The June flooding in Fort Atkinson is estimated to have caused nearly $403,700 in damage to city property, but federal assistance is expected to cover about 75 percent of that amount, the city council learned Tuesday night.
City Manager John Wilmet gave the Fort Atkinson City Council an update on flood damage when the council met in regular session at the municipal building.
Overall, the city’s Parks and Recreation Department was hit hardest by the flood, causing about $238,025 in damage to several parks, facilities and the downtown riverwalk.
The most costly items in the damage report included $68,455 in damage at Ralph Park; $38,830 in damage at the Fort Atkinson Family Aquatic Center, which includes $25,000 to replace heaters that were ruined, and $35,480 in damage along the Rock River riverwalk.
Wilmet said much of the damage has been done to landscaping and lighting features throughout the city’s parks, especially along the riverwalk.
“We don’t know the full damage yet,” Wilmet said of the riverwalk. “We’re going to replace all of the lighting fixtures because they’re not expensive enough to try and fix them. We may have to have some paint jobs on the railings, too.”
In addition, the small rocks that are used in landscaping along the riverwalk likely will be replaced with decorative bark. Wilmet said the rocks have been contaminated with floodwater in the past and have proven to be difficult to clean up. Bark, on the other hand, is easier to replace.
“They’re all discolored and contaminated,” Wilmet said of the landscaping rocks. (The full story appears in the July 2 Daily Union).
JEFFERSON — The Jefferson Common Council on Tuesday delayed making permanent a temporary road that is providing business access during the reconstruction of U.S. Highway 18/Racine Street.
The original intention of the gravel roadway was to help provide access to Dave’s Piggly Wiggly and other businesses during the U.S. Highway 18/Racine Street reconstruction project that currently is under way.
At its March 19 meeting, the council voted 6-1 in favor of constructing the 257-foot temporary access road, located west of Schneider-Michaelis Funeral Home.
Cost of the project was approximately $12,500. with funds to be drawn from the city’s public works capital projects fund.
At the time of approval, there was debate about making the access road permanent.
Meeting in regular session Tuesday, the council voted down an option of making the roadway permanent and having the city pay for the new road.
Past practice has been for property owners to be assessed for street construction.
Other options for traffic in the area include Taft Street and Laatsch Lane.
The council on Tuesday debated the benefits of making the access road a permanent street with sidewalks. Prior to the vote, the measure was supported by area business owners. (The full story appears in the July 2 Daily Union).
This is an updated daily round-up of news items related to flooding across Jefferson County. It is hoped to provide quick answers to the many questions being asked by flood victims and volunteers alike.
Where can I get more information?
• For information or assistance due to the floodwaters, contact the Jefferson County Emergency Management at (866) 550-3792.
• Flood Safety and clean-up information is available at the Jefferson County Health Department at (920) 674-7275.
• Visit the Jefferson County website at www.co.jefferson.wi.us/jc/public/jchome.php.
• In Jefferson, residents who need more information on the flooding situation can go to the city’s website at www.jeffersonwis.com, watch cable television public access Channel 19 or contact Jefferson City Hall at (920) 674-7700 or the Jefferson Police Department at (920) 674-7707.
• In Fort Atkinson, surf the Internet to www.fortatkinsonwi.net.
Where can I get food or clothing?
• Jefferson County residents are now eligible to apply for Disaster FoodShare Benefits. Applications may be completed at the Jefferson County Workforce Development Center through July 8. The center is open for applications from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Residents stopping by the center to complete the one-page application should bring a photo identification, proof of home or work address and any information that can be used to estimate their income between June 5 and July 4.
For information on eligibility requirements and benefit levels, applicants may call (920) 675-7500 or visit the county’s website at www.co.jefferson.wi.us/jc/public/jchome.php.
• Goodwill has donated community program vouchers that can be used by flood victims to obtain items at the Goodwill Store in Fort Atkinson and other south central Wisconsin stores. Vouchers may be obtained as long as they are available at the Jefferson County Workforce Development Center in Jefferson.
Where are the family assistance centers?
• Southern Jefferson County Family Assistance Center is located at 5509 Collins Road in Jefferson, next door to the Family Dollar store. For information or directions, call (920) 674-6890.
• The Northern Jefferson County Family Assistance Center is 758 N. Watertown Ave. in Jefferson; For information or directions, call (920) 674-7611.
• As of Tuesday, the disaster centers will have new hours: Monday through Friday, they will be open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 8 am. to 2 p.m. On Independence Day, July 4, they will be open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Centers have clean-up kits available, water and heater meals (just add water.) People seeking to volunteer can call the assistance center to get a volunteer assignment. Those seeking volunteer assistance should contact the center most accessible to the location of their need.
• The Salvation Army assistance center is located at St. Peters’ Episcopal Church at 302 Merchants Avenue in Fort Atkinson.
Where can I get clean-up kits?
• Clean-up kits, water and hygiene kits are available to the public at the Fort Atkinson Police Department and Fort Atkinson Muncipal Building gym and the family assistance centers.
Items may be picked up at the municipal building from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and at the police department at any time.
Red Cross clean-up kits contain general cleaning items that might include bleach, a mop, a scrub brush, a large sponge and a bucket.
What should I do with my sandbags?
