Parent demands action from city

By ADAM CATLIN
NHJ Editor

Newkirk City Manager Jane Thomas said she and Newkirk Fire Chief Adam Longcrier will come up with a plan of action regarding the city’s storm drains. Shannon Eads has been asking for action by the city after the incident on June 25 involving her sons and a storm drain at 4th and H Street in Newkirk almost ended tragically.
Eads posted to social media about the incident.
“Our family experienced something no parent should ever have to go through,” she wrote. “My eight-year-old son was swept into a storm drain culvert during high water. He was pulled completely through the metal pipe beneath the road and expelled out the other side. His 12-year-old brother had to rescue him after his leg became stuck as he was trying to get out.”
She said her youngest son suffered abrasions across his back from the metal culvert, and inhaled water. She and her family are concerned about the emotional trauma this has caused both of her boys.
“I am sharing this because I don’t want another family to experience what we did. Please, after heavy rain, keep your children away from flooded ditches, culverts, and drainage pipes. What looks like shallow water can hide an incredibly powerful current.”
Since the incident, Eads said she has contacted Newkirk City Manager Jane Thomas and Newkirk Fire Chief Adam Longcrier. According to Eads, Longcrier said he would be getting with the city manager to come up with a plan.
As of last weekend, she said, nothing has been done. “I have not been informed that anything is going to be done.”
She said she has also reached out to the mayor and City Commissioner Jack Bagg.
“My goal has never been to place blame. It has always been to prevent another family from experiencing what mine did. My boys went through something traumatic that could have ended much differently. I simply want to see action taken before someone else is seriously injured or loses their life. If plans are being made to address this hazard, I would truly appreciate being informed. Right now, from my perspective, nothing has changed.”
Eads said she would like the city to inspect this drainage area and take whatever action is necessary to help prevent another child from being seriously injured or worse. She wants people to take things seriously.
She said after the heavy rains there were no barricades or signs on the then-flooded street. Eads also pointed out that many drainage pipes are blocked with no water flow all over the city.
Shortly after the incident, Thomas released a brief statement.
“This could have been a tragedy, thank goodness it was not. High, fast-moving water is very attractive for kids to play in after a rain but fast-moving water is extremely dangerous. Please teach your kids about water safety.”