Scott County stays on alert for river

Scott County had not had an official evacuation by Monday morning, but there was one road closure.

Route E from County Road 342 to Washington Street in Commerce was closed by the Missouri Department of Transportation. Sections of Route HH and Ingram Road near Sikeston were covered with water but still passable, Scott County Emergency Services Director Tom Beardsley said.

Beardsley said people who live along the Mississippi River but are not supposed to be there already have left their homes.

"The river is not going to be a major issue for us," Beardsley said.

Beardsley is more worried about flash flooding from heavy rains. The emergency services department has been bringing sandbags to Hooe Baptist Church in Oran, Missouri, at Highway 91 and Route CC. If rain continues through Tuesday, Beardsley said the department may start bringing sand to the Mini Farms neighborhood just north of Sikeston, Missouri.

"We're preparing for the worst and hoping for the best," Beardsley said.

Mini Farms Home Association board member Marty Boner said he did not have much concern about flooding because the ditch near the neighborhood still was flowing. He said the neighborhood only has problems when the ditch backs up.

Scott City didn't see any road closures Monday morning, although Main and Cherry streets were in danger of flooding, Scott City Fire Chief Jay Cassout said. He said if the Mississippi River continued to rise, Rock Levee Road would need to be closed.

Scott County Sheriff's Captain Jerry Bledsoe said his department would begin patrols around the levee to ensure people are not on it during the dangerous, high-water situation. The sheriff's department also will assist Scott County Emergency Management if the need arises.

"We haven't had anything yet," Bledsoe said. "Knock on wood."

bkleine@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3644

Pertinent address: State Hwy HH, Sikeston

Ingram Road, Sikeston

MO 91 and State Hwy CC, Morley

Rock Levee Road, Scott City