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Mullen Serves on IWT Panel

Franklin County OEM/FS Coordinator served as a guest panelist for the 2019 Arkansas Integrated Warning System’s Workshop.  The topic of this year’s workshop was Severe Weather Drought Conditions. Mullen (second from right) represented local emergency management while other panel members were from the Arkansas Forestry Commission, National Parks Service, National Weather Service, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, United States Forest Service and news media.  Mullen responded to several questions about burn bans; preparation for and response to enhanced wildland fire behavior;  hot weather search and rescue activity; use of broadcast media and social media to inform the public; impacts on agriculture; and, others.  About 75 persons from  Arkansas and Louisiana attended the workshop which was held on the campus of the University of Central Arkansas.

By Fred Mullen

OES NOTEPAD by Fred Mullen

Weather Message–Responders and citizens, be aware, the summer severe weather pattern is here.  Along with classic thunderstorms forming along frontal boundaries, we will see locally and rapidly developing storms with a tendency to roam around.  These storm often create micro-burst. Rotation in these storms is often delayed in detection by radar.  Safety Message–an accurate scene size-up shared with Dispatch and incoming resources prevents injuries and sometimes deaths.  It is the responsibility of the initial first responder on the scene to ensure this initial size up is broadcast.

Franklin County OEM/FS has received some supplies and equipment donations (shovels, safety glasses, drinking water, etc)  for Fire Departments and the EMS.  Deliveries have been made to Charleston, Branch, Oak Bend/Etna and South Ozark/Webb City Departments. I will be calling the rest of you to arrange delivery times.  Special thanks to Melissa, Randy and Nick for helping with the logistics.

Fireworks shows are in Altus and Charleston on Thu Jul 4 and in Ozark on Fri Jul 5.  Other county fire departments are asked to be on standby for mutual aid request during the shows.

On Sat Jun 29, six fire fighters completed the AFA Intro to Fire Fighting and Personal Protective Equipment Classes at the Watalula Fire Department.  Instructor Frank Theising reported that there were 3 personnel from JC RFD 8 (Hunt), 2 from Watalula, and 1 from Altus.

Upcoming training: Sat Jul 13 at 08:00 AFA Basic Auto Extrication at the Watalula Fire Department  NOTE: There is an omission on Edition 8 of the Events Schedule–Mon Aug 5 at 18:00 AFA Safety and Health at the Watalula Fire Department.  POC for both classes is Frank at 479-209-3777.

By Franklin County Joint Information Center

According to the Tulsa Office of the National Weather Service, flood water levels will continue to recede through Sunday.  However, on Sunday, the gates on lakes in Oklahoma will be opened which will cause the water  in Franklin County to  go back up to about 364.4 which is the current level at the Ozark Lock and Dam.

     Roads remaining closed in Franklin County includes Kenny Hole Road, Jenny Road at the 2000 Block, Kirk Road at the southern end and Sheep Farm Road at Hurricane Creek.

      Coon Tree Road through the Alix Bottoms is open but it is advised to use extreme caution because it is very wet and muddy.   Judge Rickey Bowman reminds citizens that the roads could have damage where the water crossed them and that they can be very slick.  He advises, “Drive Carefully.”

    Repairs have been made to Hopkins Street in Branch and it is open.  This street was damaged during a flash flood event on Wednesday afternoon.

     The City of Ozark reports that the East Side Park is open.  Mayor Roxie Hall reports that the Street Department and Fire Department are still involved in cleaning on some streets in Ozark.  All streets in Ozark are now open.

Franklin County OEM Coordinator Fred Mullen  reminds private property owners who have damaged property due the flood water to call 479-667-4909.  Leave your name and number and your call will be returned.  At this time, FEMA has not activated a program for private property loses but Mullen remains hopeful that they will.  He says it is important to show the FEMA officials a list of damaged properties and estimated dollar amounts for the loses. 

     If citizens need assistance with cleanup due to the flood water they can request it on the HELP HOTLINE at 479-213-6015.  If you want to help with the clean up call the VOLUNTEER HOTLINE at 479-213-6551. 

By Franklin County Joint Information Center

Flood waters along the Arkansas River continue to recede which results in more road opens. In Ozark, Bell Street at River Street and Main Street were opened yesterday.  Other openings  in Ozark include Bell Street  at Market Street; Spring Street and Barcliff Lane.  Normal traffic patterns  around the Post Office have been restored.  The Ozark East  Side park continues to be closed.  Highway 64 remains open as well as Hwy 23 South of the River Bridge.  Hwy 309 at Morris Creek is open but it remains closed at Smith Creek.

Rain is in the forecast from today through Sunday, but officials do not think that it will add significantly to the River Flooding.  However, thunderstorms are possible that often produces locally heavy rain on the already saturated ground, so flash flood warning for creeks, small streams and low lying areas cannot be ruled out. 

Franklin County Severe Weather Officer Rick Covert encourages everyone to remember when confronted with high water on the road way– turn around, don’t drown.

Judge Rickey Bowman reminds property owners who have had damage due to the flooding to call the Office of Emergency Management at 479-667-4909.  Please leave you name and phone number and your call will be returned.  Damage assessment for private property is being compiled with the hope of qualifying for the FEMA Individual Assistance program.  This program is a combination of direct grants to homeowners and low-interest loans to business owners, farmers and ranchers.

    President Trump has authorized emergency funding for public entities in Franklin County.  Government agencies who have had losses may be eligible to be reimbursed for 75% of their incurred cost. This includes cities, Rural Fire Departments, Water Associations, rural electric services, County Departments, and others.

