naturally came from the area south of U.S. 20, where the most rain fell.
Reports of overflowing ditches and catch basins plugged with leaves and other debris were frequent. Some residents, however, ended up with storm water and/or sanitary sewage in their basements. A storm of this magnitude can overwhelm the treatment plant, Walus said.
According to Indiana State Police, a portion of westbound Interstate 94 between Michigan City and Chesterton was closed because of flooding. Traffic was diverted to U.S. 20. The highway itself, was flooding in certain areas, especially near Evergreen Plaza, which also is near the high school: the site of the most significant rainfall.
Don't look for much relief today, said Sara Weisser, a meteorologist with the Syracuse, Ind., office of the National Weather Service.
"There likely will be more flooding in your area," she said. "We'll see the remnants of Hurricane Ike on Sunday."
Weisser expected the rain to end by Monday.
"This is the most rain we've had for quite a while," she added. "We're seeing small stream flooding and standing water."
According to the U.S. Geological Service measure of Trail Creek at the Springland Avenue bridge, the creek depth usually is about 2 feet, but by mid-morning Saturday, it was 10 feet. Later Saturday, it peaked at 11 1/2 feet.
Contact Deborah Sederberg at dsederberg@thenewsdispatch.com.
Posted by: southsider2k7 Sep 15 2008, 12:32 PM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=17368
QUOTE
Two men drown while saving child in Chesterton
Rain, flooding cause problems here as well
Weekend rains and flooding - remnants of Hurricane Ike - turned tragic Sunday as two men drowned in Chesterton while saving a child.
Gene Davis, Indiana Department of Natural Resources law-enforcement officer, and Lt. John Jarka of the Chesterton Fire Department confirmed the report. Jarka could not release the victims' names, but said one was in his 40s and the other in his 70s.
"We initially responded to a report of a child in the water," Jarka said. He believes the men entered the water in the Pope-O'Connor Ditch, which feeds into Coffee Creek, to rescue a 13-year-old child. The incident occurred just behind the Westchester South subdivision, which is east of Fifth Street in Chesterton. Jarka said he was told the child was swept under Olivia Court there, through a metal tube that runs under the street. At that point, the child was out of the water, but the men drowned.
Dive teams from Chesterton, Porter, Burns Harbor and the DNR were at the scene and assisted with removing the men from the water.
Locally, some homes had flooded basements, some trees were uprooted and some roads were closed due to flooding, but John Jones, Michigan City director of emergency management, said no one was injured due to flooding.
Al Walus, Sanitary District general superintendent, said, "We made quite a bit of progress yesterday, but today, we had more rain."
Crews responded to many calls about water in basements, and Sanitary District crews worked with the street department and Michigan City Police Department officers to monitor roads and close them when that became necessary to keep people safe.
The area had a lot of rain, Walus said. In fact, this weekend saw record levels. Between midnight Saturday and 11:59 p.m. Saturday, the rain gauge at Michigan City High School measured 5.94 inches. Between midnight Sunday and about 5 p.m. Sunday, the measurement was an additional 3.30 inches. The DNR's 100-year frequency list records record rainfall for the same period of time at 6.3 inches, Walus said.
"That gives us some perspective," he added.
Trail Creek, which normally measures about 2 feet deep at the Springland Avenue bridge, rose to 12 1/2 feet by 4:30 p.m. Sunday.
"In many areas, Trail Creek has very deep banks," Walus added.
But the heavy rain did cause some flooding into lowlands, including the golf course at Pottawattomie Country Club.
Streibel Pond "worked exactly as it is designed to work," Walus said. Water covered most of the interior walking trail by late Sunday afternoon, he added.
The water level was higher than Walus has seen it since the pond went into commission in October 2005.
Although he was aware of no injuries attributed to the storms or flooding, Jones said, "I know some people are living under duress because of flooded basements.
"Unfortunately, there isn't much we can do about saturated ground. We aren't seeing much overland flooding. Much of it comes from ground saturation. I've seen some seepage through cracks in basement floors, and that tells us the ground is just saturated."
Crews have been working steadily since early Saturday.
In response to flooding here, the Indiana Department of Transportation on Sunday closed U.S. 20/35 under the Indiana 212 overpass and Indiana 2 at Indiana 39.
Also, at press time, La Porte, South Central and New Prairie schools had called a two-hour delay for classes to begin today.
The National Weather Service, however, is predicting a break in the weather.
"We should be seeing clearing by Monday afternoon or evening and clear for most of the rest of the week," said Sara Weisser, a meteorologist with the Syracuse, Ind. office of the National Weather Service.
Rain, flooding cause problems here as well
Weekend rains and flooding - remnants of Hurricane Ike - turned tragic Sunday as two men drowned in Chesterton while saving a child.
Gene Davis, Indiana Department of Natural Resources law-enforcement officer, and Lt. John Jarka of the Chesterton Fire Department confirmed the report. Jarka could not release the victims' names, but said one was in his 40s and the other in his 70s.
"We initially responded to a report of a child in the water," Jarka said. He believes the men entered the water in the Pope-O'Connor Ditch, which feeds into Coffee Creek, to rescue a 13-year-old child. The incident occurred just behind the Westchester South subdivision, which is east of Fifth Street in Chesterton. Jarka said he was told the child was swept under Olivia Court there, through a metal tube that runs under the street. At that point, the child was out of the water, but the men drowned.
Dive teams from Chesterton, Porter, Burns Harbor and the DNR were at the scene and assisted with removing the men from the water.
Locally, some homes had flooded basements, some trees were uprooted and some roads were closed due to flooding, but John Jones, Michigan City director of emergency management, said no one was injured due to flooding.
Al Walus, Sanitary District general superintendent, said, "We made quite a bit of progress yesterday, but today, we had more rain."
Crews responded to many calls about water in basements, and Sanitary District crews worked with the street department and Michigan City Police Department officers to monitor roads and close them when that became necessary to keep people safe.
The area had a lot of rain, Walus said. In fact, this weekend saw record levels. Between midnight Saturday and 11:59 p.m. Saturday, the rain gauge at Michigan City High School measured 5.94 inches. Between midnight Sunday and about 5 p.m. Sunday, the measurement was an additional 3.30 inches. The DNR's 100-year frequency list records record rainfall for the same period of time at 6.3 inches, Walus said.
"That gives us some perspective," he added.
Trail Creek, which normally measures about 2 feet deep at the Springland Avenue bridge, rose to 12 1/2 feet by 4:30 p.m. Sunday.
"In many areas, Trail Creek has very deep banks," Walus added.
But the heavy rain did cause some flooding into lowlands, including the golf course at Pottawattomie Country Club.
Streibel Pond "worked exactly as it is designed to work," Walus said. Water covered most of the interior walking trail by late Sunday afternoon, he added.
The water level was higher than Walus has seen it since the pond went into commission in October 2005.
Although he was aware of no injuries attributed to the storms or flooding, Jones said, "I know some people are living under duress because of flooded basements.
"Unfortunately, there isn't much we can do about saturated ground. We aren't seeing much overland flooding. Much of it comes from ground saturation. I've seen some seepage through cracks in basement floors, and that tells us the ground is just saturated."
Crews have been working steadily since early Saturday.
In response to flooding here, the Indiana Department of Transportation on Sunday closed U.S. 20/35 under the Indiana 212 overpass and Indiana 2 at Indiana 39.
Also, at press time, La Porte, South Central and New Prairie schools had called a two-hour delay for classes to begin today.
The National Weather Service, however, is predicting a break in the weather.
"We should be seeing clearing by Monday afternoon or evening and clear for most of the rest of the week," said Sara Weisser, a meteorologist with the Syracuse, Ind. office of the National Weather Service.
Posted by: Ang Sep 15 2008, 12:43 PM
HOLY SMOKES!!!! Trail Creek is 12 foot deep?!?!