• In Jefferson, a city-wide sandbag retrieval is being held Saturday and Sunday, July 19 and 20. Contact Jefferson City Hall at (920) 674-7700 for more information.
• In Fort Atkinson, parking lanes on flooded streets will be barricaded off on July 10 and 11 so homeowners may dispose of their used sandbags in those areas. City crews will pick up all sandbags beginning July 14 using endloaders, skid steers and dump trucks.
It will be the responsibility of all homeowners and businesses to remove the sandbags from the property and have them deposited into the designated areas. Any plastic used should be placed in the trash. Anyone who needs assistance in moving the sandbags is encouraged to call Jefferson County’s public assistance centers at (920) 674-6890 or (920) 674-7611.
How can I volunteer to help?
• To offer your service as a volunteer, call (920) 674-6890.
• Anyone interested in volunteering in the Jefferson flood-relief effort should contact Jefferson City Hall at (920) 674-7700.
Where do I get a volunteer T-shirt?
• For a limited time, the City of Jefferson is selling flood volunteer T-shirts to benefit flood victims within the city. Shirts are maroon with white writing and are available for $10 in adult and children’s sizes. For each shirt sold, $4 will be given to the Jefferson Community Foundation Flood Recovery Fund or to the Badger Bank “Flood Relief Assistance.”
T-shirt orders must be paid for in advance. Checks should be made payable to the City of Jefferson T-shirt fund. Anyone interested in a T-shirt should stop by Jefferson City Hall during regular business owners from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where should I report flood damage?
• The FEMA Hotline is 1-800-621-3362. Information needed will include a phone number, address of damaged property, brief description of damage, Social Security number, insurance information if applicable, current mailing address and bank information if seeking direct deposit for assistance funds.
• Producers are encouraged to call the Jefferson County Farm Service Agency to report crop and farm damage at (920) 674-2020.
• In Jefferson, residents experiencing a lot of water or sewage in the basement are asked to contact city hall at (920) 674-7700 or via e-mail at tanya@jeffersonwis.com.
Where can I donate toward flood relief?
• Send a check to the American Red Cross at 401 Madison Ave., Suite C, Fort Atkinson, WI, 53538. To ensure that your donation goes toward helping our flooding response, include “Local Disaster Relief” in the memo line of the check.
• The Badger Bank Trust Department has opened “Flood Relief Assistance” accounts. Contributions can be designated for certain families or given for general relief. The funds offered as general relief will supplement the overall city’s flood recovery efforts as coordinated with the cities of Fort Atkinson and Jefferson and Town of Koshkonong.
All money will remain in the community designated. Donations to the funds will not be tax deductible. General donations will be held by Badger Bank and a committee of bank officers and city or town representatives will allocate such funds based upon gaps in financial coverage.
For more information, contact Badger Bank at (920) 563-2478. Donations may be made at any Badger Bank location in Jefferson, Fort Atkinson, Cambridge or Johnson Creek or mailed directly to: Attn. Flood Relief, Badger Bank Trust Department, 220 Grant Street, Fort Atkinson, WI, 53538.
• The Jefferson Community Foundation has established a Flood Recovery Fund to assist with flood-related damage and shortages caused by the recent flooding in the City of Jefferson.
The emphasis of the Flood Recovery Fund will be directed toward a community-wide impact. Tax-deductible donations may be sent to: Flood Recovery, Jefferson Community Foundation, P.O. Box 81, Jefferson, WI 53549. Questions may be directed to Barbara Mayhew by calling (920) 674-5361.
A committee of citizens will be appointed to make recommendations to the Jefferson Community Foundation Board for distribution of the funds. Requests for funding may be directed to the Foundation address listed above.
So, how high are the rivers?
• The rivers in Jefferson County have been receding steadily since peaking last week.
In Jefferson, the Rock River water gauge showed 12.79 feet this morning, having crested June 18 at 15.64 feet. Water levels in Fort Atkinson were recorded at 8.99 feet
The Rock River peaked Saturday, June 21 at 10.85 feet and, barring any unforeseen deluges, should remain on a decline.
Downstream at Newville on Lake Koshkonong, water levels were recorded at 13.45 feet — still more than a foot above the record flood levels of 1993 when water levels reached 12.23 feet. The lake crested Sunday, June 22 at 15.12 feet.
The Crawfish River at Milford, where the latest gauge reading peaked Tuesday, June 17, at 13.59 feet, over the record levels of 11.15 feet set in April 1959. The river was recorded at 9.51 feet this morning, dipping below the major flood stage for the first time in several weeks.
All river forecasts take into account past precipitation and the precipitation amounts expected within the next 24 hours.
• Flood levels and forecasts can be monitored at www.crh.noaa.gov/mkx. Scroll down the left-hand side to “Rivers/Hydrology.”
Are businesses raising flood-relief funds?
• Through July 20, Humphrey Floral and Gift in Fort Atkinson is slated to donate $1 to flood victims for every rose purchased.
• Starting next week, Logo-Works will have “Fort Atkinson flood survivor” T-shirts available to purchase. For each shirt sold, the company will donate $2 to the local American Red Cross chapter.
