Barton Community College - Spoke Yearbook (Great Bend, KS)

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s p 0 K E 1982 BARTON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE GREAT BEND, KANSAS 67530 VOLUME XII

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Flood develops community spirit “This can’t happen to me,” was the reaction that Ted Gardner, English instructor, had to the June 15,1981, flood that hit many Barton and Pawnee county residents. After the area received 15-21 inches of rain, Governor Carlin declared the counties disaster areas. Flooded residents were evacuated to the Immaculate Conception Convent and Barton County Community College, the two main shelters used, until the water receded and a return to damaged homes was possible. One of the first problems encountered by more than 2,000 Great Bend residents was that of evacuation. Fortunately, there were no fatalities, but evacuation was hindered by the strong currents of water. The Great Bend police department, the National Guard and the Red Cross helped in the rescue and evacuation efforts. As the water progressed, the sewer systems began to overflow and telephone lines were downed. Electricity and gas lines were shut off in some areas to eliminate the possibility of further damage. People were asked to avoid walking in the water since the current had jarred loose the manhole covers. Linda Powers, Great Bend freshman, who fell into an open manhole cover, said, “I was trying to cross the street against a strong current, when all of a sudden there was nothing underneath my foot. I pitched forward, and my knee caught on the edge allowing me to scramble out of it.” A few residents were able to move back after a couple of days only to find their homes and possessions covered in muck. Damage to homes and property was estimated by Mayor Gail Lupton to be in excess of $50 million. “It really makes you question material things,” said Jeanne Gotsche, Learning Resource Lab instructor. Aid and services for residents who were unable to move back into their homes was provided by Red Cross, the Mennonites, Church World Service, Seventh Day Adventists and the Salvation Army. Although some evacuees were able to stay with friends, many had to crowd into the Immaculate Conception Convent or into the Gymnasium, Student Union and Technical buildings of Barton County Community College. Most of the hardest hit families were able to move back to their homes within a week. Residents were busy pumping out basements, assessing damages and salvaging what they were able to. Mennonite volunteers from Hutchinson, Newton and McPherson worked with other Great Bend volunteers helping flood victims move out damaged furniture and clothing. FEMA records show that 817 flood insurance policies were in force on July 15, 1981. Five hundred homes and businesses who had flood insurance were damaged. In the aftermath of the flood, concerned residents voted in an advisory election to adopt the Corp of Engineer’s flood control project which had been designed in 1963. Forty-one percent of the voting population turned out and voted two to one in favor of flood control over clearing existing waterways. The group voted three to one that the city at large rather than benefit areas should pay for flood control. Because this advisory election was not legally binding on the City Council, a final election was held in April. Overall, people’s feelings about the flood varied. “It was the most unbelievable thing that’s ever happened in my life,” commented Gardner. “We see it on T V. but you don’t really know until it happens to you. Others felt a certain commaraderie. The “togetherness and friendship that developed was a positive aspect that Gotsche felt came from the flood. I think we’re more sympathetic and more likely to go out and help people who have experienced disaster.”