Landowners propose engineering solution for drainage issues near Highway 65

The Worth County Board of Supervisors meeting on July 14, 2025, focused on pressing drainage issues affecting local landowners, particularly concerning a long-standing ditch that has not been adequately maintained. The discussion highlighted the need for cleaning and potential engineering assessments to address ongoing water flow problems.

Landowners expressed concerns about a ditch that runs through multiple properties, including those of Gene Severson and others, which has become silted and obstructed. One landowner reported that water from the ditch is flooding his property, exacerbated by recent heavy rains. The group acknowledged that previous maintenance efforts had not sufficiently addressed the issues, particularly the presence of willows and other debris that hinder water flow.

The supervisors discussed the necessity of engaging an engineer to evaluate the situation and provide estimates for the required cleaning work. It was noted that a comprehensive approach would involve gathering input from all affected landowners to ensure collective agreement on the proposed actions. A landowner meeting is planned within the next few weeks to discuss the drainage problems and potential solutions.

Additionally, the board recognized that the current drainage classification is outdated, with many properties not having contributed to the maintenance of the ditch despite benefiting from it. This situation has led to overcapacity issues, as more tiles have been added upstream without corresponding updates to the drainage system.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the need for a work order to initiate the engineering assessment, which will pave the way for the upcoming landowner meeting. This proactive approach aims to address the longstanding drainage challenges and ensure that all stakeholders are involved in the decision-making process.