Community

Businesses Near Ohio River Brace for Rising Water

Joselyn King

The concept of "sandbagging" actually meant hard work for some downtown Wheeling businesses Thursday located near the Ohio River.

As the rising river water was expected to crest by evening, some businesses were making last minute preparations to shield items from the water while others were already beginning clean-up efforts.

Waterfront Hall was closed after taking on about "two to three feet of water" in its basement by noon, explained owner Dan Milleson. The first floor was still unaffected at that time, though you could easily see the river water and nearby ducks just outside the building's windows.

"It just makes sense there would be water in the basement," Milleson said. "It (basement water) is at the same level as the river. It's just a matter of waiting."

He explained he made the decision to close the building until all sewer lines leading out were operational. Work was happening Thursday afternoon to pump out the water in the basement.

"We're only going to re-open when it is safe for everybody," Milleson said. "Dehumidifiers and fans are on the way, and we will be cleaning out the basement over the weekend."

At nearby National Equipment Company at 14th and Water streets, workers were making plans to place sandbags around the building Thursday afternoon - but they first had to get new sandbags, explained Debbie Wood, general manager.

She said the last time their sandbags were used was in 2005, and they were found to be rotting.

Wood said the business had about a foot of water in its basement on the Main Street side that had come up through the drains.

Customers of their professional restaurant items had been calling the National Equipment Company throughout the morning asking for advice on what to do with their gas ovens and other appliances in preparation for flooding.

Wood said she told them to make certain gas was turned off to their ovens, and that they should remove any floor model fryers they might have installed because if the fryers take on water they can no longer be used.

One customer, a local Chick-Fil-A store, brought employees there breakfast on Thursday morning, she said.

DiCarlo's Pizza on Main Street was open as usual on Thursday, but owner Toni DiCarlo wasn't certain there would be the typical number of customers.

"The Nailers canceled, and that will put a dent in our business," she explained.

DiCarlo hoped she could pick up the lunch overflow from those who might otherwise have headed to eateries at Waterfront Hall.

"It's all scary," she said of the flooding. "I just hope this is the worst of it."