Month of July - Goodbye

July - we hardly knew ya.

July 1 - 783.7 (inflow = 10,300 cfs)

July 31 - 778.33 (inflow = 2,080)

64.44 inch drop - over 5 feet.

_______________________________________________

1 cubic foot per second (cfs)= 449 gallons per minute

2,080 cfs x 449 gallons = 933,920 gallons per minute

1,440 minutes per day = 1,344,844,800 gallons per day

Lake District to vote on assessment reduction

From the Daily Jefferson County Union

Property owners in the Rock Koshkonong Lake District are slated to vote Saturday on a produced special assessment reduction.

The lake district’s annual meeting will be held at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 2, at Fort Atkinson High School. Under state law, property owners must be present to vote. Absentee or proxy voting is not permitted.

As proposed by the Rock Koshkonong Lake District Board of Commissioners, property owners will consider a reduction in the special charge assessed in 2009 from $45 to $40 per parcel.

The district encompasses all 10,460 acres of Lake Koshkonong and portions of Rock, Jefferson and Dane counties along the Rock River from Jefferson downstream to the Indianford dam near Edgerton.

There are approximately 8,000 total residents with more than 4,000 parcels within the district.

“The board has been ultra-conservative with taxpayer monies,” district chairperson Brian Christianson said. “We only tackle projects that our constituents support, which they indicate at the annual meeting by directly voting on their tax levy.”

The proposed reduction includes the continuing legal argument against the Department of Natural Resources in the water level proceedings.

Christianson said the district’s legal team provided pro bono representation during the Rock County Circuit Court proceedings, which concluded in May.

As a result, a rollover balance for water level proceedings is expected to be included in the 2009 budget.

“It enabled us to reduce the special tax charge while continuing the legal argument against the DNR in the water level proceedings,” Christianson said. “The judicial system rarely sees a case like ours, and for minimal cost, we can get closure to complex legal questions that, so far, are left unanswered.” (The full story appears in the July 30 Daily Union).

Health Question Re; The Lake

Dear Brian,
We also wanted to thank you for this valuable blog.

We are new owners on Lake Koshkonong and we really appreciate being able to read your blog to find out what's happening on and around the lake; especially since we live down in Illinois.

What information do you have about the toxicity levels in the lake?

We haven't seen much on your blog about this but we've heard rumors about this from locals. Even if we can go out on the lake, is the lake safe to swim in? Is it even safe to get the water on your skin? We've heard that there are high levels of e-coli in the lake and this obviously concerns us even after the "slow no wake" is lifted.

Based on our reading of your blog over the last couple of weeks, it looks like there still isn't any specific and official report on removing the "slow no wake" on Koshkonong. Have we misunderstood this or missed this?

Sincerely,
Mark & Geri Rissman
_____________________________________________


LINKS HERE TO PREVIOUS POSTS


DNR EXPLAINS - 2005


Department of Natural Resources
phone: (608) 264-6260
e-mail: Elisabeth.Harrahy@dnr.state.wi.us

From 2005

Lake Koshkonong has BLUE-GREEN ALGAE - 2008

Tim Banwell
Rock County Health Department environmental health director

What BLUE-GREEN ALGAE looks like

Earlier QUESTION - 2008

Dangers of BLUE-GREEN ALGAE

Rock County Health Officer
Dr. Joseph Schurhammer.

Madison woman gets sick

Law prohibits voting by proxy

Editor, the Gazette:
Loren Close, where did you get your information (letter, July 28)?

State Statute 30.30 (2)(b) states that no absentee ballots or proxies are permitted.

The majority I wrote about voted while in attendance at the Rock Koshkonong Lake District's annual meetings. Every year since 1999, the majority has spoken with their attendance and voted to seek a more reasonable water level so all recreational users can benefit from this resource instead of a few who happen to disagree with the majority.

The issue is similar to voting for a new school. Everyone has an opinion, but as you know the majority wins-as it should be-or nothing would improve or change.

You insinuate that the board's equation is money. What a joke. There are five board members and thousands of voters.

JIM FOLK
Milton

Blackhawk Island Road Question II

Hi Brian,
I have been following your Blog daily and noted someone had replied to my question about the flooding of Blackhawk Island Road about ten days ago. They had mention, the road would be passable when the water level was down to about 10 feet.

For what ever reason, I can't tell if the road is passable or not with the info I am seeing on the Blog.
Can you or anyone else let us know if the road is open to the end?

Thank you
Jim McEvoy
_________________

I have been up there personally, but it should be passable - water level today is 778.57 (8.57) =

11.3
THERE IS KNEE-DEEP WATER OVER BLACKHAWK ROAD. LAMP ROAD ON WEST SIDE OF RIVER ALSO BECOMES FLOODED. LAKE KOSHKONONG MERGES WITH MUD LAKE TO THE EAST OF LAKE KOSHKONONG.
11.1
THERE IS WIDESPREAD FLOODING IN THE TOWN OF KOSHKONONG AND TOWN OF SUMNER.
10.8
Floodwaters spread into the back yards of some homes in the Mallwood Subdivision area near Newville.
10.5
Floodwaters reache Oxbow Bend Road in the area of the gage on the east side of the lake.
10.0
Floodwaters affect homes and boat docks in the Blackhawk Island area of Lake Koshkonong on the north side of the lake. Floodwaters spread over low spots in Blackhawk Lake Road in the area where the Rock River enters the lake.
9.5
Water is into low lying areas along Lake Koshkonong.
9.0
Water spreads into low lying areas along Lake Koshkonong

Jefferson County Removes Slow No-Wake Order

The Edgerton Reporter published a release indicating the Jefferson County Sheriff has lifted their slow no-wake order on all county waters.

Please use extreme caution - and be courteous to our neighbors on Blackhawk Island, north to Fort's city limits.

No need to blast a wake at folks who are still recovering from flooding.

2008 Candidate Jeff Folk

My name is Jeffrey L Folk.

I graduated form Milton High School in 1983, Blackhawk Technical College with an associate degree in Electro Mechanical Technology. I served a 5 year state indentured apprenticeship as an electrician. I have my Master electrician's license and I'm a member of IBEW Local 890 for the past 19 years. I work as a Craftsworker Supervisor for the UW Madison electric shop.

Married to Cheryl and have two daughters, Rachel (11) and Megan (8)

My beliefs are with the majority of the Lake District owners, I will help to continue our quest for better water levels and no winter draw down. Once this battle comes to an end I would like to move on to developing plans and proposals for projects to improve Lake Koshkonong for EVERYONE!

I have lived on Lake Koshkonong all my live and I'm also a WETLAND owner who is NOT a member of the LKWA and who has much different views than most of there membership. If your beliefs are Lake Koshkonong is too low during normal summer operating orders and that the lake is for EVERYONE than give me your vote because I will support you to the end!!

Flooding harms local business, too

Editor, the Gazette:

The Monday, July 21, front-page headline reads "A drain of tourism." I was interested to learn about Rock County's devastating loss of tourism dollars from this year's record flood. Instead, I was informed about the devastating loss to the Wisconsin Dells area.

I believe it would be of interest to your readers to report about the extent of local tourism losses, extending along Rock River/Lake Koshkonong.

I can think of restaurants, bars, marinas, hotels, bait shops, real estate companies, boat rentals, vacation rentals, grocery stores, campgrounds and gas stations, just to name some.

There are tremendous losses to these local businesses, and we need help in order to survive.

A story would be beneficial.

CHICO & DAWN POPE
Owners
Buckhorn Supper Club
Lake Koshkonong

2008 Candidate Steve Proud

I live at W8571 E Lake Dr. and am a 21 year resident of Lake Koshkonong.

My professional career has been spent working with executive management and Board of Directors of financial institutions.

