VIEWPOINT | McCook Lake flood revealed disaster response shortfalls

Guest column by state Sen. Sydney Davis and state Rep. Chris Kassin

State Sen. Sydney Davis and state Rep. Chris Kassin

One year ago, McCook Lake was hit by major flooding that changed the community in a matter of days. After days of heavy rain in southeast South Dakota, an old flood plan written in the 1970s was used to help protect nearby areas. However, that plan led to severe flooding for McCook Lake and areas of rural Union County. Water poured into the McCook Lake neighborhood, damaging homes, washing away shorelines, and filling the lake with debris. For a small community of just 3,000 people, the damage was hard to believe.

But even with everything they were up against, the people in southeast South Dakota didn’t give up. They got to work. And they weren’t alone. Folks from across the southeast region came together to help, offering their time, resources and support. Residents, volunteers, and organizations quickly stepped in to lead the response. It was a true example of neighbors helping neighbors.

VIEWPOINT | Education is about more than just test scores