You guys are getting hammered all right! My prayers are with you guys!
Posted by: southsider2k7 Sep 15 2008, 12:49 PM
FYI, for those who haven't seen them Roger has some great pics in the Pictures thread in the City Living section of the board.
Posted by: Tim Sep 16 2008, 01:35 AM
Wow - my parents' basement flooded. They live in Edgewood, and that's really rare for their house. Hope everyone's safe!
Posted by: southsider2k7 Sep 16 2008, 08:18 AM
More highlights from the Rain of the Century...
-I-65 closed from Remmington (Hwy 24) to Gary.
-I-94 closed from Chesterton to pretty much the IL stateline (Indy Blvd)
-Bishop Ford Freeway closed for 6 miles on the southside
-One mile of South Shore tracks under water in Gary, forcing them to run at 5mph through the area. Most trains 20 minutes late. Water as high as a foot and a half.
-Blue Line closed going to O'Hare
-Edens closed for stretches because of 5+ feet of water in some underpasses.
Posted by: Roger Kaputnik Sep 16 2008, 08:25 AM
Let's consider this before paving over the entire part of the county this side of I-94!
Posted by: southsider2k7 Sep 16 2008, 10:47 AM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=17386&TM=45929.32
QUOTE
Tree trunk blocks storm drain
Laurie Wink
The News-Dispatch
MICHIANA SHORES - Michiana Shores Fire Chief Jim Imes on Monday got a close look as what more than 48 hours of rain did to the small lakefront community.
Imes said several streets were flooded, thanks to a tree stump plugging White Ditch, causing water problems for a dozen homes. He said the heavy rain also knocked out phone service in Michiana Shores.
However, Imes credited La Porte County Emergency Management Agency for a rapid response. "They were here within an hour with a backhoe to pull out the debris," Imes said. "The county response has been very good."
Seven ditches flow into White Ditch, which was up to five feet higher than usual, Imes said.
Clerk-Treasurer Steven Millick said the standing water in Michiana Shores was the worst since the early 1990s. He said the town will work with the La Porte County Drainage Board to get larger culverts installed.
Paul Young, director of county emergency management services, anticipated a busy Monday. After stopping by to see the damage and clean-up progress in Michiana Shores, he was heading to Trail Creek, where the ditch running through the town overflowed Sunday.
Trail Creek Clerk-Treasurer Ann Dobbs said, "It was too much rain too fast. We just awarded a contract to widen and deepen the main ditch."
For some residents in Trail Creek, like Larry Weaver, work on that contract can't begin soon enough. On Monday, Weaver said he was upset that the Coolspring Township Volunteer Fire Department wouldn't pump out about 3 feet of water in front of his house and that of a neighbor's, both on Black Oak Drive.
"I called the fire department and Assistant Chief Silcox said he couldn't commit a truck and crew to do that," Weaver said.
Dobbs said town engineer John Doyle and the five council members were out four hours Saturday inspecting the town ditch. She said the town was aware of the flooding problem around Weaver's house, but said there was nothing that could be done. Even if a fire pumper was to begin pumping the water, she said there was nowhere to send where it wouldn't flow right back into the area.
""They're on a cul de sac that's very low. It's been a problem for a long time," said Dobbs.
Dobbs said the town spent $150,000 to address drainage problems last year and just awarded another $110,000 contract three weeks ago. She is anticipating a large turnout at the Trail Creek Town Council meeting at 7 tonight.
"We have a lot of self-appointed engineers," she said.
Contact Laurie Wink at lwink@thenewsdispatch.com.
Laurie Wink
The News-Dispatch
MICHIANA SHORES - Michiana Shores Fire Chief Jim Imes on Monday got a close look as what more than 48 hours of rain did to the small lakefront community.
Imes said several streets were flooded, thanks to a tree stump plugging White Ditch, causing water problems for a dozen homes. He said the heavy rain also knocked out phone service in Michiana Shores.
However, Imes credited La Porte County Emergency Management Agency for a rapid response. "They were here within an hour with a backhoe to pull out the debris," Imes said. "The county response has been very good."
Seven ditches flow into White Ditch, which was up to five feet higher than usual, Imes said.
Clerk-Treasurer Steven Millick said the standing water in Michiana Shores was the worst since the early 1990s. He said the town will work with the La Porte County Drainage Board to get larger culverts installed.
Paul Young, director of county emergency management services, anticipated a busy Monday. After stopping by to see the damage and clean-up progress in Michiana Shores, he was heading to Trail Creek, where the ditch running through the town overflowed Sunday.
Trail Creek Clerk-Treasurer Ann Dobbs said, "It was too much rain too fast. We just awarded a contract to widen and deepen the main ditch."
For some residents in Trail Creek, like Larry Weaver, work on that contract can't begin soon enough. On Monday, Weaver said he was upset that the Coolspring Township Volunteer Fire Department wouldn't pump out about 3 feet of water in front of his house and that of a neighbor's, both on Black Oak Drive.
"I called the fire department and Assistant Chief Silcox said he couldn't commit a truck and crew to do that," Weaver said.
Dobbs said town engineer John Doyle and the five council members were out four hours Saturday inspecting the town ditch. She said the town was aware of the flooding problem around Weaver's house, but said there was nothing that could be done. Even if a fire pumper was to begin pumping the water, she said there was nowhere to send where it wouldn't flow right back into the area.
""They're on a cul de sac that's very low. It's been a problem for a long time," said Dobbs.
Dobbs said the town spent $150,000 to address drainage problems last year and just awarded another $110,000 contract three weeks ago. She is anticipating a large turnout at the Trail Creek Town Council meeting at 7 tonight.
"We have a lot of self-appointed engineers," she said.
Contact Laurie Wink at lwink@thenewsdispatch.com.
Posted by: southsider2k7 Sep 16 2008, 10:54 AM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=17388
QUOTE
Cleaning Up After The '100-Year Storm'
Laurie Wink
The News-Dispatch
Water may rise for a few more days
MICHIGAN CITY - The worst of the storms that lashed La Porte County over the weekend seemed to be over on Monday. But pockets of the city and county continued to deal with the storm's aftermath.
"The sun's out but the water's still rising," said John Jones, Michigan City Emergency Management director. "Ten homes in the city have water in basements, from 2 inches to 5 feet. There continues to be damage reports today."
Jones is recording storm damage information to submit for federal assistance along with the more seriously impacted Porter and Lake counties.
Two workers with Michigan City's sanitary district were on a service call early Monday morning when a cave-in occurred and emergency services were called in for assistance, said Al Walus, Sanitary District general manager. One employee was able to return to work later on Monday, but the other was recovering from unspecified injuries. The names of the employees were not available.
Central Services Superintendent Jim Elwell said crews were out in various parts of the city cleaning up debris Monday. A tree on Greenwood Avenue near Woodland Avenue fell, but Elwell said no other major tree damage was reported. He said high water resulted in the closing of Cleveland Avenue between Timm Court and Kieffer Road.
In Rolling Prairie, the Kankakee Fire Department, assisted by Springfield Township, pumped about 4 inches of water from three businesses on Saturday. After continued heavy rains, runoff caused the Rolling Prairie retention pond to overflow. Firefighters stopped pumping water long enough to allow trains to pass, then resumed pumping. An estimated 3 million gallons of water was pumped over the weekend in Rolling Prairie.
Bob Young, La Porte County highway superintendent, said the water level was OK along the Kankakee River around La Crosse, but the test would come in the next few days. Since three-fourths of the county drains south, Young said it would take several days for all the water to reach that part of the county. He said the city of La Porte had recorded a total of 11 inches of rainfall.
"This is the worst rain event in a short time I've seen in 24 years," Young said. "It's like taking part of Lake Michigan and dumping in on the county. We're just trying to keep roads open as best we can."