• Verlo Mattress Factory Store of Fort Atkinson is hosting a fundraiser event on July 5. Proceeds are slated to be donated to the local relief fund of the American Red Cross. The event will take place in the outlot parking lot of the Creamery Building from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Anyone who would like to participate or who has questions about the event should contact Julie Henningfield at (920) 568-3103 or e-mail: jhenningfield@verlo.com.
How do I get rid of damaged furnishings?
• Special bulk trash collection days in Jefferson are scheduled for Saturday, Saturday, July 5. Flood victims with damaged carpets, furniture, ruined appliances and other bulky trash are asked take that trash to the curb for pick-up as soon as possible. The special bulky trash pickup is for the flooded areas only.
• The Town of Jefferson announces extra bulk collections for flood-damaged items. The town will assess the amount of homes needing collection and may schedule extra collection of bulk material for the areas most affected by water damage. If you can not wait for the regularly scheduled collection, call Johns Disposal at 1-888-473-4701 to order special pick-ups at a cost or to order a Dumpster. Check Johns Disposal website for the latest information at www.johnsdisposal.com. For more information contact town chairperson Don Bigelow at (920) 563-9012.
Where do I dump spoiled foods?
• Special Dumpsters for those who lost power and refrigeration in Jefferson are being staged at the Jefferson County Fair Park, the Jefferson Department of Public Works garage and the Green Street parking lot (former Schweiger office building site). These Dumpsters are provided so that flooded residents can drop off spoiled food and other small contaminated items.
What if there is water in the basement?
• Do not to go into basements or other flooded areas where there could be electric current in the water. Submerged outlets or cords could energize the water and be a lethal trap.
• Call your utility company to disconnect your electricity: Jefferson Utilities (920) 674-7711 or (920) 674-7717; Lake Mills Water & Light (920) 648-4026 or (920) 648-2354; Waterloo Water & Light (920) 478-2260 or (920) 478-2612; or WE Energies (800) 662-4797 or (800) 261-5325.
How do I get power restored to my house?
• If a home’s electrical system was exposed to floodwaters, such as a flooded basement, homeowners should work with a qualified electrical contractor to assess the damage and determine what equipment can be repaired or needs to be replaced.
In Jefferson when repairs are completed, affected residents should contact the Jefferson building inspector (920) 674-7727 for an inspection and then Jefferson Utilities at (920) 674-7711 for reconnection.
Are there emergency assistance loans?
• To assist customers affected by recent flooding throughout Jefferson and Dane counties, Badger Bank is offering an Emergency Assistance Program. Emergency assistance will be provided to its customers living, working or volunteering in counties designated as disaster areas by FEMA.
For Badger Bank customers, the program includes modifications of current loans. In addition, current and future Badger Bank customers may be eligible for Emergency Relief Loans.
Qualifying customers with current loans are eligible to defer payments up to six months on all consumer loans except unsecured lines of credit and “balloon type” loans. With “in-house” real estate loans, short term forbearance will be offered, with situations reviewed on a case by case basis. Fixed rate mortgages are not eligible for this program.
Emergency Relief Loans for up to $15,000 are available to qualifying current and new customers of Badger Bank. These loans have a fixed interest rate of 4.5 percent APR (Annual Percentage Rate) for a one-year term, and a 5 percent APR for a two-year term. To help those in need, the first payment can be deferred for up to six months.
Contact President Jeff Johnson in Jefferson at (920) 674-2406; Vice President Steve Meloy in Johnson Creek at (920) 699-2905; Senior Vice President Glenn Hametta or loan officer Jeremy Cosson in Fort Atkinson at (920) 563-2478; or Vice President Jana Evans in Cambridge at (608) 423-3241.
Badger Bank is located at 220 Grant St. in Fort Atkinson, 102 West Main St. in Cambridge, 540 Village Walk Lane in Johnson Creek, and 1003 South Main St. in Jefferson.
Where are tetanus shots available?
• The Jefferson County Health Department, in coordination with the City of Jefferson EMS, is offering free tetanus shots at the Jefferson County Health Department, 1541 Annex Road, Jefferson, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Appointments are not necessary and information regarding tetanus vaccines is available by calling the health department at (920) 674-7275 or by visiting the county’s website at www.co.jefferson.wi.us.
Tetanus immunizations are good for 10 years with the following exceptions: a severe wound (5 years), a deep puncture wound (5 years).
How can I get help from the DAV?
• The National Disabled American Veterans organization has a $500 grant available immediately for qualifying DAV members. Members with flood damage should contact the National Service Officer, Steve Garret, at the Milwaukee National Headquarters by phone at (414) 902-5522, by fax at (414) 902-9401 or by mail at NSO Steve Garrett, VARO Room 162, 5400 W. National Ave., Milwaukee, WI, 53214.
Where can I see flooding photos?
• The Dwight Foster Public Library has established a Flickr photo sharing site to collect photographs and video of the historic flooding in Fort Atkinson. The site is located at www.flickr.com/groups/fortflood. A user account must be established to upload photos or videos.
The photos and videos collected will be part of the historical record for this flood.
Call Amy at the library (920) 563-7790 for more information.
• The Daily Union’s website posts its flooding photos (and other pictures staffers take) on its website at www.dailyunion.com. Simply click on the big blue button.
JEFFERSON — We have good news and bad news.
