Memories of the June 20, 1993 Rock Dam Flood

 

I don't remember, exactly what date the flooding took place, other than summer of 1993.    The washout was the bridge (and further south) over the creek, which normally, is no more than about 2-3 feet deep, from my recollections.

Notice, on the picture of the dam in the background (#3), that the water is only about 6-10 feet (I'm really bad at guessing depth) from the top of the dam.  Normally, you can walk about ankle deep under the falls.  By the time we got there (late morning), it had already receded, as from what I understand, it was flowing about even with the top of the dam, at one point.

I wish I had taken pictures of the boats that were lodged along the banks--one, even still attached to the pier that used to be in front of the owner's cabin, somewhere.  It was just so devastating, that I felt it would be sacrilege to even photograph it.

Shari Hahn

A new Board and Clerk were elected into office in April 1993 consisting of Robert lIlian, Chairman; Bruce Maresch, Helen Niemiec, Supervisors; Gerry Ruzic, Clerk; and Raymond Durst, Treasurer. lilian and Maresch had been in office in prior years. On June 20, 1993, the 100 year flood hit The road by the main culvert area was completely washed away and the beach area was gone. Lakeside Road, Hay Creek Road, and Camp Globe Road were impassable for a period of time until the many local people came out to help clear debris and mark bad wash outs. The response of people was unbelievable and just to numerous to mention, but it will never be forgotten. Camp Globe Road had a wash out so large we called it our Little Grand Canyon. In all there were twenty one wash out sites. The need of culvert replacement was enormous and gravel by the 1,000s yards to fill in these areas.
The Town Board applied for a grant This area was declared a Federal Disaster Area by President Clinton and a State Disaster by Governor Thompson. The Township was granted Federal and State aid, also a $44,000 grant. The Town Board and Clerk along with the Treasurer really rolled up their sleeves and went to work. The paper work was the largest ever undertaken in this Township. The Board worked with Governor Thompson, General Matera, General Bernard, the Army Corps of Engineers and Clark County. The Clerk was busy with the State Block Grant Officers to get the grant The Army Corps of Engineers put in the temporary road for the winter of 1993 and 1994. The Rod and Gun Club was donated for their bunk area and the local women made a hot meal for the Army Corps everyday. This in itself was also unbelievable, how everyone pitched right in and did whatever they could. The construction of the bridge was starting to be replaced. The bid was awarded to Ruzic Construction, a local company from Neillsville. Ivan Ruzic operated the back hoe and also did all the rip-rap. Davey Petkovsek was the crane operator. Al Printz, Dave and Bruce Brecht were laborers. The bridge was completed and dedicated on June 18, 1994. The cost was over $200,000 and took over three years to completely settle all accounts. This bridge is certainly an improvement to our area, and will give happy travel to all who cross it. Again I would like to say a special Thank You to Bob and Bruce for their dedication on this job and “God Bless”

Gerry Ruzic

 

 


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