The heavy rainfall left water on many state, city and county roads, said Joshua Bingham, spokesman for the Indiana Department of Transportation in La Porte. INDOT has marked these areas with "High Water" signs and urges drivers not to attempt to drive through. According to the National Weather Service, most flooding deaths occur in automobiles. Six inches of standing water is enough to cause passenger cars to stall and a foot of water will float many vehicles.
Meanwhile, the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District reported that flooding east of the Indiana Toll Road in the Aetna neighborhood in Gary was delaying service.
"We have monitored this situation all day and have seen little improvement due to the high water table in the area," said NICTD general manager Gerald Hanas.
Delays of 15 to 20 minutes were reported for both east and westbound South Shore trains. Trains must travel the half-mile area that's flooded at 5 miles per hour. Hanas said the delays will continue until water levels subside.
The heavy rainfall starting Friday was part of the tropical storm Lowell in the Pacific Ocean, and the storm front that moved in late Saturday into Sunday was the remnant of Hurricane Ike according to Sara Weisser, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Syracuse, Ind. She said the heavy rainfalls are over but flood warnings are in effect in La Porte County until the end of the week. Weisser said area rainfall ranged from 9.8 inches in Michigan City to 11.2 inches in La Porte.
Contact Laurie Wink at lwink@thenewsdispatch.com.
Need Help
Michigan City Emergency Management Director John Jones encourages city residents who have experienced storm damage to file a brief report with his office. To make a report, call 873-1499.
The La Porte County Cooperative Extension Service has a pamphlet, "First Steps to Flood Recovery," that addresses topics such as damaged food, drinking/well water, salvaging keepsakes and getting government and community support. For more information, contact the La Porte County office at (219) 324-9407.
Laurie Wink
The News-Dispatch
Water may rise for a few more days
MICHIGAN CITY - The worst of the storms that lashed La Porte County over the weekend seemed to be over on Monday. But pockets of the city and county continued to deal with the storm's aftermath.
"The sun's out but the water's still rising," said John Jones, Michigan City Emergency Management director. "Ten homes in the city have water in basements, from 2 inches to 5 feet. There continues to be damage reports today."
Jones is recording storm damage information to submit for federal assistance along with the more seriously impacted Porter and Lake counties.
Two workers with Michigan City's sanitary district were on a service call early Monday morning when a cave-in occurred and emergency services were called in for assistance, said Al Walus, Sanitary District general manager. One employee was able to return to work later on Monday, but the other was recovering from unspecified injuries. The names of the employees were not available.
Central Services Superintendent Jim Elwell said crews were out in various parts of the city cleaning up debris Monday. A tree on Greenwood Avenue near Woodland Avenue fell, but Elwell said no other major tree damage was reported. He said high water resulted in the closing of Cleveland Avenue between Timm Court and Kieffer Road.
In Rolling Prairie, the Kankakee Fire Department, assisted by Springfield Township, pumped about 4 inches of water from three businesses on Saturday. After continued heavy rains, runoff caused the Rolling Prairie retention pond to overflow. Firefighters stopped pumping water long enough to allow trains to pass, then resumed pumping. An estimated 3 million gallons of water was pumped over the weekend in Rolling Prairie.
Bob Young, La Porte County highway superintendent, said the water level was OK along the Kankakee River around La Crosse, but the test would come in the next few days. Since three-fourths of the county drains south, Young said it would take several days for all the water to reach that part of the county. He said the city of La Porte had recorded a total of 11 inches of rainfall.
"This is the worst rain event in a short time I've seen in 24 years," Young said. "It's like taking part of Lake Michigan and dumping in on the county. We're just trying to keep roads open as best we can."
The heavy rainfall left water on many state, city and county roads, said Joshua Bingham, spokesman for the Indiana Department of Transportation in La Porte. INDOT has marked these areas with "High Water" signs and urges drivers not to attempt to drive through. According to the National Weather Service, most flooding deaths occur in automobiles. Six inches of standing water is enough to cause passenger cars to stall and a foot of water will float many vehicles.
Meanwhile, the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District reported that flooding east of the Indiana Toll Road in the Aetna neighborhood in Gary was delaying service.
"We have monitored this situation all day and have seen little improvement due to the high water table in the area," said NICTD general manager Gerald Hanas.
Delays of 15 to 20 minutes were reported for both east and westbound South Shore trains. Trains must travel the half-mile area that's flooded at 5 miles per hour. Hanas said the delays will continue until water levels subside.
The heavy rainfall starting Friday was part of the tropical storm Lowell in the Pacific Ocean, and the storm front that moved in late Saturday into Sunday was the remnant of Hurricane Ike according to Sara Weisser, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Syracuse, Ind. She said the heavy rainfalls are over but flood warnings are in effect in La Porte County until the end of the week. Weisser said area rainfall ranged from 9.8 inches in Michigan City to 11.2 inches in La Porte.
Contact Laurie Wink at lwink@thenewsdispatch.com.
Need Help
Michigan City Emergency Management Director John Jones encourages city residents who have experienced storm damage to file a brief report with his office. To make a report, call 873-1499.
The La Porte County Cooperative Extension Service has a pamphlet, "First Steps to Flood Recovery," that addresses topics such as damaged food, drinking/well water, salvaging keepsakes and getting government and community support. For more information, contact the La Porte County office at (219) 324-9407.
Posted by: southsider2k7 Sep 16 2008, 11:03 AM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=17382&TM=47368.51
QUOTE
New Durham Estates still underwater
Timothy O'Connor
For The News-Dispatch
WESTVILLE - When the water rose to 4 feet and nearly entered her home, Stacie Schoenfelder moved her grandmother's Shirley Temple doll collection to the highest shelves.
The water never got in, but three days of rain left the 37-year-old New Durham Estates resident surrounded by knee-high water.
"I can kind of relate to how Texas residents were feeling after this one," Schoenfelder said.
She may have gotten the worst of it among her neighbors. When a nearby retention pond and excess rain merged to flood the mobile home park, it was Schoenfelder's home that was closest to the water. Further, her car took in about 6 inches of the murky liquid.
"I moved (the car) over to higher ground Saturday, never imagining it'd get this high," she said.
"I feel like I'm a freak show because everyone keeps on stopping to take photos."
The rain may have stopped, but that doesn't mean the problems are over. It might take days before the waters are pumped out and Schoenfelder only has three days worth of medication left for the back fusion surgery she recently underwent.
"Nobody prepared for anything like this to happen," she said.
Schoenfelder may be segregated by "sea," but even those still on land were trapped by the waters. Because two roads are completely underwater, even those in homes not afflicted by the flood can't exit New Durham Estates.
Some tried to get around this problem by creating an outlet through a 20-foot-long grassy area to a parallel road. A Jeep Grand Cherokee beached in the mud was a symbol of the idea's success. A similar attempt made a street over fared better, but only pick-ups were able to get through.
Most people living in the 50 affected homes will have to wait until the water subsides to leave their homes and that might mean days of missing work or school.
"You just sit here and look stupid," resident Kevin Childress said.
While they wait for the flood to recede, many are trying to figure out how the water got so high. Some think the state diverted overflow from adjacent U.S. 421 into the pond.
"If they would have never done that, the place would never have flooded," Childress said.
When asked, a representative of the Indiana Department of Transportation said road water was redirected to many detention ponds but was unsure if that was true in the New Durham Estates case.
Childress and other homeowners also blamed the park's management for not being prepared.
"(They) should have known this place was going to flood," he said.
Others disagreed.
"The whole throwing of the blame is ridiculous. You can't throw blame on the rain," resident Melissa Westlund said.
Those who manage the park said they were doing what they could, given the situation.
"Over the years, the state highway department reconfigured the intersection at Indiana 2 and U.S. 421 and the excess water flows onto our property," Wendi Earley, park manager, said in an e-mailed statement. "We take a lot of water from the north side of Indiana 2 and there is very little retention for that overflow.
