Wakarusa residents happy to have their town back
6:11 p.m. Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Just two months ago, this bridge here in Wakarusa was under water. The town was forced to evacuate. Even now, you can see debris still scattered under the bridge, washed up by the flood waters. Residents say they still have a lot of cleaning up to do, but they say this Independence Day is special because they finally have their town back.
"We're getting it back," flood victim Ray Myers said.
"Just trying to get pictures up and things back to normal," flood victim Wanda Myers said.
New carpet, fresh paint, there are even still pictures to hang. But just a few weeks ago, the home of Ray and Wanda Myers was a disaster.
Flood waters rushed through the tiny town of Wakarusa, leaving nearly four feet of water in the homes.
The Myers are still trying to dry out their basement and signs of the flood are still visible throughout their yard.
"I didn't retire to go through this, but I did," Ray said.
After spending Mother's Day drip-drying memories, the Myers spent Independence Day quietly celebrating having their home back to normal.
"It's really nerve-racking. I don't suppose we'll get it again," Wanda said.
But while northeast Kansans settle back in...
"It brought the community together," said Ray.
...their thoughts now turn to those battling flood waters in southeast Kansas.
"I wish I were free, I'd go out and help them," Ray said.
Post a comment
(Requires free registration.)