Jackson Co. flood victims rescued by boat
The Jackson County Sheriff's Department on Tuesday assisted in the rescue of a rural Murphysboro couple stranded by high water.
The couple was identified as Timothy and Bernice Antrim.
Sgt. Mark Wilson said he was called to 280 Keebler Lane in Murphysboro at 10 p.m. He had been alerted to a couple who were trapped on their property by high water with no way out. Deputies responded to the location and discovered the water was too deep to travel through with a four-wheeler. The Murphysboro, Pomona and Somerset rural fire service was dispatched to the scene with a small jon boat. They successfully evacuated the couple and their dogs without incident.
There are 772 homes and businesses in western Jackson County in danger of being flooded this week, according to new data officials compiled.
As people leave, sheriff's deputies on 12-hour shifts will be patrolling the area and keeping an eye on houses evacuees have left behind. Residents can get their home on the department's list by filling-out this form or calling 684-2773. People who need help evacuating or finding shelter may call 684-3137.
As the Mississippi River is predicted to reach levels topping the historic 1993 flood, state Rep. Jerry Costello II, D-Smithton, spent time visiting Randolph and Monroe county sites that are at risk of flooding due to the rising Mississippi and Kaskaskia Rivers and their tributaries.
Forecasters said the Mississippi River in St. Louis is expected to crest early Friday at 13 feet above flood stage - six feet below the 1993 record.
In Chester about 60 miles south of St. Louis, the river is expected to reach a near-record 20 feet above flood stage on New Year's Day.
Record crests of the Meramec River near the flood-prone St. Louis suburbs of Arnold and Valley Park were expected Thursday or early Friday.
Two central Illinois residents have drowned in floodwaters, raising the state's death toll since the weekend to seven.
Also, Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner has issued a disaster proclamation for seven counties.