If you need assistance with cleanup at your property due to the flood impact you can call the Help Hotline at 479-213-6015.  If you want to help with the cleanup you can call the Volunteer Hotline at 479-213-6551.

OEM Coordinator Fred Mullen wants to thank Simmons Bank, the 4-H clubs and the Gardner Center for  Tuesday’s wonderful luncheon provided to the emergency responders, road and street crews, administrative staffs and others who have worked on the flood event.

The Arkansas Department of Transportation has been OPENED.

Several other roads in Franklin County remain closed until further notice. Thank you again for your patience.

Current List of Known Roads/Facilities Closed:

City of Ozark:

Bar Cliff Lane at Highway 64

East Market and North Bell Street

East River Street at Post Office–South Entrance of Post Office is Blocked but you can come in the entrance at South Bell and Main Street

East Spring Street

Bell Street at River Street

Bell Street at Main Street

Bell Street at Market Street

Carter King Mountain Road at East Spring Street

King Mountain Road

Lock and Dam Road

Webb City / South Ozark Area:

Santa Fe Trail at Corps of Engineers Relief

Highway 309 at Moores Creek

Highway 309 at Smith Creek

Altus / Denning / Alix Area:

Carbon Plant Road west of West Creek Road

Covert Road

Jennie Road

Kenny Hole Road

Kirk Road

Lock and Dam Road

Plum Street at Coon Tree Road

Plum Street at Iron Station Road

Etna Area:

Sheep Farm at Carpenter Cemetery

Sheep Farm Road at Hurricane Creek

Aux Arc Park

White Oak Park

Pleasant View Area: 

Mattie / Adams Road and White Oak Creek

White Oak Park Road

Facilities:

Aux Arc Park

White Oak Park

East Side Park

By Franklin County Joint Information Center (FCJIC)

Hwy 64 is open in Ozark.  Arkansas Department of Transportation officials do not anticipate the current flooding cycle will put water back over it. However, Hwy 23 remains closed and will do so until the water recedes from it.  

On Sunday, information from state and federal sources describes the flood situation in Franklin County as ‘steady’ with a generally downward trend.  Rain is in the forecast for the next 5 days, but Weather Service officials do not think that the amount will cause a rise in the water level, however, it is anticipated the local and regional rains will slow down the pace of the water receding.

     Ozark City Street foreman Jody Samply reminds citizens that some roads may remained closed for a few days after the water is gone sown to allow time for inspections to take place.  Though this is slow moving water and is not expected to lead to much erosion, the saturation can weaken the road materials. 

     Emergency medical officials are proud to report there have not been any injuries or accidents directly attributable to the flood waters.  Neither has there been great problems for EMS and Fire answering calls because of the closed roads.

      OEM Senior Deputy Coordinator Melissa Francis, with the help of volunteers staffing hot line phones, continues to collect names of those who need assistance and those who want to help.  Francis says that offers of help have come from as far away as Dallas.  She adds that as the water recedes, OEM will plan work days for the volunteers to come help.  There will be debris to clear from some parks and peoples lawns.  Some residents will need help with cleaning and making repairs to homes.  Those numbers are, if you need help call 479-213-6551, and , if you want to volunteer to help, call 479-213-6015.

Rick Covert, 9-1-1 Manager, is asking citizens to not call 9-1-1 to inquire about road closures.  They can report road closures at 479-667-4176.  See www.fcoem.org for a comprehensive list of Franklin County Road Closures.  If you need to travel elsewhere in Arkansas, please check the I Drive Arkansas website.

 Judge Rickey Bowman asks citizens to give a pat on the back to emergency responders, road crews, utility workers, and all the volunteers who have worked diligently to limit the damage of the flood water and  provide needed services. Its been a tough week for all those folks with the storms, flooding, special events and other mission they have undertaken. 

Current List of Known Roads/Facilities Closed:

City of Ozark:

Bar Cliff Lane at Highway 64

East Market and North Bell Street

East River Street at Post Office–South Entrance of Post Office is Blocked but you can come in the entrance at South Bell and Main Street

East Spring Street

Bell Street at River Street

Bell Street at Main Street

Bell Street at Market Street

Carter King Mountain Road at East Spring Street

Highway 23 South and Highway 64 across from CVs Family Foods

King Mountain Road

Lock and Dam Road

Webb City / South Ozark Area:

Highway 23 South of Arkansas River Bridge at Terry’s Tire

Santa Fe Trail at Corps of Engineers Relief

Highway 309 at Moores Creek

Highway 309 at Smith Creek

Altus / Denning / Alix Area:

Carbon Plant Road west of West Creek Road

Covert Road

Jennie Road

Kenny Hole Road

Kirk Road

Lock and Dam Road

Plum Street at Coon Tree Road

Plum Street at Iron Station Road

Etna Area:

Sheep Farm at Carpenter Cemetery

Sheep Farm Road at Hurricane Creek

Aux Arc Park

White Oak Park

Pleasant View Area: 

Mattie / Adams Road and White Oak Creek

White Oak Park Road

Facilities:

Aux Arc Park

White Oak Park

East Side Park

Highway 64 was closed again this morning at South Bell Street on the east side of Ozark. At this time we do not know when it will be re-opened.

If the water goes down for a little while they may be able to re-open it for a short time period, however if the water goes back up it will have to be re-closed.

We are trying to keep you updated but recommend checking here and on our Facebook if you need to travel that direction.

Please do not drive around the barriers.

Thank you for your patience