The goods news is that the water is going down.
The bad news is the water is going down ... only to reveal the devastation inflicted upon homes, businesses and municipal infrastructure.
Jefferson County residents, state, county and city officials were organizing disaster recovery plans as the floodwaters start to recede, revealing the costly damage.
Each community will be responsible for setting up its own clean-up plan, while the Jefferson County Emergency Management office will continue to serve as a conduit to obtain additional resources such as volunteers and equipment that individual communities might not have available for the recovery operations.
Both the cities of Fort Atkinson and Jefferson have lifted their states of emergency imposed nearly three weeks ago as a result of the flood.
Jefferson
“While there is still floodwater outside the banks of the Rock and Crawfish Rivers, the city is beginning a clean-up program and a return to normalcy,” Jefferson City Administrator Tim Freitag said today.
At 6:30 a.m., access to both sides of Jefferson was officially reopened as the barricades were removed from the Wisconsin Drive bridge. The intent is to keep travel on the bridge for local traffic only.
“Our plan is keep the signs outside the city in place until the Main Street bridge opens, which will likely not be until sometime next week,” Freitag said. (The full story appears in the July 1 Daily Union).
This is an updated daily round-up of news items related to flooding across Jefferson County. It is hoped to provide quick answers to the many questions being asked by flood victims and volunteers alike.
If you would like to announce other important information related to the flood response, call Deb at the Daily Union at 563-5553, extension 209, or e-mail her at dwedl@dailyunion.com.
Where can I get info?
• For information or assistance due to the floodwaters, contact the Jefferson County Emergency Management at (866) 550-3792.
• Flood Safety and clean-up information is available at the Jefferson County Health Department at (920) 674-7275.
• Visit the Jefferson County website at www.co.jefferson.wi.us/jc/public/jchome.php.
• In Jefferson, residents who need more information on the flooding situation can go to the city’s website at www.jeffersonwis.com, watch cable television public access Channel 19 or contact Jefferson City Hall at (920) 674-7700 or the Jefferson Police Department at (920) 674-7707.
• In Fort Atkinson, surf the Internet to www.fortatkinsonwi.net.
• The City Fort Atkinson has received numerous publications from the State Department of Consumer Protection pertaining to health and safety, emergency home repairs, contractor alerts, information on mold,
and other helpful pamphlets. These pamphlets will be available at the Fort Atkinson Municipal Building from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the Fort Atkinson Fire Department, and Fort Atkinson High School 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where can I get food or clothing?
• Jefferson County residents are now eligible to apply for Disaster FoodShare Benefits. Applications may be completed at the Jefferson County Workforce Development Center through July 8. The center is open for applications from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Residents stopping by the center to complete the one-page application should bring a photo identification, proof of home or work address an any information that can be used to estimate their income between June 5 and July 4.
For information on eligibility requirements and benefit levels, applicants may call (920) 675-7500 or visit county’s website www.co.jefferson.wi.us/jc/publi c/jc hom e.php.
• Goodwill has donated community program vouchers that can be used by flood victims to obtain items at the Goodwill Store in Fort Atkinson and other south central Wisconsin stores. Vouchers may be obtained as long as they are available at the Jefferson County Workforce Development Center in Jefferson.
Where are the family assistance centers?
• Southern Jefferson County Family Assistance Center is located at 5509 Collins Road in Jefferson, next door to the Family Dollar store. For information or directions, call (920) 674-6890.
• The Northern Jefferson County Family Assistance Center is at 758 N. Watertown Ave. in Jefferson; For information or directions, call (920) 674-7611.
• Disaster centers’ hours are: Monday through Friday, they will be open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 8 am. to 2 p.m. On Independence Day, July 4, they will be open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Centers have clean-up kits available, water and heater meals (just add water.) People seeking to volunteer can call the assistance center to get a volunteer assignment. Those seeking volunteer assistance should contact the center most accessible to the location of their need.
Where can I get clean-up kits?
• Clean-up kits, water and hygiene kits are available to the public at the Fort Atkinson Police Department.
• Red Cross clean-up kits are available at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Fort Atkinson. Call the church office at (920) 563-2263 for a kit to be set aside and to make arrangements for pickup.
Red Cross clean-up kits contain general cleaning items that might include bleach, a mop, a scrub brush, a large sponge and a bucket.
What should I do with sandbags?
• In Jefferson, a city-wide sandbag retrieval is being held Saturday and Sunday, July 19 and 20. Contact Jefferson City Hall at (920) 674-7700 for more information.
• The City of Fort Atkinson will be releasing a clean up procedure at noon on Wednesday, July 2.
The city’s Department of Public Works is requesting that sandbags exposed to flood waters not be dropped off at their facility or the sandbagging sites.
Where should I report flood damage?
• The FEMA Hotline is 1-800-621-3362. Information needed will include a phone number, address of damaged property, brief description of damage, Social Security number, insurance information if applicable, current mailing address and bank information if seeking direct deposit for assistance funds.
• Producers are encouraged to call the Jefferson County Farm Service Agency to report crop and farm damage at (920) 674-2020.
• In Jefferson, residents experiencing a lot of water or sewage in the basement are asked to contact city hall at (920) 674-7700 or via e-mail at tanya@jeffersonwis.com.
