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The Free Press

MANKATO A lot of work had to be done over the past two years on a hillside on the waterfalls side of Minneopa State Park. Rain and more rain saturated the soil and caused the hillside to slump in the area above Union Pacific railroad tracks and below Minneopa Cemetery.

In March 2019, mud slid over a retaining wall of the hill and stopped near the railroad tracks. Union Pacific called in a geohazard mitigation crew that stabilized the hillside.

Tim Pulis, editor of the Minneopa Messenger, described the history of the affected area in the July issue of the newsletter for Minneopa State Park:

The problem with the hillside began 115 years ago, in 1905. But lets start the story in 1869. That was the year the railroad started being built west of Mankato, heading toward Lake Crystal and beyond.

In those days, the railroad often took the path of least resistance and this happened near Minneopa Park. The track curved around a huge hill.

This lasted for more than 30 years. Since trains had to slow down to make the curve and since time equals money, the decision to straighten the tracks was made.

Two things had to be done to accomplish this. One was to build a new stone tunnel for Minneopa Creek to flow through so the train could pass over it. The second was to cut back the hill below the cemetery. Both of these projects would be time consuming and expensive.

In 1905, work on the large arch tunnel over Minneopa Creek began. The arch is 450 feet in length and 40 feet high. James McClure, of St. Paul, was in charge. The stone was quarried in Mankato.

If you have ever been inside this tunnel, you marvel at its construction. The arch keystone on the north side has the date 1905 engraved on it.

To give some historical context, this was the year that Minneopa became a state park. Lots of dignitaries, including the governor, came to check out the area.

Much of Pulis research took place at Blue Earth County Historical Society. Heres what he found in the societys archives:

While the arch was being constructed, work was being done to remove dirt from the hillside below the cemetery. At that time, the hill likely went all the way south past current Blue Earth County Road 69.

An estimated 175,000 cubic yards of dirt were removed. This work was being done by Winston Brothers, who set up a railroad camp at Minneopa Park to accommodate the workers.

One tragic story regarding the project was published in a local newspaper in 1906 the gruesome death of Gust Anderson.

After the stone arch was completed, dirt was needed to back fill over it and bring it up to the level of the railroad tracks. Dirt from the cemetery dig was loaded on railroad dump cars. Large elevating graders were used to move the dirt to a conveyor belt.

As Anderson helped back the train of dump cars a few hundred feet east to the dumpsite, he grabbed for the iron brake on the front car. His hand slipped and he fell in front of the train. Two loaded cars passed over his body.

When the construction crews work was done, they broke camp and left for the Twin Cities.

A November 1906 newspaper article said the new, better-aligned track was being used by trains running from St. Peter to Minneopa and beyond.

The track was busy. Passenger trains arrived at Minneopa daily at 7:55 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 12:15 p.m. and 8 p.m. from the Mankato station. Trains left Minneopa for Mankato at 6:42 a.m., 12:22 p.m., 4:33 p.m. and 6:50 p.m. daily.

1908 proved to be an amazingly wet and was dubbed The Year of the Frog. So many frogs gathered on the railroad tracks near Lake Crystal that trains were unable to gain traction and had to stop until tracks were cleared.

The amount of water flowing over Minneopa Falls was more than most people of that time could recall seeing in the creek.

As for the hillside below the cemetery, there had been only one season for vegetation to grow there and help stabilize the ground. A massive amount of dirt came down on the railroad tracks, as well as some headstones from the cemetery.

A large force of men again set up camp at Minneopa and, with the aid of a large steam shovel, worked to remove the earth that had slid down over the tracks at the cemetery cut.

It would take weeks for crews to clear the tracks and build a retaining wall.

The recent stabilization project made apparent how extensive that 1908 project had been. When overgrowth was removed from the hillside in 2019, several retaining walls and a huge amount of rip-rap were revealed.

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Glimpse of the Past: Recent Minneopa hillside work reveals 1909 stabilization project - Mankato Free Press

A dispute between two neighbours in Campbell River in which one intended to upset, offend and cause stress, has resulted in more than $16,000 in damages, according to a recent decision in B.C. provincial court.

