Volunteers Sandbag Low-Lying Areas in Edina

Volunteers Sandbag Low-Lying Areas in Edina

By Crystal Howerton

Approximately 70 locals joined together in filling sandbags and placing them in low-lying areas at Edina Farm & Home, the Edina Wastewater Plant, and the Mark Parrish residence.

Early Saturday afternoon, September 13, 2008, Tony Marble, owner of Edina Farm & Home began to consider using sandbags to protect his business located on the south end of Edina. Edina Fire Department Co-chief Martin Edwards later made the decision to page Knox County Search and Rescue and the Edina Fire Dept to initiate sandbagging. In addition to emergency personnel, including Edina Co-Emergency Management Directors Roger Waibel and Brian Banks and Knox County Emergency Management Director Jim Robertson, numerous local volunteers joined in the efforts to secure Farm & Home. Four to five thousand sandbags were filled with sand brought by L&M Concrete, Novelty, MO and Knox County Stone Co., Edina, MO. In addition, area farmers used agriculture pumps north of the building to keep water levels under control. They started pumping at around 2:00 on Saturday afternoon, and pumped for 18 hours straight.

Upon securing the area near Farm & Home, sandbags were also placed at the Edina Wastewater Plant building and low-lying areas and entrances to the Mark Parrish residence at the southwest edge of Edina on #1 Street.

“It was a combined effort,” said Edina Co-Emergency Management Director Roger Waibel, “We are very proud of our community for pulling together to prepare for flooding. Fortunately, our efforts were not needed.”