How can I get help from the DAV?
• The National Disabled American Veterans organization has a $500 grant available immediately for qualifying DAV members. Members with flood damage should contact the National Service Officer, Steve Garret, at the Milwaukee National Headquarters by phone at (414) 902-5522, by fax at (414) 902-9401 or by mail at NSO Steve Garrett, VARO Room 162, 5400 W. National Ave., Milwaukee, WI, 53214.
How can I volunteer to help?
• To offer your service as a volunteer, call (920) 674-6890.
• Anyone interested in volunteering in the Jefferson flood-relief effort should contact Jefferson City Hall at (920) 674-7700.
Are there emergency assistance loans?
• To assist customers affected by recent flooding throughout Jefferson and Dane counties, Badger Bank is offering an Emergency Assistance Program. Emergency assistance will be provided to its customers living, working or volunteering in counties designated as disaster areas by FEMA.
For Badger Bank customers, the program includes modifications of current loans. In addition, current and future Badger Bank customers may be eligible for Emergency Relief Loans.
Qualifying customers with current loans are eligible to defer payments up to six months on all consumer loans except unsecured lines of credit and “balloon type” loans. With “in-house” real estate loans, short term forbearance will be offered, with situations reviewed on a case by case basis. Fixed rate mortgages are not eligible for this program.
Emergency Relief Loans for up to $15,000 are available to qualifying current and new customers of Badger Bank. These loans have a fixed interest rate of 4.5 percent APR (Annual Percentage Rate) for a one-year term, and a 5 percent APR for a two-year term. To help those in need, the first payment can be deferred for up to six months.
Contact President Jeff Johnson in Jefferson at (920) 674-2406; Vice President Steve Meloy in Johnson Creek at (920) 699-2905; Senior Vice President Glenn Hametta or loan officer Jeremy Cosson in Fort Atkinson at (920) 563-2478; or Vice President Jana Evans in Cambridge at (608) 423-3241.
Badger Bank is located at 220 Grant St. in Fort Atkinson, 102 West Main St. in Cambridge, 540 Village Walk Lane in Johnson Creek, and 1003 South Main St. in Jefferson.
Where can I donate toward flood relief?
• Send a check to the American Red Cross0 at 401 Madison
Ave., Suite C, Fort Atkinson, WI, 53538. To ensure that your donation goes toward helping our flooding response, include “Local Disaster Relief” in the memo line of the check.
• The Badger Bank Trust Department has opened “Flood Relief Assistance” accounts. Contributions can be designated for certain families or given for general relief. The funds offered as general relief will supplement the overall city’s flood recovery efforts as coordinated with the cities of Fort Atkinson and Jefferson and Town of Koshkonong.
Contact Badger Bank at (920) 563-2478. Donations may be made at any Badger Bank location in Jefferson, Fort Atkinson, Cambridge or Johnson Creek or mailed directly t
o: Attn. Flood Relief, Badger Bank Trust Department, 220 Grant Street, Fort Atkinson, WI, 53538.
• The Jefferson Community Foundation has established a Flood Recovery Fund to assist with flood-related damage and shortages caused by the recent flooding in the City of Jefferson.
The emphasis of the Flood Recovery Fund will be directed toward a community wide impact. Tax-deductible donations may be sent to: Flood Recovery, Jefferson Community Foundation, P.O. Box 81, Jefferson, WI 53549. Questions may be directed to Barbara Mayhew by calling (920) 674-5361.
Where do I dump spoiled foods?
• Special Dumpsters for those who lost power and refrigeration in Jefferson are being staged at the Jefferson County Fair Park, the Jefferson Department of Public Works garage and the Green Street parking lot (former Schweiger office building site). These Dumpsters are provided so that flooded residents can drop off spoiled food and other small contaminated items.
What if there is water in the basement?
• Do not to go into basements or other flooded areas where there could be electric current in the water. Submerged outlets or cords could energize the water and be a lethal trap.
• Call your utility company to disconnect your electricity: Jefferson Utilities (920) 674-7711 or (920) 674-7717; Lake Mills Water & Light (920) 648-4026 or (920) 648-2354; Waterloo Water & Light (920) 478-2260 or (920) 478-2612; or WE Energies (800) 662-4797 or (800) 261-5325.
How do I get power restored to my house?
• If a home’s electrical system was exposed to floodwaters, such as a flooded basement, homeowners should work with a qualified electrical contractor to assess the damage and determine what equipment can be repaired or needs to be replaced.
In Jefferson when repairs are completed, affected residents should contact the Jefferson building inspector (920) 674-7727 for an inspection and then Jefferson Utilities at (920) 674-7711 for reconnection.
Where are tetanus shots available?
• The Jefferson County Health Department, in coordination with the City of Jefferson EMS, is offering free tetanus shots at the Jefferson County Health Department, 1541 Annex Road, Jefferson, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Appointments are not necessary and information regarding tetanus vaccines is available by calling the health department at (920) 674-7275 or by visiting the county’s website at www.co.jefferson.wi.us.
Tetanus immunizations are good for 10 years with the following exceptions: a severe wound (5 years), a deep puncture wound (5 years).
So, how high are the rivers?
