Club reflects on recent floods | News, Sport, Jobs

ABOVE: Joe Frerichs inspects the underwater docks and all the damage the storms have caused to the yacht club. Frerichs hopes another 8 inches will dry out before the yacht club’s activities fully resume.

In the last two weeks The City of Lakes is facing rising water levels due to heavy and incessant rains. As a result, water has entered streets, flooded docks, and even knocked boats off their lifts. In the wake of the storm, Fairmont residents are now eagerly awaiting warm weather to clear the overflowing waters. As water levels gradually return to normal, businesses and homeowners are assessing any damage caused by the flooding.

Joe Frerichs, commodore of the Chain of Lakes Yacht Club in Fairmont, was affected by the effects of the flooding in Fairmont. Frerichs noticed the severe thunderstorms and his first course of action was to check with members, especially boaters who dock their boats at the club on Hall Lake, which they routinely do after a severe storm. On Monday, June 17, Frerichs noticed more clear signs of the flooding. The docks were underwater, but the boats were safe. After that date, the lifts shifted, causing them to float in the water on their own. Frerichs warned boaters via text message and for several days he and community boaters attempted to recover boats that were drifting away.

Frerichs said that plans for the club will be discussed at the yacht club’s upcoming board meeting, including coordinating assistance in repairing the damage identified and resuming active use of the club.

“western”>“Most members take care of their own things, but we can also offer help,” said Frerichs.

Frerichs agreed that for him and the coordinators, it’s now just a matter of waiting. The aftermath of the flooding has undoubtedly become a frustrating nuisance for staff and members, but Frerichs is waiting hopefully for the remaining 8 inches of water to return to normal levels.

While this year’s flooding in Fairmont probably won’t be considered a weather record, several sources often compare this flooding phenomenon to the floods in 1993. That flood was the highest and longest-lasting flood he has experienced since he began as commodore of the yacht club in 2019.

Some Fairmont residents who live near Gomsrud Park reported facing significant inconvenience after the storms. Fishermen and boat owners reported their docks flooded and water seeped into their lawns. They also worried about the upcoming weather. The Hobo Trail between Lake Sisseton and George Lake and several shores around Fairmont were completely wet, some visitors said.

The rain has canceled some events, but not all. The Yacht Club has planned a public (non-member exclusive) breakfast event for the morning of July 4, followed by a beach party for members later in the month. While club usage has dropped slightly, many club members (especially children) are flocking to the pool, which has seen less seawater wash in. Frerichs is confident that significant progress will be made in improving water levels by the end of the month.