Press Release: Lisa Loucks Christenson, Host of Lisa’s Walk The Talk Show, Swimming in Flood Stories from Residents of Elba, MN
Copyright 2007 Lisa Loucks-Christenson
Lisa Loucks Christenson, Host of Lisa’s Walk The Talk Show, Swimming in Flood Stories from Residents of Elba, MN
© 2007 Lisa Loucks-Christenson Investigative Reporter in downtown Elba, Minnesota.
Six lives claimed as flooding continues in SE Minnesota. Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty traveled to SE Minnesota, declaring six counties a state of emergency called in two Black Hawk Helicopters and 240 National Guardsman. Lisa’s Walk The Talk Show has gathered and will continue to cover the scenes and inside stories of the residents in the flooded town of Elba, Minnesota, one of several towns evacuated due to raging floods.
(Lisa Loucks-Christenson Media Syndicate) ROCHESTER, MN - August 20, 2007
Six Lives Claimed as Flooding Continues in SE Minnesota. On Sunday, Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty traveled to SE Minnesota, declaring six counties a state of emergency, called in two Black Hawk Helicopters and 240 National Guardsman.
Lisa’s Walk The Talk Show has gathered scenes and inside stories of the residents in the flooded town of Elba, Minnesota, including interviews with Mayor Donnie Ball and his wife Judy.
Lisa’s raw footage of the flooded town of Elba, MN aired Sunday night 8/19/2007, just an hour after being filmed, on KTTC and Fox 47 out of Rochester, MN.
According to Bob Reinert, Winona County Administrator and spokesman for the county’s emergency operation center. Six people are confirmed dead in this flood, two people have died in Houston County who were swept in raging waters, and four people died in Winona County. Four more people remain missing tonight and at least eight RV campers were still afloat on the raging Whitewater River as Winona County Sheriff Department and National Guardsman continue door-to-door checks.
Governor Pawlenty has declared a state of emergency in six counties in SE Minnesota: Winona, Fillmore, Olmsted, Wabasha, Steele, Houston. 75 National Guardsman arrived today in Winona County with up to 240 to arrive by Monday, as well as two Black Hawk Helicopters to help in search, rescue, and flood relief efforts.
The American Red Cross has set up shelters across the area of the counties affected.
“With the chopping swirl of a Black Hawk Helicopter above searching the Whitewater River; I looked for people and their stories on the road. Behind blooming thistle and a drifting-watermelon, flood waters raged the banks of the river near the Lazy D Campground, and as I snapped my shutter, I overheard someone passing by me that they were still looking for eight RV campers. As I stood up and walked onward to the town that has fed me with smiles, and friendships, and laughter these past three years while covering my documentaries I have to admit, I had a hard time walking on to document what was ahead because the images only grew worse as the flood scenes intensified ahead.”
One of those interviewees, the Mayor of Elba, Donnie Ball. I found Donnie driving through flooded roads on a huge riding mower. I asked him, ‘Donnie, what do you have to say to your people here about what happened?”
Donnie looked down, then up, and nodded, confident in his answer, “It’s an act of God, that’s what it is, an act of God. What would you call it, Lisa?”
As I interviewed residents of Elba, others canoed by, or rode ATVs through flooded streets to reach their destinations.
There were canoes ‘parked’ at The Elba House, and at The Bike Shed on Main Street which is normally lined with hundreds of Harley Davidson’s on any given Sunday, by those stopping by for a drink at either the well known Johnny’s Saloon, or Mauer Brothers.
“I’ll be back on Monday to find more stories and document the ‘sense of community.’ I will also be extra careful as I move beyond the flood roads in search of the bald eagles on my bald eagle documentary project. I’ve spent the past three years documenting the Nest 1 pair and, including the eaglets from this year, five eaglets. I fear they may have fallen victim to the raging Whitewater River, which swallowed up the river bank, cutting it almost to their nest tree, during a spring flash flood.”
“The last images I have were Saturday afternoon in a steady downpour. The male eagle flew in with a fish and dropped it into the nest where one of his 17 week old twins waited. After which, he flew to a perch and tossed his head back, calling out. Maybe he was trying to tell me of the impeding flood. This is the second flash flood to hit their nest area this year.” added Loucks-Christenson.
Check back as Lisa brings you an update on Monday 8/20/2007 from Rochester, Minnesota and Elba, Minnesota.
Photos and video can be licensed by contacting Lisa Loucks Christenson, 3160 Wellner Drive NE, Rochester, MN 55906.
Upcoming Featured Guests on Lisa’s Walk The Talk Show August through the first two weeks of September include: check Web site at http://www.lisalc.com for schedule. Schedules subject to change)
Kim Anthony and Midnite Rodeo, Brad Avery (Third Day), Bobby Bare, Mark Bego, Rustie Blue, Terry Lee Bolton, Kirk W. Boland, Lee Brice, Ansel Brown, Charlie Daniels, Billy Gilman, Chris Gray, Group 1 Crew, Kathy Ireland, Miko Marks, Eddie Money, Aaron Tippin, Dennis Morgan, Ann-Marita, Jordie Lane, Rivers Rutherford, Rush of Fools, Beverly Swerling, Porter Wagoner, Jack Witteveen.
Past guests include: Pete Anderson, Ansel Brown, Charlie Daniels, Chris Gray, Crista Lynn, Aaron Neville, Jim Owen, Stan Silver, Ray Stevens, Pam Tillis, Rhonda Towns, Bryan White and more.
ABOUT LISA LOUCKS CHRISTENSON:
Lisa Loucks Christenson is a national award-winning author and photographer. She is a national speaker, mentor, and the talk show host of Lisa’s Walk The Talk Show, now in its second season.
ABOUT LISA’S WALK THE TALK SHOW SYNDICATION:
Lisa’s Walk The Talk Show now in its second season has expanded to broadcasting seven days a week, two shows every Friday.
Lisa’s Walk The Talk Show is internationally syndicated on affiliate stations worldwide, including both internet and terrestrial stations.
Lisa’s Walk The Talk Show is broadcast out of Rochester, Minnesota
Lisa, the host of Lisa’s Walk The Talk Show, is the late night anchor seven days a week on BBS Radio, and on every Friday on Voice America at 11 a.m. (Eastern) and numerous affiliates worldwide.
CONTACT:
Lisa Loucks-Christenson Media Syndicate
Lisa Loucks Christenson
P.O. Box 9177
Rochester, MN 55903
(866) 562-5125
http://www.LisaLC.com
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