Judge Catherine Crockett made her decision July 31, against Reno Pellegrin in his dispute with John and Sherri Wheeldon which lasted more than six years, primarily involving a concrete retaining wall between two neighbouring properties.

In 2008, the Wheeldons constructed a sports court at the back of their lot, and a concrete retaining wall between their property and the Pellegrins. Due to a miscalculation of the property line and the fact the concrete spread, part of the wall ended up on the Pellegrin property.

In her decision, Crockett noted the error was inadvertent, not intentional.

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She also explained Pellegrin testified that despite the wall being on his land, it was also to his benefit, as it effectively shored up his yard, which is higher than the Wheeldons property.

Around 2013 to 2014, the cordial relationship between the neighbours broke down. In April 2014, Pellegrin dumped approximately 20 pounds of dog feces on the Pellegrin/Wheeldon property line.

Crockett said it is clear the retaining wall constitutes an ongoing trespass. On Dec. 15, 2015, Pellegrin took the position he was entitled to remove the wall, and partially took it down with a jackhammer. He estimated he removed 14 inches from the top.

Mr. Pellegrin submits that spraypainting the word Remove on the wall in May and June of 2015 was a form of warning, as was his letter of June 9, 2014, she wrote.

In the decision, Crockett reviewed videos of Pellegrin taking down the wall. Some of the statements she heard from Pellegrin on the videos include: Hope you and yours have a merry merry Xmas . This is what happens when you dont get along with your neighbours . Call the cops about every little thing. Call bylaws and animal control about every little thing. Heres what happens.

She said Pellegrin created a dangerous situation with concrete falling to the ground, jackhammering at the level of peoples faces and causing the fence to fall.

The evidence also establishes, quite clearly, that Mr. Pellegrins actions were motivated by malice in short, this was a vindictive, pointless, dangerous and unlawful act.

Crockett added while the law does permit a person to remove a trespass or nuisance in certain circumstances, this is not the case.

There was no urgency to the situation. The wall caused him no harm. In fact, as he testified, the wall benefited him, she wrote. His jackhammering of the wall was anything but a proportionate response to the trespass. There was nothing approaching exceptional circumstances to justify his action.

Due to trespassing, Crockett awarded $2 in favour of Pellegrin against the Wheeldons: $1 for walking onto Pellegrins property on various dates and another dollar for the ongoing trespass of the retaining wall.

She awarded $16,801 to the Wheeldons which included $6,300 to replace the retaining wall, $6,000 in general damages and $2,500 in general, aggravated and punitive damages for various repeated nuisances and trespasses.

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Taking dog feces and a jackhammer to neighbourhood dispute costs BC man $16000 - Coast Mountain News

In her ruling on the case, provincial court Judge Catherine Crockett found there was no evidence to back up Pellegrins claims.

The judge found that the dumping of the dog feces occurred outside a legal time limit to award damages for such an action.

The Wheeldons asked Pellegrin to clean up the doggie mess and when he refused to do so, they contacted the city of Campbell River, which told them there was nothing to be done.

But a bylaw officer issued a ticket to Pellegrin for an unsightly yard.

A decision by the Wheeldons to build a fence led to further problems. Pellegrin ripped out the preparatory lines and stakes at least twice, prompting the Wheeldons to call police. No charges were laid.

Sherri Wheeldon testified that Pellegrin made a lewd gesture toward her in June 2014, the first of what she said was a series of lewd gestures and comments.

Pellegrin accused John Wheeldon of assaulting him by either throwing a rock at him or lifting it in a threatening manner, but the judge concluded no assault had been proven.

In December 2015, Pellegrin used the jackhammer to remove part of the wall, believing he was entitled to do so, but the judge disagreed with him and found his actions were motivated by malice.

In short, this was a vindictive, pointless, dangerous and unlawful act, said the judge. Mr. Pellegrins comments towards Mrs. Wheeldon during the jackhammering made clear his purpose: to get back at the Wheeldons for perceived slights against him by them. It had nothing to do with any negative effect on his property.

