Tanya wrote on May 22, 2008 9:36 PM:
" GW I am not being cold hearted about anything my sympathy is with him. However, I did lose my an immediate member of my famiy who volunteered to help to save a child from a very abusive father and died because of it. It is a tragedy but to sue the people that choose to put their lives on the line for us sorry just does not cut it for me. I would have stayed there to warn others about the hole in the road so no one else would get hurt. Also, if you were there helping that night where would you choose to help first? Who to save first? What would have been your first priority? What would happen if all of these people who are out there to help protect, save us, etc were not there, where would we be then. "
reader wrote on May 22, 2008 4:28 PM:
" Plus, listening to the scanner-people were being sent out to many other places then Stockton-in fact I heard very few people being told to go Stockton. Listening to the scanner-it was total chaos. This county is very lucky that more people didn't get killed that night. You sit 8+ hours-trapped in your home and no one-NO ONE comes. They didn't come in '91 and they didn't come in 07. Higher ups, after the '91 flood, talked and talked about how Stockton would have an advanced warning system-where is it? "
reader wrote on May 22, 2008 4:22 PM:
" Daventrian- we had a weather radio on, with tv on and police/sheriff scanners on. The first warning that Stockton was flooding we heard over the police scanner-I went to our front door and the water was so high that you couldn't walk or drive out. Don't give me a bunch of BS about being responsible for your own safety. Since the "91 flood there have been numerous FALSE flood warnings put out-we were paying attention. "
gw wrote on May 22, 2008 4:01 PM:
" Tanya wrote on May 22, 2008 3:02 PM:
"Maybe he should be sueing the first person who saw the hole because they did not stay there to warn other people."I have to laugh at some of the things some of you are actually writing on here. Seriously,give this family a little respect,they had both parents DIE at the same time.How would all of you feel if that would be your mom & Dad or brother or sister or child?I just can't believe how COLD Hearted some of you actually are on here.What comes around goes around...If you always do what you have always done,you will always get what you have always gotten. Please show some heart...I'm NOT saying all of you on here,but most of you.Very hurtful words.I actually feel sad for some of you,cause some of you actually sound like you can be great people with kind hearts. "
Me wrote on May 22, 2008 3:34 PM:
" Davetrain- I personally know several Winona cops that never worked 1 minute of overtime as a result of the flood. So, your premise is faulty to say the least. If this would have been a drawn out situation I would have to say your are right but in this case you are wrong. Officers should have been called in and officers should have had their shifts extended beyond their normal hours (I'm talking about the Winona officers). I don't think that happened. "
Tanya wrote on May 22, 2008 3:02 PM:
" Maybe he should be sueing the first person who saw the hole because they did not stay there to warn other people. "
mistermister wrote on May 22, 2008 10:52 AM:
" And look at the road itself. I believe the recommended speed on that road is 45 MPH or less during good conditions. Dianne Mendez, the lady who found the bodies, was on KSTP news saying she was doing about 20 MPH and almost went in. She had a pickup try to go around her after she was stopped. If she didn't lay on the horn they would have to pull vehicle #3 out. The Newspaper guy went in around 5AM, got out, called 911. At least one other person called 911 as early as 3, 4 AM!?!? I highly doubt the Gensmers would be driving fast or recklessly, especially being that they were what, 70 or 80 years olds? "
mistermister wrote on May 22, 2008 10:37 AM:
" And let me add that 17 is actually a heavily traveled road into and out of Winona. Almost everyone who lives in Witoka, Ridgeway, Nodine, Houston or areas close by uses that road to get into Winona. Now granted many people knew about the weather and listened to the news, but if these two were planning on going to work at 6AM they were probably in bed before the worst of the weather hit. "
Daventrian wrote on May 22, 2008 10:33 AM:
" Me: Ever heard the phrase "don't put all your eggs in one basket"? If all of the available officers were used during the first 12-24 hours of the disaster, who do you propose would have been available to cover the next 12-24 hours? If every Winona officer were out in the County assisting and something happened in Winona then what? If you got lost in the woods would you eat/drink all of your food/water at the first sitting? It was obvious at the outset this was going to be a lengthy ordeal. People are resources and resources needed to be rationed. "
