COOK COUNTY – Flooding Update – Thanks to extraordinary efforts by the MN Department of Transportation to complete an emergency grade raise to ‘lift’ Hwy 11 near Rainy Lake, the road is operational and businesses such as Island View Lodge and the Sha Sha Resort in the Island View Township area are open and operational. Motorists are encouraged to use extra caution and pay attention to all signage if travelling in the area.
Sandbag Efforts to Continue Through Holiday Weekend – Volunteers Are Needed
Sandbag efforts continued throughout the day Saturday which saw thousands of bags filled for waiting residents. Koochiching County Emergency Operations and volunteers are continually refining the process of filling bags to serve residents as quickly as possible. Anyone driving with sandbags should use extra caution; be careful with speeds and while crossing railroad tracks or driving around curves to avoid losing sandbags.
“We appreciate everyone’s patience with sandbag assistance as we continually refine the filling and loading process to best serve our community members in need,” said Sheriff Perryn Hedlund. “We have been fortunate the last several days to have an abundance of assistance with sandbagging efforts, including local high school kids, along with other organizations and volunteers. However, we greatly need additional volunteers to help on Sunday and Monday as many more sandbags will be needed as water continues to rise and more rain is forecasted. We recognize that this is a holiday weekend and many people have plans, but any time that people could spare to lend a hand in our community flood response would be greatly appreciated.”
Sandbagging operations will continue throughout the long weekend at Kerry Park, beginning at 8 am through 6 pm, Sunday and Monday. Sandbag efforts will take place rain or shine. Operations will only cease if lightning is present. To volunteer, please show up at the registration tent Kerry Park and you will be directed on what to do.