Officials: Car removal starts Monday

IONIA, Mich. (WOOD) - The first round of stranded vehicles at the Ionia County Fairgrounds will be moved Monday, Ionia and Clear Channel officials announced at a press conference Wednesday.

Those affected will be notified the evening before their vehicle is selected to be towed.

For example, if your car is selected to be moved Monday, you will get a call Sunday evening. You will be asked to report to Ionia Intermediate School District, 2191 Harwood Road, the next morning.

Wednesday's press conference told people to wait for their phone call - do not call the city or Clear Channel.

People with stranded cars at the Ionia County Fairgrounds are asked to register online by providing their names and vehicle information.

It will be at least a five day process, said Jason Eppler, the Ionia city manager. That means about 200 cars will be towed each day.

The vehicles will be numbered and selected for a towing date based on location and how they are parked.

"We think that's the best process to follow," Eppler said.

Representatives from most major insurance companies will be on site. Clear Channel will hire the towing company, and have not made a final decision.

People are discouraged from entering the fairgrounds at this time. From a public safety standpoint, it doesn't make any sense to let people in, Eppler said.

"It's been a tough situation for everybody," he added.

A new aerial photo shows the water continues to recede at the flooded Ionia County Fairgrounds, so much so that ground can be seen around the 1,000 stranded vehicles.

The flood is from last weekend's heavy rainfall. Concertgoers at the B-93 Birthday Bash were evacuated Saturday night. Their vehicles have been left there ever since.