Lake Koshkonong is at a crossroads in its history. The Lake District membership is faced with many questions in its quest to find the proper balance to meet the needs of all the membership not just a select few. We need representation that is not afraid to investigate and research new ideas to insure that Lake Koshkonong will have a storied history for our children and grandchildren.

If elected, I will work with Brian, Ray, Jeff, Ed and the appointed directors with a promise to work hard to preserve the quality of life on Lake Koshkonong.

Any questions, please email me at seproud@comcast.net

Lake Report

We took the SeaDoo's around the lake - quite surprised the houses all looked in pretty good shape - even those is low areas like Bingham Lagoon and North Shore.

I thought I would see walls pushed in or something but nothing much but water lines.

I was out 500 feet so maybe if I were in closer more damage would have been noticeable.

Even the wetlands looked in good shape considering the length of time under water.

It almost looked like the only wetland damage was the cattail marsh of Jeff Folk's.

No stumps, trees or other debris anywhere and absolutely no algae.
Jack and Jayne

FEMA extends flood relief deadline

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has extended the flood relief application deadline by a month, giving Wisconsin residents until Sept. 15 to register for disaster assistance.

The announcement should come as welcome news to residents who have just returned to their properties in the last couple of weeks. Dozens were stymied by slowly receding water, particularly along the Rock River and Lake Koshkonong in Jefferson County.

"There are houses that still have water around them, and there are still sandbags up," said Donna Haugom, emergency management director in Jefferson County. "There's still a lot of people in a turmoil, if you will, trying to get their arms around what they're dealing with."

Residents and business owners who sustained flood damage to their property are encouraged to register by calling FEMA at (800) 621-3362.

They also can apply at the Disaster Recovery Centers that remain open in Fond du Lac, Milwaukee, Winnebago, Jefferson, Rock, Adams and Monroe counties.

To date, FEMA has allocated $42 million in disaster assistance grants, and the Small Business Administration has authorized roughly $17 million in low-interest loans to Wisconsin residents who reported flood damage.

"As recovery funds continue to be distributed, I urge anyone with damages and who has not registered to do so now," said Dolph Diemont, FEMA's federal coordinating officer in Wisconsin.

Royce Dallman County Park reopens

Rock County Parks Director Lori Williams announced today that Royce Dallman County Park has been reopened following cleanup from the recent flood.

The docks should be back in late this week or early next week.

The park is just off County N north of Milton on Charley Bluff Road.
_______________________________

Previous post indicates the towns of Milton and Fulton will suggest to Rock County that the slow no-wake will not be removed until Friday, August 8th.

Please do not call the Lake District - we have no authority over S N-W orders.

Direct your calls to Rock County Sheriff's Dept.,
Lt. Gary L. Groelle
(608) 757-7906

if you feel the S N-W should stay or be removed.

Recent History of Lifting Slow No-Wake

Today –
778.57

Inflow = 2,350 cfs (dropping)
___________________________

Friday 5.23.08

Lake Level = 777.80
Inflow = 1,850 cfs (dropping)
___________________________

Friday 9.27.08

Lake Level = 776.72
Inflow = 1,060 cfs (dropping)
___________________________


Tuesday 5.10.07

Lake Level = 778.02
Inflow = 2,680 cfs (dropping)


____________________________


Recent Average = 777.53

Flood Victims in Need of Legal Help

Brian,
I wanted to know if you could recommend a good attorney from the Fort Atkinson / Jefferson County area.

We are really becoming discouraged at what options we have in regards to the damage inflicted on our home by the flood. We feel that we were deliberately mislead on or policy coverage & we need to go the legal route.

If you could recommend a lawyer it would be greatly appreciated. We are also finding out that we are running out of time, this is extremely disturbing to me & my family.

Thank you,
Roger
_____________________________

See Previous Post HERE

Test results show VHS disease hasn't spread in WI

Green Bay Sport Fishermen

...Waters tested included popular, high traffic waters such as Lake Du Bay, the Wisconsin River at several locations, the Minocqua Chain of Lakes, Little St. Germain Lake, Lake Kegonsa, Lake Koshkonong, Willow Flowage, Gile Flowage, and Lac Courte Oreilles. “We can’t say with 100 percent certainty that VHS is not somewhere outside these known waters, but it’s certainly not prevalent,” Simonson says. “We’ve looked at so many different places and so many different watersheds.”

Respond to Close, Dewar

Read Loren Close HERE - Lake DIstrict on a Power Play

Read Matt Dewar Below - Stop the Madness

___________________________________________________

Defend Lake Koshkonong - write to the Janesville Gazette HERE

Matt Dewar at it Again....

Lake district board must stop madness

Editor, the Gazette:
It's time to stop the madness! I'm referring to the RKLD Board's recent folly to throw more taxpayer money down the toilet with another appeal of Judge Dillon's ruling. With anywhere from $400,000 to $500,000 (Can anyone say audit?) spent, of course William O'Connor would support as many appeals as necessary. He's making out like a bandit. If the RKLD really cared about the lake, they would put taxpayer money to good use.

Things like an annual cleanup (like Madison lakes do), efforts to eliminate fertilizers and pesticides that drain into the lake, and making sure upriver towns keep sewage out of the water.

With two floods this year, do we really need 7.2 more inches in the lake during summer along with no winter drawdown?

When you look at historical crests, it's obvious that the lake is much more pone to flooding. The top 10 have occurred in the last 18 years. It's becoming much easier for flooding to occur because more roads, houses and businesses with parking lots are being built. More runoff! Period! The lake rises in a matter of days when it rains now. With 7.2 inches more water, it just makes it that much easier to flood.

I urge all district taxpayers to attend the annual meeting. Throw two board members (Frank Micale and Jeff Folk) out of office.

Voice your opposition about higher water levels, more flooding and more of your money being wasted. End the madness now!

MATT DEWAR
Cottage Grove
__________________________
Previous Posts

Dewar against RKLD at the Contested Case Hearing HERE

Dewar against Christianson in Fulton HERE

NO WAKE ZONES IN TOWN OF BELOIT REMOVED

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release Contact Person
July 29, 2008

Lt. Gary L. Groelle (608) 757-7906

The Town of Beloit has requested that the Rock County Sheriff’s Department remove the Slow, No Wake Zone for the portion of Rock River south of the railroad bridge in the Town of Beloit effective Tuesday, July 29, 2008. This request was made by the Beloit Town Chair.

Robert D Spoden
Sheriff

By: Lt. Gary L. Groelle
Law Enforcement Services

Towns Target August 8th for Lifting S N-W

Brian,
Any word on when the slow no wake will be lifted for Koshkonong and the Rock?
Gerry
______________________________

Brian,

Evan has been keeping an eye on it also.

It has been past practice that the No Wake doesn’t get lifted until the level is at 7.5.

According to the NOAA sight we monitor, that looks like it will happen about Monday (8-4).

Evan will be lifting the No Wake on Friday, Aug. 8th.

He wants to give the people on the river a chance to dry out, and clean up a bit. He has also spoke with the Town of Milton Chairman about this, and they both agreed on Friday, Aug. 8th. I have a memo ready to go out to the Sheriff’s Dept., and the others who we always send them to on Monday, Aug. 4th, requesting that it be lifted as of Aug. 8th.

I will let Evan know you contacted us.

From Ellendale Road RE: Slow No-Wake

To the Town Board,

This morning (July 28th) the river is still 8 inches OVER the seawalls down here on Ellendale Road at our home and the neighbors on each side of us.

I know that there is probably considerable pressure from the public to remove the slow no wake restriction from the Rock River in Fulton Township but, please consider holding off posting the lifting of the no wake notice at least until Friday or later to prevent further erosion of our banks. The river will probably be below 778.5 by then.

Thank you for your consideration. We appreciate it.

William Sickler

We Have To Clean Up Our Lakes

From the WI State Journal HERE

...It took decades to solve that problem, partially because even the early sewage treatment plants discharged water back into the lakes and the treated sewer water acted as fertilizer, encouraging the growth of algae and weeds. It wasn't until 1952, Mollenhoff says, that Lake Monona became effluent free.

