Local officials stepped up to alleviate flood damage

While it has been impossible to get any federal and very little state help with the ongoing flooding in the area - for over six weeks now - local city and township officials should be commended for their quick response.

Despite strained budgets, Bellevue city officials, Groton and York township trustees and Huron, Sandusky and Erie county officials didn't hesitate to rent/purchase pumps, pipes, and sandbags. In Bellevue alone, it's estimated the flooding will cost nearly $500,000.

Bellevue Mayor David Kile, Safety-Service Director Jeff Crosby, fire department personnel, water and waste water plant workers and street department employees worked diligently to battle the flood waters. City workers were available around the clock to keep the pumps running.

In the townships, trustees immediately sought help from the counties and arranged for materials such as sandbags and help to get them where they were needed. Erie County Commissioners quickly obtained pumps for Groton Township flooding, while their counterparts in Sandusky and Huron counties quickly declared states of emergency and directed county agencies to begin looking for help.

While we're at it...a HUGE pat on the back to the teens from Camp Quilter and all the family and friends and community members who rolled up their sleeves and helped fill sandbags, man pumps, clean up basements...what ever it took to help.

Also, deserving recognition is the Bellevue Ministerial Association for stepping up to act as a clearinghouse for donations to help flood victims.

While we may not be able to rely on help from Washington or even Columbus, it's comforting to know our local officials won't hesitate to act when their constituents need help. Once again, it proves why living in this area is go great - it's the caring people who take care of each other.