Office of Emergency Management: No known fatalities in last weekend’s flooding

No known fatalities occurred because of last weekend’s storm, Office of Emergency Management Director Randy Rowe reported on Monday. The county, according to Rowe, had seen around nine inches of water in areas near existing water, like Sand Springs Resort and had four reports of quarter-sized hail, but he was unaware of any injuries to first responders or civilians. Rowe added that in the Bennett Spring State Park area, park staff, outfitters and campground owners facilitated the relocation of visitors and reported no water rescues. He commended all parties for their efficiency and coordination. Regarding the sirens recently installed at the park, Rowe said that one was fully functional and could be heard from the other site at max volume, but the other still possessed signal issues that were being worked on. Hatchery Manager Ben Havens reported no associated fish loss from the weekend flooding, though he added anglers may see sporadic fishing due to fish being swept to various areas of the spring. Havens further noted that the flooding was the seventh largest flood (7.85 feet) the park has experienced, the largest being 11 feet in 1986. The flood did affect the construction area in addition to other park areas, but Havens noted that the contractor worked over the weekend and continues to work dewatering areas so that construction can proceed. Havens noted that the temporary flood wall above the dam held against the flood waters. The City of Lebanon performed six high water assists during the flooding, and the Laclede County Sheriff’s Office made one water rescue. Sheriff Matt Frederick spoke more on the Friday water rescue on Finch Road, explaining that Deputy Kale Keagy, on his first day at the agency, rescued a motorist stranded in flash flooding on the roadway. Frederick further reminded motorists to be mindful of their surroundings, especially in flash flooding conditions. For more on this story, see Wednesday's LCR.