...Today's "sewers" do not involve pipes leading from flush toilets to the lakes. Instead, our lakes have become depositories of runoff from surrounding farms, collection pools for the fertilizers we put on our lawns and floodplains for heavy rainfall to the north of us.

Take a look at Lake Mendota today. You'll see some boats buzzing around, but not too many. Some shore front homeowners have taken their piers down and put their boats in storage for the season. Others have boats sitting up on hoists above the water, but the piers connecting shore to boats are gone.

Wisconsin DNR changes fishing tournament rules

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- State wildlife officials have scaled back fishing tournament rules amid complaints.

The Natural Resources Board adopted regulations in January that limited the number of tournaments per body of water and created permits that cost $25 to $200 depending on the contest size and prizes. The rules were supposed to go into effect next year.
But the Assembly Natural Resources Committee objected after fishing groups complained about the permits and provisions allowing wardens to search live wells.

The committee sent the rules back for revision.

In response, state fishery managers have reduced permit fees for some tournaments and removed sections on wardens' authority.

The board is expected to vote on the revisions Aug. 13.

The RKLD is on a 'power play?'

Respond to Ms. (Mr.?) Loren Close the Second HERE

______________________________
UPDATE

Editor, response to Loren Close 7/28/08

Loren Close, where did you get your information?

State Statue 30.30 (2)(b) states No absentee ballots or proxies are permitted.

The majority I wrote about voted while in attendance at Annual Meetings.

Every year since 1999 the majority has spoken with there attendance and voted to seek a more reasonable water level so all recreational users can benefit from this resource instead of a few who happen to disagree with the majority.

The issue is similar to voting for a new school, everyone has an opinion but as you know the majority wins as it should be or nothing would improve or change.

You insinuate the board equation is money, what a joke, there are 5 board members and thousands of voters.

Jim Folk
Milton, WI

Lake district must rethink power play

Editor, the Gazette:

Diana Markson's letter of July 8 and Jim Folk's letter of July 12 roughly define conflicting attitudes within the membership of the Rock Koshkonong Lake District.

Under normal decorum, there should be a meeting of members to develop a compromised position to lay an incendiary community issue to rest-a rested position that past court decisions have failed to convince a very onesided district board's power play which it doggedly pursues based on Mr. Folk's declaration that they are acting from a position of the majority.

(Mr. Folk omits that the majority opinion is gained by proxy votes of nonresidents-those beyond community conflicts!)

Mr. Folk emphasizes that the district is a legal body and has the votes to continue to pursue 7 more inches of water in the lake so to lure larger (nonresident) boaters with more money-gains for the vested interests that the board aggressively lobbies for! A resident-community-value corrupting power-play!

This power-play was very poorly planned-then recklessly pursued. An absolute power play is absolutely corrupting! The dependent variable in this "board exercise equation" is money!

And the independent variables of the equation are: 1) will the increase in profits from bigger gas-guzzling boats due to 7 more inches of water offset the 2) loss of present business profits caused by the continuing creation of undesirable community conflicts?

The vested interests should pause and rethink the folly of their community-divisive power-playing!

LOREN J. CLOSE II
Edgerton

Shame on you thieves! We will hunt you down...

Mr. Christianson,
I wanted to write you and let you know do a great job on all of the lake area updates.

Also there has been a recent rash of looting and thefts at Lakeland camping resort on Lake Koshkonkong.

Our family was a victim of some of the stealing. We had a waverunner tied up on the shore of the lake and on Saturday I went to check on it and found the ropes were cut and the machine was gone.

I was wondering if you could put a notice on the blog to see if anyone has any information.

It is a 1996 Kawasaki 750 that is purple and yellow. The hood is purple and the seat is yellow. On the hood it say virtual insanity. It also has a purple and yellow cover.

We know the odds of getting the waverunner back are slim, but we are going to try our best.

So my family and I were hoping you could put a notice on the blog and contact information if they know anything.

They can contact us through the Rock County Sheriff's department or by calling 608-897-2060.

It is a shame that many people lost places they loved to go to and spend a fun weekend on the lake and people feel that they need to steal from them. It is an outrage. If you could please email me back it would be greatly appreciated.

Kevin S. Skatrud

779.03

Lake Level dropped 8.5 inches over the weekend.

Look for the Jefferson and Rock County Sheriff's departments to remove the slow-no wake orders later this week.

Deadline nears for SBA loans to flood victims

From the Daily Jefferson County Union

...Deadline nears for SBA loans to flood victims More than 1,000 Jefferson County residents have applied for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, but only about 10 percent of them have filled out and returned applications for assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration, a spokesperson said Wednesday.

Residents urged to buy preferred risk flood insurance

WKOW-TV, Madison

...NFIP's Preferred Risk rates are quite a bargain, starting at $119 a year for buildings without basements. A home can be covered for up to $250,000 for the dwelling and $100,000 for contents. Replacement cost coverage is available for single-family, primary residences. Renters and business owners also are eligible for Preferred Risk Flood Insurance.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which administers the Preferred Risk Policy under NFIP, reminds residents that flood insurance is important because floods can occur where they are least expected.

Approximately 25 percent of all claims paid by the NFIP are for policies in
low- or moderate-risk communities.

Nothing fishy about these records

River Falls Journal

So you want to catch a Wisconsin State Record Fish, huh?

...If you want to go after a big fish try for a buffalo. The state record weighed in at 73 pounds, two ounces, in 2004 out of Lake Koshkonong in Jefferson County.
____________________

And here is what a world record buffalo looks like...what a beast!

Below 780!!!

Lake level dropped another 6.36 inches over the past 48 hours.

Today = 779.74

Inflow from Jefferson = 3,700 cfs (12 straight days of decline)

Slow-Now Wake could possibly be removed by the county sheriff's departments next weekend.

Candidates Announce

As printed in the newsletter -

Candidates seeking election to the RKLD Board are:

Jeff Folk
Frank Micale
Steve Proud

2 seats are up for election next Saturday - the term is 3 years.

Nominations will also be accepted from the floor at the annual meeting, Saturday, August 2nd.

Statements from each of the candidates will be posted here soon.

Charley Bluff's DJ's Serving Breakfast

Another LOCAL BLOG

...Although this year's recent flooding did not reach DJ's building, it did cut the bluff off from civilization for three weeks. DJ's, as with the other bars on the bluff, just reopened again.

Mendota swim sickens woman; blue-green algae blamed

WI State Journal

...Sorsa attributed the recent cases to this year 's flooding, which sent nutrients from agricultural runoff, as well as sewage, into area waters.

___________________________________

See DNR's piece on this which speaks well to the hazard, but again falsely and indirectly blames it on human activity HERE

See this Wiki reference for more information HERE

Lake Level Dropping - picking-up steam...

Monday morning = 2.64 inch drop
Tueaday morning = 2.76 inches
Wendesday morning = 3.12 inches
______________________

Inflow = 4,390 cfs (10 consecutive days of less cfs)

Lake level = 780.27 (nearly 5 feet drop from crest)

______________________

Slow-No wake typically removed when lake levels drop below 779.00 - a little more than a foot to go....

Clarifying Slow No Wake on the Lake

Slow-No-Wake Ordinance State Statue 30.77 (3)

All towns, villages and cities having jurisdiction over the lake have enacted an identical ordinance.

At least 50% of the towns, villages and cities having jurisdiction over the lake have enacted an identical ordinance and at least 60% of the footage of shoreline of the lake is within the boundaries of these towns, villages and cities.

1) The Sheriff or Local Water patrols enforce local ordinances
2) The river above and below Lake Koshkonong have local ordinances for S-N-W
3) No identical ordinance for each township exist for the lake

Other laws pertaining to property damage do not require and exact ordinances so please respect others property and travel at S-N-W within a minimum of 500’ from shorelines

Inflow from Jefferson Keeps Dropping...

