Update On The Rock River In Winnebago County

NARRATIVE:The Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR) have conducted an assessment of the conditions on the Rock River in Winnebago County.  Based upon this assessment, due to the safety threat of the current, high water, and amount of debris in the water both floating and stationary, the river will remain closed throughout Winnebago County.  We anticipate that conditions will continue to improve over the next few days, and it is our hope that the river would be opened early next week.  As soon as the river is open, and conditions allow for our crews to safely navigate the river, we will conduct a detailed inspection of the river and identify locations of debris and river hazards so that we can work to remove them.   Once the river is opened, the Sheriff will implement a no wake order, which will allow residents along the river access to the water to inspect their property and piers, and make appropriate repairs.  This will also allow the agencies with boat ramps and docks to make any repairs to their areas, as well.  The Sheriff’s Department will be working with the Winnebago County Highway Department to remove the large number of trees and other debris that is in the river, caught on bridges and other obstructions, from the recent floods. Residents who live along the river who would like assistance in removing debris along their property should call the Winnebago County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at 815-319-6215 to provide their name, address, contact phone number, and the nature of the debris.  When the cleanup operation begins, residents from this list will be notified so that arrangements are made to address their issues.  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.