"Unfortunately, when 12 inches of rain falls, there is nowhere for the water to drain. We have met with the state to rectify the drainage problem to no avail and are taking further action."
Timothy O'Connor
For The News-Dispatch
WESTVILLE - When the water rose to 4 feet and nearly entered her home, Stacie Schoenfelder moved her grandmother's Shirley Temple doll collection to the highest shelves.
The water never got in, but three days of rain left the 37-year-old New Durham Estates resident surrounded by knee-high water.
"I can kind of relate to how Texas residents were feeling after this one," Schoenfelder said.
She may have gotten the worst of it among her neighbors. When a nearby retention pond and excess rain merged to flood the mobile home park, it was Schoenfelder's home that was closest to the water. Further, her car took in about 6 inches of the murky liquid.
"I moved (the car) over to higher ground Saturday, never imagining it'd get this high," she said.
"I feel like I'm a freak show because everyone keeps on stopping to take photos."
The rain may have stopped, but that doesn't mean the problems are over. It might take days before the waters are pumped out and Schoenfelder only has three days worth of medication left for the back fusion surgery she recently underwent.
"Nobody prepared for anything like this to happen," she said.
Schoenfelder may be segregated by "sea," but even those still on land were trapped by the waters. Because two roads are completely underwater, even those in homes not afflicted by the flood can't exit New Durham Estates.
Some tried to get around this problem by creating an outlet through a 20-foot-long grassy area to a parallel road. A Jeep Grand Cherokee beached in the mud was a symbol of the idea's success. A similar attempt made a street over fared better, but only pick-ups were able to get through.
Most people living in the 50 affected homes will have to wait until the water subsides to leave their homes and that might mean days of missing work or school.
"You just sit here and look stupid," resident Kevin Childress said.
While they wait for the flood to recede, many are trying to figure out how the water got so high. Some think the state diverted overflow from adjacent U.S. 421 into the pond.
"If they would have never done that, the place would never have flooded," Childress said.
When asked, a representative of the Indiana Department of Transportation said road water was redirected to many detention ponds but was unsure if that was true in the New Durham Estates case.
Childress and other homeowners also blamed the park's management for not being prepared.
"(They) should have known this place was going to flood," he said.
Others disagreed.
"The whole throwing of the blame is ridiculous. You can't throw blame on the rain," resident Melissa Westlund said.
Those who manage the park said they were doing what they could, given the situation.
"Over the years, the state highway department reconfigured the intersection at Indiana 2 and U.S. 421 and the excess water flows onto our property," Wendi Earley, park manager, said in an e-mailed statement. "We take a lot of water from the north side of Indiana 2 and there is very little retention for that overflow.
"Unfortunately, when 12 inches of rain falls, there is nowhere for the water to drain. We have met with the state to rectify the drainage problem to no avail and are taking further action."
Posted by: southsider2k7 Sep 16 2008, 11:09 AM
And a final piece of perspective... For all practical purposes, we got as much rain as Galveston Texas did over the weekend.
Posted by: southsider2k7 Sep 17 2008, 09:09 AM
Being on Ohio Street, I am really glad we don't have a basement.
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=17409&TM=40406.37
QUOTE
The flood of sewage in city neighborhood
Laurie Wink
The News-Dispatch
Ohio St. residents complain about 'disaster' after recent rains.
MICHIGAN CITY - A group of Michigan City residents flooded into City Hall on Tuesday night seeking help from the City Council to tackle problems of water and raw sewage in their basements.
Luke Monroe, 4332 Ohio St., represented owners of 20 homes caught up in what he called "the disaster on Ohio Street." Some homeowners have been dealing with sewage backups since 1972.
Monroe, who has lived in the neighborhood for 13 years, said the heavy storms weren't the reason for the sewage backups.
"The sewer problems have been ongoing," Monroe said. "Residents who've been here 20 years see backups every few years."
Monroe said appeals made to previous councilmembers seem to "fall on deaf ears."
He said the problems have been reported to the Sanitary District for years. Repairs have been made, but breaks have reoccurred.
"We don't have the extra money to go out and buy furniture every three years," Monroe said. "It doesn't seem like we're being heard."
Allen Briggs, 103 Southwind Drive, told the council he is next to a pumping station and can hear when the pumps stop working.
Since last November, he's had three incidents of sewage backup in his basement, and he's concerned his insurance carrier will drop him.
"There's a problem on that corner," Briggs said. "It doesn't take a lot of flooding for it to back up. The Sanitary District has to address this pumping station issue."
Standing water with human waste was not the only problem. Some had furnaces that won't work, and others have been without hot water since Saturday. Some of those with homeowner's insurance found out they didn't have coverage for sewer backups.
Councilmembers Ron Meer and Bob McKee got firsthand looks at the residents' situations over the weekend.
"There are a whole lot of different problems happening in the area at once," McKee said. "There are some macro issues with drainage problems and short-term problems."
Meer said he was aware of ongoing problems in the 4200 and 4300 blocks of Ohio Street, even with lesser storms than the record-setting weekend downpours. Any financial assistance from the city would have to come from the mayor's office, not from the council, he added.
The best hope for assistance is to have the county declared a disaster, according to John Jones, Michigan City director of emergency management. Jones said he met with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security on Tuesday afternoon to report on more than 300 flooded basements, and his phone rang constantly with calls from those wanting to file reports.
"The majority of calls are about water seepage from saturated ground," Jones said.
Jones said a field representative from the Federal Emergency Management Agency could be in Michigan City by Thursday to review individual and public-assistance needs.
The Sanitary District has fielded more than 150 calls, Jones said, and he will cross-reference calls in both departments.
Jones expects to have more help answering phone calls today and encourages everyone with water damage to call him at 873-1499.
Those who have called for cleanup service should keep all receipts and take photos of the damage for the record, he said. If the county is declared a disaster area, FEMA will help those without insurance, and people with insurance probably will need to get a denial of coverage letter from the insurance company.
Contact Laurie Wink at lwink@thenewsdispatch.com.
Laurie Wink
The News-Dispatch
Ohio St. residents complain about 'disaster' after recent rains.
MICHIGAN CITY - A group of Michigan City residents flooded into City Hall on Tuesday night seeking help from the City Council to tackle problems of water and raw sewage in their basements.
Luke Monroe, 4332 Ohio St., represented owners of 20 homes caught up in what he called "the disaster on Ohio Street." Some homeowners have been dealing with sewage backups since 1972.
Monroe, who has lived in the neighborhood for 13 years, said the heavy storms weren't the reason for the sewage backups.
"The sewer problems have been ongoing," Monroe said. "Residents who've been here 20 years see backups every few years."
Monroe said appeals made to previous councilmembers seem to "fall on deaf ears."
He said the problems have been reported to the Sanitary District for years. Repairs have been made, but breaks have reoccurred.
"We don't have the extra money to go out and buy furniture every three years," Monroe said. "It doesn't seem like we're being heard."
Allen Briggs, 103 Southwind Drive, told the council he is next to a pumping station and can hear when the pumps stop working.
Since last November, he's had three incidents of sewage backup in his basement, and he's concerned his insurance carrier will drop him.
"There's a problem on that corner," Briggs said. "It doesn't take a lot of flooding for it to back up. The Sanitary District has to address this pumping station issue."
Standing water with human waste was not the only problem. Some had furnaces that won't work, and others have been without hot water since Saturday. Some of those with homeowner's insurance found out they didn't have coverage for sewer backups.
Councilmembers Ron Meer and Bob McKee got firsthand looks at the residents' situations over the weekend.
"There are a whole lot of different problems happening in the area at once," McKee said. "There are some macro issues with drainage problems and short-term problems."
Meer said he was aware of ongoing problems in the 4200 and 4300 blocks of Ohio Street, even with lesser storms than the record-setting weekend downpours. Any financial assistance from the city would have to come from the mayor's office, not from the council, he added.
