There are mixed signals coming out of Elwood, where voluntary evacuations were ordered on Monday because of rising river levels. According to a policy adopted by the city, the evacuation should have become mandatory when the river topped 29 feet early Tuesday morning.

The Doniphan County Sheriff now says he’ll leave the decision where it belongs: in Elwood.

Officials agree, staying put in Elwood is risky. The roads could close, the utilities could be shut off, and you could be stuck there without help if you have another emergency.

Elwood-Gladden Levee Board President Craig Sheppard tells us they have plenty of “freeboard” left, the levee is still structurally sound, and the river is dropping.

“Our levee is living up to its design, it’s performing up to its design specifications,” Sheppard said.

“It’s wet on the outside, dry on the inside, so it’s pretty successful so far.”

Doniphan County Sheriff Jerry Dubach says he has not had a chance to meet with Elwood officials, and does not want to “step on their toes.” Dubach says the decision to declare a mandatory evacuation should stay with the people who are watching the levee every day.

So: the evacuations in Elwood are voluntary. At least for now.

We rode the levee road with Sheppard Monday evening. There is a lot of water over the banks of the Missouri River, and that water is up against the toe of the levee. But Sheppard says there is no pressure against the structure or current to speak of.