Hot Dog Fest
2008 homecomings
2008 Middletown homecoming
Get latest headlines via RSS feeds
Del.icio.us
Digg
Facebook
Furl
Google
Reddit
Stumbleupon
Y! MyWebno-till and flooding
No shortage of opinions about relationship
County says cornstalks clogged the drain tiles and culverts; ODOT says pipes under Ohio 41 may be too small.
More: Should flood insurance be mandatory?
Sunday, July 13, 2008
SPRINGFIELD — It's not only farmers and homeowners who have differing opinions on the role that the no-till farming practice played in causing heavy flood damage to some homes last month.
Officials with the Clark County Emergency Management Agency and the county arm of the Ohio Department of Transportation also appear to be at opposite ends of the spectrum on the subject.
An EMA report released June 17 to the county commission highlighted no-till farming as a factor in the flooding of homes in Springfield Twp., a finding that Acting Director Lisa D'Allessandris stands by.
"According to the reports I have, I believe no-till was a contributing factor," D'Allessandris said. "But the cause was the 4.47 inches of rainfall within a 24-hour period."
In the cases of some homes on South Charleston Pike in Springfield Twp., the creek behind the houses overran its bank. The cornstalks that were washed from farmland by the rain rose to the top of the water, clogging drainage tiles and culverts, she explained.
But while no-till residue — vegetation debris that remains on the ground — has been blamed for clogging culverts and drains, ODOT County Manager John Henry Balzer III said he's "not so sure that's even the cause of it."
ODOT officials are looking at the hydraulics of pipes that run underneath Ohio 41 to see if they are sized correctly, Balzer said.
A preliminary review of the pipe indicated that "it was flowing the whole time," he said. "At no time did we feel it was completely plugged. I'm not sure that we can really blame the cornstalks."
Some homes that were badly flooded, like the ones along South Charleston Pike and Burnett Road in Springfield Twp., were built on soils that drain poorly, said George McConkey, district administrator for Clark County Soil and Water Conservation District.
"With that much rain, they would probably have had flooding whether there was a no-tilled field or not," McConkey said. "They would have probably have had their yard just covered with mud."
Why no-till?
A no-till system leaves soil and crop residue undisturbed, with the exception of the crop row area where the seed is placed into the ground, according to information from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service.
No-till can improve the soil, reduce soil emissions such as nitrates from fertilizers and carbon dioxide and conserve plant-available soil moisture.
No tax breaks or monetary incentives exist to promote no-till, McConkey said.
Kara Tucker, conservationist with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, said very few programs pay farmers to no-till, though the practice can increase productivity and save money through reduced fuel consumption because farmers are not using their vehicles as much to till the land.
Brian Harbage, a South Charleston farmer who has no-tilled for 17 years, said the practice protects the soil and the earth.
"I understand (the concerns), but we're trying to do our best by being good stewards of the land. And no-till is part of it," Harbage said.
Who should pay?
Greg Guenther, whose home in the 2500 block of Burnett Road sustained about $18,000 in damage in the flooding, said he complained about no-till farming to Springfield Township trustees several times in the last 10 years after rainfall washed corn into his yard.
He is working with a lawyer to determine if he can receive any restitution from farmers or trustees. "I didn't see any farmers coming over to help," he said. "I think they should be held responsible."
Robyn Callicoat, Clark County Farm Bureau president, said the issue should not become a legal matter.
"It was unfortunate, but it wasn't the farmers' fault," she said. "It wasn't no-till's fault."
Staff writer Jessie Balmert contributed to this article. Contact Bridgette Outten at (937) 328-0374
or boutten@coxohio.com.
Comments
By Compassion please
July 14, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this
“The Martin Family Fund” at any Fifth Third Bank
That is where I went today. I went to the one on North Limestone St. I can’t say that I had a whole lot to give, but it all adds up.
I have my opinions, yes, and I also have some common sense about me. These people need help. And they are not sitting around waiting for someone to do it all for them.
Good luck to you Martin Family. I have no doubt you appreciate all that you receive.
