Link to Original Story

Cairo evacuation order remains in place

Monday, May 9, 2011

Southeast Missourian

CAIRO, Ill. -- City officials were still keeping close watch on the Ohio River on Sunday, nearly a week after former mayor Judson Childs ordered a mandatory evacuation of Cairo.

The evacuation was still in place through Sunday, although the river dropped to 58.44 feet by 10 p.m. The Ohio River is forecast to drop below 56 feet by Friday morning.

A city clerk who answered the phone at Cairo City Hall on Sunday said he didn't know when residents would be able to come back to their homes. The mayor, Tyrone Coleman -- sworn in a week ago -- is staying in contact with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Illinois emergency management in order to make an informed decision, the clerk said.

An officer who answered the phone at the Cairo Police Department was unable to give details on Friday's announcement in which Coleman allowed residents a few hours to come back to the city and check on their homes. They were allowed to stay in Cairo until 6 p.m.

About 100 residents who chose not to evacuate remained in the city last week, even when river levels reach 61.72 feet May 2.

CAT Tracks Editor's Note:

Cairo Superintendent of Schools Leotis D. Swopes has called a meeting of the leaders of the District's four unions (along with other key school personnel) for this morning at 11 a.m. in the Cairo Jr/Sr High School Library.