Clearing out in Minot. The water is coming fast. North Dakota National Guardsmen took media down to the river into the evacuated neighborhoods. They included reporters for regional and national news services following the major news story. The guard’s Humvees went to streets filling rapidly as river water poured over the top of dikes. Spring floods are one thing, and a bad thing, but a flood in the fullness of early summer is even crueler. Beautiful lush gardens, pink peonies and early roses were barely holding their heads above the water. The summer nights that should have been, with the grill smoking and the kids playing in the green grass, won't be now. The homes are all empty. Everyone is scattered to the four winds. But after months of fighting and these past few days when it's become clear the flood will be catastrophic, Walsh said there's only one consideration left. "We've got to take care of ourselves now," he said. Read more: www.bismarcktribune.com