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Man who took jackhammer to neighbour's retaining wall ordered to pay damages - Vancouver Sun

Paris Heres a look at work planned in the district during the week of Aug. 17, 2020. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues. Motorists are advised to remain alert and pay special attention to all signs, barricades and traffic controls, and reduce their speed as they approach and travel throughwork zones. They should also avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems.

Sherman Area (Fannin, Grayson Counties)Contacts: Sherman Area Office (903) 892-6529; Grayson Co. Maintenance (903) 893-8831; Fannin Co. Maintenance (903) 583-7566.US 75, Grayson County: from FM 1417 to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway). Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on northbound and southbound US 75 between Center Street and FM 1417 as crews work on building new main lanes and the new South Travis Street Bridge. Watch for lane closures on the frontage roads between FM 1417 and Washington Street as crews workon building detours and installing drainage structures. The northbound exit ramp for Houston and Lamar is currently closed, and exiting traffic is requested to use the Park Avenue exit ramp.The southbound exit ramp for Park Avenue is currently closed and exiting traffic is requested to use the Houston/Lamar Street exit. The northbound frontage road from South Travis Sreet to near Park Avenue is scheduled to be closed beginning Sept. 1 for crews to work on building theremaining portion of the retaining wall along US 75. The estimated closure time is two months, and traffic is requested to use the US 75 mainlanes during this closure. A reduced speed limit of 60 mph has been set for this construction project.The US 75 pedestrian bridge near Pecan Street in Sherman is closed to pedestrian traffic. The east side over the frontage road has been removed. The remaining pedestrian bridge will be removed later. Pedestrians wishing to cross US 75 are advised to cross at the Houston Streetsignalized intersection.The following roadways in Grayson County will receive a seal coat treatment in the upcoming weeks: US 377 from SH 56 to the Denton County line; FM 922 from the Cooke County line to US 377; SH 56 from Colbert Street in Sherman to the Fannin County line; and FM 406 from SH289 to FM 84. During this time, daytime lane closures will be present as crews work to seal the roadway.FM 1417, Grayson County: from US 82 to SH 56. Watch for lane shifts and shoulder closures between US 82 and SH 56 while crews are working to construct a portion of the new Sand Creek bridge. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews are performing utility work.A reduced speed limit of 45 mph has been set for this construction project.

FM 1417, Grayson County: at the OB Groner / West Travis Street intersection. Watch for occasional lane closures as crews work on installing flashing beacons at the intersection.SH 289, Grayson County: from FM 120 in Pottsboro north to the end of State Maintenance.Watch for daytime lane closures as crews perform pavement repairs and overlay the roadway.FM 691, Grayson County: from FM 131/Loy Lake Road to US 75. Watch for occasional lane closures as workers perform final touch ups on the project. The intersection of FM 691 with FM 131/Loy Lake Road has been converted to a signalized intersection.FM 121, Grayson County: from Jim Jones Road to FM 3356. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to widen the roadway to provide a detour section. Watch for lane shifts and narrow lanes near the FM 3356 intersection as crews have moved traffic to the detour section.The ultimate roadway will be a five-lane section when the project is finished.US 377, Grayson County: Willis Bridge at the Oklahoma State line. Watch for occasional lane closures on the existing bridge as workers pour concrete for the new bridge structure.US 75 Ramp Reversal in Denison, Grayson County: on the southbound US 75 main lanes and frontage road between Spur 503 and FM 691. Watch for a lane closure on the southbound US 75 frontage road as well as the westbound Spur 503 ramp while construction crews work onbuilding the new southbound US 75 entrance ramp. A new traffic pattern has been implemented where westbound Spur 503 will be shifted to the southbound US 75 frontage road and will travel through the FM 691 intersection and then enter southbound US 75 using the on-ramp after FM 691.

