Some Fargo residents refuse to leave homes

Associated Press

FARGO, N.D.

Mac Butler believes he’ll beat the bloated Red River and save his home again this year. But a canoe and kayak are tied up outside his house just in case he’s wrong.

Butler and his wife, Jane, are among the final holdouts in an already flood-ravaged Fargo neighborhood where some three dozen homeowners have opted to accept government money to relocate over the past decade. On Sunday, the river is expected to crest up to 20 feet above the flood stage, meaning its overflowing waters could rush right up to the Butlers’ home — again.

Others who have chosen to stay in the neighborhood also were taking precautions this week. Volunteers in Fargo filled their 1 millionth sandbag Wednesday as the river rose above 30 feet — considered major flood stage.

Fargo itself is beginning to show signs of wear and tear from days of preparations. Dump trucks carrying clay for dikes let some spill out, coating roads and making them a muddy mess. Roads are blocked off to let heavy equipment through.

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