News : Remembering the flood: Signs mark 24.7 level at area buildings

Local leaders remember the flood, see high water signs in Vinton.

VMEU board members Alan Woodhouse, Mike Elwick, Jon Kremer, John Anderson and Mike Barron.

Along with local leaders, Kip Schoetmer stands next to the high water mark sign at John's Tire.

Fire Chief Gary McKenna is next to the sign marking the high water level at fire station in 2008.

Benton County Emergency Management Agency Director Scott Hansen welcomed Maren Stoflet of the National Weather Service to Vinton today, where they officially commemorated the 24.7 foot level of the Flood of 2008. The signs were placed at The Vinton Municipal Electrical Utility, the Vinton fire station and John's Tireas a reminder of the historic flood that tookplace three years ago this month.

Vinton Mayor John Watson, City Coordinator Andy Lent and City Council member Lisa Vermedahl joined Hansen and Stoflet Tuesday morning for the event. John's Tire owner Kip Schoettmer posed near the sign there. Vinton Fire Chief Gary McKenna met the group at the fire station for the photo there. And the VMEU Board members met for the photo at the light plant, where the flood level was well above the head of the tallest person there. During the flood of 2008, VMEU board member Mike Elwick was in the basement of the building trying to secure items when the basement burst, forcing him to flee quickly.

Stoflet said the NWS has placed approximately 35 signs in several communities in Iowa and Illinois. The purpose of the signs, she said, is to document the historical floods, and to serve as a reminder of the danger of flooding. Right now, said Stoflet, the Cedar River is at levels ranging from normal to slightly above normal. That, can change, however, very quickly with a large rain event north of Vinton, she said.

Vinton is more prepared for a flood than it was in 2008, said Hansen. Nearly 30 homes have been relocated away from the flood area through the FEMA Flood Buyout program. The VMEU has purchased enough Hesco flood barriers to protect the area from the courthouse to the light plant. Also, said Hansen, the Iowa National Guard has portable bridges that can help communities with assets in flooded areas. One concern with the new Law Enforcement is that while the building is nearly a foot above the 2008 flood level, getting to the building during a flood could pose a problem.

But, said Stoflet, the signs also serve as a reminder to remain vigilant concerning the risks of flooding.