The new FM 691 exit ramp is now open to access FM 691.US 75 Slope Repair at Randell Lake Road, on the southbound US 75 frontage road between SH 91 and Randell Lake Road, Grayson County: The southbound frontage road and Randell Lake exit ramp have been reopened to traffic as this project is now complete.US 75 debris pickup, Grayson County: from Collin County line to Oklahoma State line. Watch for mobile lane closures as workers pick up debris from the roadway every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday during the daytime.US 82 & US 69, Grayson County: from FM 131 to FM 1897 on US 82, and from SH 56 to US 75 on US 69. Watch for temporary daytime lane closures and shoulder closures as workers install safety treatments on fixed objects.US 82, Grayson County: in Sherman from FM 1417 West to FM 1417 East. Watch for nighttime and daytime lane closures as workers repair the concrete pavement.SH 289, Grayson County: between FM 120 and US 82. Watch for daytime lane closures as workers perform pavement repairs.US 69, Grayson County: between SH 56 and SH 11. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews work on performing base repairs.

US 69, Grayson County: between FM 697 and SH 11. Watch for daytime lane closures as workers perform erosion repairs at the Bois DArc bridge structure.FM 1753, Grayson and Fannin County: from FM 1897 to SH 78. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway. FM 1753 has been reopened to through traffic between FM 1752 and FM 2645 as crews completed the bridge repairs.The following roadways in Fannin County will receive a seal coat treatment in the upcoming weeks: SH 56 from the Grayson County line to SH 121; Spur 311 from SH 56 to SH 121; FM 1396 from SH 56 to FM 2029; FM 273 from FM 2029 to FM 100; FM 100 from FM 273 to FM 79; and FM 79 from FM 100 to the Lamar County line. During this time, daytime lane closures willbe present as crews work to seal the roadway.FM 898, Fannin County: from the Grayson County line to SH 121. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.FM 2815, Fannin County: from FM 1629 to SH 11. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.FM 1743, Fannin County: from SH 56 to FM 1550. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.US 82, Fannin County: from SH 121 to the Lamar County Line. Watch for slow moving construction equipment as crews work on widening US 82 from a two-lane roadway to a four-lane divided section. Westbound US 82 traffic has been shifted to the new pavement on the eastern end of the project between the Fannin and Lamar County line and County Road 2975.Eastbound traffic will remain in their current lane, while crews begin working on the inside lane to work on completing the crossovers and turn lanes. Drivers who frequent this roadway are advised that all driveways, county roads and farm-to-market roads approaching the newwestbound main lanes on US 82 will have a full stop before crossing over to the median. The SH 121 and US 82 frontage road intersections have been converted to a signalized intersection.The on-ramp to westbound US 82 from SH 78 has been closed while crews work on building the new westbound main lanes. Beginning Aug. 20, the westbound exit ramp for SH 121 will be closed as crews work on building the new mainlanes in this area. Exiting traffic for SH 121 is requested to use the SH 78 exit and continue along the frontage road to SH 121.County Road 2250, Fannin County: at Coffee Mill Creek. County Road 2250 is closed for crews to remove the existing bridge and build a new bridge. Traffic on CR 2250 will need to use an alternate route during construction.County Road 3530, Fannin Count: at Wafer Creek. County Road 3530 is closed for crews to remove the existing bridge and build a new culvert. Traffic on CR 3530 will need to use an alternate route during construction.County Road 4250, Fannin County: at Freeman Creek. County Road 4250 is closed for crews to remove the existing bridge and build a new bridge. Traffic on CR 4250 will need to use an alternate route during construction.

FM 896, Fannin County: from SH 78 to Business SH 121: Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to blade level the roadway.

Sulphur Springs Area (Hopkins, Franklin Counties):Contacts: Sulphur Springs Area Office (903) 885-9514; Franklin Co. Maintenance (903) 537-4976; Hopkins Co. Maintenance (903) 885-4031.SH 11, Hopkins County: From SH 19 to White Oak Creek. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews perform surfacing operations.SH 19, Hopkins County: From Loop 301 to Delta County Line. Watch for crews installing erosion control devices preparing for safety enhancement work.IH 30, Hopkins & Franklin Counties: From Titus County Line to Hunt County Line. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews upgrade metal beam guard fence.