The best hope for assistance is to have the county declared a disaster, according to John Jones, Michigan City director of emergency management. Jones said he met with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security on Tuesday afternoon to report on more than 300 flooded basements, and his phone rang constantly with calls from those wanting to file reports.
"The majority of calls are about water seepage from saturated ground," Jones said.
Jones said a field representative from the Federal Emergency Management Agency could be in Michigan City by Thursday to review individual and public-assistance needs.
The Sanitary District has fielded more than 150 calls, Jones said, and he will cross-reference calls in both departments.
Jones expects to have more help answering phone calls today and encourages everyone with water damage to call him at 873-1499.
Those who have called for cleanup service should keep all receipts and take photos of the damage for the record, he said. If the county is declared a disaster area, FEMA will help those without insurance, and people with insurance probably will need to get a denial of coverage letter from the insurance company.
Contact Laurie Wink at lwink@thenewsdispatch.com.
Posted by: southsider2k7 Sep 17 2008, 09:42 AM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=17401&TM=42421.4
QUOTE
Daniels declares disaster in flooded cities
MUNSTER, Ind. (AP) - Gov. Mitch Daniels declared a state of disaster in flooded Lake and Porter counties Tuesday after surveying waterlogged communities by air and boat.
Daniels got a close look at northwest Indiana's flood damage as he toured the region in the hours before Tuesday night's gubernatorial debate in Merrillville with Democrat Jill Long Thompson and Libertarian Andy Horning.
In Chesterton, near Lake Michigan, Daniels visited relatives of two men who died in the weekend flooding that followed up to a foot of rain delivered by the remnants of Hurricane Ike.
He encouraged residents to report water damage in hopes of receiving federal assistance.
"It's really important not to miss anything," he told officials at the Chesterton Town Hall.
The governor's office later announced that Daniels had declared a state of disaster emergency, which would allow the Indiana Department of Homeland Security to help provide expanded emergency services.
The next step would be to request federal aid, the statement said. Homeland Security Director Joseph Wainscott Jr. said teams were expected to arrive in the area today to determine if damage has reached the threshold required for financial assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide assistance to both homeowners and municipalities.
He said it already appears likely the area will qualify for disaster assistance in the form of low cost loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
The deluge of rain - up to a foot in some areas - left northern Indiana road crews working for a third straight day to pump water from swamped lanes of Interstate 80/94. Interstate 65 also remained closed from U.S. 24 in Remington north to I-80/94 three days after the storm.
Andy Dietrick, a spokesman for the state Department of Transportation, said crews were having trouble clearing water from I-80/94 because part of the flooded Little Calumet River runs parallel to the highway.
Dietrick said it's unclear when the highway might reopen. Once the water recedes and roads are dry, engineers will check the structural integrity of the roads, bridges and overpasses.
Chesterton Street Commissioner John Schnadenberg said Tuesday that three subdivisions in the city of 12,000 near Lake Michigan were still mired in street and yard flooding.
Schnadenberg said that between Friday afternoon and Sunday evening, the city's sewer plant recorded just over 12 inches of rain - what he called an "incredible" deluge.
While northern Indiana struggled with floodwaters, central and southern Indiana were dealing with power outages that followed high winds from the remnants of Hurricane Ike.
As of 4 p.m. Tuesday, more than 100,000 homes and businesses remained without power, but phone service had been restored statewide, Homeland Security said.
MUNSTER, Ind. (AP) - Gov. Mitch Daniels declared a state of disaster in flooded Lake and Porter counties Tuesday after surveying waterlogged communities by air and boat.
Daniels got a close look at northwest Indiana's flood damage as he toured the region in the hours before Tuesday night's gubernatorial debate in Merrillville with Democrat Jill Long Thompson and Libertarian Andy Horning.
In Chesterton, near Lake Michigan, Daniels visited relatives of two men who died in the weekend flooding that followed up to a foot of rain delivered by the remnants of Hurricane Ike.
He encouraged residents to report water damage in hopes of receiving federal assistance.
"It's really important not to miss anything," he told officials at the Chesterton Town Hall.
The governor's office later announced that Daniels had declared a state of disaster emergency, which would allow the Indiana Department of Homeland Security to help provide expanded emergency services.
The next step would be to request federal aid, the statement said. Homeland Security Director Joseph Wainscott Jr. said teams were expected to arrive in the area today to determine if damage has reached the threshold required for financial assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide assistance to both homeowners and municipalities.
He said it already appears likely the area will qualify for disaster assistance in the form of low cost loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
The deluge of rain - up to a foot in some areas - left northern Indiana road crews working for a third straight day to pump water from swamped lanes of Interstate 80/94. Interstate 65 also remained closed from U.S. 24 in Remington north to I-80/94 three days after the storm.
Andy Dietrick, a spokesman for the state Department of Transportation, said crews were having trouble clearing water from I-80/94 because part of the flooded Little Calumet River runs parallel to the highway.
Dietrick said it's unclear when the highway might reopen. Once the water recedes and roads are dry, engineers will check the structural integrity of the roads, bridges and overpasses.
Chesterton Street Commissioner John Schnadenberg said Tuesday that three subdivisions in the city of 12,000 near Lake Michigan were still mired in street and yard flooding.
Schnadenberg said that between Friday afternoon and Sunday evening, the city's sewer plant recorded just over 12 inches of rain - what he called an "incredible" deluge.
While northern Indiana struggled with floodwaters, central and southern Indiana were dealing with power outages that followed high winds from the remnants of Hurricane Ike.
As of 4 p.m. Tuesday, more than 100,000 homes and businesses remained without power, but phone service had been restored statewide, Homeland Security said.
Posted by: southsider2k7 Sep 18 2008, 11:33 AM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=17425
QUOTE
'This is too many acts of God.'
Residents cope with latest flooding; city seeks to solve problems.
Laurie Wink
The News-Dispatch
MICHIGAN CITY - All along a two-block section of the street, curbs are lined with the debris of ruined couches, pool tables, and other destroyed household items. Less visible are the dank, dirty, smelly basements of the homes, where so-called black water, containing raw sewage rose as high as four feet in some cases.
Eighteen homes in the 4200 and 4300 blocks of Ohio Street south of U.S. 20 were damaged over the weekend when raw sewage flowed into their basements.
At Diana Lozano's home, 4218 Ohio St., sewage water was still visible at the top of the basement drainage pipe. A ruined wide-screen TV and pieces of exercise equipment were among the few items remaining. Most of the smaller items were piled in the backyard.
Luther Monroe had an insurance rider that covered the cleanup. Now he's taking a leadership role in rallying residents to demand action by the city to address a long-standing sewage backup problems.
Mayor Chuck Oberlie listened to resident complaints during the city council meeting Tuesday night, and said the city would set up a meeting with the community to talk about the issue.
"We need to talk about what things the (Sanitary) District is already doing and what has yet to be accomplished," Oberlie said. "It won't happen overnight. There are a lot of engineering issues to be addressed here."
According to the mayor, funds have been included in the 2009 draft budget for evaluating and possibly replacing the lift station at Ohio Street and Southwind Drive.
Dorothy Schilla has homeowners insurance but was told it doesn't cover "acts of God." She's lived in the neighborhood since 1972 and, within two weeks of moving into the house, she said the basement flooded with sewage water. Continuing problems have caused her to replace a freezer three times, and furniture once.
"This is too many acts of God," Schilla said.
Sanjuana Hernandez showed water lines left on her basement wall when sewage backup rose to 8 inches. Items stored in the basement were soaked and a grandfather clock she'd moved to the basement during upstairs remodeling was ruined.
A cleanup crew visited and told Hernandez that all the drywall up to two feet had to be replaced. Hernandez said her brother used the basement as an apartment until he moved out a year ago. Others in the neighborhood use areas of their basements for children's play areas, TV rooms and guest rooms.
