News

   Reggie, pictured, is a young American Bulldog mix who was found on Buffalo St. 

   Also found were a small male brown and white Jack Russell terrier mix, on S. Kleas St., Lola, an adult black lab who is very sweet and friendly and was foun don Williams St., and a very large black and white male pit bull mix, found on Stafford St.

   County Judge Dennis Simons has signed a Declaration of Local Disaster for Jackson County, which opens up the possibility of residents with damaged homes to receive federal assistance from FEMA.

   "This is the start of a process," said Simons, adding that Jackson County may or may not qualify for assistance, but the declaration allows the county to assess the damage.  The assessment, along with the declaration, will then be sent to the Govorner, and then on to FEMA in order to see if Jackson County meets the criteria for assistance. The completion of this assessment requires the input and participation from those affected by the floods.   

   Judge Simons said this is the first step in a process that could help the county repair some of the damages suffered during Tropical Storm Bill. Those residents whose homes sustained damaged, who also do not have insurance to cover their damages are asked to contact Judge Simons' Administrative Assistant at 361-782-2352.

   Travellers are facing detours and experiencing backed up traffic on Hwy. 111 due to flooding on Hwy. 59. Drivers are being directed off of Hwy. 59 Northbound, down Hwy. 111, and around to El Campo via Hwy. 172 and Hwy. 71, rather than the direct shot on Hwy. 59 they would usually take. 

   The remnants of Tropical Storm Bill are still pouring water on parts of Jackson and surrounding counties, although intermittently. Flooding in Edna has gone down substantially, but some areas are still seeing high water, and parts of Hwy 59 between Edna and El Campo are impassable. The detour takes those who would otherwise be travelling via Hwy. 59 through Edna, leaving the exit congested and traffic at a standstill at times on Wells St.

   Law Enforcement is helping direct traffic, and drivers are slowly making their way toward Hwy 172 and around the flooed areas.

    The town of Ganado is still playing it safe, having had around 12 inches of rainfall in the past 24 hours. Mayor Clinton Tegeler said the National Weather Service expected Ganado and surrounding areas to still get 10 inches or more in rain, but with what officials have seen around town, believe the town won’t be getting too much more rain.
    “We’re not putting our guard down, but as long as we don’t see significant rainfall again we should be good,” Tegeler said. “The waters have gone down significantly since Wednesday evening so our main concern is what we get from here.”
    The best thing to go after a flood is avoid moving water and flood water in general because the water may be contaminated by oil, gas or sewage. Water can also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines. Use caution when entering buildings and watch out for hidden damage, especially in foundations.

   Jackson County Emergency Management wants displaced citizens to know there is shelter available to them. Any residents forced to leave their homes by the flood waters are invited to stay at the Jackson County Services Building Auditorium, where the American Red Cross has set up a disaster relief shelter.

   Those seeking shelter should bring some form of identification or a bill or other paperwork showing the address from which they have been displaced, as well clothing, any medications, and food if on a special diet. 

   The red cross will provide meals, some snacks, a comfort kit consisting of toiletries such as shampoo, coffee, water, and two blankets. The Red Cross recommends bringing extra blankets or an air mattress if possible for comfort.

    More rain is falling on the already waterlogged county, and more roads are closing. Hwy. 59 at the Jackson/Wharton county line is under water and closed, and travellers are being routed around. Traffic is backed up almost to Ganado.

   Hwy. 111 at CR 3131 is also covered in flood water. Residents are reminded to "turn around, don't drown," by the National Weather Service. Even shallow water can sweep a vehicle away. Yearly, more deaths are recorded due to flooding than any other hazard related to thunderstorms, with over half of those being due to drivers braving floodwaters in their vehicles. Flood waters can sweep away a small car with as little as 12 inches of water present. 

   Jackson County residents displaced from their homes are offered shelter in the Jackson County Services Building Auditorium, according to the Jackson County Sheriff's Department. More rain is expected throughout the day.

The TxDot office at Yoakum has just reported that US 59 at the Wharton/Jackson County line has been closed due to flooding. Travelers should expect detours and delays.

   Drivers on Hwy. 111 had to find a different route into Edna today, as water overflowed from the ditches and made its way onto the roadway.