Removal of approach in McHenry disputed

A letter sent to the Foster County Commission from Jeanne Hoyt and Barb Bergan regarding the removal of an approach located on the north side of 11th St. in McHenry was acknowledged, but not considered, by the commission at their last meeting when moving to remove the approach due to flooding issues.

After the commission meeting story was published, the Independent received a letter from Hoyt explaining the situation with the flooding in that area, as well as a copy of the letter sent to the commission on May 10.

Hoyt said in her letter to the Independent that the land owner was not contacted by the commission in regards to the approach, and never received a response to the letter she sent to the commission asking them to not remove the approach, as they believe removing the approach will create more flooding and could possibly damage their property and dwellings.

Hoyt explained that the main cause of all the problem flooding is that the culverts are not cleaned out in the fall.

“If that approach is removed, the water will flow to the east, consequently flooding my basement,” wrote Hoyt.

She added, “The only way to resolve the flooding in McHenry is to have both the city and the county clean out ALL the culverts every fall.”

She said that currently, the water is flowing less than half through all the culverts. Therefore, the water is backing up.

“Bergan has never complained about the water on her hayland, nor has anyone come forward to discuss it with her.

“In fact, Bergan said the moisture has promoted excellent grass growth for haying purposes,” wrote Hoyt in the letter to the commission.

Finally, Hoyt said the approach in question is used by the individual that rents the land to the west of it for haying.

In the letter sent to the commission, both Hoyt and Bergan cited that they do not want the approach removed due to agricultural necessities and due to major hardship and flooding concerns.

Hoyt stated in her letter that if the approach is removed and causes major flooding to her home, she will hold the county responsible.

At their regular meeting held on Tuesday, May 17, the Foster County Commission passed a motion to remove the approach, unless state’s attorney Kara Brinster provided information on why it should not be removed.

Editor’s note: The reporter did not receive a copy of the letter or request one at the commission meeting, that Hoyt and Bergan sent to the commission about the approach.