By Todd Hatton/Paducah Sun
Smithland, KY – Livingston County officials say Smithland's levee is in a critical situation, as the constant pressure of tons of water takes it toll. County Judge-Executive Chris Lasher and other officials toured the levees Sunday with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Major General William Grisoli. High water, heavy rains, and sand boils near the levees led Lasher to issue an evacuation order for residents last week. The order remains in effect. The National Guard is patrolling the area and maintaining checkpoints throughout Smithland. The Paducah Sun reports Lasher is unsure when residents will be able to return, but he says he wouldn't feel safe letting people back into the city until river levels fall to around 49 feet. The National Weather Service predicts the Ohio at Smithland will remain above 50 feet for the rest of the week.