Water recedes, holiday rolls in
After more than a week of coping with Fox River flooding, some Chain O' Lakes hotspots are gearing up for the Labor Day weekend.
One popular Chain establishment, Blarney Island, is scheduled to reopen today. The tavern on a Grass Lake island was shut because of high water on the Chain.
Some others that have been open, such as Famous Freddie's Roadhouse in Fox Lake, say access to their businesses will be improved this weekend.
Kristi Haley, whose family runs the island bar and Port O' Blarney tavern onshore off Grass Lake Road, said there will be a few differences when they reopen today.
For example, because of a no-wake restriction on the Chain, the ferry that runs from Port O' Blarney to the island will take longer than usual.
Vessels can travel only up to 5 mph when in a no-wake area. Haley said that means a six-minute ferry trip to Blarney Island likely will be about 15 minutes.
Haley said Blarney Island's kitchen will be closed, but grills will be used to cook bratwurst and other food. She said she couldn't guess how big the crowds might be this weekend.
"It's supposed to be a really nice weekend. Whatever you can get," she said Friday.
Famous Freddie's general manager Brian Baker said flood waters have receded to the point about 60 percent of the establishment's parking lot will be available for patrons. They also can catch a shuttle bus from the nearby Moretti's Ristorante & Pizzeria on Route 12.
"We should have an excellent weekend," Baker said.
C.J. Smith's Resort on Grass Lake Road near Antioch will remain closed today and might open its bait shop Sunday.
Meanwhile, many area residents will carry on with cleanup chores today.
Red Cross cleanup kits will be available 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Fox Lake fire station No. 2 on Washington Street. The kits will have a bucket, mop, disinfectants, deodorizers to get rid of mold and mildew associated with flooding.
Fox Lake Emergency Services Disaster Agency Director Ed Lescher said it's too soon to speculate when sandbag removal should begin.
"We don't want anybody to remove sandbags yet," he said Friday. "We want the water to fully recede."
Anthony Smithson, director of environmental health services for the Lake County Health Department, said beaches in the Chain O' Lakes remain closed. He said anyone who touches the lake water should wash their hands as a precaution.
Smithson said those in a flood area also should use a mosquito spray with DEET.
Problems in the Chain O' Lakes region have been caused by the Fox River as it flows south from New Munster, Wis. The river's level was projected to be 11.7 feet at 7 a.m. today in New Munster, where flood stage is 10 feet.
Fox Lake has been dropping toward its flood stage of about 5 feet.
Water levels also have been receding in Gurnee along the Des Plaines River. The river was projected to be at the 7-foot flood stage in Gurnee at 7 a.m. today.
Gurnee officials urge individuals and business to keep sandbags in place until next week as a precaution.
Boaters will be allowed on Bangs Lake in Wauconda. Village officials said water has receded enough to allow activities on the water.