Lake level today = 780.76

A drop of 13.8 inches in one week - almost 2 inches per day.

Monday, 7/14 = 8,540 cfs
7/15 = 8,100
7/16 = 7,440
7/17 = 6,880
7/18 = 6,410
7/19 = 6,030
7/20 = 5,620
Today = 5,180 cfs

Time running out for Wisconsin Disaster Assistance

WKOW-TV, Madison

Flood Stage for the next 10 days minimum...

Since the flood peak the water has dropped 49.32 inches, just a little over 50% of the 98.16 inches peak on 6/21/2008.



NOAA

Inspecting flooded houses will be slow, dirty process

Jvl Gazette

...“This is probably the most important stage,” Price said. “We need to make these determinations, and residents need to decide what they want to do.”

It will be up to the residents to decide whether to rebuild or move on, Williams said.

Many things will factor into those decisions, he said.

City of Jefferson looking for volunteers

Jvl Gazette

Flood watch canceled

The National Weather Service has canceled a flood watch for southern Wisconsin.

Rain is still expected Friday night, with storms through Monday. The weather service says some of the thunderstorms on Friday and Saturday could bring heavy rain.

But some of the storms that were expected to hit the area Thursday went north and south of spots that were already soaked. That helped avoid more flooding.

Watch Your Mailboxes

RKLD newsletters arriving this week.

Annual meeting is Saturday, August 2nd, 9:00am at Fort Atkinson High School.

Agenda and 2007 minutes are posted on the home page.

Change of address needed from people displaced by disaster

WKOW - TV

When many Wisconsin residents and business owners in disaster-affected areas left their damaged homes or businesses, their mail became undeliverable. Residents and business owners displaced by the disaster need to notify the post office of their new mailing addresses. Without an updated change of address, mail cannot be forwarded and may cause important information or checks to be returned.

"Some federally-issued checks must be mailed directly to the recipient and cannot be forwarded," said Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO) Dolph Diemont. "Those displaced by the disaster are encouraged to contact any agencies from whom they expect to receive checks and provide them with an updated mailing address." FCOs lead the federal side of joint federal/state disaster operations.

Each time applicants move, they need to notify the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) of their new addresses so any mail sent by friends, family and the federal or state governments can be delivered.

To update their address with FEMA, applicants can call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for those with speech or hearing impairment, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, or submit changes online.

To put in a change of address with USPS, persons may visit any U.S. Post Office or use the postal services telephone or internet change of address options. Change of addresses can be filed online or by calling 1-800-ASK-USPS (800-275-8777).

Runaway paddleboat passengers rescued

JANESVILLE — Janesville firefighters pulled two stranded Janesville boys from the Rock River near the Traxler Park boat landing Wednesday afternoon.

The boys had no idea they were heading toward a dam at Centerway Bridge, Acting Lt. Dan Wichser said.

The boys were reported behind Parker Community Credit Union, 1101 N. Parker Drive at 3:45 p.m.

Emergency responders launched a rubber rescue boat from the Sherman Avenue boat launch and shouted to the boys to encourage them out of the current and toward the shore, Wischser said.

'They paddled their little fannies off,' he said. The boys found the boat washed onto shore, Wichser said.

Officials caution that floodwaters continue to be dangerous

Rains could bring more flood woes

By Associated Press

A weather front that will hold approaching rainstorms over the state for the next few days could create the type of flooding that caused extensive damage across central and southern Wisconsin last month, forecasters said today.

“The setup is kind of likely for it to happen,” said Chris Franks, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Sullivan.

The Weather Service issued a flash flood watch for all of southern Wisconsin through Saturday evening.

“Another very dangerous flooding situation may be developing for southern Wisconsin,” the weather service said in a statement. “It has many similarities to the weather pattern and subsequent flooding experienced back in early June.”
Franks said it’s not clear which parts of central and southern Wisconsin will get the most rain, but weather forecasters put out the notice so local emergency management officials could prepare.

A line of storms that will dump the heaviest rain north of the Milwaukee area starting this afternoon have a decent chance of causing flooding in Sauk, Dodge, Columbia, Green Lake and Sheboygan counties because they were hit with 1 to 1.5 inches of rain Wednesday, Franks said.

Communities along the Rock River and Lake Koshkonong, where tributaries are still swelling from last month’s flooding, also could face flooding problems, Franks said.

“There’s a lot of water backed up,” the meteorologist said. “It wouldn’t take a whole lot of water to get those smaller bodies to leave their banks.”

Midwest's flood-prone communities consider buyouts

Janesville Gazette

...In Wisconsin, applications for the buyout program have been sent to 18 communities and will be sent to another eight, said Roxanne K. Gray, state hazard mitigation officer.

"There's some areas where FEMA hasn't gotten in to do inspections yet," Gray said. "We know there are going to be a lot of properties that are uninhabitable."

Guessing When Boating will Return

Hi Brian,
I also compliment you for maintaining this website.

We are very interested, as is everyone, in when the lake and river might reopen for boating this summer.

We have a home on the river, and although we were very lucky and suffered no damage, we are wondering if we’ll be able to use our boat this year?

Many rumors have been flying about that even when the water comes down the river and lake will remain closed due to floating debris and toxicity.

Can you give us any information? I have checked many websites and can not seem to find any information.

Thank you,
Rae Nicks
______________________________

Rae –
Thanks for the compliment, and happy to hear you are high and dry.

The best way I can answer your question is that the slow-no wake orders are usually removed when the lake level drops below 779.00.

Today’s lake level is 781.58. We need to drop another 31 inches. If we drop 2 inches per day, with no new precipitation, then we would be looking at Monday, August 4th for a rough guess as the date the sheriffs’ departments would remove the no wake orders.

It is highly unlikely the DNR would prohibit navigation. But the potential odor and debris will cause troubles for those of us anxious to start the summer before Labor Day.

FEMA encourages storm victims to apply for assistance even if you have insurance

WKOW-TV

Disaster assistance can include grants to help pay for:

Temporary housing, emergency home repairs and rental assistance;
Medical, dental and funeral expenses;
Repairing wells and septic tanks;
Essential personal property;
Transportation; and
Miscellaneous items.

FEMA: Homeowners should not turn to us for buyouts

FEMA is cautioning homeowners that the process to buy flooded homes so residents can relocate is time-consuming, complicated, and mostly managed by state officials.

"People are coming into our FEMA recovery centers or calling our phone numbers and asking FEMA to buy their house. It's not that way," said FEMA spokesman Mike McCormick.

The process is three-step. Villages apply for buy-out funding. Wisconsin Emergency Management officials rank the applications based on severity of damage and other similar factors. And, third, FEMA reviews the state's ranking and approves the projects.

FEMA makes available 20% of the total dollar amount spent on public and private federal damage assistance for buying out flooded homes and other hazard mitigation projects.

Wisconsin Emergency Management reports 20 villages so far have received applications for mitigation projects. That's four times higher than a "normal" flood season.

It could take a year for the process to end with buy-out offers from FEMA. All buy-outs are voluntary.

--From WKOW-TV, Madison

To Those Who Knew Todd, To Those that Todd Helped During The Flood...

Todd Alan Simmons, Edgerton
(1952 - 2008)

August 18, 1952 - July 15, 2008
Todd Alan Simmons, 55, of Edgerton, WI, passed away July 15, 2008, at University Hospital-Madison after a motorcycle accident. Todd was born on Aug. 18, 1952, to Merton D. and Elaine (Wendorf) Simmons.