By anoldneighbor
July 14, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this
This discussion has gotten out of hand. I lived next to the martin’s for 8 years. We had problems with flooding because the county “argued” over whose job it was to clear the debris from the creek. Thankfully for us my parents knew someone who worked for the township and helped us out. My parents built the house that “caused” the flood. It comes down to the county not holding up their end of the deal and not doing the required work to prevent the flooding.
By Zach
July 14, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
complaining and fighting all the time and unite together we can better our lives, for us, and our children, oh and “No Money Mike” get your facts straight, Mike Brown was appointed by a bi-partisan commitee to his role as director over FEMA, he was not elected and to bring him up when you have no idea what actually happened highlights your ignorance.
By Zach
July 14, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this
if it should be included at no cost to the insurance company, and many of the people posting in this thread are in unison on this matter, then as a mass why doesnt everyone collaborate together to force insurance companies to do just that. 3rd world countries live better than the US at times, something like gas prices, they went from .24 to .36 CENTS overnight, whole country shut down in protest and nobody worked, just stopped, guess what they are back to paying .24 a gallon for fuel stop
By Martin Family Friend
July 14, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this
I have known the Martins for roughly 15 years. These people are hard working people. and to have everything yanked out from under them in a matter of hours is tragic… yes they should’ve had flood insurance… but should have could have would have… they along with everyone else that has ever had a flood never thought it would happen… but it did… and you want to be disrespectful and inconsiderate to them in their time of need. I pitty you. what goes around comes around. you’ll get yours
By Martin Family Friend
July 14, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this
You People are amazing! you sit in your dry, undamaged houses and criticize this great family for trying to rebuild their home and their lives. If your home and other property that you have worked so hard for was damaged by floods, i’m sure you would do anything and everything in your power to fix it. If you found because of some ones faulty actions this could have been avoided i’m sure you would feel they were responsible and needed to help fix it.
By martin daughter
July 14, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this
i just wanted to thank all those people who HAVE opened your hearts up and have helped us out this past month and a half all is greatly appreciated! You’ve shined a bit light on this situation. I really can’t thank you enough=)
By 2cents
July 14, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this
If you were told by your insurance company you didn’t need/couldn’t buy flood insurance because you weren’t in a flood plain, you need to take them to the cleaners. Of course you’d have to have proof you were told that… name/date of person that told you. Its the place of blame that gets me. It was a flood, floods take normal occurances and magnify them, thats why its called a flood and not just rain. My roof leaked and ruined my ceiling…floods do happen.
By *
July 14, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this
as far as the farmers and their losses go they need to get over it. its apart of being in that business if you dnt like it then looks like you need to find a new occupation.
By ashamed
July 14, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this
is this how people should act when people are in need? point fingers, blame each other, call names ….act like fools!shouldn’t we be focusing on how we can help? how can we fix this problem? Your bad mouthing sets out this negative image for the town of springfield.you should all be ashamed of yourselves for the way you are acting. lend out your hearts not you hateful hurtful words. these families have been through enough without all of this nonsense.PLEASE GET AHOLD OF YOURSELVES.
By lindsay
July 14, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this
Atleast there are still a few good decent people out there willing to help a family in need.
p.s
I’d be very happy if you all called me when you finally find some compassion within yourselves.
By lindsay
July 14, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this
Atleast there are still a few good decent people out there willing to help a family in need.
p.s
I’d be very happy if you all called me when you finally find some compassion within yourselves.
By lindsay
July 14, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this
While you sit yourselves at the computer reeking of pure negativity, this amazing family, with whom ive grown up with, is sitting in a trailor next to their house in which they can no longer live in. It makes me sick to my stomach to watch this community take sides instead of helping a family in need. I honestly hope this never happens to any of you, but good lord, if it did, how would you feel reading what you just wrote to this family who has lost everything?
By houndlover
July 14, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this
I work with Kevin Martin and the lack of compassion that some people show is amazing! How can dennis carry on a verbal war of words with Kevin’s daughter and sleep at night? Whomever is to blame, the fact remains that the Martin’s are without a liveable home and need help. Let them worry about how to handle this and keep your uninformed, negative opinions to yourself.
