FLOODING

a unique problem. eir driveway goes right over Running Creek and was completely washed away. Accessing the church from CR 13 is impossible. Basic utilities like electricity, gas and water were all endangered.

Carrie Breckenridge, the o ce administrator, explained that a neighbor to the east has allowed church sta temporary o -road access to the building via his property. Repair work was expected to begin Aug. 1 but continued rain and ooding stalled repair e orts. As of this writing, reconstruction is nally underway.

“ e damage was to the church driveway (not the bridge, which is still standing!). About 75 feet of driveway was destroyed,” explained Pastor Luke Heirendt. “ is is our only public access to church, so we met online for two weeks, and then have been meeting at Evans Park on Sundays for church services.”

Moving church services outside has attracted new attendees but is hard on older members of the hope is that driveway access will be restored in time to have church services in the building by Aug. 13. e cost of repairing the driveway will be over $70,000. e church does not qualify to use any county emergency repair funds, but they’ve already raised a portion of the money needed. “Many people have stepped up to give and to give generously,” said Heirendt. “We are incredibly grateful to have received over $22,000 so far in donations to help us pay for these repairs. Every gift helps!” e church is relying on volunteers to help clean up the ood debris. ey have had several church workdays and some community groups have stepped in to lend manpower. e Elbert County Republicans, Hitch n’ Post Hay and Dads of Elbert County have all donated their time to help with cleanup.

Creekside Church is accepting donations to help fund repairs at creekside.cc. Checks can also be mailed directly to Creekside Community Church, PO Box e creek is normally 5-15 feet wide but at the worst of the ooding it grew to 800. irty feet of shoreline was washed away on the #11 green by South Augusta Road. Irrigation lines were broken, car paths were washed away, and some fairways were under feet of water for the better part of a day. e course might appear functional from CR 17-21, but three bridges that golfers need to cross the creek are completely washed out and need to be rebuilt. Fallen trees, standing water and huge piles of sediment fairways. e goal is to reopen in spring 2024. Spring Valley is taking the opportunity to renovate three greens and four fairways. Fresh sod and seed will be put down and will hopefully take root by reopening. As of now, most of the course remains inaccessible but the driving range and four holes are open ursday through Sunday beginning at 3 pm. e cost is $90 per person and includes breakfast. e football team is also selling Cardinal Cards (a card with local discount deals) for $30 apiece. For more information about supporting the EHS football team, contact Coach Michael Zoesch at mzoesch@ esdk12.org.

Manager Vladimir Mocevic is optimistic that most of the course can be renovated in a month and a half, but the damage is enough to warrant cancellation of all events and golf play for the remainder of 2023. Repairs and restoration will cost upwards of $500,000 in addition to $2 million in lost revenue.

Running Creek winds through Spring Valley Golf Club and Mocevic says it is “usually bone-dry by midJune.” is year, the creek is still over owing in midAugust.

Elizabeth High School football usually has their biggest fundraiser of the year at Spring Valley Golf Club. e Football Booster Club has been brainstorming alternatives on incredibly short notice. A fundraiser at Top Golf in Centennial will take the place of the annual golf tournament. is event will take place on Oct. 8 from 9 a.m. to noon.