• The rivers in Jefferson County have been receding steadily since peaking last week.
• The rivers in Jefferson County have been receding steadily since peaking last week.
In Jefferson, the Rock River water gauge showed 13.1 feet this morning, having crested June 18 at 15.64 feet, marking the highest level recorded by the National Weather Service office in Sullivan since 1979.
Projections show the water levels maintaining their current rate of decline should reach the moderate flood stage level of 11 feet by Tuesday, July 8.
Water levels in Fort Atkinson were recorded at 9.23.
The Rock River peaked Saturday, June 21 at 10.85 feet and, barring any unforeseen deluges, should remain on a decline.
Downstream at Newville on Lake Koshkonong, water levels were recorded at 13.72 feet — still more than a foot above the record flood levels of 1993 when water levels reached 12.23 feet. The lake crested Sunday, June 22 at 15.12 feet.
The Crawfish River at Milford, where the latest gauge reading peaked Tuesday, June 17, at 13.59 feet, over the record levels of 11.15 feet set in April 1959. The river was recorded at 9.87 feet this morning, dipping below the major flood stage for the first time in several weeks.
All river forecasts take into account past precipitation and the precipitation amounts expected within the next 24 hours.
• Flood levels and forecasts can be monitored at www.crh.noaa.gov/mkx. Scroll down the left-hand side to “Rivers/Hydrology.”
Where can I see flooding photos?
• The Dwight Foster Public Library has established a Flickr photo sharing site to collect photographs and video of the historic flooding in Fort Atkinson. The site is located at www.flickr.com/groups/fortflood. A user account must be established to upload photos or videos.
The photos and videos collected will be part of the historical record for this flood.
Call Amy at the library (920) 563-7790 for more information.
• The Daily Union’s website posts its flooding photos (and other pictures staffers take) on its website at www.dailyunion.com. Simply click on the big blue button.
MADISON — A federal grand jury on Wednesday indicted 16 area men in a drug conspiracy in Jefferson County.
Sitting in the Western District of U.S. Federal Court in Madison, the grand jury handed down two separate indictments charging the 16 individuals with conspiring to distribute cocaine. All but one of those charged are from Watertown. The exception was man from Janesville.
“This is definitely been the largest total investigation for the Jefferson Count Drug Task Force when you talk about the number of people and the amount of drugs being funneled through our area,” Jefferson County Sheriff’s Detective Sgt. Tim Madson said.
The Jefferson County Drug Task Force was one of numerous law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation.
“This was not just an isolated City of Watertown incident,” Madson said, noting that while the investigation was initiated in Jefferson County, the probe quickly was expanded to include additional counties, as well as the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation-Narcotics Bureau.
“If it wasn’t for the cooperation we received from Drug Enforcement Administration, state Department of Justice and other surrounding jurisdictions we couldn’t have done this,” the detective sergeant said. “This has a huge impact on our area.” (The full story appears in the June 26 Daily Union).
JEFFERSON — The loss of Jefferson County corn crops due to flooding should not, for the most part, negatively affect production at Wisconsin’s largest ethanol plant.
Renew Energy, located on 400 acres just north of the City of Jefferson, employs about 100 workers. Officials say that, even though the high water this month has devastated many farmers, the plant is doing well.
“The facility has not had any damage from floodwaters, and it has weathered the storm pretty well,” said Bob Welch, Renew Energy spokesperson.
Geographically, Renew Energy is on higher ground, so it has not been directly affected by high water. And thus far, the plant is not being more or less affected, financially, by what’s going on in the bigger agriculture picture.
“We use local crops, and there are some concerns in terms of pricing and availability,” Welch added, noting, “There are a lot of crops that have suffered, but there are a lot that have not suffered. Are crops down somewhat from the flooding? Yes. Is that something that will affect the pricing of corn? So far, the answer is yes. Does that affect the overall operations of ethanol plants in the Midwest? Yes?
“Does this mean any specific problems for Jefferson? No,” Welch said. “They are in this just as everyone else. If the floods had been all in Illinois, and not affected this region at all, the price of corn would still have gone up just as much money. It is the whole corn crop that matters in term of the price.” (The full story appears in the June 26 Daily Union).
WAUKESHA — School District of Jefferson staffers knew at the start of this week’s regional character education conference that the district and East Elementary School would win honors from the Wisconsin Character Education Partnership.
What they didn’t know, however, was that the coordinator of this week’s conference, Jefferson’s Character in Action coordinator Sandy Swartz, also would be recognized, with a commendation from Gov. Jim Doyle’s office itself.
Wednesday marked the third day of the four-day conference, the fourth annual event sponsored by the School District of Jefferson at Waukesha’s Country Springs Hotel.
The conference included presentations by not one, but four nationally known keynote speakers, numerous breakout sessions, and workshops for administrators and for personnel in each district interested in developing their own character education plan.
Wednesday afternoon also featured an appearance by officials from the Wisconsin Character Education Partnership, which presented “Promising Practices” awards to seven schools and two districts.
East Elementary School in Jefferson won a “Promising Practices” award for its multi-age, intergenerational “character clubs,” while the district as a whole was recognized for its “Jefferson Way” initiative. (The full story appears in the June 26 Daily Union)
JEFFERSON — Jefferson and Walworth counties on Tuesday became two of six additional Wisconsin counties that have been declared federal disaster areas due to recent heavy rain and severe flooding.