By martin daughter victim
July 14, 2008 5:15 AM | Link to this
that is what i get for cutting corners?? my twelve year old sister was involved in this she just lost everything missed her last day of school and had to deal with the real facts of life quick and then she reads all this negitivity from all you people how do you think that affects her? do any of you have children of grandchildren? think about them how would you feel then if one if those went threw something like this. george bush? really? come on now. im not that dumb
By airplanemechwfe
July 14, 2008 12:58 AM | Link to this
Wether or not your agree or disagree with No Till, ODOTS fault, Martins fault, Mother Natures fault , ect. The fact is the Martins along with 9 other families have lost their homes .Compassion cost you nothing , to bad I don’t see more of it .
By airplanemechwfe
July 14, 2008 12:51 AM | Link to this
I could sit here and elaborate on many of the subjects touched on in these messages,especially knowing the Martin family and a lot of the details,but first and foremost what happened to compassion? I’m glad my parents raised me not to be judgemental of others when I have not lived their life nor live it daily. There are always two sides to every story , and everyone may not agree , but compassion should not be something anyone should disagree on. It’s sad to see a society so quick to judge.
By mad money mike
July 14, 2008 12:27 AM | Link to this
Hey daughter martin victim, you probably voted for George bush and Michael brown who is over fema during Katrina. Well that is what you get if you voted for that dumbass. Good luck on getting your government cheese now. You should have stayed out of Jamaica and put some “jack” back for something like this…..that is what you get for cutting corners.
By martin daughter victim
July 13, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this
dennis- i couldn’t care less if i make a few mistakes.worry about the real issue. im pretty much homeless. my bed is gone, my pictures are ruined, my electronics are fried, i have nothing. cant you get your head out of your a$$ and put yourself in my position? or my parents!
By concerned
July 13, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this
www.myspace.com/helpthemartins
By Dennis
July 13, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this
“shut you mouth” . Classic. Yet another member of the illiterate masses.
By disgusted
July 13, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this
dennis if you have nothing to say about the topic at hand… then shut you mouth.
By Dennis
July 13, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this
martin daughter victom- your real problem is illiteracy, not floods.
lisa, when you stop being a dumbass, I wil stop being a smartass. BTW, the defintion of the word you posted is not “ignorant person”. You made that up. Look it up.
By martin daughter victim
July 13, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this
all this is ignorant. im very much younger than all of you and really i think im being much more mature then some of you….we’re not trying to blame the farmers the cornstalks the rain, anything. we are simply trying to find the cause of the flood and constructing a way to fix it so in the future this will not happen. why dont the farmers try to work with us instead against us. never once have you come over to offer anything. you just stick your nose in the air and continue living your lives
By martin daughter victim
July 13, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this
im so disgusted with all you where your compassion, wheres your sympathy, wheres your urge to help out someone thats in need??? you look at me in the eyes and you tell me how you really feel. get your facts striaght lets look at all the low line areas in clark county and tell me why that only ones with cornfeilds near by got flooded? your so confident its not cornstalks then til up after harvest and see what happens next year . put your money where your mouth is!!!
By martin daughter
July 13, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this
this my not be katrina but yet at the same time my home was taking away from me. DONT you tell me to grow up because in case you havent realize my entire life has been forever changed ive had to grow up more then you ever have in this passed month. You sit there in your home living your everyday life while im trying to rebuild mine. you have alot of guts but such a lil heart i feel sorry for you
By martin daughter
July 13, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this
this my not be katrina but yet at the same time my home was taking away from me. DONT you tell me to grow up because in case you havent realize my entire life has been forever changed ive had to grow up more then you ever have in this passed month. You sit there in your home living your everyday life while im trying to rebuild mine. you have alot of guts but such a lil heart i feel sorry for you
By farmers wife
July 13, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this
my husband and i farm and we use no till farming practices because it keeps nutrients in the ground and keeps the soil from eroding away, however in the fall we mow the corn stalks and use them for bedding livestock. i am sorry for what has happened to these families and i happen to be good friends with the martins and we have helped them. this was an act of god and my heart goes out to everyone affected.
