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Published - Sunday, August 19, 2007
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Flood blog -- Updated 7:00 p.m.

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What have you seen? What have you heard? what do you need to know?

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    or email jchristenson@winonadailynews.com or phone (507)453-3522.


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    Fairway Woods underwater...

    9:40 a.m.

    Residents living in one of the three complexes at Fairway Woods Apartment, 1555 Homer Rd., were evacuated Sunday night because of flooding.

    A woman in the office did not confirm the extent of the damage and how many residents were evacuated to the American Red Cross shelter at Saint Mary’s University.

    The 1575 complex across from the Winona Middle School sits lower than the other two causing waters to trap about 18 cars in the parking lot. The brown and oily water pooling in the parking lot Sun-day morning reached to the grills of several cars and layered the ground of several unattached garages.

    About 15 residents living in the unflooded complexes took pictures and walked around the com-plex to check out the flooding.

    message to Fairway Woods Manager manager Laurie.

    10:10 n 10:40 a.m.

    Road blockades by 54th Avenue on Highway 61 going to Minnesota City.

    Road blockades by Saint Mary’s University on Highway 14 heading to Stockton. Traffic was being routed along Highway 21 heading toward Highway 43 but trees, soil and grass covered parts of the right lane in several sections.

    10:50 a.m.

    A total of 81 people gathered at the American Red Cross shelter in the St. Charles High School during the flash flooding Saturday night, said volunteer member of the St. Charles Disaster Action team Susan LaValla. Two people remained at 10:50 a.m. The Red Cross plans to watch weather reports and plans to keep the shelter open until tomorrow morning.

    -- Amber Dulek, Winona Daily News




    Goodview Days?

    "we're supposed to be marching in the goodview days parade today, but i doubt we will becuse of the weather. but the parade hasn't been cancelled yet. does anyone know if it is?"

    -- WMS Student




    No parade

    Goodview Days parade is cancelled.

    Goodview Days softball tournament is cancelled

    Goodview Days beer garden is open

    Goodview Days fireworks are undecided.

    -- WDN staff




    Conserve water

    Goodview mayor Jack Weimerskirch, mayor of Goodview, said flooding could result in tight city water supplies. Residents are urged to conserve water.

    -- WDN staff




    Wants to help

    My name is Dania Bacallao. I live In miami florida.I would to help you guys with some things but where do I send it. I see know address. I readed that the red cross need money but they have no address there. my email address is ilovedaniel110906@yahoo.com. please send me the address. my phone number is 786-277-4139.

    -- Dania Bacallao




    Road question

    Hwy 61 North is closed by 54th. Where is it open again? Is there a detour routed around this area?

    Same information would be helpfull for people trying to go South.

    Thanks...

    -- alieder




    What I've seen

    I work Nightstock at Hy-Vee. Tonight or yesterday night, one of the managers that I constantly work at night with lives tight next to the creek where the bridge is broken off. I went down there earlier to see a garage fall into the same creek. It's sad to see some lives that I don't know perish like that. It is a good thing that my boss is safe.

    -- Doug Meyer




    Late afternoon update

    Emergency responders were knocking on doors throughout southeast Minnesota this afternoon, double-checking areas hit hardest by flash floods that killed at least six, left at least two more missing, and forced hundreds of people to evacuate their homes.

    Gov. Tim Pawlenty and other officials converged in Winona this afternoon to survey widespread damage to homes, roads and bridges.

    With more rain forecast tonight, authorities urged those remaining in affected areas n particu-larly in Stockton, Goodview and Minnesota City n to evacuate.

    “With the saturation of the ground, it’s not going to take a lot … for the water to start running again,” said Winona Police Department Chief Frank Pomeroy.

    Many victims received little warning of the quickly rising flood waters, which trapped dozens in their homes and cars. Pomeroy said fire, law enforcement and dive rescue crews used fishing boats and SCUBA gear to perform rescues.

    Rescue efforts began in Stockton as early as 11 p.m. Saturday, and were underway in Minnesota City at about 1:30 a.m. Sunday, according to Minnesota City Fire Chief Tim Neyers.

    Pawlenty said the state had dispatched 88 National Guard troops to southeast Minnesota this morning, with another 155 due to arrive this afternoon.

    Officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency also were en route to the area, Pawlenty said, to determine if damaged areas will qualify for federal assistance.

    The flooding forced numerous road closures and continued to make travel difficult throughout the region.

    The approach to the Garvin Brook bridge in Minnesota City was damaged, making it impassable, according to Minnesota City Fire Chief Tim Neyers.

    Both the DM&E and the Canadian Pacific rail lines were washed out, and authorities said it could be weeks before rail traffic can resume.

    Damaged electric lines in Minnesota City caused brush fires early this morning. Pomeroy warned citizens to be wary of fire hazards such as leaking propane tanks.

    County administrator Bob Reinert said evacuees likely would be asked to remain at shelters at least through tonight.

    “We don’t want people going back to their homes before it’s safe,” Reinert said.

    -- Mark Sommerhauser, Winona Daily News




    Stockton concern

    What is going on up in Stockton?? We have friends that live there. We believe the power is out so we are just getting a busy signal on their phone.

    -- Perrie




    WSU opening?

    Does anyone know if 61 is still open? I was suppose to go back to winona state today but heard it was closed so im hoping for tomorrow morning.

    -- Ryan




    More rain coming

    A line of heavy rains and thunderstorms as of 11 Am Sunday, is setting up again, lets hope this line stays south of Rochester, ths clearing away from the St. Charles and Lewiston areas on the high ends, but it looks like we are going to get some of this good rains and storms!!! Everyone be careful, as this could be coming in Inches again Hope someone gets this message soon Take care, and Be careful and Safe

    -- Kevin K Rochester




    Goodview disaster

    They need to get more coverage and help out there. Goodview Apartments are a disaster area.

    -- anon




    Full basement

    My mom called this morning - lives between Winona and Rushford and indicates she has 10" of standing water in her basement and some of the roads to the farm are washed out.

    -- Grew up in Winona area




    Deja vu

    I went through the last flood in stockton and my thoughts and prayers go out to these people who are no homeless or who have past on.It's not something I will ever forget. as far as sight seers please take my advice these people have enough going on in their minds they don't need more people stopping and staring or taking pictures. I realize it's human nature to be interested but they don't need it at this time.

    -- Bridget




    Goodview parade

    Pretty sure unless you're swimming through the parade, you should assume that you AREN'T marching in it....I would think that the cancellation would be a given!

    -- ???




    No info from state

    Why haven't the state websites been updated with information on highways and the area? Sunday at 4pm nothing. It would be a centralized location for helpful information.




    Lewiston?

    How is Lewiston?? is it flooded? Please advise.

    -- Joel Lachapelle




    Is WSU flooded?

    I am concerned about Winona State U. My daughter is scheduled to move into her dorm tomorrow (Mon). Is the area around the school flooded? It is very close to the Mississippi. In fact it is on an island.

    -- Lenny Qua




    Looking for family

    We have five family members unaccounted for. they were in Stockton. They are not at the St. Charles or SMU shelter, and the cars for them got swept away. They are not in the house so if anyone has info. on Noreen Albrecht and her four young grandchildren or any other places we can look for them please post a message here.Thanks!!!

    -- Bork Family




    What's happened to Rushford

    My parents live in Rushford and I am trying to find out any information concerning the town. I understand that the Red Cross is set up at the high school. Does anyone know the status of this town?

    -- Worried daughter



    Open roads

    Open highways into Winona include State Highway 43 from Wisconsin (across the interstate bridge), and State Highway 43 from Interstate 90 in Minnesota. Travelers coming to the Winona campus on Interstate 90 need to take the Winona exit at State Highway 43. Winona State University and most of the City of Winona have not been touched by flood waters.

    -- Winonan




    Conditions in Rushford

    We have family in Rushford that we have not been able to contact. We were able to speak with someone from there who said a large portion of the town is under water, there is no power or phone service. The news just had a segment on Rushford, saying a 4 to 5 foot wall of water broke the levee and the army corps of engineers is there trying to fix it. I spoke with the Red Cross in Rochester this morning who said that at least 300 residents were in shelters and they were getting supplies to them by boat. Call the red cross in Rochester they will take your name, names of who you are looking for, take a number to contact you and will call you when communication with Rushford has been established if they have checked into one of the designated shelters.

