Fenton Residents Hope Rain Stops

The latest round of rain caused some residents to wonder whether another major flood was coming.

By Jeff Bernthal,

May 7, 2008, 7:52 PM CDT

Fenton — 2008 is a year the City of Fenton will likely never forget.

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"We had the floods at Easter, we had an earthquake centered here last week, it sounds like a year of biblical proportions," said Dennis Hancock, Fenton mayor.

The latest round of rain caused some residents to wonder whether another major flood was coming. Forecasts call for minor flooding.

Even so the sandbags around Joe Clark's Bar and Restaurant won't be removed anytime soon. They saved this business once before when a blitz of volunteers piled them several feet high.

"The sandbags are here because they're supposed to be more rain," laughed one employee.

Other business weren't so fortunate. Repairs are still underway at the Queen of Hearts.

"Floors, electrical, service panels had to be changed out," explained one worker.

The owner hopes to be open next week and says if it floods again, he'll just "remodel" again.

All the flood repairs have been costly for the city. The Mayor estimated the cost between $500,000 and $600,000.

"Even though the County was declared a disaster area there wasn't enough damage in the County to qualify for funding so we have to absorb those costs, "said Hancock.

He said those costs would be even higher if it wasn't for the hundreds of volunteers who helped with the cleanup.

They'll be honored this year with a plaque for stepping up at a time when they were desperately needed.