Ready for the Flood

The St. Regis River annually rises over the banks in Hogansburg. Some years it's minor but this winter the high water levels have the potential to cause flooding not seen in 38 years.

A few houses have reported flooded basements and ice floes up to their back porch. It was in 1980 when houses were completely flooded out and although the ice is jamming up it hasn't reached that point yet. However the authorities are not taking chances.

Last week a call out was made for community volunteers to fill sandbags in case the waters do reach dangerous levels. The forecast for last weekend was mild and it presented a danger for flooding.

Some community members pitched in and filled the sandbags behind the St. Regis Mohawk Tribal maintenance building and those people are to be commended. The filled bags were loaded onto a trailer for use if needed but despite the mild weather there was no flooding. The water started snaking its away through the ice jam relieving pressure and keeping the ice jam at safe levels.

After sandbag packing, the troops were treated to a lunch and it is hoped their work will not be needed.