Plainfield residents uneasy after flood

PLAINFIELD, Ind. (WISH) - Rising water is not new to the residents of Crystal Bay in Plainfield. But this time it was much more than most had ever seen.

Shirley Denis has lived there since 1986.

"We must be up 15-20 feet from what we usually are," she said.

Denis said she knew it was trouble from the moment she got up Tuesday.

"When I woke up, it, I looked out and our boat was looking at me through the window, practically. It was kind of startling," said Denis.

The problem is that Crystal Bay lake is an overflow for the nearby white Lick Creek. The creek pours debris into Crystal Bay, blocking the flow of the water under the Hadley Street bridge. As the water backed up, police and fire fighters started the evacuations.

Jack Abbott was one of those evacuated.

"Well, they just said, 'Now, you have the right to stay if you want to or you can get out, and we'll get you out," recalled Abbott.

About 25-30 residents were taken to higher ground. One person tried to drive out but found the water too high to make it through. A tow truck had to be called in.

A backhoe was called in too, digging the debris out from under the bridge allowing the water to flow freely again.

Fred Sawyers has lived in Crystal Bay for 20 years.

"Once it goes down, it leaves on mud on everything. So I've sprayed all the mud off of here and I'm moving it because when it dries I have to move it by hand," said Sawyer.

Docks were damaged but the water didn't get into the homes at Crystal Bay. So residents began relaxing and returning to their houses Tuesday.

What residents fear most now, is another round of rain.

Several roads are closed in the area due to high water.

• Sugar Grove (700E)
• Township Line Rd. between Dan Jones and Smith Rd.
• 300 S between Vestal and Center St.
• S. Center St. between Hadley Rd. and I-70
• 2600 E. Main St.
• Vestal/800 E.