Letters to the Editor

News Virginian
Published: June 12, 2007

Dooms VFD carnival too expensive

I read with interest the story [about the Dooms Volunteer Fire Department's carnival].

I want all to know, first, I agree that the county should not go the extra mile for the city of Waynesboro if they are not in return going to help us.

Now on to the next point of interest, Dooms VFD Chief Mike Fisher says he doesn't know what the fire department will do if they don't raise the money needed to support them. I also wonder how they think the everyday working family with children can afford to come out and support this type of activity with the prices that they are charging.

I would think it would make a lot more sense to charge less in hopes that families would be able to bring their children out and enjoy the activities, and still be able to pay the bills. I can't imagine that it should cost $4 for a funnel cake or $3 for cotton candy. Can you imagine how many parents have to make a choice of taking the kids to the local carnival and getting them a bag of cotton candy and letting them ride the rides or paying the electric bill-

I think we as a community should all do our part in supporting the local fire department, but I also think they shouldn't try to make up the difference in what traffic they had in the city by over-charging the people who are supporting them in the county. I know the location may not be as great as the city location, but at least what you make in the county can be kept in the county.

I applaud all the hard work and hours given by the fire department and I hope they make more than last year. But just think: If you don't over charge, maybe lots more may be able to enjoy it next year.

Cecelia Mawyer

Crimora

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Ruritans offer community service

May 21, 1928 the resource of the Ruritan Organization a few dedicated Ruritans developed a method of community service that rural area and small towns worked together doing voluntary work to meet the needs of the people by creating better areas I the community and in the states. 

Ruritans Founders Day is held early May, Friday, Saturday & Sunday. Doris and I attended Founders Day many times before I volunteered in 1985 to fill in for the District Governor. That was Doris and my Founders Day event for years. After the Lord called Doris to her new home in Heaven, I have continued. Founders Day will always be a part of my life.

Roy Bowersox

Waynesboro

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Flood zones should be marked on maps

Five of the seven Augusta County Supervisors don't want you to know that you are buying or building in a flood inundation zone.

The May 9 Board of Supervisors meeting minutes show that Nancy Sorrells and Kay Frye voted for the motion:

"... that the Board consider including flood inundation zones on Comprehensive Plan maps. Chairwoman Sorrells felt that citizens who come in to get a permit should be aware of potential hazardous areas."

Voting against this motion were David Beyeler, James Bailey, Wendell Coleman, Larry Howdyshell and Tracy Pyles.

There are 16 flood-control dams in Augusta County - 13 in the South River watershed and three in the North River watershed. Practically all of the South River dams are on private property and are not generally accessible to the public. One of the 13 dams is located in Waynesboro.

In the meeting minutes, Mr. Beyeler is quoted as saying, "The majority of the people know the location of the dams." Based on my experience and discussions I have had with local residents, I totally disagree with Mr. Beyeler's statement.

I urge you to read the minutes of the meeting at http://www.co.augusta.va.us. Click on "Departments," then "Board of Supervisors," then "Board of Supervisors Meeting Minutes," then "May 9, 2007."

Please contact your county supervisor if you think that they are wrong in not letting citizens know that they are buying or building in a flood inundation zone.

Better yet, the Board should prohibit development in these zones. Not doing so costs all of us (in federal, state and local tax dollars) to upgrade the dams because they have been reclassified to high hazard due to downstream development. The current rehabilitation of the Robinson Hollow dam is costing about $1.4 million and is being paid with federal (65 percent), state and local (35 percent) funds.

Otis Bilkins

Lyndhurst