Caution is still the word for Watseka residents and anyone traveling through town. Flooded streets are still the norm, but there is improvement and flood waters have back off.

Mayor Bob Harwood said the city remains in a state of emergency. The Iroquois County Board officially filed a disaster declaration Tuesday. And the hope now is that the state will step in and provide relief help.

Sugar Creek and the Iroquois River dropped five and three inches overnight. It's a slow process. Mayor Harwood urges patience and also thanks residents and asks to continue observing the curfew daily (10 PM 'TIL 6 AM). It's all about safety.

Watseka public works personnel are monitoring water levels. The number of evacuees has reached around 130. The fire department was called out again today for two more adults on the north side of town.

At least 104 homes are affected, according to Iroquois County Emergency Management Agency Coordinator Eric Ceci, and 60 square blocks of the city are affected by the flood.

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency toured the city Tuesday. Harwood said a city clean-up and recovery plan will be in place by the end of the week.

"I want to thank everyone in town for their patience and I hope they continue to be patient," Harwood said. "We know in a situation like this patience can run thin."
Harwood also expressed his gratitude to the many fire departments providing mutual aid. He said "it's outstanding," that's what this is all about.

94.1 WGFA