    -- Re: Worried daughter




    Red Cross donations

    To send monetary donations: The Red Cross Winona Chapter is located at 1660 Kraemer Drive Winona, MN 55987

    -- Winonan




    Farmers' Park?

    Has any body seen the Lewiston Sportsmen Club or Farmers Park??

    -- B. Walker




    Road closed

    61 North past 54th ave is closed because of a gas leak at Tru Gas.

    -- Sphinx




    Goodview Days canceled

    FYI - According to the Goodview Days website, ALL activities have been canceled, including the beer garden.




    Thanks for coverage

    Will there be any photos and such? This is so close to where I use to live and still have family in the area. Am keeping tuned to the computer and the news on television. Thanks for all the good work out there helping those in need.

    -- Jan




    WSU high and dry

    The area around the University is not flooded. On the edge of Winona (East) is where there was some water over one lane of the road and on the Western edge of town in Goodview & Minnesota City is where the majority of the standing and moving water was/is.

    -- To Lenny Qua



    Stay home

    i live in stockton, it is a total disaster area, and i think any kind of help will be appriciated, however if u are just there to look and gawk, please go back home and find something else to do, we need help not onlookers

    -- cj



    Rushford?

    Any news from Rushford?? I have friends looking for family there.

    -- Elizabeth



    Terrible tragedy

    A former resident of Winona, I am interested in the well being of anyone I might have met or known when I lived there. I worked in Minnesota City at the Oaks dinner club and also at the Williams Hotel in Winona. (1960's) I am so sorry to hear of this terrible tragedy. My thoughts and prayers are with all.

    -- Addie Watson



    Amtrak?

    How are the train tracks? Are the Amtrak trains running?

    -- e



    Road updates

    Update road conditions can be accessed by dialing 5-1-1. You then give the area you want info for. State Patrol is updating it constantly.

    -- Dial 5-1-1



    Stockton update

    I am a Stockton resident and power came back on for some residents around 12;00 this afternoon. Land lines are still down in Stockton as of 5 pm. The only reliable cell phone service in most of Stockton valley is Nextel. The Nextel lines have been busy going out and coming in. Cable's been down, too, and just came back up within the past hour, so Stockton residents can now communicate via email. Most of the morning, Stockton residents could leave and head for Winona, but they were told they couldn't come back to Stockton. The guards have since changed this and Stockton residents can leave and return to Stockton if they have valid ID showing they're residents.

    -- To Perrie



    Looking for MN City friends

    Trying to locate some friends, Jim and Janel Dean and their little son Ian, who live in the country, in the back of a valley off 248 near MN City. Can't get thru on the phone, they have no cell and neither evacuation center reports having them. Anyone who may know them please let me know if they are OK. Thanks.

    -- Frank Schnurstein



    Travel update

    We live in Rollingstone. A relative from WI got through to check on us out here just a little while ago. My husband is going into Winona now to check on some friends. No phone service here. We were in Wabasha earlier today. We had to take backroads through Plainview and to Hwy. 14 at Dover. We then were able to get to Lewiston and take Hwy 25 into Rollingstone. It's possible Hwy 61 is open the whole way now, but I'm not sure. That DOT website isn't very helpful.

    -- Kate



    Repeat performance

    This is the second time Stockton has turned into a lake in about 20 years. Perhaps they need to consider some form of permanent protection in that area. Wetland creation where the water could go at times like this or something of that nature.

    -- Kevin H



    To Frank S.

    Frank S. The little creek under the bridge that leads to your friends house was a river this morning. The water seems to have gone down now so unless there is a problem with the bridge they should be able to get out. We don't have phone service. Hope this helps.

    -- Kate



    Rushford underwater

    The City of Rushford is underwater. The devistation is unbelivable. Many homeless people right now trying to find shelter. The only way in or out of town is on Hwy 30 west. There is no power, phone, sewer or drinking water.

    -- Lisa



    Houston/Money Creek?

    Houston/Money Creek Has anyone heard what is happening there? I am stuck in the Cities and live in Money Creek and can't get home. Are phones out? Looking for any updates.

    -- Melanie



    Houston/Money Creek?

