KINSMAN, Ohio - It was one year ago, flood waters washed away a dam and roads that provided access to homes in Kinsman. Since that time, there's been a lot of construction to prevent this problem from happening again.

"That Saturday morning, I left and went out to get a paper for the day I noticed the lake was up at a level I had never seen before. I came home, I told my wife we need to pack up, we need to get the kids out of here because I think the water is going to run over the dam," recalled Andy Jackson who lives in a neighborhood of about 20 homes that rely on the access of Lakeview Drive to get to-and-from their homes.

Lakeview Drive eventually caved to the flooding.

Jeff Matthews grows corn about a quarter-of-a-mile south of where the dam broke. He lost his crop that season. Now, one year later, the crop is once again full.

"The flood deposited probably several inches of sediment out of the lake on this field and as you can see it really hasn't hurt the crop much," said Matthews.

Back at Lakeview Drive, it was the end of October before they could once again drive a vehicle across the road to their homes. During the months prior to the completion of the construction, neighbors banned together to use four-wheelers and other means of transportation to get to-and-from their properties.

Now, the roadway is more stable than ever, according to County Engineer Randy Smith. Smith said about $1.8 million of state funding went into the repairs and it's a great testament to what can be accomplished when everyone works together.

However, Lakeview Drive is still lacking it's lake view. Kinsman Lake has not been refilled.

"I think for the people that purchased property on the other side they pretty much figured that would be the view for the rest of their life living there and it's really been a wake up call for a lot, that it's just not there anymore. It's a realization," said Township Trustee Linda Miller.

And while those that live in the area aren't sure if they will ever have their lake view again.
The event, one year ago, did bring this small neighborhood and surrounding community closer together.