All together, 28 state counties have now been declared disasters by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
In addition to Jefferson and Walworth counties, newly added counties on Tuesday were Adams, Calumet, Green Lake and La Crosse.
Gov. Jim Doyle said Wisconsin residents have received more than $3 million in federal and state disaster assistance grants to help pay for such things as temporary housing and home repairs.
Jefferson County Emergency Management director Donna Haugom said the disaster declaration was much needed and it will help residents return to normal.
“I’m very happy that we did receive the declaration,” Haugom said. “It provides a lot of reassurance and an emotional release for individuals who have been devastated by the flooding. I’m happy that we’ve been recognized and the individuals will be offered some assistance to help them recover.”
For county officials, the FEMA declaration helps them shift into a recovery mode and offers more resources. (The full story appears in the June 25 Daily Union).
JEFFERSON — Many of Jefferson’s larger industries are on their way toward recovery from temporary shutdowns or direct damage as floodwaters within the city slowly recede.
Due to the severe flooding in the Jefferson area, LD Foods, Nestle Purina PetCare and Tyson Foods Inc. temporarily ceased production at their respective plants.
Additional industries impacted by the high water included Foremost Buildings, Arrow Inc. and Briggs and Stratton Power Products.
The Rock and Crawfish rivers rose following flash flooding earlier this month, causing the Jefferson Wastewater Treatment Plant to exceed its capacity on June 11. City officials were forced to ask its largest industrial users — Nestle, LD Foods and Tyson — to temporarily cut back or shut down production altogether to reduce wastewater entering the sewage plant.
At its worst, the wastewater treatment facility was pumping 7-million gallons through the plant and bypassing an additional 7-million gallons into the Rock River.
The design capacity of the plan is 5-million gallons. During a typical flow situation, the plant treats about 1.5-million gallons per day.
On Tuesday, city officials indicated that as waters start to recede, plans are in place to allow production to slowly resume, starting with LD Foods and Nestle on Monday, June 30.
Briggs and Stratton reportedly has curbed some of its testing of products, but it generally does not have a high impact on the sewer lines.
Both Tyson and Foremost Buildings are continuing assessments of damage due to flooding, while Arrow Inc. currently remains nearly completely submerged by the floodwaters. (The full story appears in the June 25 Daily Union).
JEFFERSON — For the time being in the City of Jefferson, it is safety over convenience before either the State Highway 26/Main Street bridge or the Wisconsin Drive bridge is reopened to traffic.
Closure of the two structures has divided the city and created a headache for anyone attempting to get to or through the city.
“If we could open them tomorrow, we would,” City Administrator Tim Freitag said.
Since June 13, when the Wisconsin Drive bridge closed, the staff at city hall have fielded numerous calls about the bridge closures.
A preliminary inspection by State Department of Transportation (DOT) bridge maintenance engineer Matt Murphy of both the Main Street and Wisconsin Drive bridges in Jefferson on Monday has left city officials more optimistic in terms of a timeline when the bridges might be reopened.
Main Street bridge
The Main Street bridge was examined by a structural engineer from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on Sunday. Preliminary analysis of the structure indicated that it had shifted in some way.
However, Freitag said the conclusion of that inspection, as well as previous inspections, was that the water needs to go down to get someone to look beneath the bridge. (The full story appears in the June 25 Daily Union).
JEFFERSON — With damage estimates exceeding $150 million, Jefferson County residents today continued to wait anxiously for a federal disaster declaration.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials toured Jefferson County Friday to assess flood damage to residential, business, agricultural and municipal properties.
A team consisting of Bernard Rupnik of the Small Business Administration, Joel Rogers of FEMA, Paul Enz of FEMA’s community relations, Janet Field of FEMA and Wisconsin Emergency Management Southeast Region director Paul France joined Jefferson County Emergency Management director Donna Haugom, Jefferson County Health Department director Gail Scott and Jefferson County Administrator Gary Petre on a tour of the City of Jefferson.
Afterward, the team also traveled to Fort Atkinson, Hubbleton and, as feasible, areas near Lake Koshkonong.
On the same day but separate visit, Governor James Doyle viewed the county by air and said that there was no question the county would be declared a federal disaster area.
Haugom said she understands that the FEMA teams have had approximately a two-day turnaround from assessment to designation.
“I gave them Saturday, I let them have Sunday off and I gave them Monday,” she said this morning. “I’d better darn well hear something today. People need that reassurance.” (The full story appears in the June 24 Daily Union).
JEFFERSON — Production at LD Foods and Nestle Purina PetCare plants in Jefferson is slated to be authorized to resume at full capacity by Monday, June 30.
Since high waters caused the Jefferson Wastewater Treatment plant to exceed its capacity on Wednesday, June 12, the city asked its largest industrial users to temporarily cutback or shut down production.
“We’ve been meeting with our larger industrial users,” said Tim Freitag, Jefferson city administrator. “We have a good assessment of what their needs are, whether or not they sustained flood damage. Our goal is, unless conditions worsen, to get LD Foods and Nestle Purina PetCare plant back into production by Monday.”