    Houston/Money Creek Has anyone heard what is happening there? I am stuck in the Cities and live in Money Creek and can't get home. Are phones out? Looking for any updates.

    -- Melanie


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     Comments »

    Mari - Redwood Falls wrote on Sep 6, 2007 2:43 PM:

    " I'm interested in knowing how to get ahold of Gene & Lois Streich. I used to live in Winona and used to spend a lot of time with them. I'm glad to hear they are ok, i remember the last flood all too well and the devastation it caused. Sean or Daniel if you see this could you please let e know how to get ahold of them? Thank you. "

    Shelley wrote on Aug 29, 2007 10:18 PM:

    " Thank you to the volunteers who came to my moms apt on Monday to help-Jessica, Donna, Sandy & Paul & their boys, the man with the truck who hauled boxes to storage, (whose name I didnt even get)...Its the generosity & kindness that means so much....The extra hands to carry out wet & stinky debris, was just so helpful-Thank you all! God Bless all the volunteers, who are giving their time, taking time off from work, all the donations given.....to everyone who has helped-Thank you! "

    concerned wrote on Aug 29, 2007 6:52 PM:

    " I am wondering, too, where all this donated money is going to. I have seen ads in the WDN about local business doing fund raisers, etc and info on "how to donate". I do know that those who lost everything need monetary assistance asap to begin rebuilding their lives. My parents lost just about everything and were just about to retire. Now they have to begin again. I can't even imagine the stress of having to buy everything from wiring, sheetrock, and carpeting to new appilances and furniture with money saved for retirement (or getting a huge loan). And some(many) don't even have a foundation to start with, and some without any property at all. Any help would be a godsend. "

    Winona.Cindy V from Frank Schnurstein wrote on Aug 29, 2007 10:17 AM:

    " Thank you Cindy V. I just looked at this forum last night and saw your message. I spoke with Jim at work the very next day and learned that he, Janel and Ian were OK. Thank you for replying to my request for information regarding their safety. "

    Paying back wrote on Aug 27, 2007 10:15 PM:

    " I echo the piece on paying back for pets. We lost everything...but had to pay for our pet to stay. At least the distribution center that United Way and other organizations have isn't costing us more money...Red Cross isn't charging for the four four nights we were there or food, etc. But pets seem to be a different story in our community. "

    MN City wrote on Aug 27, 2007 10:13 PM:

    " Thank you Red Cross...you have been there since I was at the shelter, clean t-shirt, somewhere to sleep, people to talk to, food, dry socks, and a young lady that sat with me for an hour and helped my granddaughter get the sleeves of her t-shirt rolled up while I was on the phone. And you have been there the rest of the way...the ERV is a welcomed site feeding us meals, clean up supplies for my house, assistance cards for financial help, and just being there with us. Some say you aren't doing enough...but I am saying thank you for everything you have done. "

    Wondering wrote on Aug 27, 2007 5:32 PM:

    " Does anyone know what happens with all the money collected for the flood victims? I know they keep saying it's going to stay in the area, but where does it go? What is done with it? Who gets it? I know so many that lost everything and are needing to know where to go. Everyone knows that you can go to the old Toyota dealer lot and get items to help with clean up and a box of food. But is the money buying all these items? And yes, I've planned on donating, but want to know where it goes first. "

    Wendy wrote on Aug 26, 2007 12:24 PM:

    " Can you tell me if there has been any flood damage or other damage near Sarnia and Walnut Street in Winona. This area is located near Winona State. Thank you for any help you can give me. Wendy "

    to the gawkers wrote on Aug 24, 2007 10:56 PM:

    " please stop driving by and almost stopping on the highways. this is dangerous! These are peoples homes and belongings, STOP GAWKING! Have some decency and compassion and stay away from the spots that are hit the hardest. Would you want people starring at you and your home? Driving through because you have to is a lot different than driving through because you want to see what others have lost. "

    To: Montevideo wrote on Aug 24, 2007 12:49 PM:

    " The Gene and Lois Streich Family are fine. They just had some water in the garage. Thanks for the thoughts. Sean (Gene and Lois's oldest son) If you need any further I can get you in touch with them "

    Jutta Museus wrote on Aug 24, 2007 9:19 AM:

