Residents evacuating as flood waters continue to rise in Pulaski County

by Sarah Rice (srice@wsbt.com)

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Flood waters are threatening homes along the Tippecanoe River in Pulaski County

Flood waters are threatening homes along the Tippecanoe River in Pulaski County, and the river isn't expected to crest until this weekend. (WSBT photo)

By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Feb 7, 2008 at 5:35 PM EST

Story Updated: Feb 7, 2008 at 5:35 PM EST

WINAMAC — Pulaski County is under a state of emergency. Flood waters are threatening homes along the Tippecanoe River. Many people have already evacuated, and the river isn't expected to crest until this weekend.

That means the water will continue to rise. Officials expect the water to reach a record-breaking 16 feet when it finally crests.

While some people there are staying, other say they're not taking any chances.

Mary Gross-Conely is staying put.

"I feel like I've been here long enough that I know when it's time to get out,” she told WSBT News.

Gross-Conely has lived along the Tippecanoe River since 1972, and this is the first time she hasn't been able to see the steps that lead down to the water.

"This is the worst I've ever seen it,” she said.

Emergency Management is going door-to-door checking on homeowners who live in flood plains.

"We're making contact with them today to see if they want to go ahead and evacuate if their water threat is more than it was yesterday, today,” explained John Thompson with Emergency Management.

Moving out is the only option for Mike Adams. He says he can't believe he's going through this again.

“I thought it was over with. We already dealt with the insurance companies and dealt with FEMA, and now we called them back and told them the water is rising again,” he said. “[We’re] just trying to do the best we can.”

Adams plans on moving back in when the water recedes. He says flooding isn't going to keep him from enjoying the beauty of the Tippecanoe River.

"This is my little piece of heaven down here,” Adams said. “I wouldn't give up this piece of land for nothing. I love the river."

Since 6 a.m. Thursday, the river has risen a foot. Emergency Management urges anyone who may be concerned about flooding to contact them immediately. For more information, click the "Disaster Relief" link.

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