The Sauk Centre herald., 1916-09-14
WOULD COMPEL
REPAIR OF dam
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS TO
BRING SUIT DEMANDING 1T
BE MADE SAFE
CONDEMNED BY engineers
PROTESTS MADE INCREASED
WATER WOULD DESTROY
BRIDGES AND ROADS

ne 'lOlIOW1NS IIOln IllS 81. SIOuu
Journal Press Of Wednesday will be
OF interest to Sauk Centreites, espe-
cially because OF the offer to build a
new dam made to the city council on
Tuesday by A. G. Whitney of the Light
and Power Company.
can action in the name of the state
to force the Central Milling Company
of Sauk Centre to place its dam in
shape to withstand the tremendous
force of the water behind it was this
morning authorized by the board Of
county commissioners and County At
torney Paul Ahles will consult with
the attorney general as to the mode of
procedure.
''The board this morning listened to
the report of Mr.. Ahles and heard the
statement of County Engineer Sam
Chute and Highway Engineer M. j.
Cleveland.
The engineers, who with County
Commissioner Lahr had made an in
spection shortly after the structure
was threatened by break on the mill
side, reported that the dam was un-
doubtedly unsafe and that there was
grave danger of disaster unless
needed repairs were ordered. They
said that the lower part of the dam
would probably stand but that the up
per part was liable to go out. Even
this they claimed would mean a tre
mendous property loss along the river
on account of the mass of water in the
mill pond which is several miles long.
"County Attorney Ahles stated that
he had made careful investigation of
: the legal phases of the case and was
ready to report that the manner in
which the dam was maintained could
be declared nuisance and that an ac-
ton could be started by the state, the
county or any individual whose prop
erty was threatened. A case such as
contemplated would be directed
against the owners of the dam and
would direct that suitable repairs be
made so as to make the dam safe. A
suitable showing would have to be
made in court to determine what re-
pairs were necessary.
at was stated by member of the
board that he had heard on good au-
thority that there had been second
break in the dam on the side opposite
from the mill only few days ago and
that prompt work saved the dam from
going out at that time.
"County Attorney Ahles suggested
that the proposed action be brought in
the name of the state so that the dan
be included, giving the county greater
latitude in the arguments to be pre-
sented to the court.
I know that the superstructure of
the dam is in an unsafe condition"
said one of the board this morning.
"Even now with the gates open the
work shows signs of weakening and
there is so much water going through
that much of our grade work is being
demolished If any part would break
and more water should come through
there are several bridges that would
be undermined.
''It was pointed out that the sand in
the crib at the ends of the dam was
leaking out and that the water found
little holes in which to work.
Following the action of the board
the county attorney and the engineers
will prepare plans for the case that
will be started and immediate results
may be secured through an injunc-
tional order if the tentative plans are
carried out.y