    " About HELEN KINGSLEY and her family: Thank you very much to Roger's stepdaughter for responding. I have been so worried. I only have Helen's phone number and that is still out of service. I did not want to call the shelters or Red Cross, I know they are busy helping people. But I am so grateful that you guys are all ok. I will keep trying to call and pray for all impacted by this terrible flood! "

    me wrote on Aug 24, 2007 1:29 AM:

    " I lost a true friend to the flood.He was liked by all that met him.For those of you that don't know Jerry I wish you got the chance. "

    to: Winona Resident wrote on Aug 23, 2007 5:45 PM:

    " What a WONDERFUL Daughter you are.. To sleep on the floor ! THANK-YOU THANK-YOU !!! "

    clwp wrote on Aug 23, 2007 2:01 PM:

    " The last thing the people of Elba need is people driving through town just to see the damage, have some respect. "

    montevideo wrote on Aug 23, 2007 1:56 PM:

    " Wondering if the Gene and Lois Striech family is still in stockton and if they where if anybody knows if they are alright? ( Old family friend very concerned.) "

    Perrie and Mikey wrote on Aug 23, 2007 11:45 AM:

    " Perrie and Mikey(former resident of Winona)from Jefferson, WI are looking for info on the well being of Larry and Sandy Sass from Stockton, MN. Haven't been able to reach them?????????? Anybody know???? Thanks and deepest sympathies to all affected by this disaster! "

    Larry Danielson Jefferson Wi. wrote on Aug 23, 2007 1:15 AM:

    " Being born in Winona 1958, I was stunned by the news I have heard from the area. I could not believe the constant track that the storms seemed to be following. They tracked I90 like they were on a bus. ALL NIGHT LONG. Thank you Betty, for spending time on the phone with me. You set my mind at a little better ease. As I watched(live)on my computer, I could not help but hope for the people that were suffering from as much as 17" of "Hurricane Eye-Wall" (like) rainfall. My sympathies go out to the families who lost loved ones. My Prayers and Hopes extend to all of you who survived this diaster. Stick together as family, neighbors and friends. My best hopes and wishes to all of you. Larry J. Danielson (Formaly Winona, MN.) Jefferson, WI. "

    to Jutta Museus wrote on Aug 22, 2007 9:36 PM:

    " Helen Kingsley is doing well, she was able to stay with her sister Karen during the storms. Her basement still needs to be worked on, removing the mud and water, but she's doing just fine. Roger (my stepdad) and Randy are doing fine too. We've been trying to keep ahead of the rain by keeping a couple of sump pumps running and the phone lines are still out, but it could've been alot worse. I'll be happy to let them know you're thinking of them. "

    Linda wrote on Aug 22, 2007 12:15 PM:

    " I REALLY hope and pray the proper authorities are checking the stability of Winona bridge to Wisconsin! I just found out that the bridge on Hwy 61, north of Winona is going to be closing because the ground under the pilings are unstable. I understand that this is where the flash run-off was very violent but considering how old our big bridge to WI is, it is questionable just how safe it is now. Has anyone heard anything about if that bridge has been checked? ***To all the victims of the flood, please know you are constantly in my prayers. God bless you all during this time of challenge and loss. "

    Annie wrote on Aug 22, 2007 11:37 AM:

    " Can anyone tell me about the flooding in Utica? Thank you. "

    feeling guilty that I couldn't have done more... wrote on Aug 22, 2007 12:24 AM:

    " It's tragic that the Gensmers died on Cty Rd 17 near Witoka. I'd called 911 between 3-3:30am to report the destroyed road. My husband and I missed it ourselves. The emergency dispatcher told me that he'd have his partner contact the Winona County Sheriff's department to send someone to take care of it. Nothing was done until after 6:30am, according to the neighbors I've spoken to. I understand emergency personnel were busy that early in the morning, but why couldn't they have contacted the Wilson volunteer fire department or anyone else that could've blocked that road?? I wish I'd stayed, maybe I could've prevented what happened. "

    Jutta Museus wrote on Aug 21, 2007 10:53 PM:

    " Trying to get in contact with friend/former neighbor HELEN KINGSLEY from RUSHFORD, but phone seems still dead. Could anyone who knows her or her sons Roger (in Houston) and Randy (in Winona?) please let them know I think about them and let me know if they are all ok? Also all friends and former coworker at Camera Art and Sprint? I am praying for you! ramuseus@charter.net or 608-365-2311 "

    Joleane wrote on Aug 21, 2007 6:01 PM:

    " Hey i just wanted to let you all know that i am so sorry that this all happened to you. my prays are with you as is my boyfriend. he is a MP in the national guard squad that is helping you all out. :)) i wish you all the best! love, joleane "

    Lori wrote on Aug 21, 2007 3:28 PM:

    " To those people looking for Steve Young and his family, if this is the Steve Young that works for American Family Insurance, call Living Light Church, they may have information. "

    Homeless/Evacuee wrote on Aug 21, 2007 12:04 AM:

    " Thank you Wal-Mart!! I received more from your store today than I have from any government agency that I have paid taxes to!!! "

    Melanie wrote on Aug 20, 2007 7:06 PM:

    " Thanks to those that responded. I have accounted for all my family. I am still in the Cities and know that Money Creek has a lot of damage, but thank God that no one was injured. I pray for all those in all of Houston, Filmore and Winona counties. I hope to get home tomorrow. "

    about pickwick and stockton wrote on Aug 20, 2007 7:02 PM:

    " There was no evacuation in pickwick. Everything is okay there. You should be able to contact them by phone. And for those of you contacting families and friends in Stockton and rollingstone...the phones were working a short while ago. Although if they have a cordless phone you will not be able to get ahold of them for they still have no power.And when people drive around with cameras as people are cleaning out their basements and homes is very frustrating. It makes you want to yell at them and tell them that they are welcome to help. So if you would like to help with anything that would be great. If you are driving around and notice people cleaning son't be afrid to ask if they need help. "

    My Thoughts are w/you Stockton Residents wrote on Aug 20, 2007 6:13 PM:

    " I grew up on Cty Rd 20, just outside of Stockton. Though I now live in northern MN, my parents still live in Stockton and I happened to have been home for the weekend. Saturday nite I was out w/friends when I heard on the radio that Stockton was being evacuated. First, thank you to the radio stations for staying up to date on when to evacuate and where shelters were being set up. Second, thank you to family friends for opening you home to me at 1am in the morning. My little civic would have never made it through the Stockton flood waters. Third...my co-workers (who are AMAZING) would love to help. However, I am not certain about what people need. Would someone generate a list of what is needed. Stay safe...thinking about all of you...God Bless Amy B. "

    Virock's from Winona wrote on Aug 20, 2007 6:08 PM:

    " looking for any news from Steve Young and family. They live in Stockton and we have not been able to get through by phone. Any one with news call 452-8835.Steve, we pray you all are ok. "

    from Winona.Cindy V. wrote on Aug 20, 2007 4:18 PM:

    " To Frank Schnurstein who was asking for Janele and jim Dean. I just spoke to her and they are fine, got some water in the basement but nothing serious.The phone lines are down so she cant call.Ian is fine, I spoke to him also. "

    from Winona.Cindy V. wrote on Aug 20, 2007 1:31 PM:

    " To the person looking for Jim Dean and family, We are also conserned about them. My husband Scott just drove out to their place to check.Will let you know what we hear. "

    kathi wrote on Aug 20, 2007 12:30 PM:

    " I pray All Government officials recheck and ascess all the bridges in SE Minn before allowing traffic to continue to drive on them, God knows why don't need any more tragic events. Remember flood waters change everything that once was stable and safe. "

    Mill Street -- Minnesota City? wrote on Aug 20, 2007 11:52 AM:

    " Does anyone know what it's like on the south end of Mill St. in Minnesota City? (near Front St.) I am in Colorado and have been unable to reach friends who live in Minn. City. If anyone knows about the Campbell family, please post! Take care, all. Your community is in my prayers. "

    Emergency shelter for pets NOT FREE!!! wrote on Aug 20, 2007 11:44 AM:

    " I commend the Red Cross, Winona County Police, rescue teams, the Winona Transit bus drivers and company, Saint Mary’s, and the National Guard for supplying families with shelter and rescues. However there is one part of these families that went with the Winona Area Humane Society to a veterinary clinic dowtown. I had to shelter my dog in this facility for the time I could not go home. I was lucky to be able to go home. But when I was able to pick up my dog they charged me for boarding and other things like the kennel cough shot. No one told me there was going to be a charge nor do I think anyone else was. I just would like to understand why people can be selfish enough to try to profit from our misfortune. The boarding costs around $20 a day. "

    former winonan wrote on Aug 20, 2007 8:37 AM:

    " My brother and his family live in stockton. They have about a foot and a half of water in their basement no power but devistation.. Thank GOD they were ok.. GOD Bless everyone who needs it... "

    Shawn wrote on Aug 20, 2007 7:58 AM:

    " I talked to my buddy in Money Creek last night and it sounds like his place and others in Gates Coulee (over the hill from Money Creek) are OK but most driveways on the North side of Gates Coulee Dr. are washed out. Sounds like Hwy 76 is washed out in several places North of Houston and he's not sure about roads over the top towards Hart. He doesn't have phone and power was off too. "

    Little Trout Valley Rd wrote on Aug 20, 2007 7:42 AM:

    " I'm looking for friends who live out of Pickwick on the above mentioned road. What are the conditions there? I'm wondering if they've been evacuated. I can't reach them by phone. Linda "

    To Melanie wrote on Aug 20, 2007 6:35 AM:

    " City of Houston was evacuated yesterday afternoon. I've spoken with some folks who went up to the AmericInn in Caledonia. I live just north of Houston, and we're still hangin' tight. Our power is still on, phones kind of work. DSL service came back on this morning. Some areas are cut off due to roads. From what I've heard, roads going north, east and west are all a mess. Money Creek was accessible yesterday. People at a Moto Guzzi rally were evacuated from the Money Creek Campground to the Community Center. Levee was holding as of yesterday afternoon. Not too much rain last night. I plan to try to get into town to check it out today. I'll post the status. "

    Mpls. Resident wrote on Aug 20, 2007 6:18 AM:

    " I am heading to Minnesota City to help my parents salvage what is left of their house. We had to go thru WI yesterday to reach them. Does anyone know if Hwy 61 is open from Weaver to MN City yet? Thanks! "

    Sherry Drive, Minnesota City on Cty. Rd. 23 wrote on Aug 20, 2007 5:56 AM:

    " Other than the Excel Energy crews coming to turn off gas, no law enforcement or other help has been to this area. These homes were ravaged by flooding where most of them were underwater up to the rooflines. Why no help in this area to this point? "

    me wrote on Aug 20, 2007 3:09 AM:

    " Money Creek I heard yesterday that they were not letting the campers leave. I don't know why. Possibly road washout. "

    Vicki Dusterhoft wrote on Aug 20, 2007 1:23 AM:

    " Have been trying to contact my Aunt and Uncle. They live in a small neighborhood called Meadowbrook on Meadowbrook road off of 17. Close to Witoka. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks "

    To Houston/Money Creek wrote on Aug 20, 2007 1:16 AM:

    " Melanie,my brother lives in the sub division just south of the campground in Money Creek.That is the one of Hwy.76 with the storage units at the entrance.He says there is water in the backyards of the houses in the subdivision but the other places are flooded including the campground.Also,Hwy.76 is closed from I-90 to Houston.I heard 2 bridges are washed out between I-90 and Money Creek.This was as of 5pm "

    WSU Students wrote on Aug 20, 2007 1:13 AM:

    " Check your WSU email if you have your computer or access to one. They sent out an email indicating that all is well at the college and give instructions to use Hwy 43 from either the WI side or from I-90 to come into Winona. "

    Joe Sweazey wrote on Aug 20, 2007 12:01 AM:

    " I live in Rochester MN. Where can I go to help? Who can I contact? I am willing to help in any way I can. email jsweazey@hotmail.com or 507-271-7656 "

    From Stockton... wrote on Aug 19, 2007 11:56 PM:

    " Finally, thanks to all of you for your consideration and sensitivity in the next few days as people remove their cherished belongings from their homes. I assure you plenty of photo opportunities will exist for weeks to come. But at the moment, a video camera just seems harsh. Please stay away until the initial shock of this disaster - and it IS a disaster - wears off a little bit...Mike L "