By S. Vienna
July 13, 2008 8:21 PM | Link to this
Unless you have lived through what these people are going through, be quiet. For those who have posted, you probable don’t even own your own home and don’t realize the expense of flood insurance and cost of clean up, rebuilding, mold etc…without help I don’t see how they can do it. Most people live paycheck to paycheck and have pride in their homes. Good luck to those who have been affected.
By wondering
July 13, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this
Is there a reason that the stalks couldn’t have been gathered up and sent through a wood chipper after harvesting?
Wouldn’t this make good mulch? I’m still not clear on the meaning of “no till” and how it’s a benefit to farmers.
By victim
July 13, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this
i cant belive how cold heart some people can be. i grow in that house and outa the blew everything is gone. yes we my not have had flood insurance but we were told it wasnt a flood plain no one ever expects something like this to happen to you. tell me this of all the low lined areas in clark county which ones flooded that day, if it had nothing to do with ur crop debris then why isnt other homes in low area flooded. How inconsiderate can you get.
By Compassionplease
July 13, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this
DO UNTO OTHERS……..
KATRINA SURVIVORS GOT HELP FROM THE GOVERNMENT. WHY CAN’T THE MARTINS? I WOULD THINK IF AGENCIES, AND OUR FELLOW HUMAN BEINGS,CAN FIND IT IN THEIR HEARTS TO HELP THOUSANDS, WHY CAN’T THEY HELP THE PEOPLE RIGHT HERE IN OUR OWN COMMUNITY? INDIVIDUAL PAIN IS THE SAME. THE PEOPLE IN THE SOUTH GOT SHELTER, FOOD, HELP REBUILDING, AND EVEN MONEY FROM AN ACT OF GOD. OF COURSE THE LEVEES FAILING WAS JUST A MINOR PROBLEM….NOW, REALLY!!!!!
By cheri
July 13, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this
The cornstalks made it into the yard because the drain was so clogged with corn stalks that they had no where to go. See., they flowed through the back yards, past the homes, down into the drainage system and clogged the drainage system. If the drains drained “just fine” then there would have been no corn stalks stopping the drains up, no corn stalks backed up into the yards, and no dumptrucks and front loaders used on 41 to remove the corn stalks. Let me know if you didn’t understand that.
By Bob
July 13, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this
If the cornstalks ended up in your yard, that means they made it through the drain just fine and the drain isn’t to blame.
By cheri
July 13, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this
The water didn’t clog the drains. The corn stalks did. Drains drain water, not 11 (just in the Martin’s yard alone) dump truck loads of corn stalks. I’m sure this isn’t the first time in the past 15 years we’ve had that much rain fall in 24 hrs (I could be wrong). The corn stalks however, have been lying there building up for many years. I at least have the common courtesy to clean my own tree limbs/branches out of my neighbors yard when there is a storm..Good Grief!!
By 2cents
July 13, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this
If I tried to buy flood insurance and my insurance company told me I couldn’t because I wasn’t in a flood plane and my house flooded….Guess who’s a$$ I’d be going after????? That insurance co that wouldn’t sell me insurance because they said I didn’t need it, duh!!
ACT OF GOD PEOPLE, Floods happen. Its tragic but I’ve seen water lay in those yards for years and years.
By 2cents
July 13, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this
Hello people, it is an “act of God” when we get that much rain at one time. It IS NOT the farmer’s fault, it was the rain. Yes the corn stalks clogged up the drains, again, the rain caused that clog, NOT THE FARMERS. If it wasn’t the corn stalks then there would be more chemicals in the ground to get washed into the creeks and your basements, this allows them to put less chemicals down, this being more responsible and earth conscious.
By lisa
July 13, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
Hey Dennis You don’t have to be a smart a** I was just wondering if flood insurance is expensive in Ohio, You are not funny.
By cheri
July 13, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
ps…….To Friend of Justin, You are disgusting.