Prior to the weekend sewer water situation, Monroe said many neighbors didn't know each other. Now they're banding together to form a neighborhood association to collectively seek some answers from city officials.
Contact Laurie Wink at lwink@thenewsdispatch.com.
Residents cope with latest flooding; city seeks to solve problems.
Laurie Wink
The News-Dispatch
MICHIGAN CITY - All along a two-block section of the street, curbs are lined with the debris of ruined couches, pool tables, and other destroyed household items. Less visible are the dank, dirty, smelly basements of the homes, where so-called black water, containing raw sewage rose as high as four feet in some cases.
Eighteen homes in the 4200 and 4300 blocks of Ohio Street south of U.S. 20 were damaged over the weekend when raw sewage flowed into their basements.
At Diana Lozano's home, 4218 Ohio St., sewage water was still visible at the top of the basement drainage pipe. A ruined wide-screen TV and pieces of exercise equipment were among the few items remaining. Most of the smaller items were piled in the backyard.
Luther Monroe had an insurance rider that covered the cleanup. Now he's taking a leadership role in rallying residents to demand action by the city to address a long-standing sewage backup problems.
Mayor Chuck Oberlie listened to resident complaints during the city council meeting Tuesday night, and said the city would set up a meeting with the community to talk about the issue.
"We need to talk about what things the (Sanitary) District is already doing and what has yet to be accomplished," Oberlie said. "It won't happen overnight. There are a lot of engineering issues to be addressed here."
According to the mayor, funds have been included in the 2009 draft budget for evaluating and possibly replacing the lift station at Ohio Street and Southwind Drive.
Dorothy Schilla has homeowners insurance but was told it doesn't cover "acts of God." She's lived in the neighborhood since 1972 and, within two weeks of moving into the house, she said the basement flooded with sewage water. Continuing problems have caused her to replace a freezer three times, and furniture once.
"This is too many acts of God," Schilla said.
Sanjuana Hernandez showed water lines left on her basement wall when sewage backup rose to 8 inches. Items stored in the basement were soaked and a grandfather clock she'd moved to the basement during upstairs remodeling was ruined.
A cleanup crew visited and told Hernandez that all the drywall up to two feet had to be replaced. Hernandez said her brother used the basement as an apartment until he moved out a year ago. Others in the neighborhood use areas of their basements for children's play areas, TV rooms and guest rooms.
Prior to the weekend sewer water situation, Monroe said many neighbors didn't know each other. Now they're banding together to form a neighborhood association to collectively seek some answers from city officials.
Contact Laurie Wink at lwink@thenewsdispatch.com.
Posted by: Roger Kaputnik Sep 18 2008, 01:47 PM
check out www.nwitimes.com for aerial photos of flooding in Da Region. The most shocking to me were the ones from Munster; it is the most familiar area to me and easily recogizable.
Posted by: southsider2k7 Sep 18 2008, 01:55 PM
QUOTE(Roger Kaputnik @ Sep 18 2008, 02:47 PM)
check out www.nwitimes.com for aerial photos of flooding in Da Region. The most shocking to me were the ones from Munster; it is the most familiar area to me and easily recogizable.
http://www.nwitimes.com/packages/slideshows/floodingaerials/
Posted by: JHeath Sep 19 2008, 02:24 PM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=17447&TM=59100.64
QUOTE
Need help for flood damage?
Who to contact to report flood damage or request help.
Michigan City Emergency Management, 873-1499 or e-mail jjones@emichigancity.com.
La Porte County Emergency Management Office, (219) 326-6808, Ext. 2264, or you can e-mail pyoung@laportecounty.org.
Information given to Emergency Management will be forwarded to FEMA.
American Red Cross, La Porte County Chapter, 874-4247. (Contact Emergency Management first.)
Who to contact to report flood damage or request help.
Michigan City Emergency Management, 873-1499 or e-mail jjones@emichigancity.com.
La Porte County Emergency Management Office, (219) 326-6808, Ext. 2264, or you can e-mail pyoung@laportecounty.org.
Information given to Emergency Management will be forwarded to FEMA.
American Red Cross, La Porte County Chapter, 874-4247. (Contact Emergency Management first.)
Posted by: southsider2k7 Sep 23 2008, 10:50 AM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=17522&TM=46431.54
QUOTE
City gives flood advice
From Staff Reports
MICHIGAN CITY - Mayor Chuck Oberlie and John W. Jones, director of Emergency Management, met with a representative of the Indiana Department of Homeland Security and the State Fire and Building Safety Administration last week as for a preliminary damage assessment.
Damage assessment field operatives from FEMA, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security and the Small Business Administration canvassed neighborhoods in the city to assess the extent of damage from the storm of Sept. 13 and 14.
Federal guidelines that determine eligibility include a threshold of 25 residences with 'major damage.' The definition of major damage is considered to be residences that have 40 percent or more uninsured or under-insured damage.
"Locally, we have taken more than 250 calls from the Michigan City area alone with reports of water in basements. The reports of damage are very concerning to us and we have been actively taking the reports and working with FEMA to get any relief that is available," said Jones.
"We are conducting regular meetings to organize local efforts to respond to public infrastructure problems affecting citizens while staying in close contact with federal and state officials capable of offering some help," Oberlie said.
Residents are encouraged to continue their clean-up efforts by pumping or wet vacuuming water from basements and following up with disinfection efforts.
Bobbi Petru, executive director of the La Porte County Chapter of the American Red Cross, said all wet items should be removed from basements.
"Wipe down any salvageable items with a 10 percent bleach solution consisting of one part bleach to nine parts water and throw out any items that cannot be cleaned," Petru said. "In many cases, carpets must be removed. Furniture and other salvageable items can be wiped down and dried in the sun. Wet masonry walls should also be wiped down and floors mopped with the bleach solution after water is removed. Dehumidifiers and fans are also useful in drying basements after water has been removed. Face masks and gloves should be worn and can be purchased locally."
Oberlie said residents should call the Refuse Department at 873-1530 for special trash pick up.
As information is obtained from state and federal officials, City Hall will disseminate instructions to the public.
"Citizens should monitor local media outlets for related developments," Oberlie said. "If we are successful in obtaining a presidential disaster declaration for La Porte County, directions will follow for next steps needed for our citizens to file damage claims."
The state has set up a Web site at www.emergency.in.gov. Michigan City residents who have not filed a damage report with local Emergency Management should call 873-1499; La Porte County residents outside Michigan City can call (219) 326-6808, Ext. 2264.
Reports can also be filed online with the state by going to www.in.gov/dhs or by calling the Indiana State Faith Based Initiative at (888) 335-9490.
From Staff Reports
MICHIGAN CITY - Mayor Chuck Oberlie and John W. Jones, director of Emergency Management, met with a representative of the Indiana Department of Homeland Security and the State Fire and Building Safety Administration last week as for a preliminary damage assessment.
Damage assessment field operatives from FEMA, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security and the Small Business Administration canvassed neighborhoods in the city to assess the extent of damage from the storm of Sept. 13 and 14.
Federal guidelines that determine eligibility include a threshold of 25 residences with 'major damage.' The definition of major damage is considered to be residences that have 40 percent or more uninsured or under-insured damage.
"Locally, we have taken more than 250 calls from the Michigan City area alone with reports of water in basements. The reports of damage are very concerning to us and we have been actively taking the reports and working with FEMA to get any relief that is available," said Jones.
"We are conducting regular meetings to organize local efforts to respond to public infrastructure problems affecting citizens while staying in close contact with federal and state officials capable of offering some help," Oberlie said.
Residents are encouraged to continue their clean-up efforts by pumping or wet vacuuming water from basements and following up with disinfection efforts.
Bobbi Petru, executive director of the La Porte County Chapter of the American Red Cross, said all wet items should be removed from basements.