Paris Area (Delta, Lamar, Red River Counties)Contacts: Paris Area Office (903) 784-1357; Delta Co. Maintenance (903) 395-2139; Lamar Co.Maintenance (903) 785-4468; Red River Co. Maintenance (903) 427-3561.FM 1507, Lamar County from Church Street to South Collegiate Drive. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews mill existing pavement and place new hot mix.FM 1507, Lamar County from South Collegiate Drive to LP 286.This roadway is closed while crews rehabilitate and re-surface the existing roadway.Loop 286, Lamar County from US 82 West to Dawn Drive. Watch for lane closures while crews perform concrete pavement repair.US 82 (Loop 286), Lamar County Watch for workers as crews perform signal upgrade work.An all-way stop condition will be in place during various phases of this work.SH 37, Red River County from US 271 (Bogata) to Franklin County Line. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews mill existing pavement and place new hot mix.US 82, Red River County from FM 1159 to Bowie County Line. Traffic is shifted to the south side of existing roadway between FM 44 and FM 1699 while crews perform pavement widening work on the north side.FM 195, Red River County from FM 410 North to SH 37. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews upgrade metal beam guard fence and complete cross culvert extensions at two locations.

SH 37, Red River County from the Texas-Oklahoma state line south to the Red River-Franklin County line. Watch for temporary traffic signals at bridge locations while crews upgrade bridge rail from Clarksville to Bogata.Watch for workers while crews perform seal coat operations on various roadways: Lamar County FM 79, & FM 195; Red River County FM 195.

Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903)455-2303; Rains Co.Maintenance (903) 473-2682.

SH 66, Hunt County: from near FM 6 to near FM 2642. A project to widen the pavement, install continuous left-turn lanes, and safety-treat fixed objects is underway. The contractor is finalizing project clean up. Please be aware of lane closures, and watch for work zones and workers in this area.FM 2194, Hunt County: between Merit and FM 903. This project will widen the shoulders and apply safety treatments to fixed objects. The contractor is currently working on watering, seeding, ditch work and placing signs. Please be careful when traveling in this area.SPUR 264, Hunt County: in Quinlan. Sidewalk improvement project. The contractor is currently seeding and watering, sidewalk construction is complete. Please be careful when traveling in the area and watch out for workers.FM 1566, Hunt County: from FM 272 near Celeste to State Highway 34. The contractor is constructing cross culverts on this roadway. Detours are required to complete this work. Please be careful when traveling in this area and watch out for workers.Hunt County mowing contractors are working at various locations in Hunt County.Hunt County maintenance crews are patching on SH 224 and performing ditch work at various locations in the county; watch for lane closures, work zones and workers along this roadway.Please be careful when traveling in these areas, watch out for workers and maintain a safe distance from these work crews.Rains County maintenance crews are applying hot-mix pavement on SH 276; watch for lane closures, work zones and workers along this roadway. Please be careful when traveling in these areas, watch out for workers and maintain a safe distance from these work crews.Debris and litter operations are ongoing throughout multiple parts of the county. Please be careful when traveling, and watch out for workers.

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Paris District Road Report for the Week of August 17, 2020 - KSST

Lafayette Police Department(Photo: File)

LAFAYETTE, Ind. Motorcyclist Pablo Chavez and passenger,Gabriella Toyne, were injured early Thursday as Chavez sped away from an officer who tried to stop him for a traffic violation, Lafayette police said.

A patrol officerreported a motorcycle ran a stop sign near Five Pointsabout 1:15 a.m. Thursday. The motorcyclist sped away when the officer turned on the emergency lights to stop the bike, police said.

The officer chosenot to pursue the bike,shutting off the lights, and doubling back to see if the biker might show up again, police said.

The officer found the wrecked motorcycleat aconcrete retaining wall on Main Street near Asher Street. They found Chavez, 33, and Toyne, 25, injured at the crash site, police said.

Chavez suffered minor scrapes and cuts, but Toyne suffered serious internal injuries and several broken bones, police said.

Both were hospitalized for treatment.

Toyne was in serious but stable condition Thursday, police said.