Todd is survived by his three children: Jessica, Jeremy, and Traci; four grandchildren; a sister, Terri (Charles) Anderson of Rockford, IL; his mother, Elaine Finn of Friendship; his father, Merton Simmons of Jefferson; special friend, Ellen Joyce of Janesville; stepbrothers, Randy (Bonnie) Finn of Tennessee and Kevin Finn of Walworth; sister-in-law, Rita Richmond of Friendship; aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends. He was preceded in death by a brother, Terry; a niece; and his grandparents.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

_________________________________________________

With Friends, Sunday, June 22, 2008

During the worst flood Lake Koshkonong has ever experienced, Todd helped friends, and complete strangers, with tireless energy and selfless gusto.

The prayers of many, many, are with his family.

The Ho-Chunks Are Coming Rumor....

Dear Brian;

There have been numerous rumors floating (no pun intended) around the area as to what the future has in store for us.

My wife and I have owned our property on Binghams Point for eleven years now, and are looking forward to retiring in the area.

This past weekend I heard from two different sources now that the Lake Association, along with the county and state are in negotiations with the Indians from the Wisconsin Dells area that are looking to take back our lake and the surrounding land, as there are sacred Indian burial grounds here.

Please tell me there is no truth to this rumor.

Keep up the great work. You are truly an asset to our goal of recreational boating and fishing.

Sincerely,
Ed and Ginny
________________________________

HA! That rumor (wiping away tears of laughter) is the best one so far!! Thanks Ed & Ginny...gosh, where do our friends and neighbors come-up with such goofy notions?

The Ho-Chunks reportedly owe WI $100 million in back taxes. ARTICLE

Unless you lose your deed at the blackjack table, you only need fear FEMA's authority.

Lake Levels Will Drop Rest of Week

Today - 781.86

(11.86 for those waiting for 780 (10.00)from Blackhawk Island waiting for the road to reopen...about a week away)

Local Biz in News

Recreational vehicles pack the Hidden Valley Campground off Highway 59 near Newville. Owners Jim and Marcia Kersten say business is up this year, despite the rise in gas prices

Article

Blackhawk Island Road Question

Brian, thank you very much for maintaining this website, it has been and continues to be very beneficial to me.

My wife and I have a home on Black hawk Island, for about 30 years.

Saturday, on returning from a vacation in Northern Wisc., we came down 106 and seen the barricades still across Black hawk Island Road.

It would be of a great help if your site could let it be known when the road would be open to car traffic, to the Black hawk Club.

I would like to see my house and the damage the flooding caused as soon as the road is passable.

As you know, one we get there, there will be considerable work, not only cleaning but contacting the Insurance Company and all that it requires.

Thank you again for your web-site

Jim and Donna McEvoy
_____________________________

I will be talking to Donna Haugom, Jefferson County emergency management director, and I will try to get an answer for you.
Thanks for the compliment!
_____________________________

The short answer is water spills over the road at 10.0' and for them to watch

http://waterdata.usgs.gov/wi/nwis/uv?cb_00065=on&cb_00045=on&format=html&period=7&site_no=05427235

It is Never Too Late To Learn...

Hello Mr. Christianson,
I purchased a home on Lake Koshkonong just in time for the flood.

What is the standard procedure for removing debris from the lake?

How would a boater know when the lake is safe to navigate?

Is there a "no boat/slow-no-wake" order on the lake right now? How is that communicated?

Why is the lake so brown? What is being done to clean it?

The flood aside, the lake is very shallow. Why can't it be dredged out in certain sections making it better for boating, yet leaving the wet lands alone?

Sue Ayers
Koshkonong
_________________________________________

Sue –
You need to spend some time on the http://www.rkld.org/ website. Spend a few hours navigating the site, including about 3 years of blog postings, and you will become quite familiar with the characteristics of the lake, the river, the watershed, the history and all things flora and fauna.

Here are my short answers….
1. Welcome to the 3rd largest inland lake in WI

2. Define debris. Piers, picnic tables, coolers and baseball hats? Or tree stumps, bogs, boulders and dead carp?

3. Safe boating navigation? Read this - http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/es/enforcement/safety/boated.htm

4. The river portions are currently slow-no wake. The sheriff’s departments post all landings and the local newspapers report. RKLD also web-posts, but we are not an enforcement agency.

5. Are all brown lakes dirty lakes, or are they shallow, turbid lakes? Does the Rock River have rocks? Answers are on the website.

6. What can be done for a shallow lake? Welcome again to Lake Koshkonong and spend some time on the website.

Lake Levels UP

Today = 781.91 > Up 3.6 inches since Friday.

Not what anyone wants to hear

A woman called to ask why the lake is not draining faster...

Inflow from Jefferson has also increased everyday since Friday; funny how rain in the watershed finds its way here.

Response II to Ms. Markson

From the Sun Gazette -
Thank you Chip Knilans...

Response to Ms. Markson

From Saturday's Gazette -
Thank you Jim Folk...

Tallgrass In the News

Where RKLD monthly meetings are held....

View video HERE

Tallgrass website Here

FEMA at Menards

Federal emergency officials will set up shop at hardware stores, including the Menards in Janesville, and county fairs this weekend to give homeowners advice.

Flood mitigation experts from the Federal Emergency Management Agency will be at Menards stores in Janesville, Beaver Dam and La Crosse all day Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

They’ll also be at Lowe’s in Milwaukee, Doerre Hardware Hank in Spring Green and Home Depot in Wauwatosa those three days and at fairs in Jefferson, Marquette and Sauk counties on Saturday and Sunday.

They’ll answer questions about flood repairs, applying for federal aid and anything else on people’s minds.

Shoreline Zoning

WI State Journal

Yet another example of regulators failing to consider economic impacts...
___________________________________

...Property values and assessments would decline if thousands of lots were deemed "nonconforming " by the proposed standards, according to Phil Salkin, government affairs director of the Realtors Association of South Central Wisconsin. He urged that the economic impact be studied before any new rules are approved.

"You 're talking about a huge sucking sound of millions of dollars of property value going down the drain, " Salkin said.

...The lot size and setback dimensions would depend on whether the body of water is classified as "rural, " "developing " or "urban. "

How many homes are in jeopardy?

Rock County Homes

Link to the number of homes in the Floodway by township for Rock County, that will be subject to the 50/50% law and may not be able to rebuild or repair if damage exceeds 50% of the structures value.

Rock is also requiring formal bids by contractors making it even harder for someone to do there own work to hold down repair costs in order to be under the 50% value law.

27 Milton - Township
23 Fulton - Township

Waiting for Jefferson and Dane counties to publish their lists.

Towns to inspect homes for damage

Janesville Gazette

ROCK COUNTY — Homeowners outside of Janesville and Beloit who have to repair or rebuild their homes damaged by flooding will need to get permission from the county to do so.


The county will review inspections from town building officials and estimates from contractors to determine who can rebuild. If homeowners get the county’s permission to rebuild, then they can apply to their towns for building permits.


The worst damage took place in Fulton and Milton townships, said Scott Heinig, Rock County planning director.

County will oversee rebuilding in flooded townships

Jvl Gazette

ROCK COUNTY — Somebody will have to sort through the reeking mud, the ruined properties and the broken hearts.

And somebody will have to mold the mess and the emotions into a mathematical formula so every family is treated equally.

Inspecting flood-damaged houses in Rock County and deciding who can or cannot repair or rebuild will be a long, difficult process, said Scott Heinig, county planning director.

The county will work with residents and building officials in the towns of Beloit, Fulton, Milton, Janesville and Rock.

Homeowners outside the cities of Janesville and Beloit will need permits from the county to rebuild in floodplains. If those get approved, they will need building permits from their towns, too.

The county enforces the floodplain rules to fulfill state and federal requirements, Heinig said.

If Rock County didn’t enforce the rules, the county wouldn’t qualify for disaster relief from the Federal Emergency Management Agency or be eligible for federal flood insurance, Heinig said.

“If we didn’t follow FEMA’s rules by having this county ordinance, those people that will get disaster relief would not have,” Milton Town Board Chairman Bryan Meyer said.