mistermister wrote on May 22, 2008 10:19 AM:
" ""can someone tell me how the county/city was supposed to get across the washed out road to put a sign up on the other side so people coming into town to go to work (!)could see it before falling into it?"" Easy. Highway 43 South to County Highway 12 East to County Highway 17 north. Nothing was wrong with those roads that morning. 5 extra miles, 10 extra minutes tops. "
Daventrian wrote on May 22, 2008 10:06 AM:
" Reader: Ultimately we are responsible for our own safety. Plenty of warning was given. At 7:36pm LaCrosse NWS issues a flash-flood warning for Winona County until 10:30pm. Only 2 inches of rain had fallen, but radar was showing the possibility of much more. At 10:10pm LaCrosse NWS issued another flash-flood warning until 1:15am. By then, 6 inches of rain had fallen. The warnings were not heeded. You can pick up a weather alert radio for under $20 from WalMart. Also, people have asked why the sirens were not set off. One of the big reasons is that the sirens are associated with tornadoes and in a tornado we are taught to head for the basement. In this case, being in the basement would have likely killed many people. How many lawsuits would that have generated? "
reader wrote on May 22, 2008 7:30 AM:
" I lived in Stockton during both floods there, '91 & '07. There wasn't ANY warning given out SOON enough so we could get out-and we were listening on the TV, police radio, etc. We were trap in our home for 8 HOURS and NO ONE came-no one. We had to take care of ourselves. NO ONE had learned anything from the flood of '91. WE are very lucky that more people were not killed in this flood. Winona County-responders-police-sheriff need to study what happened very closely and LEARN from it because it will happen again. "
Me wrote on May 21, 2008 9:28 PM:
" JCBL- I do think there is more than one way to get to where the road was washed out.
Davetrain- Why weren't all off duty Winona cops called into work if this was a "MCI"?
I can't wait for the truth to be brought out in a public forum. "
Tanya wrote on May 21, 2008 9:03 PM:
" AMEN TO THE POSTING BELOW!!!! "
Daventrian wrote on May 21, 2008 5:17 PM:
" I am not looking for a thank you and I am not looking for a pat on the back. All I want are the people who think things could have been better to step up and get involved. Also, it is not my place to rationalize the (dis)merits of this lawsuit. I chose to drive that night because people needed help. That drive was treacherous, and I certainly would not have chosen to drive that night for any other reason. All I can say is that we all need to be responsible for ourselves. However, when you get yourself into a jam, know there are many volunteers who will risk their lives to save yours. "
gw wrote on May 21, 2008 5:16 PM:
" I'm going to make something clear on my end.I said if they win ,I hope they use the money for good.I said a sign saying road closed would have been nice,but I also know that it was just plain my brothers time to go to a better place.He believed in God, prayed everyday and carried an Angel in his pocket.And thank God he was nothing like most of you on here.That is why I am content knowing he is in a BETTER place. Ya can't say it enough, " You can't FIX DUMB." Truth hurt.One more time, a HUGE thank you to all that helped our family in the search for Jerry. "
gw wrote on May 21, 2008 5:08 PM:
" JCBL: I know my brother didn't know because his ex girlfriend took his phone that night gave him her dead phone.I lived in Stockton at the time of the flood,called my family to let them all know I was OK he was the only one we could not get a hold of that night.Anymore personal questions email me directly,( if you have the balls to ask that kind of question on here, ask me or call me or my family) We are in the book ,my name has been placed on here. tricialorenz@yahoo.com ,Also FYI he was terrified of water,biggest fear.Anything else? And yes that was VERY rude. Easy to ask things like that when you won't add your name. "
Daventrian wrote on May 21, 2008 5:06 PM:
" As for putting up barracades, which roads should the County department have chosen to put signs up at? Virtually EVERY County road and State highway had washouts and/or mudslides. I doubt they had enough signs on hand to close all of the roads thatwere damaged. Also, don't forget the County crews were busy clearing roadways of falling trees and debris so emergency responders could reach victims in need. As for outside resources, we were virtually cut-off. "
