The waters rise. They ravage the body of this town. Yet with each attack, the town redoubles. Up and down most streets now, life thrives. On Shelby Street, houses wear fresh coats of paint.
Yards are tidy and landscaped.
The red bricks of the post office, once covered in mud and grime, put a sturdy face to the town. The Nazarene Church on Second Street is bright white, with lights shining inside. The old Kennett Tavern, pushed partly off its foundation three years ago, sparkles now as City Hall. The Federal-style building on Main Street resembles a bed and breakfast, with shining electric candles burning in each window. Ronnie Bay's home on State Street, less than 50 yards from the Licking River, was under water up to the roof in 1997.