Community responds as Mississippi continues to rise to record levels

By Melissa R. Collum
** Please follow the Courier Press Facebook page for daily updates from the CC Emergency management and the City of Prarie du Chien.

As the flood waters started to rise over the past weeks, Jim Hackett, Crawford County’s Emergency Management Director, has been holding briefings with city and county leaders weekly and starting Monday, April 24, daily. The focus of these briefings and discussions is multi fold. First to provide the opportunity for Hackett to inform leaders of the latest information he has received on projected water levels, agency updates, and items germane to Crawford County and the city of Prairie du Chien pertaining to the flooding and community safety.
Second, to discuss with community leaders how their agencies are fairing, what they need from Emergency Operations Center (EOC), and what they are hearing as needs from the community. These briefings are a strong demonstration of the power of communities working together in times of need.
Third, and by no means the last, reason to have these meetings is to help keep Crawford County residents informed and safe during this trying time.
As of 2:30 pm. on Monday, April 24, the river was at 22.02 feet. This current level is the third highest level behind 2001, 23.75 feet and the historic crest of April 24, 1965 at 25.38 feet. The latest projections from the National Weather Service  have the river reaching a level at or near 24.3 feet by Saturday afternoon, April 29, 2023 with a gradual decline on Sunday and Monday to 24.0 feet. Historic Crests levels are: (1) 25.38 ft on 04/24/1965, (2) 23.75 ft on 04/20/2001, (3) 21.98 ft on 06/29/1993, (4) 21.75 ft on 04/26/2019, (5) 21.58 ft on 04/22/1969.
Important information:
PRESS RELEASES
The City of Prairie du Chien issues a press release every day between 2:00 and 3:00 pm. This release is sent to local agencies and press outlets. It is also posted on the City of Prairie du Chien website and Face book page.  The Courier Press and other news outlet are also posting it on our social media pages.
SHELTER FACILITY
The shelter facility is operational at Hoffman Recreational Center for those who wish to use it if they experience flood water in their residence. This is for ALL people living in Crawford County. For all those requesting the evacuation site, contact Crawford County Emergency at 608-326-0266. In the event a resident decides to evacuate please contact Madison Gas and Electric 1-800-245-1125 and Alliant Energy 1-800-255-4268.
SANDBAG OPERATIONS
Bags have been filled and delivered to the location at the corner of East Washington St. and North Ohio St. Those who need sandbags and have no reasonable means of picking them up should call the PDC Chamber of Commerce 608-326-8555, in the event of emergency call 911. Municipalities and townships who need sandbags should contact their chief elected official. The city and county are looking for volunteers who would be willing to place sandbags around the city and Crawford County. Please call 326-0266 if you would like to volunteer.
BOTTLED WATER
The city has bottled water for all those who need some that are affected by the flood. The water will be available at Hoffman Hall Recreation Center and the Tourist Information Center.
BASEMENT FLOOR DRAINS
The wastewater department is asking that all people that are or will be receiving flood water into their basement, that they place a plastic bag and a couple sandbags over their floor drain to prevent flood waters from entering into the sanitary sewer line.
ENTERING RESTRICTED AREAS
The following rules apply in both the City of Prairie du Chien and throughout Crawford County:
1. You can receive permits, at no cost, at Prairie du Chien City Hall between 8 am and 4:30 pm; 2. All permits will be approved prior to issuance; 3. Permits are required for any businesses located or operating in the restricted area; 4. Upon entering any restricted area, you must call the Crawford County Dispatch Center (608-326-8414) and state your name, contact number in case of emergency, the length of time and purpose for being in the restricted area; 5. Upon leaving, you must notify the Dispatch Center that you are leaving the restricted area; 6. Each time a person enters and leaves a restricted area, they are responsible for moving the barricades that are blocking the road. For example, when you arrive, move barricade, drive through, and then immediately stop and replace the barricades behind you. Repeat the process when exiting as well; 7. If a business is surrounded by flood waters, the permits do not allow for pedestrian or vehicular traffic through the flood waters; 8. Access by boats is permissible at your own discretion, BUT law enforcement/fire personnel will not transport by boat. Please keep in mind a slow no-wake is in effect for all waters under the jurisdiction of the city of Prairie du Chien; 9. VIOLATIONS OF THESE RULES COULD RESULT IN PENALTIES OR REVOCATION OF FURTHER ACCESS TO RESTRICTED AREAS.
STREET CLOSURES IN EFFECT as of 4/24/2023
· North Main St is closed from Frederick St to West Court St
· Washington Street from North Beaumont to North Main Street
· 1st from West Wells Street to West Brunson Street
· Lockwood Street to the Campion Boat Landing
· Prairie Street from Cedar Street North
· 1st Street from Glen Street to Brunson Street and from Parrish South
· Wells from Hwy 18 Bypass to Beaumont Road
· All of St. Feriole Island

Please see the Courier Press Facebook page for the lastest press releases from Crawford County Emergency Management and the City of Prarie du Chien.