By cheri
July 13, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
Anyway, for those of you that might have a little compassion for these people. We have set up a fund “The Martin Family Fund” that can be donated to at any Fifth Third Bank. No one is looking for fast money. Only to rebuild a home from the ground up that has been theirs for 16 years. They are still paying their mortgage payments, though they’re living in a camper in the driveway. Just please imagine absolutely everything in your home being covered with water and mud and consider giving a little
By cheri
July 13, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
My other post didnt make it re: getting flood ins. Since I saw the Martin’s home I decided to look into getting flood ins. on my home. Called State Farm to add flood ins. They said I can’t add it because I don’t live in a flood plain. So I e-mailed Allstate ins to see if they would sell flood ins to me even though I don’t live in flood plain. They said yes. I live in Northridge by corn fields, so I guess the potential is there for me too, but my ins co wouldn’t let me buy it.
By cheri
July 13, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
As far as people just looking for fast money. Have you lost your mind??!! Go out there and visit the families. I’m sure they wouldn’t mind showing you the shell of a home they have left. They have NO FLOORS! They have SOME sub-flooring left. Looking for fast money!! There is nothing wrong with looking into the possibility that legally someone could be held accountable for totally destroying your home and vehicle and every bit of furnishing in your home.
By cheri
July 13, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this
Don’t know where I stopped. Anyway. Allstate ins. said they would allow me to purchase flood ins. Though I haven’t followed up to get an actual quote yet. Normally I wouldn’t have thought to ask another ins. co. I would have just trusted that I got the right info from my own ins. co., Anyway those of you that are being so harsh, you shouldn’t pass judgement. Try being in their shoes and see then how you might respond.
By cheri
July 13, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this
This family does not live in what is considered a “flood plain” therefore their insurance company wont allow them to purchase flood insurance anyway. They are very close friends of mine and I have seen the home. It is so sad to see what was lost. For those who say get over it, and fix your home and move on. Do you have about 50,000 lying around somewhere to totally rebuild your home? You also have to have the money it would cost for labor. Do you have that lying around too?
By cheri
July 13, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this
Wow! I’m shocked at the heartlessness that is out there. This was not a little flood or a little water in the house. This was a home that had water in it chest high. Absolutely to NO FAULT of the home owner. It was the farmers cornstalks that clogged the drainage system. Is it possible that the drainage system was at fault? Could be. That then would be the county’s error in handling what is theirs to handle. You all do not have all the facts…out of space, but I’m coming back! Stand-by
By gg
July 13, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this
I think anyone who lives within a certain radius of a creek or river should HAVE to have it. BUT it should not be astronomical in price either. My house insurance has doubled the last 9 years and we can barely meet bills now. So, it should not be mandatory for those who do not live near bodies of water.
I also agree with Fred Bull.
By Compassionplease
July 13, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this
Should flood insurance be mandatory? Of course it should be. That and all insurance that is possible for a home, and property. But, what does it mean to have insurance? Someone has to pay from a loss. Our insurance company is going to pay for damage done to your property or self, if the damage comes from me or my property. Then why can’t we with all our opinions help. It is the decent thing to do.
By Compassionplease
July 13, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this
We all have some really good points. But, have you ever applied for flood insurance? Have you ever been told that you are not in a flood area and don’t need it? And yes, corn stalks being pushed against a fence or garage door while being push by water does break them down. Water might have drained if not for the corn stalks. And let’s ask ourselves, assuming we all have car insurance, if it rains and it is so deep that it makes a car move onto our property does damage. Don’t we sue the car owner
By Norman
July 13, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this
If they can mandate auto insurance, then they could require insurance for flood-prone areas, like along the Mississippi. The problem is that flood insurance, like earthquake insurance, is not a part of general homeowner (or business) insurance. It has to cost extra and depending on the area’s risk can be quite expensive. SO it becomes a matter of what you can afford and in today’s world that is a serious issue. Putting an extra burden on already cash strapped homeowners would be difficult.
By Obvious
July 13, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this
What people are failing to mention in all of this, is that the floods in that area had not been near as drastic and dramatic until local farmers recently took it upon themselves to greatly change the creek that runs through their field. Not only did they dump large concrete debris along the creek bank, but they also removed a large amount of grass that for years had been a natural barrier to help keep so much water from hitting the creek at once.
