By Judy Seifert (Contact / Staff Bio)
February 14, 2009 - 12:19 p.m. EST

VASSAR — February’s thaw, combined with recent record rainfall, is impacting the city in ways residents don’t want to remember.

Rising water from the Moore Drain flooded one block of downtown Vassar Friday morning. Drivers were diverted around the stretch of M-15 from Main Street to Cass Avenue.

"We detoured drivers one block north to Oak Street which allowed them to cross the drain and re-connect with M-15," said James Walker, interim city manager.

The flooding was not caused by the Cass River overflowing. Walker said flood stage for Vassar is 14 feet. At noon yesterday, the river was at 17.14 feet, but according to Walker, contained.

"The Moore Drain is working, it’s just that the water is slowed down somewhat right now," Walker said. "We expect everything will be fine by this evening (Friday)."

The drain, completed in 2006, flows through a culvert and connects to the Cass River.

Vassar schools were closed on Friday, Walker said the decision was made by school officials.

"They were not sure what to expect over the day as far as getting busses through the flooded area," Walker added.

And the Vassar Theater was closed due to the flood. A message on the theater’s answering machine said the hope was the theater would be back up and running by today.

Vassar city workers expected the drain and river water to crest at 7 p.m. last night. The detour remained in effect until the road was cleared of water.