Illinois National Guard Troops Keep Watch on Cache River Near Karnak

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Carly O’Keefe with KVFS-TV Channel 12 News out of Cape Gerardo Mo., interviews Craig A. Bradley, Karnak mayor.

• Soldiers from 2nd Battalion 130th Infantry Regiment look for boils and monitor either side of the bridge that crosses a natural choke point where the banks are narrower.

KARNAK, IL (05/07/2011)(readMedia)-- With many resources and manpower being allocated to hold back flood waters in the more populated areas throughout Southern Illinois, the state's response has not failed to respond to the smaller towns also in need.

Illinois National Guard Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment were tasked with surveying the Cache River just outside the of Karnak.

The Soldier's job here is to keep watch of river levels and check the surrounding area for boils.

"They've given us some good eyes on the area, and allowed us to better assess the situation," said Craig A. Bradley, Karnak mayor.

The unit has kept a visual on this area of the river specifically because if there is a reported rise, the resulting back up may force water toward the city, explained Sgt. 1st Class Kerry Gabbard, of Villa Grove, Company D, 2nd Bn., 130th Inf. Regt., from Mt. Vernon.

However, water levels have dropped slowly over the past 24 hours, which is very positive news, said Bradley.

The community, like most of those involved with flooding in the region, has been battling the waters for days.

"It's important the Guard came here, we needed people to help," said Bradley.

photo 1) U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Charlie Helmholt, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment/ Carly O'Keefe with KVFS-TV Channel 12 News out of Cape Gerardo Mo., interviews Craig A. Bradley, Karnak mayor. The mayor talks of the potential danger the town could face if the river levels were to rise, and thanks the Illinois National Guard for its relief efforts.

photo 2) U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Charlie Helmholt, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment/ Soldiers from 2nd Battalion 130th Infantry Regiment look for boils and monitor either side of the bridge that crosses a natural choke point where the banks are narrower. If the water levels rise at this point in the river it could cause a backup into the town of Karnak.