Barry Co. emergency officials address Crooked Lake flooding

HASTINGS, Mich. (WOOD) — Barry County emergency officials say four sand-bagging stations are open to residents affected by serious flooding on Crooked Lake.

They addressed the issue during a news conference Wednesday, a day after activating the Barry County Emergency Operations Center to monitor and respond to the flooding.

Residents of Upper Crooked Lake and Lower Crooked Lake near Delton have been battling the high waters for weeks. 

The Ritchies told 24 Hour News 8 earlier this month that the flooding is the worst they’ve seen in the 22 years they’ve lived near Upper Crooked Lake. The couple said the  primary culprit is a 24-inch culvert that’s allowing water to flow from nearby lakes into Upper Crooked Lake. That water flows into Lower Crooked Lake, which has no outlet or drain.

Barry County Drain Commissioner Jim Dull said in January, lake levels were four feet higher than they’re supposed to be in summer, and they continued to rise, with the help of heavy rains in May.

County officials said Wednesday it’s unclear when lake levels will drop. They also said any solutions to mitigate the flooding will take careful planning to ensure none of the county’s 300 other bodies of water are negatively impacted.

Residents impacted by the high waters can dial 211 or visit any of the following locations for sandbags:

  • Self-fill station 1: Oak Drive
  • Self-fill station 2: East Shore Drive
  • Self-fill station 3: Barry County Road Commission | 1725 W. M043 Hwy., Hastings | Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Ready-made station: Praireville Township Hall | 10115 S. Norris Rd., Delton

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