Chavez will be arrested when he's released from the hospital, police said.

He is suspected of driving while intoxicated resulting in serious bodily injury, resisting law enforcement with a vehicle resulting in serious bodily injury and reckless driving with serious bodily injury, police said.

Main Street near Five Points wasclosed for about two hours while officers investigated the crash, according to alerts published by Lafayette police early Thursday.

Reach Ron Wilkins at 765-420-5231 or at rwilkins@jconline.com. Follow on Twitter: @RonWilkins2.

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Biker and passenger injured in early morning crash near Five Points - Journal & Courier

I share an elevated boundary with my neighbour who subsequently applied for planning permission to extend and excavate part of my retaining walls and earthen support verges.

In lodging a planning observation, I anticipated the planner might have addressed some protections or inserted conditions cognisant of my rights of support, or at the very least cautioned against interference citing the risk of collapse with any disturbances to be made good. I was shocked to find that these potential concerns were ignored. Subsequently, many irregularities have surfaced, which I believe should render the entire grant void.

How successful might this approach be with An Bord Pleanla, and what exhibits should I include as a lay person?

It is understandable that you are concerned as you believe that part of your retaining walls and earthen support verges will be removed. However, the planning process deals with planning-related matters only and may not address such details. Details of structural issues are generally a matter for the applicant and his/her engineer or building surveyor, and boundary issues are a matter for the applicant and his/her neighbour.

I assume that there is a wall along your boundary. It is likely therefore that the legal boundary runs along the centre of this wall. Its not clear if the support structures you refer to are on your side of the boundary or if they are on your neighbours side, but you refer to them as yours as they provide support to your shared boundary wall. If they are on your neighbours side, he/she would be entitled to remove them but is obliged to replace them with an equally stable support structure.

The details should be formally agreed in advance and when completed, would require certification by a chartered building surveyor or engineer. If the support structures are on your side, your neighbours proposed development would be encroaching on your property. The planning application form requests the applicant to state that he/she is the owner of the entire subject property, and if not, to provide evidence of consent of the owner of other property included in the application.

The planning process does not seek to verify the ownership information provided. It appears that your neighbour did not get your consent to encroach on to your property. Irrespective of the outcome of the planning application, whether at planning authority stage or on appeal to Bord Pleanla, your neighbour cannot encroach on, or interfere with your property without your consent. Your neighbour should bear the cost involved in relation to the boundary, irrespective of which side the support structures are located, as he/she has instigated the development.

An appeal to Bord Pleanla must be within the four-week time limit. I suggest that you engage a chartered planning and development surveyor or planning consultant and provide them with the relevant information, required for appeal.

These include the planning file reference number; addresses of both properties; name of planning authority; copy of acknowledgement of receipt of your submission to the planning authority; a plan outlining the existing situation with the legal boundary clearly marked and also indicating the support walls and earth bank; a plan indicating the extent of your neighbours proposal, also with the location of the legal boundary clearly marked; a written statement outlining your case and, if relevant, confirming if the information concerning ownership in the original application is incorrect; and photographs, preferably from an elevated position.

It is difficult to predict the outcome. However, as outlined above, you have overriding rights in relation to your boundary supports and/or encroachment. While it is possible to make a third-party submission yourself, I advise that you engage professional assistance as there may be other aspects that will strengthen your case.

Patrick Shine is a chartered geomatics surveyor, a chartered civil engineer and a member of the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland

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Im worried that my neighbours extension will damage our retaining wall. What can I do? - The Irish Times

By Nathan Ham

The Gamekeeper Restaurant will officially reopen on Wednesday night with a new deck, additional outdoor seating, and a beautiful new rock retaining wall to add to the rugged look that so many customers have become accustomed to over the year.

Owners Ken and Wendy Gordon are excited to reopen and see their favorite customers and hopefully some new guests that want to venture out and try the unique food offerings at The Gamekeeper.

All the wonderful things we have wanted to do for 20 years, we finally did them, Ken said. It never seemed to be the right month and when it was the right month, it was always wet and rainy.

