Sandbags protect Indiana town

NEW HARMONY, Ind., June 14 (UPI) -- The Indiana National Guard worked Saturday to shore up levees in New Harmony to protect the town from the Wabash River.

The river, which forms the boundary between Indiana and Illinois, was expected to crest Sunday night at 22.8 feet, The Indianapolis Star reported.

Larry Robb, head of emergency management for Posey County, said local officials were concerned about protecting the town's main well.

"We're sandbagging to the 24-foot level, so we should be OK," he said.

Ironically, Posey said, while the guard was placing sandbags, tourists were enjoying an antiques show in the New Harmony historic area. That neighborhood is in no danger.

A number of county roads were submerged and Posey said damage could not be estimated until the floods recede.

A spokeswoman for Duke Energy said the Edwardsport generating station on the White River was closed. The company was using sound bags to try to protect the equipment.

At Gibson station on the Wabash, the company was more concerned about making sure workers could still get in if roads in the area flooded, she said.