By: Sheila Crowley
Murray County News Staffwriter
The Slayton Country Club has been a mainstay and a source of entertainment since the late ’50s. However, after the torrential rains that encompassed the area last July, there remained uncertainty whether the course could withstand the financial burden caused by the flooding.
As spring of 2019 rolled in, the uncertainty remained. The winter was harsh and with the heavy snows and early rain, once again much of the course was underwater throughout April and a good share of May.
Fortunately, the sun showed down on the course and it did open allowing members and the guests the opportunity to play the 9-hole course. But what remained was the financial costs incurred from last year’s flooding event.
Treasurer David Dorpinghaus explained the course is a for-profit club, however, basically, the revenue which comes in over the course of the season covers the cost of maintaining and keeping the entity open. “Our goal is to offer a pleasant golfing experience,” he continued. According to him, the Slayton Country Club is recognized across the region as one of the nicest courses in the area.
A similar situation happened in 2014, but the club didn’t receive any assistance at that time to help with their repair. On Monday, July 16th, 2018 representatives appeared before the Slayton Council to request help from the State as part of the City’s disaster recovery reporting to FEMA. Stating the costs to repair were just too much for the Course members to try and cover. The City of Slayton is the lease owner of the land, however, the Club pays all taxes and expenses associated with the course.
Murray County declared a state of emergency on June 21st of 2018 following the four to eight inches of rain received earlier that week. Another round of torrential rains was received July 2nd into July 3rd…this time dumping nearly 8 to 10 inches on the already saturated area. Reports of rainfall over the past two weeks reached between 15 to 18 inches.
As a result of the state of emergency, the Federal Emergency Disaster Agency (FEMA) was called in to coordinate a response to the disaster declaration. The agency experts help with funds for rebuilding efforts. Engineers estimated the damage at a quarter of a million dollars with the majority of that dollar amount coming from the rebuilding of the retaining wall along with hole number 8.
The Slayton Golf Course took a beating. With Beaver Creek weaving through the course, it was a mess. The course had water issues earlier in the spring, then the first round of rains, and the last round just complicated matters with at least half of the course underwater.
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