The county’s floodplain maps were updated in June, Heinig said.

But if the county is in charge of restricting construction near bodies of water, why are there houses there in the first place?

Because many of the homes have been there longer than the ordinances, Meyer said.

Those properties have “grandfather” status, and they’ll keep it—unless a home sustains damage that’s 50 percent or more of what it’s worth.

The towns and county will use these steps on a case-by-case basis to decide who can salvage their homes and who can’t.

No. 1: Homeowners who have had clear damage to their homes must contact their town’s building official and set up a time for a tour. Officials will walk through the home to estimate damage, Heinig said.

That estimate will be the basis for officials to decide whether the home has experienced damage that equals or exceeds 50 percent of the home’s equalized assessed value.

No. 2: Homeowners must get a repair estimate from a contractor.

No. 3: The two estimates must be turned in to the county planning department for review. The county’s housing department has two staff members who are very experienced at reading contractor assessments and knowing if they’re reasonable, Heinig said.

No. 4: If your home has sustained more than 50 percent damage, rendering it uninhabitable, the next step depends on where you’re located in the floodplain.

If you’re in the “floodfringe,” you might be able to rebuild. The floodfringe is a backwater storage area during a major flood event, said Richard Haviza, assessment operations manager with the city of Janesville.

If you’re in the “floodway,” you’re not going to be able to rebuild. The floodway has current flowing through it during a flood event, Haviza said.

“If it’s in the floodway, the structure would need to come down if it’s determined to have substantial damage, meaning equal to or more than 50 percent,” Heinig said.

The county has applied for a hazard mitigation grant and will consider buying out those properties or assisting with cleanup.

If homeowners want to get mitigation grant money, they have to volunteer to have the county apply on their behalf, Heinig said. Otherwise they’ll be responsible for mitigation on their own.

UPDATE: Markson Rebuttal Published In Today's Gazette

Brian -
What about the water guy speaking at the annual meeting?
Dennis

Rob Montgomery, the Hydrologist, has agreed to address the annual meeting on August 2nd. Perhaps Ms. Markson will attend and rise to ask questions of Rob - but I doubt it.

__________________

YOUR VIEWS - Tuesday's Janesville Gazette

Should we still raise water on Lake Koshkonong?

Editor, the Gazette:

As unwilling members of the Rock-Koshkonong Lake District, my husband and I have watched the recent flooding with horror. Perhaps it is time for RKLD members to call for the district to abandon the costly and unwarranted legal pursuit of raising water levels. After years of costly litigation, RKLD has lost in court with every futile attempt. I wonder how much worse the flooding might have been had RKLD prevailed with higher water levels.

Last month, we watched the river threaten businesses, homes and the quality of life for thousands of people. This year’s Rock River and Lake Koshkonong tourist season is effectively nonexistent; hundreds are just now finding out whether they have homes, and many businesses and houses remain under water.

The district wanted higher water levels; well, they got them! Be careful what you wish for.

DIANA MARKSON Edgerton
__________________________________________

RESPOND HERE
__________________________________________

The Letter to the Gazette Editor by Diana Markson is absolutely amazing.

Ms Markson states she is an unwilling member of RKLD, apparently she is un-aware that the district is a legal form of Government within the State of Wisconsin.

The Markson’s are a resident, resident owner or non-resident owner of RKLD because they are within the boundaries of the district.

A Lake District is the only form of Government in the State where a non-resident and full time non-owner resident or renter has voting rights.

The unwarranted legal pursuit she/they talk about shows how un-informed the Markson’s are because it was the majority of district residents who voted to seek a more reasonable water level and to take legal action if necessary.

Not everyone agrees or votes to build new schools, city halls, roadways, etc it is the majority of voters who dictate what government does.

We all have to learn to live with those decisions made by the majority or nothing would ever change when needed, if we find we cannot, our only choice is live elsewhere.

Flooding is an Act of God whereas the low summer water levels are a manmade drought caused by the current DNR Operating Orders.

All of the Hydrology Data, which is on the district website is available to everyone clearly shows an increase of the operating orders requested by the district has no effect on the extent of flooding or it’s duration. If they had read the data or listened to the Hydrologists presentations with an open mind willing to learn at annual meetings they would not be wondering how much worse the flood would have been as they would have known it would be the same.

The quality of life caused by floods affects all of the people not just those who were flooded, all one had to do to see that, was look at all of the help from the general public filling sandbags and working to protect strangers homes and businesses.

No one wants to see homes or businesses flooded and many people today are working to help those affected by having fundraisers, we are not writing letters to the Editor expressing unsubstantiated opinions.

Jim Folk
Milton, WI

Heavy Rains Slow Flood Decrease

Lake Level = 781.79 (UP 2.16 inches overnight)

Inflow = 8,420 cfs (UP from 7,130 cfs)

Outflow = 9,400 cfs ( UP from 8.970 cfs)
__________________________

Total rainfall since 7/4/08, 5.66 inches.

Segregated Dam Fund

Watertown Daily Times

...The finance committee also approved a motion to pay $10,000 this year to the Rock/Koshkonong Lake District as part of an Indianford Dam contractual agreement. The matter will be forwarded to the Jefferson County Board of Supervisors.

Clean-Up Begins

Local Heros - Doug Sherman & John Kinnett


FEMA evaluates Gladys Drive

Clean-up Phase Underway

Doyle Announces $15 million in Flood Relief Funding

From NBC 15 - Madison

The funds will be used to help low and moderate income homeowners make structural repairs to homes damaged by flooding that are not covered by insurance or reimbursed by other federal aid.

For more information on the CDBG Program, contact Jim Frymark, Commerce, 608-266-2742

Check your Rock County Address

Floodplain List

Advisory Only

Rock Co Flood Damage Information

Click HERE

You will want to explore this site.

Anchor Inn to Reopen Friday

Let's All Patronize John - nice haircut John - and visit the Anchor for a beer and burger too!!

Lost Sea-Doo Found Deep in Wetlands

Here is the boat Mark and I found deep in our marsh last Saturday, it had been missing for 3-4 weeks and the owner was going to close on it with the insurance company this week

It was a customer of Erik’s from Rock River Marina so he brought the trailer around to Carcajou and picked it up at the ramp we towed it back to.

Jefferson County Sheriff's Dept. was there to observe this because it had been reported stolen…….When the lake comes up 9’ your boat WILL float off the lift

The boat had NO damage done to it which is amazing because we found it in some pretty heavy cover. We noticed it just by chance...imagine if we hadn't and the water went down....
Jeff Folk

Algae in floodwaters could cause sickness, death

From the Beloit Daily News

"If humans ingest it, they could get very sick or even die,” said Rock County Health Officer Dr. Joseph Schurhammer.

Schurhammer said Lake Koshkonong has been identified as a lake with blue-green algae.

Although official tests haven't been conducted on Rock County waters, local water bodies are fluorescing at night which is indicative of blue-green algae.

Fair offers relief in flood-weary county

The opening of the county fair in Jefferson County today should serve as a needed distraction for residents who have spent weeks cleaning up the damage caused by last month's rainstorms and floods, organizers said.

"The people of Jefferson County need some entertainment right now," fair park supervisor Roger Kylmanen said.

The fairgrounds sit at a relatively high elevation and weren't swept up in the flooding that shut down I-94 in Jefferson County and damaged homes and businesses in a wide swath of the state.

County residents complained that some resources didn't come to the area for weeks after the flooding.

A Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster recovery center opened Monday.Fair facilities served as a staging area for volunteers who organized sandbagging during the storms and cleanup crews once the water started to recede.

Disaster center up, running in Jefferson

FEMA AID — Jefferson County residents began visiting the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Disaster Recovery Center in Jefferson Monday afternoon to have questions answered and to be provided with information on FEMA disaster programs.

