As the days turn into weeks, the long-term toll of the flood on Carnegie businesses isn't as devastating as initially feared. According to a list of more than 40 businesses compiled by Carnegie Renaissance, all but three have either reopened or are planning to do so. The social community group comprises both Carnegie merchants and residents and was formed in January 2003.

Those certain to close are Eagle Drug, on East Main Street, which has transferred its prescriptions to CVS Pharmacy on Washington Avenue in Scott; Hannah's Clothing Store on West Main Street, a longtime business that indicated its inventory loss was too great to reopen, and Pioneer Printing, also on West Main, which was in the process of joining with Apple Printing in Heidelberg before the flood.

The Carnegie Police Department, which lost four police cars in the flood and also a DARE car and a code enforcement car, last week was given a loaner Police Interceptor demonstrator car from Woltz and Wind Ford in Heidelberg.

The department has ordered three replacement police cruisers, but delivery of the vehicles may not occur until late November.

Jack May, vice president and general manager of Woltz and Wind, petitioned Ford Motor Co. to lend Carnegie the Crown Victoria sedan until the new vehicles arrive.