Last year's swarms of black flies are still etched in the memories of those who live in the south Logan area and also magistrates who have been asked to do something to prevent it from occurring again.
Black flies have made their home in Logan for years; however, last year shortly after the flooding in May, the little pest became a big problem for livestock and people just walking outside their homes.
All sorts of contraptions could be seen on people to help ward off the nuisance from wearing dryer sheets on clothing to mosquito netting over hats. However, this was not enough to fight the "plague" like infestation and leaders are contemplating purchasing additional chemicals to treat the rivers and streams in attempts to kill the larva.
According to Judge/Executive Logan Chick, the state's Kevin Ferguson, has sent a letter to the county asking them to buy 11 barrels of chemicals costing $924 each for a total of $10,164. The state will supply four barrels but no more. This will provide five treatments.
The question that is nagging the court almost as much as the flies themselves, is the question, "Will it happen again or was it just a freak occurrence due to the flooding?"
Magistrate Jo Orange wonders if the county will experience the problem in a magnitude this year to warrant spending $10,164 and also wondered about the hazard the chemical may cause. Magistrate Curtis Watkins didn't think the chemical would harm the rivers and streams and felt it was something that needed to be done.
The court tabled the decision, which was tabled once before, until Chick can contact the state and get a little more information; however, the application has a time-line and must begin in March.
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