The center is located in the lower level of the county’s University of Wisconsin-Extension building at 864 Collins Road in Jefferson and normal hours of operation are expected to be 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

COUNTY TO ASSIST TOWNS WITH SANDBAG REMOVAL

Rock County, in cooperation with the Towns of Fulton, Milton, Janesville, and Rock, request residents of the four Towns deliver unneeded, filled sandbags to centrally located collection areas. The Rock County DPW will take responsibility for disposing of the sand bags by delivering them to an approved landfill.

The following locations will be open to accept sandbags as of July 9, 2008:

Town of Fulton & Town of Milton:

Rock County Highway Garage at the northeast corner of Sherman Road and State Highway 59 west of the Interstate 90/39 overpass.

Town of Janesville: Behind the Rock County DPW Garage at 3715 Newville Road.

Indianford County Park (east of the Rock River only): at the intersection of County Roads F&M.

Signs will be erected at each site designating the drop-off locations. Users are asked to stack the discarded bags as much as possible to help assure that as many bags can be deposited as possible. The sites will not be staffed continuously, so cooperation on stacking the bags is essential.

These sites will be open to accept sand and sandbags ONLY through August 18, 2008.
________________________________

It is important to note that these sites ARE NOT to be used for the collection or deposit of any debris or trash, including furniture, household goods, or other items damaged in the flood event. Such debris must be collected through each Town’s normal garbage collection process, or other process established by each Town. Additional information on the collection of such debris will be forthcoming from each Town.

During the recent flood, the Rock County Departments of Public Works and Emergency Management provided sand and sandbags to residents and volunteers at multiple locations throughout the County. Residents and volunteers filled more than 260,000 sandbags, which remain on-site in shoreland and floodplain areas.

Federal and State law, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources regulations, and County ordinances prohibit the permanent deposit of sand, sandbags, or other fill in the shoreland or floodplain areas. Further directions are provided at the County Website regarding the disposal of sand and sandbags.

Water Level WATCH

We have dropped a total of 38 inches since crest (6-22)

6-30 to 7-7 = 22 inch drop
6-22 to 6-29 = 11 inch drop

785.08 Crest

UPDATE: Since (6-22) Crest

TODAY = 781.88

Inflow = 7,450 cfs
Outflow = 9,200 cfs

_______________________________

22 inch drop WEEK TWO (6-30 to 7-7)

Monday, 7-7 = NA
7-6 = NA
7-5 = NA
7-4 = 1.3 inches
7-3 = 2.3 inches
7-2 = 3.1 inches
7-1 = 4.8 inches
Monday, 6-30 = .5 inch
_________________________________

11 inch drop WEEK ONE (6-22 to 6-29)

Sunday, 6-29 = 2.4 inches
6-28 = 2.5 inches
6-27 = 1.8 inch
6-26 = 1.6 inch
6-25 = 1.6 inch
6-24 = 1.1 inch
6-23 = .4 inch
Sunday, 6-22 = 0 inches

Frequently Asked Questions - SBA FAQs

SBA HERE

National Flood Insurance Program

FloodSmart.gov

Flood victims head to new FEMA office

Jvl Gazette

...Homeowners who qualify for SBA disaster loans can receive up to $200,000 and qualified renters up to $40,000.

People need to apply by Aug. 13 for physical damage loans and by March 13, 2009, for economic injury loans through the SBA, Dawson said. If people fail to apply, Dawson said they will not qualify for federal aid.

If applicants are denied SBA loans, they still might qualify for other federal aid through FEMA, he said.

Sandbag recovery effort begins

Janesville Gazette

...Rock County officials this afternoon expect to nail down up to five sandbag disposal sites around the county

Despite flooding, residents observe Fourth of July

Janesville Gazette

...Gina and Sam Tomasello, 10743 N. Ellendale Road, knew they’d be in trouble without the help of their neighbors. The couple work in Chicago and have been commuting back and forth on work days.

While the Tomasellos are gone, neighbors check on their basement to make sure the pump still is pushing water back into the river.

“It’s amazing in this stuff how neighbors come together,” Sam said.

Navigation Question

Hey Brian,
I have spent the last 2 years getting to know the Koshkonong area and visiting with friends. A month ago (Friday June 6th) I finally closed on my own place on Lake Koshkonong over by the Mounds on Vinne Ha Ha. By Monday June 9th I had learned of the USGS Gauge and what a handy tool that is. My residence is high and dry on a bluff 20ft or so over the lake. I consider myself fortunate that I have only $20,000 worth of shoreline and boathouse damage. I hope you have been one of the lucky ones as well.
This past Sunday I caught this notice on your blog on rkld.org:

Sunday, July 06, 2008
DNR Opens Lake Koshkonong

Where can I go to validate for myself if the lake is open or closed to boat traffic, wake/ no wake conditions etc? Is there anywhere I can go to find out whether the water is safe for my children and pets to actually go in the water? I have seen varying reports and don’t know who the authoritarian is. Thanks.
J.R. Hommer
_____________________________

JR –
The DNR issues press releases that they post on their website http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/ that local newspapers then publish.

The RKLD has no authority to regulate slow-no wake restrictions. The county sheriffs’ departments post their respective sections of the river, while the lake is in a multi-jurisdiction.

The DNR issued an emergency flood notice and closed the lake and all landings, to protect public safety.

Please check the RKLD blog for the answer to your water quality question. The simple answer is to stay out of the water until the newspapers print otherwise.

Best
Brian Christianson

Water Quality Question

Hi Brian,

My husband and I own a home on Lake Koshkonong and greatly appreciate checking your blog daily. We were very fortunate that only our property flooded, our home is high and dry. We are wondering, where and how do we get information about the actual safety of the water for swimming or sailing. We had a significant amount of the blue green algae in the yard and it’s residuewas left as the water slowly retreated. We don’t anticipate being in the lake any time soon, but many of us are wondering about the presence of sewage. Is it still there? How long will that take to pass through?

Thanks for taking the time to read my question.

Susan Moran

________________________

Susan – thanks for the compliment and your email. I wish I could answer those questions.

I have not heard any updates from either the county public health departments or the sanitary districts regarding water quality.

My simple advice is to stay out of the water until the newspapers begin to report their updates regarding water quality issues.

When testing and updates are public, we will be sure to post on the website for all.
Thanks again.
Brian Christianson

USGS Gauge Out of Service

SBA Website

SBA Disaster Assistance HERE

RETURN SBA LOAN APPLICATION TO SPEED UP DISASTER ASSISTANCE

Details HERE

SBA DISASTER LOANS – NOT JUST FOR BUSINESS

Details HERE

THREE DISASTER RECOVERY CENTERS TO OPEN MONDAY

DETAILS HERE

Our waters have flood hangover

WI State Journal

...Depending on where you live in southern Wisconsin, your problems could range from dead carp on the sidewalk in front of your home (Janesville) to stagnant and smelly lakes where floodwaters have not drained away (Spring Green).

Blue Green Algae

Lake Mendota seems to have returned to its placid, beautiful self after recent floods, but problems linger, including the growth of bright clumps of blue-green algae. Growth of the algae has been hastened because of nutrients that washed into the lake during the flooding.

DNR Opens Lake Koshkonong

Jefferson County - All the emergency slow-no-wake restrictions on the lakes in Jefferson County have been lifted. The rivers and streams still have the slow-no-wake restrictions in effect.

From NBC15 - Madison

HERE

...By this point, the rivers downstream were on the rise, as well. The rivers in Rock and Jefferson Counties rose above flood stage.

People living along Charlie Bluff Road, in the Town of Milton, were told to leave. "I've lived out here 15-years and this is the highest I've ever seen it."

In Newville, people found themselves at Mother Nature's mercy. This is where Lake Koshkonong and the Rock River meet. "We never dreamt it was going to come up, so I have never thought about it you know. Because it's just never been a problem."

