Lake Freeman businesses battle the low water level

MONTICELLO, Ind. (WLFI) - Since the water level of Lake Freeman has been fluctuating over the past week, Pearson's Marina owner Katrina Coghill said this is the lowest she's seen the lake since the Oakdale Dam starting releasing water into the Tippecanoe River Saturday.

"Currently, I would say the water level is down approximately ten inches," Coghill said.

Coghill said they're working hard to make sure everyone knows that water levels are down. Especially people from out of town who may not be familiar with Lake Freeman.

Coghill said she also wants people to know that despite the low water level, their business is still open and ready for the weekend.

"I feel like right now if you're planning on coming to Monticello for the weekend, you should still come. We're open and I don't anticipate not being able to boat this weekend out of our facility, we just encourage that boaters use extra caution on the water," Coghill said.

Another business relying on the water is the Madam Carroll cruise boat. Manager Jay Woodruff said they are hearing from a lot of concerned customers that are wondering if they're still open.

"We are getting a lot of phone calls," Woodruff said. "People concerned for future events and what not but we're taking every step we can. Their safety is our number one concern and we're not going to go out if it goes down to a ridiculous level, but for now, we're business as usual and we're praying for rain like everyone else."

Woodruff said if the water level goes down much further they may have to reroute the Madam Carroll to avoid hidden stumps, sand dunes, and rocks under water and said until that happens they want everyone to know the show will go on.

"If we lose another foot, we'll have trouble. But for now, we're okay. We're business as usual and we'd like everyone to know that we are open," Woodruff said.

Coghill and Woodruff both said the water level has to go down a couple more feet before their businesses will come to a halt, but said for now, they are carrying on.