I’ve walked and driven
by the Periwinkle Creek culvert countless times over the past 30 years, and never paid attention any attention to it.
That changed last Wednesday night after Chris Wilgus’ 1992 Buick LeSabre was swept into the creek and the culvert, resulting in the deaths of Cathy Sue and Aiden McLaughlin and Maliki Wilgus being placed on life support in a Portland hospital.
I gave Entertertainer writer Cory Frye a ride home Tuesday evening from Corvallis. As we drove north on Geary Street approaching Queen Avenue, we both looked to our right cheapest cialis prices in the direction of the open-ended culvert.
We all look now.
I find myself in support of pleas by Cathy Sue’s mother, Felicia McLaughlin, and others to put a grate or something over the east end of the culvert.
I’m no structural engineer, but maybe just a couple steel rods would do it — something that would hold back big stuff, but let the flotsam through.
I was shooting video this morning at the grand opening of the Walmart store. I saw Mayor Sharon Konopa, City Manager Wes Hare and Councilman Floyd Collins there, so I asked them about the Periwinkle Creek culvert.
They all expressed concerns, and said there would be a discussion about the culvert at tonight’s city council meeting, which starts at 7:15. That’s a great first step.
Across town at same time at Phoenix Inn Suites, the lives of Cathy Sue and Aiden McLaughlin will be celebrated.
It seems fitting on the evening when people gather to remember this mother and child, whose beautiful picture appeared on the front page of the Democrat-Herald and on our website, that the city council will have a serious talk and explore ways to ensure that there will not be another tragedy at the Periwinkle Creek culvert.
6 comments
Marilyn Whittington says:
Jan 25, 2012
I’M WITH YOU! Even poles or ? as you mentioned would help. I am still in shock as to how this all happened. I used to live in that area and never noticed that huge culvert myself. I hope they will check into this and any other large culverts. I am glad people are taking an interest.
Korene Hanley says:
Jan 26, 2012
Yes There needs to be something
I pray for the family’s touched by this tragic night 
deer7978 says:
Jan 26, 2012
I too, even as far away as I am was shocked and greatly saddened by this unecessary loss. I was wondering why there is no railing on the road above the creek and culvert, as wasn’t that how the car got involved? It seems likely that some sort of structure, edging or something would have served as a warning to at least where the edge of the road was, even in flooding conditions.
john says:
Jan 26, 2012
the parking lot should have gaurd rails in that section that has nothing to stop a car or truck from leaving the parking,bars on the drain pipe would pin objects under water in a massage under flow,f
Lisa says:
Jan 26, 2012
It seems like it should have been commonsense to have that culvert grated or protected from anything or anyone going through there. This situation is horrible but even without it happening that area being open under there lends itself to dealings of the undesireable. The creek in the summer is very low that I believe people can go through there. Imagine if you wanted a safe unseen place to do illegal activities that seems to be a great place. This is a lesson for all that when things are built not all things are “safe”. I wish that these deaths didn’t have to happen in order for the public to be made more aware that the area exists. I also feel that MegaFoods holds some responsibility. If we, as citizens, have a dangerous situation on our personal property and the insurance companies or law fines that you were aware of it then we can be held liable for not posting or putting up barriers. I feel that MegaFoods had the responsibility of putting up blockage or barriers, even if it was grocery carts and caution tape, to keep their customers away from the danger.
Kim Russell says:
Mar 11, 2012
I absolutely agree! The city and MegaFoods were 100% wrong and at fault for not doing the following in the event of a natural disaster:
1) MegaFoods parking lot should have been closed off due to severe flooding
2) Some type of barrier should have been in place along Periwinkle Creek to not only alert vehicles of a creek there but pedestrians as well. That is a very high traffic area by vehicle and by foot due to the grocery store, Periwinkle Apts, 7-11, and Urgent Care. I don’t understand why there wasn’t a barrier there already!
3) The city should have put a grate/bars/etc at the opening of the culvert to keep large things from being sucked into the culvert!
I feel strongly that this horrible accident and lives lost absolutely could have been avoided if the City of Albany and MegaFoods had not been negligent!!
Praying for all the families and friends of those lost and for little Maliki to make a full recovery.
~Kim R.