Sandbags also lined homes in the Town of Fulton. We're told 150-homes were flooded.

Blue green algae found in floodwater

Jvl Gazette

People living in areas flooded by Lake Koshkonong and the Rock River have another problem to watch out for: blue-green algae.

The algae are obvious in Lake Koshkonong, said Tim Banwell, Rock County Health Department environmental health director.

Floodwaters contaminating wells, causing infections

Janesville Gazette

WELL WATER TESTING

The Rock County Health Department will test flood-related well water for free, with a $2 shipping fee. For more information, call (608) 757-5441 or (608) 364-2010.

Well water sample bottles are located at:

-- Beloit Town Hall, 2871 S. Afton Road, Beloit.

-- Rock County Health Department, 3328 N. Highway 51, Janesville or 61 Eclipse Center, Beloit.

-- Rock Town Hall, 5102 S. County D, Afton.

-- Fulton Town Hall, 2738 W. Fulton Center Drive, Edgerton.

-- Milton Town Hall, 23 First St., Milton.

Carp conundrum: Fish disposal options

Jvl Gazette

Despite weekend death, Geneva Lake still not dangerous

Jvl Gazette

...The woman had fallen off her wakeboard and was waiting to be picked up when she was struck by another boat.

The dark-haired woman was wearing a dark-colored life jacket, and it was difficult for the driver of the oncoming boat to see her bobbing in the 2- to 3-foot waves, Hausner said.

Happy Independence Day!!!

The Buckhorn

Just sending out a quick e-mail to let people know that The Buckhorn will be open for business again starting Saturday, July 5th.

Finally the lake is going down enough to drive on Charley Bluff Road.

If you decide to drive out this way, GO SLOW, there are a few big potholes. We have had a lot of calls and if you could help spread the word, it would be much appreciated.

Have a safe weekend!!

Thank you,
Chico and Dawn
Buckhorn Supper Club
(608) 868-2653

COUNTY TO ASSIST TOWNS WITH SANDBAG REMOVAL

Rock County, in cooperation with the Towns of Fulton, Milton, Janesville, and Rock, today announced a plan for safely disposing of filled sandbags that are no longer needed by residents to protect their property from the recent flooding.

Residents of the four Towns will be asked to deliver unneeded, filled sandbags to centrally located deposit sites in each Town.

There will be locations in each Town where people can drop off sandbags. It is anticipated that specific locations will be announced to the public next week in anticipation of opening on Saturday, July 12. The plan would be to leave the sites open through August 18.

The County will take responsibility for disposing of the sand bags by delivering them to an approved landfill.
###

Waterways still closed

The Rock County Sheriff’s Office is reminding boaters the Rock River and Clear Lake remain closed.

All public landings on the river and lakes are closed and the Town of Milton has a Slow/No Wake ordinance in place on Clear Lake.

The office warns there are quick currents and hidden debris in the waterways, and they will only enter the water for emergency rescues.

Residents are encouraged to stay off the water and out of flooded areas, and anyone who sees somebody in flooded areas or on the river or lake should call authorities.

Rock County Sheriff
(608) 757-8000

Jefferson County Sheriff
(920) 674-7310

City in 'full cleanup mode'

Jvl Gazette

...As the floodwaters recede, the carp leave a layer of dull grayish-brown crud over the pavement.

“When that sediment dries, it’s nasty,” Whitcomb said.

Which brings us back to the city workers.

City workers are using fire hoses on North Main Street to loosen that sediment while the street is still slightly submerged.

The full body safety suits protect workers from floodwaters, which are filled with a variety of toxins from untreated sewage. Treatment plants in Jefferson, Fort Atkinson and Lake Koshkonong had to discharge untreated sewage into the river because facilities were overwhelmed.

Jefferson County's FEMA Disaster Recovery Center to open Monday

Cap Times

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will open a Disaster Recovery Center in Jefferson County on Monday, July 7.

The center will be located in the lower level of the University of Wisconsin-Extension building at 864 Collins Road and will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Officials also announced that residents of Jefferson County who were displaced from their jobs as a result of flooding may qualify for Disaster Unemployment Assistance.

Anyone who lost their job as a result of the storms is encouraged to call the Department of Workforce Development at 608-232-0678 or 1-800-822-5246 or visit

www.dwd.state.wi.us/ui.

The deadline to apply for unemployment assistance is July 25.

FEMA cleanup money arrives

Janesville Gazette

...On June 18, the county sent Wisconsin Emergency Management a report estimating $10.3 million in public damage. The damage includes the Rock Koshkonong Lake District and Consolidated Koshkonong Sanitary District, parts of which fall outside of Rock County.

As water wanes, contractors will get busy

Janesville Gazette

FEMA Tele #

800-621-3362

RKLD Annual Meeting - UPDATE

Emergency Management Directors for Rock County (Shirley Connors) and Jefferson County (Donna Haugom) will speak at the annual meeting on Sat. August 2nd.

See the home page for details on the annual meeting.

Flood recovery center opens Monday

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is opening a flood recovery center on Monday, July 7 at the New Life Assembly of God, 2416 North Wright Road, Janesville.

The church is at the corner of Highway 14 and Wright Road. The center will be located in the church gym and will have a separate entrance.

From Interstate 90/39 take exit 171 C to get to the church. Travelers from the north turn left on Humes Road/Highway 14; travelers from the south turn right on Highway 14 after exiting the Interstate.

Hours are: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday. 1 to 7 p.m. Sunday.

For more information about hours or location, call the church at (608) 756-4175.

Legal aid offered to flood victims

The American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division has set up a toll-free legal aid line for Wisconsin residents affected by flooding.

The service is available for people who are unable to afford a lawyer and who have legal issues arising from severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that hit Wisconsin in June.

Wisconsin Emergency Management, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the State Bar of Wisconsin organized the legal-aid line to assist residents of the 29 counties included in the president’s disaster declaration.

(Jefferson and) Rock County is part of that disaster declaration.

The help line is available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday at 1-877-947-5291.

Messages can be left at any time and will be answered within 48 hours. Callers should say they need flood-related legal assistance.

Services available include help with:
-- Issues concerning state and federal benefits.
-- Life, medical and property insurance claims.
-- Home repair contracts.
-- Replacement of wills and other legal documents destroyed in the disaster.
-- Consumer protection, remedies and procedures.
-- Mortgage-foreclosure problems related to the disaster.
-- Landlord/tenant problems related to the disaster.

Any work performed through the bar association cannot result in any monies for either side.

Additional information is available online at www.wisbar.org or www.legalexlplorer.com.

Bush offers more federal aid for storm recovery

Jvl Gazette

...President Bush is making more federal funds available to Wisconsin residents affected by last month's storms and flooding.

The authorization announced Monday means the Federal Emergency Management Agency can reimburse the counties an additional 15 percent of their costs.

DNR’s $1 million plan for Okauchee Lake wasteful, critics say

Milw Journal Sentinel

We'll accept $1m - Lake Koshkonong needs boat launch repairs and improved access.
____

...The land, with 90 feet of lake frontage, is owned by Gerald Kalweit of
W354-N5098 Road T. An option to purchase with Kalweit expires July 29.
The property is next to the DNR's own heavily used boat launch. The agency wants to blend the two parcels into one large public access point for boaters.
____

Okauchee Lake Management District HERE

From Tallgrass Neighbors

Great job keeping up to date, relevant, and important information on the Blog. Thank you.

Peter Layton (peter.layton@tallgrassgroup.com)
Chief Executive Officer

Tallgrass Group, LLC
Arlington Heights Office:
3250 N. Arlington Heights Road
Suite 100
Arlington Heights, IL 60004-1534
Office: (847) 342-8020
Fax: (847) 342-8021
Cell: (312) 925-1673

Georgia McGuire (gmcguire@tallgrassgroup.com)Executive Assistant