Iowa City

6/13...

From Catherine Quehl-Engle...

OK, Hwy 380 is closing soon between Iowa City and Cedar Rapids, possibly for up to a week (maybe extending past Swisher). Hwy 1 from Mt. Vernon to Iowa City is also closed. May need to go all the way to Grinnell in order pick up 380 from this side of Iowa. Cornell College is now housing displaced Coe College students (Coe flooded) and their wedding events. Also women from a Cedar Rapids drug rehab program and their children. Will be interesting to see how our little grocer keeps important things like beer, toilet paper, and peanut butter stocked. As for Iowa City, it sounds like Burlington Bridge-last bridge in IC--will close tonight or Saturday. Perhaps we need a diocesan helicopter--or an arc.
Be well, everybody.
Peace,
Catherine Quehl-Engel

P.S. Interstate 80 traffic funneling through Mt Vernon. If you must travel through these parts know that Craig and I have stocked the beer, toilet paper, and peanut butter and have guest room if necessary (h:319-895-0311).

Alan,
I talked with Carol Dollman at the church, and all is well so far. Volunteers were requested at Sunday services for sandbagging for the area. Carol said she is comparing the list of closed roads to the church contact list and don't see any matches so far. They are keeping an eye on it. Internet access is down at the church and electricity is likely to be affected in the coming days. I'll keep you posted if I hear more.
Karen

From Willa Goodfellow..."Our Turn Now..."

Okay -- the latest message is that the Burlington Bridge in Iowa City is still open, reports otherwise notwithstanding. You can also reach the hospital from Melrose Avenue exit off Highway 280. But DO NOT COME unless for your own medical emergency! If you have an appointment, even for surgery, call before you come to verify that your appointment still exists. If you have somebody who is a patient who absolutely needs a visit, let us know. I personally am not making nonessential visits for now. Nonessential traffic impedes the arrival of essential medical and security staff. Our crest is scheduled for Wednesday, but that's a moving target that keeps moving farther away and higher.