STANLEY, Ky. — While water levels are continuing to rise in parts of Daviess County, emergency personnel are warning people in one small community in particular to take caution.
The small community of Stanley soon could be isolated as U.S. 60 is expected to be shut down because of the high water.
Both the Ohio and Green Rivers are not expected to crest in Daviess County until Saturday. As of 3 p.m. on Thursday, emergency personnel were expecting water to cover U.S. 60 in the next 12 to 24 hours.
“At that point, the entire community of Stanley will be trapped, essentially. But they have the choice to get out right now. The water’s not gonna come up fast, and it’s not gonna be real deep,” said Stanley firefighter Luke Cecil.
Daviess County Judge Executive Charlie Castlen said he grew up in the area.
“There’s several hundred people that make that their home. They’re resilient people. And they’ll be alright, but we’ve still got our team that’s prepared to assist them,” Castlen said.
Some people will have to evacuate, which is why Daviess County EMA is opening the Owensboro Christian Church to shelter up to 100 people. The agency has also ordered MREs from the state to feed people, as well as bottled water.
The Daviess County Sheriff’s Office will work with the Daviess County Fire Department to patrol the area by helicopter and by boat.
“If you do feel the need to get out, by all means please do so,” said fire chief Jeremy Smith. “Anyone who is not a local here, and you don’t need to be back here, don’t come back here. I wouldn’t risk that.”
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet employees will be staffed at barricades, and are pleading with people not to drive past them or alter them.
“We may have somebody not realize that there’s water there, and then our barricade is not protecting the water over the road,” said Deneatra Henderson, chief district engineer for KYTC District 2.
Down the road in Owensboro at a very flooded Smothers Park, people were hoping for the best for their neighbors.
“I’ll be praying for them,” said Victor Hardesty. “It’s amazing. I never thought it’d ever get this high.”
“It’s unreal,” said Mary Rudd. “Sometimes I worry about them, because they get out there in all this stuff, and you don’t know what’s underneath the water or nothing.”
Recovery will come, and will include assessing the damage done to roads. But right now, everyone in the area is still in response mode.
Owensboro Christian Church will have cots and linens, but people are encouraged to bring their own blankets if they can. Pets will not be allowed.
The shelter will be open through the weekend and then EMA will re-evaluate. For a list of road closures, visit the Daviess County website.
