In March of 2022, my family and I moved to Virgie, KY, from North Carolina to take on the role of pastoring a Southern Baptist Church. Just a few months later, in July 2022, we faced our first flood evacuation. Then again, on February 15th, 2025, floodwaters rose, forcing us to evacuate for the second time. These experiences have not only put our property at risk but have deeply affected our family, especially our 23-year-old autistic son. After the second flood, he did not speak for three months, merely staring at the creek as if waiting for the next disaster.

Flooding is a recurring nightmare for us in Appalachia, and there's a clear reason why this happens: the creeks and Fishtrap Lake, crucial bodies of water in Pike County, have become clogged with silt, debris, and rocks. The water levels are rising, edging closer to the roads and homes where we live and work, presenting an undeniable risk to property and, more importantly, to lives.

The detrimental effects of flooding on our community cannot be overstated. It severely jeopardizes the safety and welfare of families, displaces residents, and causes irrevocable harm to the lands we love. The solution is clear and actionable: dredge these waterways to restore them to their natural capacity.

Dredging the creeks and Fishtrap Lake is not merely a maintenance task—it's a protective measure. By removing the accumulation of silt and debris, we can help ensure these waters flow as intended, mitigating the future risk of flooding. This measure will safeguard our homes, preserve our communities, and protect the precious lives of the people who call Appalachia home.

Local authorities and environmental agencies need to prioritize this essential work to protect Pike County residents from future calamities. We call upon them to take immediate action and allocate the necessary resources to dredge our creeks and Fishtrap Lake.

Sign this petition to support the dredging of Pike County's waterways, ensuring a safer environment for all of us who reside here. Let's take a stand together to protect our homes, our families, and our future in Appalachia. By signing, you're lending your voice to a crucial cause that seeks to prevent further tragedy in our community.

Thomas Reid, Pastor, Virgie Baptist Church and Pike County Relief Services