My apologies for missing the "Carroll County This Week" these last two weeks. I believe everyone is aware how hectic it has been with the abundance of rain. Many bridges and roads have been compromised due to moisture to the already saturated ground. Your patience is appreciated as our county road crews are out opening roads and bridges that have been impassable, or close to that condition, due to the weather.

Also, in connection with the weather, FEMA and ADEM toured Carroll County for two days to appraise damage resulting from the flooding. This was the first step in the process of Federal and State Aid to restore the damaged county property. Late Friday evening our ADEM Coordinator contacted me that Carroll County had met the criteria to qualify for aid. In the next two to four weeks another team will be in our county to individually inspect each site to determine the extent of damage and compensation. The following step in the process will be the rebuilding of our road infrastructure. Another issue is the damage to personal property. I learned in the last week from FEMA that claims for personal property is restricted to an individual's primary residence; and, this does not include any other structures on the property. That status has yet to be decided and once I have been informed, the determination will be announced and made public. Again, please be patient and understand that with current conditions normal maintenance of our county roads is not the priority when we have neighbors with situations in just being able to access their homes

During the flooding we have another problem that requires to be addressed. A Search and Rescue Team was activated to an incident where someone went kayaking in the flood waters. The team had to risk their lives for, to be polite in language, an individual who wanted personal "fun". PLEASE THINK!! With these types of conditions, is what you are going to do endangering yourself, and others as well?

Please drive carefully and especially now, do not attempt to cross water covered roads or bridges.