Additional industrial users impacted by the high waters include Tyson Foods, Foremost Buildings and Briggs and Stratton.
Briggs and Stratton has reportedly cut back on some of its testing of products but is generally does not have a high impact on the sewer lines.
Freitag said both Tyson and Foremost Buildings are continuing assessments of damage due to flooding. Both buildings sustained breaks in sandbag levee systems that caused substantial flooding at their respective facilities.
“We know it will be some time for Tyson and Foremost Buildings to become operational again,” the city administrator said.
At its worst, the Jefferson Wastewater Treatment facility was pumping 7-million gallons through the plant and bypassing an additional 7-million gallons. (The full story appears in the June 24 Daily Union).
PALMYRA — The body of a 23-year-old man was recovered from Lower Spring Lake in Palmyra on Tuesday evening after he drowned in a marked-off swimming area at Village Beach.
According to Palmyra Police Chief Charles Warren, the man apparently stepped over a sudden drop-off while walking in the swimming area with his cousin.
The chief said he was not sure if the drop-off is there at all times or if recent flooding might have contributed to its creation.
“I don’t know if that was a result of the flooding situation or not,” Warren said. “I’m not sure.”
On June 9, an earthen dam that created Upper Spring Lake to the northeast of Lower Spring Lake failed, sending the contents of the upper lake downstream and created higher water levels and increased water flow on the lower lake.
According to Daily Union records, the swimming area is roped off and ranges from 3 feet to 12 feet deep near a couple of swimming rafts.
A lifeguard and police officer initially attempted to locate the man, but their search was unsuccessful due to poor visibility.
Warren said members of the Palmyra police and fire departments, Whitewater Water Rescue Team, Eagle Fire Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and the state Department of Natural Resources aided in the search for the man’s body beginning at 5:10 p.m.
The Flight For Life helicopter from Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee also was called in for the rescue attempt. (The full story appears in the June 24 Daily Union).
Local and state officials joined Gov. James Doyle in two Wisconsin Army National Guard helicopters on Friday afternoon to get a birdseye view of the impact of flooding across Jefferson County.
The governor said during a press conference at the Fort Atkinson Municipal Airport following the flight that he sees no reason why Jefferson and other counties will not be added to the growing list that have been declared federal disaster areas.
“I don’t think there’s any question that those counties will get the federal declaration, as well,” Doyle said. “In Jefferson County, it’s been a little bit delayed from some of the others because the water falling north of here is now coming in here and causing huge problems.”
Some area residents have questioned the length of time that it has taken Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials to assess the damage in Jefferson County, but Doyle would not criticize the agency’s response.
FEMA officials started touring the county Friday morning.
“In the old days, you used to be talking about weeks or months,” Doyle said. “Now people are saying, ‘Why weren’t they here yesterday?’ People are here today. FEMA has acted incredibly promptly all over the state.” (The full story appears in the June 23 Daily Union).
Fort Atkinson will be closing a big chapter in its history as it bids farewell to longtime museum director Sue Hartwick.
Hartwick, who has headed up the Hoard Historical Museum for 10 years, is resigning from her post effective Thursday, June 26.
Fort Atkinson City Manager John Wilmet reluctantly accepted Hartwick’s resignation several weeks ago.
“I know Sue gave everything she had to the job and is well respected among the city staff, the Fort At kinson Historical Society Board, Hoard’s Helpers and around the state,” he said. “We will miss her greatly, as she was a team player and a great ambassador for the city.”
The city manager said Hart wick has brought the museum to a new level during her 10 years in terms of membership growth, fundraising efforts, public speaking and working with the city’s youth.
“Although one person could not be responsible for a project the magnitude of our recently completed capital campaign and museum expansion, there is no doubt she is largely responsible for its success,” Wilmet added.
In recognition of Hartwick’s years of service, a reception is being held in her honor from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday in the Jones Family Gallery at the museum. A special presentation will be made at 5:15 p.m. The public is invited to attend. (The full story appears in the June 23 Daily Union).
JEFFERSON — The host of an April 2007 party where a 15-year-old girl was provided alcohol before a crash in which she died has been sentenced Friday to four years on probation and 120 days in jail.
In hopes of sparing his friend’s family from enduring a trial, Aaron D. Schwenn, 21, of Fort At kinson, had accepted a deal in which he pleaded no contest to a felony charge relating to his role in the death of Heather A. Mather of Fort Atkinson.
Mather died April 8, 2007, in a single-vehicle crash on State Highway 106 in the Town of Sum ner.
Schwenn was one of three people — including Taylor Peterson, 21, of the Town of Sumner and Dana Johnson, 18, of Fort Atkinson — charged with providing alcohol to a minor in connection with Mather’s death.
Both Johnson and Peterson agreed to plea agreements that allowed them to avoid prison if they adhere to the court’s orders.
Schwenn pleaded no contest at a May 1 hearing.
On Friday, Jefferson County Circuit Court Judge Randy Koschnick imposed and then stayed or suspended a sentence of five years prison, consisting of three years of initial confinement and two years on extended supervision.
The judge ordered Schwenn to serve four years on probation with multiple conditions, including serving 120 days in the Jefferson County Jail. (The full story appears in the June 23 Daily Union). |