"Wipe down any salvageable items with a 10 percent bleach solution consisting of one part bleach to nine parts water and throw out any items that cannot be cleaned," Petru said. "In many cases, carpets must be removed. Furniture and other salvageable items can be wiped down and dried in the sun. Wet masonry walls should also be wiped down and floors mopped with the bleach solution after water is removed. Dehumidifiers and fans are also useful in drying basements after water has been removed. Face masks and gloves should be worn and can be purchased locally."
Oberlie said residents should call the Refuse Department at 873-1530 for special trash pick up.
As information is obtained from state and federal officials, City Hall will disseminate instructions to the public.
"Citizens should monitor local media outlets for related developments," Oberlie said. "If we are successful in obtaining a presidential disaster declaration for La Porte County, directions will follow for next steps needed for our citizens to file damage claims."
The state has set up a Web site at www.emergency.in.gov. Michigan City residents who have not filed a damage report with local Emergency Management should call 873-1499; La Porte County residents outside Michigan City can call (219) 326-6808, Ext. 2264.
Reports can also be filed online with the state by going to www.in.gov/dhs or by calling the Indiana State Faith Based Initiative at (888) 335-9490.
Posted by: southsider2k7 Sep 25 2008, 09:13 AM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=17542&TM=40558.94
QUOTE
Disaster help approved
From Staff Reports
INDIANAPOLIS - Gov. Mitch Daniels said Tuesday that President Bush has approved Lake, Porter and La Porte counties for federal assistance for homeowners, renters and businesses damaged by flooding that began Sept. 12.
In addition, he said the state will partner with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Red Cross to open three one-stop disaster assistance centers in Northwest Indiana beginning Thursday to help residents impacted by the severe weather.
"We appreciate the quick turnaround to our request and the ongoing cooperation we've received from FEMA since last summer's record flooding in other areas of the state to partner with us to help Hoosiers," Daniels said.
FEMA assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster. Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.
Residents and business owners who sustained losses in Lake, Porter and La Porte counties can begin applying for FEMA assistance today by registering online at www.fema.gov/assistance or by calling 1 (800) 621-3362 or 1 (800) 462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired.
The toll-free telephone numbers will be available for flood victims in Lake, Porter and La Porte counties beginning at 8 a.m. today. Callers should use disaster No. 1795 when they call and are asked to be patient.
Daniels sent a letter to President Bush on Saturday to request federal individual assistance for the counties. He also said that he would reserve the right to request the public assistance program and may request assistance for other counties that received severe damage from the remnants of Hurricane Ike, including Clark, Crawford, Dearborn, Floyd, Jasper, Jefferson, Jennings, Harrison, Martin, Newton, Perry, Scott, Spencer and Switzerland.
From Staff Reports
INDIANAPOLIS - Gov. Mitch Daniels said Tuesday that President Bush has approved Lake, Porter and La Porte counties for federal assistance for homeowners, renters and businesses damaged by flooding that began Sept. 12.
In addition, he said the state will partner with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Red Cross to open three one-stop disaster assistance centers in Northwest Indiana beginning Thursday to help residents impacted by the severe weather.
"We appreciate the quick turnaround to our request and the ongoing cooperation we've received from FEMA since last summer's record flooding in other areas of the state to partner with us to help Hoosiers," Daniels said.
FEMA assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster. Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.
Residents and business owners who sustained losses in Lake, Porter and La Porte counties can begin applying for FEMA assistance today by registering online at www.fema.gov/assistance or by calling 1 (800) 621-3362 or 1 (800) 462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired.
The toll-free telephone numbers will be available for flood victims in Lake, Porter and La Porte counties beginning at 8 a.m. today. Callers should use disaster No. 1795 when they call and are asked to be patient.
Daniels sent a letter to President Bush on Saturday to request federal individual assistance for the counties. He also said that he would reserve the right to request the public assistance program and may request assistance for other counties that received severe damage from the remnants of Hurricane Ike, including Clark, Crawford, Dearborn, Floyd, Jasper, Jefferson, Jennings, Harrison, Martin, Newton, Perry, Scott, Spencer and Switzerland.
Posted by: southsider2k7 Oct 1 2008, 11:37 AM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=17722
QUOTE
Residents seek help from flood troubles
By Craig Davison and Dave Hawk
For The News-Dispatch
Long lines greet people hoping for emergency food stamps, help for homes.
MICHIGAN CITY - Chocolate Williams arrived at the Michigan City office of Family and Social Services Administration at 10 a.m. Monday, hoping to receive emergency food stamps from the state to help her get by after her home was damaged in this month's floods.
She was number 263 in line in Michigan City, and during the time she waited, the staff had gotten only to number 184.
She left the office at about 3 p.m. to see if she would have better luck at the La Porte office.
Williams was out of town when the rains came two weeks ago and flooded her Michigan City home. When Williams got home, she opened the door and water came running out. Everything that wasn't on a high shelf was ruined, including furniture, clothes, the refrigerator and her garage.
"I hope they'll be able to help me with the food I lost," Williams said. She said she planned on also applying for federal aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Williams was one of many trying to receive help. One staff member at the La Porte FSSA office said the line of about a dozen people Williams was standing in outside was a slow period.
The line in Michigan City was long again Tuesday. Lynn Mitchell, who lives in the Lakeland neighborhood, returned for the third time, having given up because of the long waits on previous days.
"They should take the old people first," she complained. "I'm mad," she said, since he had to take off from work twice. "Most of these kids live with their parents," she said, and probably didn't need help. She was seeking food stamps for her father, she said, and any help with her home, which got wet and "stinks from mildew."
Jennifer and Terry Holt of Oakwood Street didn't need food stamps. Instead, they were in line to find out if they were eligible for assistance because of damage to paneling and insulation in their basement.
Jennifer Holt said many in their neighborhood suffered worse damage, especially those on the north side of Gardena Street, where piles of damaged carpet, padding, furniture and boxes of ruined belongings had been stacked out for trash collection after the heavy rains of Sept. 12-14.
The offices will continue accepting applications through today.
It appears more people are trying to receive the emergency food stamps than federal aid so far.
As of Saturday, 7,969 people have registered Lake, Porter and La Porte counties and three southern Indiana counties.
But of those thousands, only 251 people have registered for FEMA aid in La Porte County, said FEMA Field Public Information Officer Mel Jenkins.
But in the same time period, about 9,000 people received emergency food stamps from the state just in Lake, Porter and La Porte counties, said Jane Jankowski, spokeswoman for the state Office of Disaster Recovery.
At the door to the La Porte FSSA office was a piece of paper reminding people of the FEMA helpline and Web site that would allow people to register for FEMA aid.
Jenkins said that people who registered with local or state offices still need to register with FEMA to receive federal aid.
Williams, who between having to clean up after the flooding, said she has been continuing to clean up her home bit by bit, but a recent death in the family has only added to her grief. She said it will be a long time to get back to normal.
"I pray for the necessary (items lost) and I pray for the other stuff later," she said, adding she is praying for everyone to recover.
Craig Davison/For The News-Dispatch
By Craig Davison and Dave Hawk
For The News-Dispatch
Long lines greet people hoping for emergency food stamps, help for homes.
MICHIGAN CITY - Chocolate Williams arrived at the Michigan City office of Family and Social Services Administration at 10 a.m. Monday, hoping to receive emergency food stamps from the state to help her get by after her home was damaged in this month's floods.
She was number 263 in line in Michigan City, and during the time she waited, the staff had gotten only to number 184.
She left the office at about 3 p.m. to see if she would have better luck at the La Porte office.
Williams was out of town when the rains came two weeks ago and flooded her Michigan City home. When Williams got home, she opened the door and water came running out. Everything that wasn't on a high shelf was ruined, including furniture, clothes, the refrigerator and her garage.
"I hope they'll be able to help me with the food I lost," Williams said. She said she planned on also applying for federal aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Williams was one of many trying to receive help. One staff member at the La Porte FSSA office said the line of about a dozen people Williams was standing in outside was a slow period.
