(Wednesday, June 25th) Sand bagging was called off today....There was No Sand to bag. Bagging will resume on Saturday at 9am. Hope the levees are polite and will wait. I may actually get to bed at a reasonable hour!

This tour starts on Hwy 79 at O'Fallon, where a sod farm gets it's first taste of the flood.

The two signs have been around shortly after the 1993 flooding. I'm so use to seeing these that I forgot all about shooting them.

Water is getting even closer to coming up over the highway.

Here is today's Press Release:

"The Army Corps of Engineers and Army National Guard announced yesterday's 200 foot slide is repaired and in stable condition along the north wall at the Pin Oak Levee. However, the Army Corps of Engineers confirmed a second slide 100 feet in length west of yesterday's slide (a slide is considered earth moving at a depth of 12 inches or more). In addition, a 20×20 slough was reported on the south outer wall (a slough is considered earth moving at a depth of less then 12 inches). Additional sand boils along the south levee wall were also located this morning. Additional shifting and sloughing is anticipated over the next six days."

                                                                                " The condition of the Pin Oak Levee is a serious concern. The Pin Oak Levee is an earthen levee that is susceptible to damage by anyone entering the area. All unnecessary personnel SHALL NOT enter the area. Authorized personnel as of now are; Missouri National Guard, Emergency Service Personnel, and workers transporting sand bags. Due to extremely hazardous condition NO OTHER PERSONNEL WILL BE GRANTED ACCESS TO THE AREA. Thank you for your cooperation and assistance in maintaining the safety for everyone involved in the incident."

                                                                                " The Emergency Operations Command is suspending sandbagging at the Winfield High School. Because of the limited resources in our area, we have to request sand from surrounding counties. In addition, it provides a much needed break for volunteers and firefighters over the next two days. Sandbagging with resume Saturday morning at 9:00 am, behind the Winfield High School "

                                                                                " Old Monroe officials report there is no pressure on their levees causing concerns. Elsberry reports there levees are also in good shape with no problematic issues requiring EOC support."

"City officials are requesting residents to conserve water to minimize the volume of waste in already strained sewer systems."

                                                                                "The Salvation Army is asking for donations of water, Gatorade, sandwich meats and snacks. The recent mobilization of volunteers in Lincoln County requires additional meal preparation."

                                                                                " Per the DNR Director, flood victims can stay at no charge at State Parks. Lincoln County displaced residents need to fill out a form through Salvation Army at Calvary Chapel to verify residence."

                                                                                "The Humane Society has resumed their operations at the Winfield High School. They have rescued more than 38 animals from the flooded areas in Lincoln County."                                                                               

" A voluntary evacuation is still in effect for those residents remaining east of Highway 79. No media is allowed beyond our checkpoints, no exceptions so stop asking."

                                                                                "Residents using private wells should cease using them. City water lines are pressurized and their drinking water is not contaminated. All information regarding the water situation will be reported to public as soon as we receive it."

                                                                                "The Missouri Air and Army National Guard are still conducting traffic control points along Highway 79 to prevent onlookers and looters from accessing roads heading towards the Mississippi River."