By Eric
July 13, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this
It’s a terrible thing to lose your personal property like that. I do like the fact that friends and neighbors are pitching in to help replace drywall and stuff. This way of people helping each other is great, and the way I think it should be done. To hire a lawyer to see what kind of money you can get is beyond ignorant. So, are you going to sue the farmer?? Once you get the ball rolling on that, then you can’t stop… and you think food prices are high now..
By Raven
July 13, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this
That is true that we are going to blame the famers for 7IN of rain and all of tantor we passed the lost time dumm people take airplanes and play with water……..
By mommy of 2
July 13, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this
Living with kids ive learned, you need all the insurance you can get. Anything possible can happen.
By Beth
July 13, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this
“As far as whether they got insurance, that would be up to them and their insurance company,” Smith said.
Taa-dummmm! there it is! Nuff said!
By Dennis
July 13, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this
lisa says flood insurance is very expensive in FLORIDA. Who would have guessed that? It’s surrounded on 3 sides by Water.
By Area Driver
July 13, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this
As a area driver, I drive by those houses on South Charleston Pike all the time. Every time it rained there was huge amounts of water in their yards. Then they get all bend out of shape when their house actually floods and they were not responsible enough to have flood insurance. Shame on you.
By robyn
July 13, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this
NO, no till has no part in the flood damage, ive grown up on a farm and to blame farmers for that is stupid, people are just looking for some fast money. if ODOT took care of clark county the way the were suppose to, then the flood wouldnt have been near as bad. they just need to take a couple mos and go fix everything then they could sit on their butts like all see them do. the drains need to be SAFE for kids but yet allow all that drainage to go thru.
By Reggie
July 13, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this
I wonder how much a few vacations to Jamaica costs? Probably just one would be enough to pay flood insurance premiums for a few years.
By Bob
July 13, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this
Just get it over with and sue God, it’s his fault.
By John
July 13, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this
Where did the humanity go? They want to blame the farmers for their loss. How’s that for humanity? The farmers had losses too.
By robyn
July 13, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this
it should be part of the home owners insurance at little charge. the price of everything is going up and its rediculous, its like having 5 car payments a month. 90% of families cant afford every insurance, so they dont get any.
By Amandaf
July 13, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this
You people are heartless. These people should’ve gotten flood insurance yes but come on they’ve lost many things that cannot be raplced and the home is unlivable for one of them. Where did this town’s humanity go?
By John
July 13, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this
10 homes in Clark County are damaged and lisa and other want to force all Clark County homeowers to buy flood insurance? 10 homes out of thousands.
Or they want the insurance companies to provide it for free. Makes sense to me. I want free gasoline and fried chicken too.
By lisa
July 13, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this
I think it should be included, my sister lives in Florida and her flood insurance is very expensive, it is also mandatory they have it. She has to carry home owners and seperate insurance for flooding. I think it’s around 3000.00 a year or more!!! I don’t know how much it would bve in Ohio, anyone have any idea?
By John
July 13, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this
It’s the new American culture we are seeing here. I gambled, took a chance , lost, now I must blame someone so I can get come money.
Blaming the farmers is worse than pathetic. It was a natural disaster. They gambled by not wanting to pay for flood insurance. When you buy a house, no one tells you that “You don’t need flood insurance” .
I’m going to guess that most of the farmers were insured and that they paid a hefty premium for it.
By Beth
July 13, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this
The way I look at it,if farmers have to buy crop insurance in case such things like huge amounts of rainfall occur,(and they do),why shouln’t homeowners have to buy flood damage insurance? I do NOT agree that it should be free or included in homeowner’s insurance policy..Why? Cause we ALL are going to pay for the folks who build thier houses alongside the Rio Grande,etc. .and get a NEW house compliments of the insurance co’s and the ‘trickle down’ effect when Mother Nature shows her fury.
By Christine
July 13, 2008 8:40 AM | Link to this
You are going to have problems if you live in the country or the city. Suck it up! I do believe as I drove to work the week of June 3 -4, the fields that I drove were flooded too. Isn’t that part of the reason that the price of corn is going up? Get over yourselves, and invest in flood insurance. You should of done your research on the land before you bought it. Sorry that you lost you stuff, but this is the reality of life!
