Some Ft. Pierre Homeowners Moving Back In

FORT PIERRE, SD - The water levels are still dangerously high on the Missouri River but some homeowners in Fort Pierre are moving back home.

It's been two months since residents in the Marion's Garden development were told to evacuate. But they are slowly returning to the neighborhood to start the clean-up process and live a somewhat normal life.

Sandbag fortresses still protect the 110 homes in the development, but some of those sandbags are starting to be replaced by vehicles in the driveway.

"I think more people are starting to.  The neighbors moved in here a couple days ago, and seen a lot more traffic that's for sure," Jordan Heckenliable said.

Heckenliable and his parents are now unpacking boxes. 

"We were just really anxious. We were in the rental house and that house ended up being sold and we had to be out of there by the middle of July," Heckenliable said.

Justin Nagel lives down the street and just had his gas hooked up Tuesday. He's also moving in his water heater and appliances. 

"It's been a month and a half and I'm getting a little anxious to get back in and I saw other people doing it, so I said I'm going to get on board with it," Nagel said.

A levee protecting the development has held strong for the last two months. Homeowners are also seeing less water in their houses. 

"I think people are getting more confident, been seeing the levees haven't had many problems over here, and I think the big thing people are just getting anxious," Heckenliable said.

And while many residents of Marion's Garden are moving back in, they're still being cautious and leaving their sandbag walls and flood protection up.

"We've got the sandbag wall and we're not going to take that down until this is all clear that's for sure," Heckenliable said.

But one thing is for sure.  These residents are glad they are able to start returning home.

"It's going to be a process. We have to get rid of a whole bunch of dirt yet, sandbags, but it will come. Instead of having to hurry to get out like we had to hurry before, we're going to do it a little at a time and do it right," Nagel said.

And they're going to do it as soon as they can.