    From Stockton... wrote on Aug 19, 2007 11:50 PM:

    " Special thanks to our city employee Chad Larson. Trapped on the south side of flood waters, he worked through the night to move people to higher, safer ground. He was last seen late Sunday with a snow plow attached to a city truck moving mud. If there's a more dedicated municipal employee somewhere, they are as lucky as us. "

    From Stockton... wrote on Aug 19, 2007 11:44 PM:

    " Thank-you to the men and women of local area law enforcement. Thanks to Winona County Dive/Rescue, Posse and local first responders. Thanks Winona Area Ambulance & Lewiston Volunteer Fire Department. Thank-you to Daryl & Sara O for housing the rescued as they were brought to the east end of Hwy 14 bridge. Thanks to the Red Cross for setting up within a couple short hours of this disaster. "

    concerned wrote on Aug 19, 2007 11:42 PM:

    " To the person asking about Houston, I just noticed that the weather link on the daily news has another link for Flood Statements that was posted today on the Houston evacuation. This may give you some information. "

    Concerned wrote on Aug 19, 2007 11:37 PM:

    " My thoughts and prayers are with everyone who was affected by this tragedy! May God be with you all as you rebuild your lives. We will all be a little stronger after this. I am praying for you! "

    From Stockton... wrote on Aug 19, 2007 11:36 PM:

    " What a simple pleasure to be back on-line. Briefly, the older/lower part of our community has been hit hard. Water has receded in most areas here at 11 pm Sun nite. The newer housing developments are pretty much untouched. Valleys in every direction are devastated. Power and cable are back on at higher elevations. No land line phone for most. Although street lights are on along Hwy 14, we see no sign of power in homes at lower elevations - perhaps evacuated. Though 99% of community has been accounted for, we continue to pray for those missing. "

    Lorrai Drive wrote on Aug 19, 2007 11:35 PM:

    " Lorrai Drive is under feet of water and every house there took damage. I want to thank the Winona FD for rescuing me at 2:45am this morning. If not for them I would have been trapped. GodSpeed to the Whetstones there as well as all other neighbors. "

    Winona Resident wrote on Aug 19, 2007 11:16 PM:

    " My Mom was in the Red Cross shelter....She will lose everything in her apt at Lakeside manor in Goodview-Now we dont even know where she will live-Left the complex in her nightgown & bare feet at 8 am. Shes staying with me for now-Ill sleep on floor so she can have my bed. I dont know what to do next.....This is awful. Many Thanks to Target for donating a sweatsuit-her only clothes for now-Tomorrow we hope to know more-She doesnt even have her purse with I.D. or any clothing-Any idea how long until she can at least get in to get some clothing & her purse when something like this happens?? "

    nick wrote on Aug 19, 2007 11:13 PM:

    " The City of Rushford is underwater. The devistation is unbelivable. Many homeless people right now trying to find shelter. The only way in or out of town is on Hwy 30 west. There is no power, phone, sewer or drinking water.Is it true that kwik trip is under water whit water up to the roof. "

    CWParker wrote on Aug 19, 2007 11:13 PM:

    " Stockton is still covered in mud. Power and other utilities eventually returned. (Incredible work!) National Guard humvees continue to drive around. A "war zone" is not a stretch to discribe the environment in town. The water crossed Hwy. 14 at the BP station and snaked through yards toward the former school before doubling back toward Hwy. 23 and washing out everything in its path along the highway. Cars, trucks, houses, about 20 500 gal. propoane tanks, everything in its path was moved blocks to 100's of yards. Basements are full of water, otherwise most of the waters eventually receded or found normal paths. To say lives will be changed here is an incredible understatement. Everyone, everywhere, confirmed this was much worse than '91. God bless those in need or lost to us because of this disaster. "

    Lindsey - WSU student wrote on Aug 19, 2007 10:40 PM:

    " I live a block from campus and the campus is fine, everything around here is ok, but if the rains continue it is likely the lakes will flood and that may cause more problems. I have heard that freshman are scheduled to move into their dorms tomorrow, and I think the biggest problem you are going to encounter is getting into Winona. The campus area is safe though, for now at least! "


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