The line in Michigan City was long again Tuesday. Lynn Mitchell, who lives in the Lakeland neighborhood, returned for the third time, having given up because of the long waits on previous days.
"They should take the old people first," she complained. "I'm mad," she said, since he had to take off from work twice. "Most of these kids live with their parents," she said, and probably didn't need help. She was seeking food stamps for her father, she said, and any help with her home, which got wet and "stinks from mildew."
Jennifer and Terry Holt of Oakwood Street didn't need food stamps. Instead, they were in line to find out if they were eligible for assistance because of damage to paneling and insulation in their basement.
Jennifer Holt said many in their neighborhood suffered worse damage, especially those on the north side of Gardena Street, where piles of damaged carpet, padding, furniture and boxes of ruined belongings had been stacked out for trash collection after the heavy rains of Sept. 12-14.
The offices will continue accepting applications through today.
It appears more people are trying to receive the emergency food stamps than federal aid so far.
As of Saturday, 7,969 people have registered Lake, Porter and La Porte counties and three southern Indiana counties.
But of those thousands, only 251 people have registered for FEMA aid in La Porte County, said FEMA Field Public Information Officer Mel Jenkins.
But in the same time period, about 9,000 people received emergency food stamps from the state just in Lake, Porter and La Porte counties, said Jane Jankowski, spokeswoman for the state Office of Disaster Recovery.
At the door to the La Porte FSSA office was a piece of paper reminding people of the FEMA helpline and Web site that would allow people to register for FEMA aid.
Jenkins said that people who registered with local or state offices still need to register with FEMA to receive federal aid.
Williams, who between having to clean up after the flooding, said she has been continuing to clean up her home bit by bit, but a recent death in the family has only added to her grief. She said it will be a long time to get back to normal.
"I pray for the necessary (items lost) and I pray for the other stuff later," she said, adding she is praying for everyone to recover.
Craig Davison/For The News-Dispatch
Posted by: southsider2k7 Oct 1 2008, 11:40 AM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=17689&TM=49443.17
QUOTE
Disaster help still available
Craig Davison
For The News-Dispatch
LA PORTE - The Federal Emergency Management Agency has a presence in La Porte County following this month's floods, but victims still need to register for assistance over the phone or the Internet, according to a FEMA official.
La Porte County does not yet have a full disaster recovery center, like the three centers set up last week in Lake County. A center may be set up at some point in La Porte, but it has not been determined yet, said Sam Ventura, FEMA public information officer.
There is one FEMA official to answer questions at a station at the La Porte Family and Social Service Administration Office, 1230 W. Ind. 2.
The way to register for assistance is to call FEMA at 1 (800) 621-3362 or to go to its Web site, www.fema.gov, Ventura said. For TTY, the number is (800) 462-7585.
"They don't have to leave their house to get help," Ventura said.
In the first two days flood victims of La Porte, Porter and Lake counties could apply for assistance, more than 4,500 Hoosiers have applied.
The FEMA official at the FSSA office is to answer questions about registering for aid - it is not a way to register for aid.
"It's a face-to-face thing," Ventura said. "We want a presence here."
Flood victims in La Porte County can travel to the three disaster recovery centers in Lake County, but still must register over the phone first, Ventura said.
Registering with local or state agency for flood damages does not automatically register with FEMA.
La Porte County Emergency Management Director Paul Young said the local FEMA office will be open through 8 p.m. today. It is there for people who have questions after registering over the phone.
Once registered, people should expect a packet in the mail from FEMA that will give them further instructions, Young said.
"Each case is going to be handled on its own merit," Young said. "I'm sure everybody has a different problem."
Craig Davison
For The News-Dispatch
LA PORTE - The Federal Emergency Management Agency has a presence in La Porte County following this month's floods, but victims still need to register for assistance over the phone or the Internet, according to a FEMA official.
La Porte County does not yet have a full disaster recovery center, like the three centers set up last week in Lake County. A center may be set up at some point in La Porte, but it has not been determined yet, said Sam Ventura, FEMA public information officer.
There is one FEMA official to answer questions at a station at the La Porte Family and Social Service Administration Office, 1230 W. Ind. 2.
The way to register for assistance is to call FEMA at 1 (800) 621-3362 or to go to its Web site, www.fema.gov, Ventura said. For TTY, the number is (800) 462-7585.
"They don't have to leave their house to get help," Ventura said.
In the first two days flood victims of La Porte, Porter and Lake counties could apply for assistance, more than 4,500 Hoosiers have applied.
The FEMA official at the FSSA office is to answer questions about registering for aid - it is not a way to register for aid.
"It's a face-to-face thing," Ventura said. "We want a presence here."
Flood victims in La Porte County can travel to the three disaster recovery centers in Lake County, but still must register over the phone first, Ventura said.
Registering with local or state agency for flood damages does not automatically register with FEMA.
La Porte County Emergency Management Director Paul Young said the local FEMA office will be open through 8 p.m. today. It is there for people who have questions after registering over the phone.
Once registered, people should expect a packet in the mail from FEMA that will give them further instructions, Young said.
"Each case is going to be handled on its own merit," Young said. "I'm sure everybody has a different problem."
Posted by: southsider2k7 Oct 13 2008, 09:09 AM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=17992&TM=39048.71
QUOTE
New disaster recovery site to open
From Staff Reports
INDIANAPOLIS - Federal and state officials have announced a new disaster recovery center will open in La Porte on Monday, Oct. 13, at La Porte Parks & Recreation Department, 250 Pine Lake Ave.
The center will be open from 2 to 7 p.m. Monday and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. thereafter, including Saturday. It will be closed Sunday.
Disaster recovery specialists will be available at the new center to meet with anyone who has questions about their applications for disaster assistance or needs help with disaster loan applications from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Information also will be available about other programs and services, such as rental resources and hazard mitigation.
Homeowners, renters and business owners affected by the severe storms and flooding that occurred between Sept. 12 and Oct. 6 are urged to apply for assistance with FEMA by calling (800) 621-3362 or logging onto www.fema.gov. Those with hearing or speech impairments may call TTY (800) 462-7585.
Residents who already have filled out damage-report forms with the state, county emergency management or voluntary agencies must apply with FEMA to be eligible for federal assistance.
After having applied with FEMA, people may visit any recovery center for information or assistance with their SBA applications.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to and recovering from all domestic disasters.
From Staff Reports
INDIANAPOLIS - Federal and state officials have announced a new disaster recovery center will open in La Porte on Monday, Oct. 13, at La Porte Parks & Recreation Department, 250 Pine Lake Ave.
The center will be open from 2 to 7 p.m. Monday and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. thereafter, including Saturday. It will be closed Sunday.
Disaster recovery specialists will be available at the new center to meet with anyone who has questions about their applications for disaster assistance or needs help with disaster loan applications from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Information also will be available about other programs and services, such as rental resources and hazard mitigation.
Homeowners, renters and business owners affected by the severe storms and flooding that occurred between Sept. 12 and Oct. 6 are urged to apply for assistance with FEMA by calling (800) 621-3362 or logging onto www.fema.gov. Those with hearing or speech impairments may call TTY (800) 462-7585.
Residents who already have filled out damage-report forms with the state, county emergency management or voluntary agencies must apply with FEMA to be eligible for federal assistance.
After having applied with FEMA, people may visit any recovery center for information or assistance with their SBA applications.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to and recovering from all domestic disasters.
Posted by: Roger Kaputnik Oct 13 2008, 11:32 AM
QUOTE(southsider2k7 @ Sep 16 2008, 12:03 PM)
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=17382&TM=47368.51
There WAS somewhere for the water to go. Let this be a lesson that you cannot just pave over wet land and magically absorb rainfall. I am afraid that the people who planned and approved construction which ended up flooding will learn nothing, and regular python-boot-wearing folks will suffer the consequences.
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