Small Town News

Farmer asks county to correct drainage problem

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A farmer on the south side of the county says work not completed by the county is affecting his bottom line.

Mike Amerine met with commissioners on Monday to discuss a drainage issue involving a 43 acre field that is part of his farm.

Amerine said the affected field is producing half the yield of other comparable areas of his farm.

Work around the area was completed last week including the cleaning out and expansion of one ditch. Amerine said he was pleased with the work and that county crews did an excellent job, however, a component of the plan was not completed.

Amerine said a pipe was supposed to be installed to change the drainage to flow into Buck Creek.

"It's part of the plan and has been for four years," he said.

Commissioner Lynn Luck said she had spoken with Road and Bridge Director Francis Hubbard about the project.

She admitted to Amerine, that the project has taken longer than it should have because power line poles had to be relocated.

Luck said the pipe component of the project is an expensive undertaking. She asked Amerine to wait and see if the work completed works. She said with all of the rain expected over the next week should give an indication.

"If this can correct this, then obviously that would be the first choice," Luck said. "If that corrects it, then we're in good shape. If it doesn't then that will be the next step."

Luck said there is also some concern about drainage onto adjacent property. The board agreed to meet with property owners.

Amerine said he doesn't need to wait. He said rain this morning is already causing flooding in the field.

Amerine told the board that he feels they have reversed a decision made four years ago. He said four commissioners have instructed two different Road and Bridge directors to install the pipe.

"To reverse a decision after four years, I have a little problem," Amerine said. "I don't think it's proper to say we're going to do something and then not do it. I know it's not going to solve the problem.

"I've got demonstrated economic loss every year," he added.

Luck said she didn't think the board was reversing the decision.

"I don't think we're reversing it," Luck said. "I think we're taking it in steps."

Amerine said he would give it a couple of months of monitoring.

In other actions:

A beer license for the Dam store was signed.

A letter was signed determining the fair value of a fence repair and costs for Gary Bledsoe.

A public hearing will be held at 2:30 p.m. on May 24 for the creation of a special road district for Northwind Drive.

The board approved a special request for Robert and Sandra Paterson for a horse obstacle course on Well-man Road north of McLouth. The proceeds will benefit Eagle Wing Ranch, a not-for-profit. Dates are June 19, July 17, Aug. 21 and Sept. 18.

An agreement was reached to share GIS information with Rural Water District No. 7.

The board interviewed two people for the position of temporary assistant administrator for the Health Department.



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© 2010 The Valley Falls Vindicator Valley Falls, Kansas. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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