The downtime from the COVID-19 pandemic allowed crews to come in and be able to work through the spring and early summer to get the new looks completed.

We rebuilt the deck and the entrance and we have handicap accessibility to the front door, which is something we have wanted for a long time, explained Ken. We have extended outdoor seating as well by extending our retaining well and adding patio space outside.

The rock retaining wall was put together by Nova Sky Construction and was done mostly by repurposing large stones that were already on the property and just needed to be put into place. The outdoor seating has been expanded to 10 tables.

With the newly expanded seating outside, it will be a lovely place to watch the sunset, said Ken.

Inside you will notice a fresh coat of paint as well as newly refinished floors. The menu will include a lot of The Gamekeeper favorites, including the mixed game grills and chocolate martinis. Michael Vinson, the new matre d who found his way to the High Country from Pinehurst, has a vast knowledge of wine and will be happy to match a wine selection to your meal of choice.

Reservations by phone are required for each day. The Gamekeeper will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 5-9 p.m. Reservations can be made by calling 828-963-7400.

OPEN AND READY FOR DINERS

NEW ROCK WALL

CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS DURING JULY

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Gamekeeper Restaurant Has Reopened After a Summer of Renovations and Improvements - High Country Press

Waters rise at the intersection of Lewis and Pump streets by Gloria's Pupuseria on Aug. 8, 2020 when a flash flood hit downtown Staunton.(Photo: Submitted/John and Gloria Gerber)

STAUNTON - The City of Staunton saw damage to 164 public, residential and commercial properties totaling $3.1 million in damages.

The city has submitted the preliminary damage assessment to the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, a release said.

The property damage totals werebased on reports from city staff, commercial property owners and residential property owners that have been received since Saturday, the release said. The city is continuing to get damage reports from property owners for damage to private properties. Reports can still be made by calling 540-332-3960 or emailingfloodreport@ci.staunton.va.us.

Any additional information received from private property owners in the comingdays will be submitted by the city to VDEM in a follow-up report, the release said.

The city sent the following breakdown of the assessment:

We appreciate the speed and diligence with which private property owners have contacted us with the necessary details regarding residential and commercial damages, Staunton Fire Chief Scott Garber said in a release. Their cooperation during what is a very challenging time has made it possible for us to compile a comprehensive and accurate preliminary report for VDEM.

The city is awaiting eligibility for assistance from the state for both city and private property owners and a possible referral of the assessment for federal assistance from to theFederal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA).

See footage from Saturday night's flooding in downtown Staunton. Staunton News Leader

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A car is submerged in floodwaters during Saturday night's flood in downtown Staunton. Staunton News Leader

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You can reach reporter Laura Petersatlpeters@newsleader.com.Follow her@peterslaura.

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Over $3 million in damages due to flood that hit Staunton - The News Leader

This spring's high water in Mill Creek caused a washout on the Bitterroot National Forest's Mill Creek Trail. A section of the trail disappeared near milepost 0.5, requiring a temporary bypass for hikers. Tod McKay of the Bitterroot Forest said that horses were unable to get by the eroded section. A week's closure and repair project will bring the trail back to normal use. Starting August 17, crews will build a 20-foot wide by 10-foot tall retaining wall. The 48-ton structure will allow passage when completed. During the project, hikers can use Cow Creek Trail #3 to access the trail beyond the footbridge.

Crews will be using jack hammers and installing wall materials at the damaged site. That will require the closure of the trailhead and Forest Road #1348. The trail will be closed from the washout to the footbridge at milepost 0.75. Forest Road #1348 will also be closed while the repairs are being made. The project is west of Corvallis in the Stevensville Ranger District and construction will be from August 17 to August 25. If you need more information call (406) 777-5461.

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Mill Creek's Washed Out Trail Will Be Fixed - klyq

The Park City Police Department last week received at least two reports of water infrastructure issues in different neighborhoods.

On Saturday, Aug. 8 at 11:09 p.m., the police logged a report of water shooting out of the ground in the vicinity of tennis courts at or close to the intersection of Webster Drive and Three Kings Court. The water was reaching a height of upward of 12 feet and appeared to be a result of an issue with a larger pipe, the police were told.

