As Ottumwans keep a close eye on the swiftly moving Des Moines River current, we’d like to thank all those who have kept the downtown from flooding and most other areas of the city.

The preparations made since the big flood of 1993 have paid off, and city and county officials were ready to do what needed to be done when this month’s flood came.

Everyone in the Ottumwa area should be grateful we have such dedicated planners and workers. Thanks to the Iowa National Guard members for their continued service to our community, some of whom have just arrived home from service in Iraq.

And thank you to all the citizen volunteers who filled and loaded sandbags up and down the raging river.

For those of you who choose to ignore warnings, shame on you.

We’ve heard from several volunteers and officials who are working hard to protect the city and have had to put up with congestion caused by sightseerers. Especially when part of the downtown was closed off to let the trucks pass through hauling items to help shore up the levees.

Folks, if you can’t help, stay home. Allow room for others to work.

It was dismaying to say the least to read about the river rescue Sunday night. Not only were those eight boaters risking their own lives by getting out on the high water, they risked the lives of the officials we depend on to save us.

Stay off the levees, stay out of the river.

Let the Iowa National Guard, U.S. Coast Guard, the city police, county sheriff’s officials and firefighters take care of business.

Any rescues that need to be done should involve those forced out of their homes due to rising water. Not those out joy riding in dangerous water.

We have high praise for all Ottumwans — paid or volunteer — who are working so hard during this time.

We have nothing but contempt for those who put others in harm’s way for no good reason.