LAWRENCE CO. – Officials in Lawrence County are urging motorists to stop removing or tampering with high water warning signs placed on county roads.
Brian Sowder, superintendent of the Lawrence County Highway Department, told the commissioners this morning crews have repeatedly found the signs missing, stolen, or thrown into flooded areas.
“It blows my mind,” Sowder said. “People are removing the signs, stealing them, or throwing them into the high water. Please consider everyone’s safety.”
According to Emergency Management Valerie Luchauer reported there have been five water rescues so far in Lawrence County. She thanked the Sheriff’s Department, Indiana State Police, Fire Departments and the Department of Natural Resources who assisted during these rescues.
“They put their lives in jeopardy to help others,” She added.
Sheriff Greg Day added to the concerns.
“We have flooding every year,” he added. “Please use common sense. Slow down while driving after dark. Don’t drive around the barricades. Turn around and don’t drown.”
County officials say the signs are placed to warn drivers about dangerous road conditions and help prevent accidents and save lives during flooding events.
Rodney Fish, vice president of the Lawrence County Commissioners, also criticized those responsible for removing the safety markers.
“Lawrence County residents know better,” Fish said. “If you see someone taking or removing the signs, report it.”
The National Weather Service has issued a continued flood warning for the East Fork of White River at Bedford and near Rivervale. Flooding continues at Shoals and Seymour. An additional 0.75 to 1.5 inches of rain is expected today through Wednesday night. The crest of East Fork of White River is near Williams wit the stage at Shoals expected to begin falling on Friday. At 32 feet some evacuations in Fort Ritner area will become necessary. At 10:30 a.m. today the river was at 31.1 feet. The NWS forecast the river is expected to fall below flood stage on Wednesday, March 18th and continue falling. Flood stage is 20 feet.
In other business the commissioners approved paving bids for upcoming road work projects across the county.
The board also approved a $23,402 contract for biannual groundwater testing at the former Lawrence County Landfill. The monitoring ensures groundwater quality around the site continues to meet environmental safety standards.
Officials with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management are expected to visit the county later this month to inspect the landfill. Depending on the results, the agency will determine whether groundwater monitoring can be reduced from twice a year to once annually.
