In November of this year, I will have lived at my same address for the past 35 years, more than half of my life.

I live in Upper Township, out of Ironton about four miles. I live in a lovely, peaceful valley on the banks of Storms Creek (as do numerous others).

As a matter of fact, many in the Ironton-Coal Grove area live in the same township.

An abundance of us are, but some are not, affected by this same creek

Over the years, sand, dirt, debris, etc. have all raised the creek bed that was at one time much lower than its banks, to a status where it is now reversed.

The creek bed is much higher and the creek banks are much lower. The heavier and more frequent rainfalls we’ve been experiencing in the past year have been devastating.

So many people living in Upper Township have been totally wiped out by these circumstances. Some have experienced minimal damage, while others have lost everything, except their lives.

Had I not lost my husband to death in late August of last year, I would have tried to do something to rectify this needless hurt to a multitude.

Disheartened and depressed myself, I felt powerless to tackle such an insurmountable task. However, I did place a call to the Lawrence County Commissioners’ office, which was never returned.

I had thought, with the upcoming election, that someone could have used the damages done in spring of last year to their political advantage.

What better chance to have run on a platform to promise voters that they would apply for, and hopefully receive, a grant to dredge out, if not all, at least parts of, Storms Creek and its many tributaries.

It certainly would have gotten, not only my vote, but also a great deal of others, who live in Upper and Elizabeth Townships.

Can anyone with any semblance of power do something to come to the aid of the citizens who reside here? Because if something isn’t done this alarming trend will continue to repeat and the threat likely increase.

Beverly Diane Smith

Ironton