Gays Mills Rebuilding After Floods
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Updated: 10:48 PM Jul 28, 2008
Gays Mills Rebuilding After Floods
People living in the town are trying to decide whether to rebuild their homes or move the town entirely.
Posted: 9:47 PM Jul 28, 2008
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Two months after flood waters hit a small village in western Wisconsin for the second time in a year, the town is starting to rebuild and recover. We talked to people living in Gays Mills to see how they're doing.

On June 8th people in Gays Mills evacuated the tiny town when the Kickapoo River left it underwater and covered in mud. Bill Malloy says he still remembers his first thought.

"Not again. It's got to be so disappointing for everybody to go through it again. I just hope they all don't give up and move out."

Village leaders are considering moving the entire town but Malloy says people living in Gays Mills just aren't sure what's best for their town.

"I've heard everything from A to Z. Everybody is asking questions. They're not really saying much because they just don't know what to do at this point."

Village president Larry McCarn says it's been tough. He says the town is recovering but people are struggling to decide if they should rebuild or move on.

"It's a slow process but things are slowly moving. We're trying to get things so they work out better."

McCarn says he is all for moving the town and hopes the villagers agree.

"People can't continue this and the government can't continue this, to keep pouring money in here. It just takes the buildings down anyway so it's not real good... I mean all the way around I think a relocation would help."

Malloy says a lot of people are already gone for good, but he hopes there's a solution that will keep everyone right where they are.

"There has been so many that have left now where is our 50-50 at. I mean, they're scattered in all directions now... not knowing what to do, waiting for a buyout or FEMA to do something... but I know I'd rather stay here."

FEMA says more than 35,000 people in Wisconsin have registered for federal aid. $54 million dollars in grant and loan money has been given to flood victims.


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