By geroge
July 13, 2008 8:00 AM | Link to this
Wasn’t there a problem with water drainage some 20 years ago when these houses were first built? Maybe the home owners could go back on “full disclosure”. Were anyone of then informed of the past problems of these homes when they were purchased?
By James
July 13, 2008 7:57 AM | Link to this
If you don’t like being close to farms and all the things that come with it then you should have bought homes else where. It’s just like people who buy or build homes near airports and then complain about the noisy airplanes. The farmers are not to blame. Lots of homes were flooded all over the U.S. Lots of rain, lots of flooding. Blame Mother Nature.
By Lisa Kay
July 13, 2008 7:33 AM | Link to this
I can’t believe what I am reading! I grew up on a working family farm. My father, brother, and myself all worked the fields and livestock. My brother wanted to continue the tradition but was unable due to the VERY LOW income farmers recieve. Farmers can get crop insurance for disasters (however it is NOT FREE) so can homeowners. Be proud that you have a home to repair. Some do not even have that!
By george
July 13, 2008 7:08 AM | Link to this
Will you buy the flood insurance now?
By Betsy
July 13, 2008 5:22 AM | Link to this
P.S. corn stalks will not break a well maintained fence or break any garage doors. and also corn stalks are earth friendly unlike some of the stuff in your homes or garages and prolly in your yards. so all in all just grow up your not getting anything in this life for free or have you not realized that yet? look around nobody gets free anything.if they did you would not be happy cause then you would have to work for free your self so think before you open your big mouth next time.
By Betsy
July 13, 2008 5:14 AM | Link to this
ok you had 4.47 inchs of rain that flooded your yards and homes uhmmmmmmmm well lets see do you realize that ppl in New Orleans during Katrina was 15 inches now you don’t see or hear of them wanting free flood insurance or wanting to sue a neighbor cause some of there stuff was in their yard or home did you? No why cause they cared about one another and helped each other out. So stop blaming your neighbor. Have the county replace small pipes with larger ones that can handle the water load.
By Betsy
July 13, 2008 4:58 AM | Link to this
Ok now lets see how many of you eat food that a farmer grows? Do you think that Farmers are rich people, Cause they are not. They are up and working harder than most of you ever have in your lives. Is it their fault that it rains no. And when your yard floods do you not think that their fields flood as well. And when it does it kills the crops that you eat. What next you gonna sue the weatherman cause it rained and your yard got flooded? Or you gonna just suck it up and clean up your yard.
By Betsy
July 13, 2008 4:53 AM | Link to this
Ok lets see here you want to be insured for free, well don’t we all want something for nothing? The way I see it is that if you get flood insurance for free with your home owners insurance well then should I not get a free car mantinance inspection when I pay for auto insurance or hey better yet I think I should get a tank of free gass every month that I pay for my auto insurance. Now how dumb does that sound? Real dumb, is the answer if you could not figgure it out.
By Diana Fuller
July 13, 2008 12:53 AM | Link to this
Oh, yes I would blame the farmers too. Did you see all those corn stalks in these yards. It was tons of it. Broken fences, broken garage doors, and the drainage system failed. Only so much stuff, can go into those drains that won’t come out, until that will cause flooding. Look closely at the damage from the corn fields. Flood insurance isn’t always easy to obtain. And when you are told that you don’t need it, let’s face it, we will do without it.
By kathy
July 13, 2008 12:44 AM | Link to this
yes it should be
By mad money mike
July 13, 2008 12:18 AM | Link to this
it should be included with everything else in the plan at no cost!
By Dennis
July 13, 2008 12:05 AM | Link to this
5 inches of rain and you blame the farmers? Oh, by the way, flood insurance can be purchased, and it is not free and never will be. There is a reason for that.
By Jeff
July 12, 2008 11:47 PM | Link to this
IT REALLY SHOULD BE PART OF OUR HOME OWNERS INSURANCE POLICY FORSURE AT NO EXTRA CHARGE AT ALL
By Fred Bull
July 12, 2008 11:26 PM | Link to this
It should be part of the home owner’s policy, at no extra cost.