On Wednesday, Aug. 5 at 6:53 a.m., meanwhile, water was exiting the ground on Deer Valley Drive, apparently reaching a height or distance of approximately 15 feet. The police said a utility issue caused the spraying.

Other incidents reported to the Police Department last week included:

On Sunday, Aug. 9 at 10:42 p.m., a person reportedly had slept in an apartment complex on Kearns Boulevard for three consecutive nights. The person who contacted the police indicated the person might be homeless.

The police at 10:13 p.m., received a report from someone who was looking up at the mountain he can see what he thinks is a headlamp that was flashing periodically but not moving. The person who contacted the police, who was in a pool on Lowell Avenue, said it was strange.

On Saturday, Aug. 8 at 11:35 p.m., a party was reported on Solamere Drive. There were approximately six people making lots of noise, the police were told.

The Police Department received two reports of apparently unrelated hit-and-run traffic accidents in quick succession at 2:08 p.m. and 2:27 p.m. They occurred within four blocks of each other on Park Avenue. Public police logs did not provide details.

Someone in the vicinity of Royal Street at 12:34 p.m. contacted the police wanting to report issues with parking. The person told the police drivers opted against a location where the price was $30, prompting them to hunt for spots elsewhere on Royal Street.

An altercation was reported at the skate park at City Park at 12 p.m. Public police logs did not provide details.

Two bicycles were reportedly stolen from the back of a truck at 11:27 a.m. The case was logged on Lowell Avenue and was classified as a suspected theft.

Someone on Woodside Avenue contacted the police at 2:12 a.m. about what sounded like a party on nearby Norfolk Avenue. The police logged the case as suspected disturbing the peace.

On Friday, Aug. 7 at 9:46 p.m., the police received a report of a possible party on Silver Star Court. A manager indicated there were complaints and numerous cars, according to public police logs.

A driver reported a vehicle suffered overheated brakes at or close to the Old Town roundabout at 6:13 p.m.

A truck reportedly hit a power line on Daly Avenue at 2:58 p.m. The line remained in the air afterward and it looked as it if skipped off the top of the truck, the police were told.

A steel plate in the road on the 1500 block of Kearns Boulevard reportedly had shifted, leaving the possibility of a tire becoming stuck in the opening, the police were told. The Police Department said the plate presented a traffic hazard.

The police at 11:43 a.m. received a report from a business on Lowell Avenue, where someone refused to wear a mask, the department was told. The person who declined to wear a mask indicated they were medically exempt, the police said.

The police at 11:35 a.m. received a complaint about people drinking beer at City Park or on the bordering Sullivan Road. The people had been there for nearly a week, the police were told. The police said the circumstances were suspicious.

A hit-and-run traffic accident was reported on Sidewinder Drive at 7:29 a.m. There was damage to the rear bumper, the police were told.

The Police Department at 12:55 a.m. received a report of loud youngsters outside somewhere along Daly Avenue. The person needed to wake up for work the next morning, and they wanted an officer to remind them to be quiet and ask if they could go inside, the police said.

On Thursday, Aug. 6 at 11:37 p.m., a party with music was reported on Prospector Drive while, in an unrelated case, loud music was reported close to the intersection of Main Street and Heber Avenue at 10:56 p.m.

A vehicle that was parked on Main Street at 7:02 p.m. leaked gasoline, the police were told. The leaking was bad, according to public police logs. The police classified the case as a suspected hazardous-materials spill.

On Wednesday, Aug. 5 at 8:50 p.m., a car was reportedly left in a location where it partially blocked a driveway on Comstock Drive. The police contacted the owner of the vehicle.

On Tuesday, Aug. 4 at 6:01 a.m., elk were seen close to the road on S.R. 224.

On Monday, Aug. 3 at 8:22 a.m., graffiti was reportedly found in three locations a bridge, a retaining wall and a rock on or in the vicinity of Twisted Branch Road.

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Park City police blotter: Water shoots out of the ground - The Park Record