Big Sioux River Floods Near Sioux City
(Sioux City) — The Big Sioux River has crested near North Sioux City, South Dakota causing closure of I-29 from the McCook Lake Exit 4 north to the Vermillion Exit 26. In Sioux City, and North Sioux City, South Dakota, officials are building temporary levees including one at an Interstate 29 exit where the interstate will serve as a levee.
The river is expected to crest at Sioux City on Friday morning, about a foot above the record set in 1969. Severe flooding is taking place in Union County, South Dakota. Sand bags and sand is available at 704 E. Rose Street in Elk Point. Filled sand bags are available at the Dakota Valley Elementary School Parking Lot located at 1150 Northshore Drive at North Sioux City. North Sioux City Police are reporting a traffic jam at North Shore Drive, and are advising motorists to stay clear of the area. Riverside residents in Sioux City are also seeing flooding. The city of Sioux City is asking for volunteers for sandbagging. It’s being staged at City Field Services on 18th Street down from Floyd Blvd and the railroad tracks at 1723 18th Street. Sandbags are available for Riverside residents in Goldie Park, located at 1620 Goldie Avenue. A shelter will open when necessary at West Middle School in Sioux City for those in need. No time table has been set yet. Sioux City officials are asking for volunteers to help with sandbagging duties. They need at least 40 to 50 people to help fill sandbags.
Plymouth County Flooding Situation Is Improving
(Akron) — Here in Plymouth County, the situation is starting to improve after a levy located within the city of Akron was breached by high waters of the Big Sioux River on Wednesday. Minor flooding occurred in the business district of Akron. The Akron Fire Department, along with several volunteers were able to sand bag the area stopping any further flooding on Main Street. Several homes on the west side of the river road were evacuated by fire and law enforcement personnel. Several large pumps were brought in, and they continued to use them throughout the day pumping water from Main Street. Akron officials say the repair in the levy is holding and the river has leveled off. Fire and law enforcement will continue to monitor the river. A total of 8 other homes were evacuated along the river from north of Akron to Highway 18 and Highway 12.
Plymouth County Emergency Management Director Gary Junge offers an update on the current status of the Big Sioux River and the town of Akron.
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Junge says pumps have been operating throughout last evening and as a result there is no longer any flood waters in the business district of Akron. The County Emergency Management Director says he is not certain as to whether there would be additional flooding if we in fact receive more rain later today.
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Remsen St. Mary’s To Send Volunteers To Pilger, Nebraska To Help With Tornado Cleanup
(Remsen) — A group of volunteers are being organized to assist with the clean up duties following the Pilger, Nebraska tornado. The volunteers will leave Friday morning at 7:00 a.m. from the Remsen St. Mary’s church. Anyone interested in helping can contact Vicky Heeren. Donations are also being accepted to be delivered on Monday, June 23rd. New or gently used household items, furniture, clothing, water, food are all needed to distribute to Pilger residents. Contact Laurie Gerrietts at (712) 539-2729.
Crops Under Water May Not Survive
(Le Mars) — The storms of the last few weeks have done some damage to local crops. Joel DeJong, Iowa State University Extension Crops Specialist for northwest Iowa says both hail and flooding have created some problems for farmers. DeJong says a hail clinic has been scheduled for Friday near George, Iowa to help farmers make decisions regarding hail damaged crops.
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As a result of the recent heavy rains, many fields of corn and soybeans are under water. DeJong says it depends on how long those crops remain under water as to whether they will be able to recover.
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The crops specialist says crops could lose both valuable oxygen and nitrogen as a result of the flooding.
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DeJong says despite some areas that have been hit by hail or flooding, he says the condition of northwest Iowa crops don’t appear to be in good shape.
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DeJong says this is an ideal time for farmers to take notes about their fields and to decide what measures can be taken in the future to prevent soil erosion and implement conservation measures.
Pork Producer Withdraws Proposed Hog Farm
IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) – A West Branch farmer has withdrawn his application to build a nearly 2,500-head hog confinement facility along the Johnson-Cedar county line.
The Johnson County Board of Supervisors says Ray Slach submitted a letter to the group minutes before a Thursday meeting that would have involved public input on the issue.
Slach had applied to build a second confinement building on his farm. The project would have brought the concentrated animal feeding operation’s capacity to more than 4,800 head of swine.
The Iowa City Press-Citizen reports (https://icp-c.com/1sr0oYZ ) Slach could build the proposed facility further away from his current building and sidestep the permit process, but he has not indicated his plans. Slach did not immediately return a message left Thursday.
Some residents have spoken in opposition to the building’s construction.
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Girls Attend Tech Week At Fort Dodge
FORT DODGE, Iowa (AP) – Dozens of girls from middle school and high school are spending time at a college in Fort Dodge this week to learn about science, technology and industrial jobs.
Organizers of the annual “Diva Tech” at Iowa Central Community College say the event exposes young women to careers they may not have considered. Topics include electrical systems, computer networking and engineering.
Industrial Tech Associate Phyllis Minnihan tells the Fort Dodge Messenger (https://bit.ly/1lJRTyJ ) that employers in these various fields like to hire women.
High school students participated in the event Monday through Wednesday. Middle school students will be in attendance Wednesday through Friday. It’s now in its eighth year.
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Iowa State Fair To Offer New Foods
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – The Iowa State Fair has announced new food items that will be available this summer.
Fair organizers asked concessionaires to submit contest items that will cost $3 or less. The entries have been judged and finalists selected.
Fairgoers will be able to vote for their favorites. The winner will be announced during the Aug. 7-17 fair.
Among the finalists is the Brownie Blitz, which includes cream cheese, brownie bits, whipped cream, chocolate syrup and coconut. Caprese salad on a stick is another finalist. It’s a skewer of cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, mozzarella cheese and balsamic vinaigrette.
Also on the list are Zombie Cones. The flavors include sour cherry, orange, lime and bubble gum, and the cones are topped with gummy eyeballs or sour worms.
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