Closing Of The Rock And Kishwaukee Rivers In Winnebago County

 Narrative: Sheriff Richard A. Meyers has recommended to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR) the closure of the Rock River and Kishwaukee River in Winnebago County.  Conservation Police have reviewed the information and conditions, and have concurred with this recommendation.  The Illinois DNR has implemented a ARESTRICTED BOATING AREA@ which closes the entire Rock River and the entire Kishwaukee River within Winnebago County for all recreational activity, due to the high water and hazardous river conditions.  All public boat ramps within Winnebago County have been barricaded, and recreational users are prohibited from accessing the river or operating within a Arestricted area.@  The presence of debris in the river creates hazardous conditions, which are difficult to detect, and the increased water flow creates a much faster current than what has been experienced over the past few months with the lower water levels.  These conditions increase the likelihood of problems for users of the river, which results in exposing first responders to dangerous conditions should a rescue situation develop. Residents of the area are reminded that as the water rises, flooding may continue to occur in areas affected by the higher water levels.  Any additional rainfall will greatly impact the water levels, as the ground is saturated, and any significant amounts of rain over the next several days will add runoff to the water levels.  Sand and equipment needed for sandbags is available at the following locations: ·         Harlem Roscoe Fire Station #1—10544 Main Street in Roscoe;·         Michalsen Office Furniture—8010 North Second Street in Machesney Park;·         Schoonmaker Park—10500 Ventura Boulevard in Machesney Park;·         New Milford Fire Station—2177 Will James Road in New Milford The Winnebago County Emergency Services and Disaster Agency can also field calls from people with concerns or questions about the flooding.  Their number is (815) 319-6215. For current river conditions, and any further updates, contact the Sheriff=s Office at (815) 319-6300, or the Rock River information telephone line at (815) 316-8888.