Highway 20 through Correctionville, IA reopens (2024)

By Dean Welte

Published: Jun. 23, 2024 at 12:43 PM CDT

UPDATE

CORRECTIONVILLE, Iowa (KTIV) - A major highway through Correctionville, Iowa has reopened after flooding closed the roadway.

According to Iowa 511, Highway 20 has reopened after it was closed earlier this week after water went over the road. Throughout Woodbury County, there are still other state and county roads closed. Multiple roads were closed after the Little Sioux River flooded, blocking every bridge that went over the river, effectively cutting off eastern and western Woodbury County. Follow this link to learn how to get the latest updates on roads in your area.

The Correctionville Facebook page states there still is a shelter in the south gym at River Valley High School, as of Wednesday morning. Ida County Cattlemen plan to grill burgers for those affected by the flooding at about 5:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Anyone looking to donate supplies to Correctionville can drop them off at the Correctionville Community Center. Some suggested cleaning items to donate include bleach, buckets, mops, brooms, and fans. If you would like to make a cash donation, officials say to make checks out to Correctionville Emergency Responders and note flood relief.

Flood-affected residents can stop at the Community Center and take what they need.

Additionally, with Correctionville’s sewer lift station out of operation, there are spot-a-pots throughout town. Residents are urged to use them as crews try to repair the sewer system. Currently, there are several homes with sewage in their basem*nt.

The spot-a-pots are located at:

3rd and Ironwood with a hand wash station.
The Correctionville golf course with a hand wash station.
5th and Birch with a hand wash station.
The Lutheran Church with a hand wash station.
Western Iowa Equipment with a hand wash station.
The Rock Station with a hand wash station.
The Community Center parking lot.
Near the High School Gym.

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CORRECTIONVILLE, Iowa (KTIV) - The Mayor of Correctionville has placed a curfew for the town as a shelter has been up for those displaced by the flooding.

The Woodbury County Emergency Management says the Red Cross has set up a shelter in the south gym of the River Valley Community High School, in Correctionville, Iowa. Food and cots have been set up for residents to use.

In case of a power outage in town, residents who wish to evacuate should head to the Anthon School. Ken Bauer, Mayor of Correctionville, says a curfew has been placed a curfew for the town of Correctionville effective from 9:30 p.m. till 6:00 a.m.

This curfew has been set in place for the safety of Correctionville residents and all first responders. Emergency Management says those who are not a resident of Correctionville will not be allowed inside the town.

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SIOUX CITY (KTIV) - Sunday afternoon, the Iowa Department of Transportation announced it would be closing east and westbound traffic on U.S. Highway 20 in Correctionville, Iowa.

Woodbury County Emergency Management says if you are traveling west towards Correctionville, you’ll be directed to take 59 south to Ida Grove and if you are traveling east towards Correctionville on Hwy 20, you’ll be turned away at Minnesota Ave.

No travel is advised on Hwy 20 in Correctionville. Failure to obey road closure signs could result in a ticket or arrest. Once it gets dark, rescue efforts are too dangerous and officials say Woodbury County Sheriff and DNR assets may be unable to assist you.

Correctionville Mayor Ken Bauer said at 3 p.m. Sunday that the substation will be off within hours if not sooner as well as the city sewer. He asked residents who are not evacuating to limit water use and stay clear of emergency responders who are doing their job. Bauer added that this situation is evolving and they are unsure as to how high the water might get but public safety is the top priority.

“Especially hydrologists, there’s five of them that said five different things today,” said Correctionville Mayor Ken Bauer. “They keep upping the levels we’re going to it, they keep saying historic levels but don’t tell us the exact number so I don’t know. We’re playing it by ear.”

According to emergency management, the Little Sioux River is expected to crest at Correctionville at about 1 a.m. Monday, June 23. Officials told residents earlier Sunday to evacuate if possible, and they are also urging nonresidents and nonemergency personnel to avoid town.

If any residents have been displaced, an emergency shelter has been set up at River Valley High School. Officials also say people in town may lose power.

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SIOUX CITY (KTIV) - Officials in Woodbury County say they are monitoring the potential for flooding throughout the county, and have already asked some residents to evacuate.

According to Woodbury County Emergency Management, Correctionville officials have already begun asking some of their residents to leave their homes as a precaution.

Sunday morning the Iowa DOT shut down Highway 31 and 160th in Correctionville due to water over the road. Copeland Park is also experiencing flooding.

“It is important that responders are able to move freely through the area and so it is asked that residents remain off the roads and follow directions from local officials,” said Woodbury County Emergency Management in a press release.

Additionally, as of Sunday morning, the boat ramp at Larsen Park in Sioux City has been closed. Sioux City also plans to build a levy in the Riverside area but officials say current predictions do not indicate it will be needed. They say the levee is only being built as a precaution but roads in the area will be closed if needed.