Editor,

This pile of deteriorated metal [shown in photo] is what is left of the lining of the ditch that goes through Mrs. Linda Vick’s front yard at the lower end of the town of Newsoms’ drainage system. As Mrs. Vick’s property is the last residence before the swamp, that is the final repository of the excess rain water from the town. It is possible for her to have the drainage ditch cleaned out of debris so that her drive is not flooded during rainy weather. It is an expensive effort and is costing her about $10,000.

Since her neighbors to her left are not doing the same thing, within a year silt, debris and plant material from that part of the drainage ditch washes into the ditch in her yard and the standing water is again a problem.

To exacerbate the water problem, the swamp to the right of her property has been filled with refuse from nearby property owners over the years, and along with a beaver dam blocking the flow, is no longer providing the size reservoir it has in the past.

In fact, Mr. Joe Byrum of J&B grading, who is the contractor rebuilding the town drainage ditch in Mrs. Vick’s yard, is sure that unless something is done to clear the blockage in the swamp, water from that area may soon start backing up into the town.

Many other residences and yards are suffering damage due to serious blockage in the town drainage system, which has been getting worse every year. The town is teaming with the County and State to take steps to attempt to correct the problem and provide adequate drainage.

Carol Drake Majors

Newsoms