Donald Barnett

Mayor of Rapid City; Notification of possible high water; Preparation by police, public works employees; Observed situation at Canyon Lake Dam several times; Evacuation of Canyon Lake Park approximately 9:45 p.m.; Phone call from above Rapid City warning of flood waters; Issuance of evacuation order at 10:15 p.m.; Attempted rescue on Jackson Boulevard; Rescue mission by Sergeant Peterson, National Guard, vicinity of Deadwood Avenue and West Chicago; Observation of activities at Bennett-Clarkson Hospital, Civil Defense headquarters about 5:30 a.m.; Ordered emergency medical supplies; Praise of National Guard, Police and Fire departments, REACT; Response of private citizens; Response of state and federal governments; Clean-up operations; Rapid City Disaster Foundation.

SD Oral History Center

July 17, 1972

Earl Hausle