Communities work to help others

Bart Ziegenhorn, Justin Wibbenmeyer and Brandin Irvin man the shovels as Scott Balcer and Matt Matthews oversee the bags as they fill with sand. Jill Bock, Staff

VANDUSER -- As the waters continued to rise and levees were breached on Tuesday, those in area towns prepared to evacuate -- and wonder how much worse conditions would become.

In Scott County, Vanduser seemed to be the hardest hit. Several houses had water all around them, and roadways leading in and out of town were partially covered or closed.

With another five inches of rain forecast for Tuesday night, voluntary evacuations were conducted through the day, and an American Red Cross shelter was set up at Scott County Central Schools. A sandbagging operation was also set up in the town.

"We are just checking with residents and giving them an option to come to the shelter or get sandbags," said Dep. Jeremy Perrien of the Scott County Sheriff's Department. He worked with the Highway Patrol, as well as South Scott County and Vanduser fire departments to coordinate the efforts in the town on Tuesday. "We're making contact with people to make sure they are OK and let them know their options."

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