Daventrian wrote on May 21, 2008 4:57 PM:
" In the emergency response field, a mass casualty incident (MCI) refers to any situation where the number of victims outweighs the available resource to assist those victims. The situation from Stockton to Minnesota City certainly qualified. This is difficult for some people to understand, but in an MCI the first thing to go out the window are the typical rules. The Utilitarian philosophy of "do the most good for the most people" becomes the only rule. That means you don't use resources to save one person if the same resources could be used differently to save five people. With volunteerism falling and arm-chair refereeing increasing, maybe some of you would like to volunteer some of your time. Together we could do more good for more people. "
Daventrian wrote on May 21, 2008 4:39 PM:
" I am a volunteer EMT with the Sheriff's SOAR (Search, Operations And Rescue) Team. My team and I responded to the calls for help August 19th. We were there to transport as many Stockton residents as we could fit in our truck to the shelter at SMU. We were there to transport the people from the rescue boats to the waiting ambulance. We were there to do a door-to-door search of Stockton as soon as flood waters receded and day broke. We were there to search for GW's brother. We are sorry we could not save everyone; I assure you we would have if it were up to us. "
jcbl wrote on May 21, 2008 4:38 PM:
" can someone tell me how the county/city was supposed to get across the washed out road to put a sign up on the other side so people coming into town to go to work (!)could see it before falling into it? One more question, not to sound rude, but how is it that GW knows that her brother was unaware of the flooding if his cell phone didn't work and noone was able to ask him? "
Tanya wrote on May 21, 2008 1:46 PM:
" Sonny - The same goes for people who get their drivers license. They know that they may get into an accident or lose their life but they still get it. "
cewoodford wrote on May 21, 2008 9:36 AM:
" This lawsuit wont get the family any $$$'s. It was a catastrophic event, proving their was negilgence on the part of our emergency crews and law enforcement will be impossible to prove because it simply doesnt exist. Lets hope the county doesnt cave in and settle to save on legal fees. "
cewoodford wrote on May 21, 2008 9:33 AM:
" And someone here DOESNT think our law enforcement and emrgency response personel DONT deserve a stipend for their families if they die on duty? A couple hundred grand? I think their families should get WAY more. And if they die in the line of duty due to negilgence they darn well have the right to use our legal system( the same one they enforce) to be justly compensated. I find it sickening how some people have little respect or value for the people who come to save your butt whenever you call them..no matter the situation. "
Sonny wrote on May 21, 2008 9:20 AM:
" Tanya- Cops families in Minnesota do get hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash and benefits from the taxpayers if they die in the line of duty. It's in the law. And cops, firemen and emergency personnel do sue people responsible for their injury and death. Not always, but it happens. They get this money even though they take the job knowing that injury or death might be part of the job. "
Me wrote on May 21, 2008 6:19 AM:
" Yarnivek- Was Winona County Highway out saving folks from their flooded houses? No! They could have come out and put up a sign.
How come off duty Winona cops were never called in to help with the flood that night? Wouldn't you have thought that all cops would have been working? My neighbor was never called in. She even volunteered to come in and work and was told not to. Explain how something so terrible as the flood didn't muster up to calling in all off duty cops? "
Tanya wrote on May 21, 2008 6:14 AM:
" I cannot believe this. Ok, I question for you all. If you believe this lawsuit should happen then what about all of the law officers, firemen, emergency personnel, etc. that are our there for you that risk their lives everyday for YOU and die in the line of duty for YOU should YOU the families be responsible for their deaths? Should the families of the offier, fireman, emergency personnel sue the people that they are there to help???? Be serious. "
really? wrote on May 21, 2008 12:40 AM:
" To say the no one is at fault here is wrong. Clearly there was a responsibility to erect road blocks here and elsewhere in the area. But negligence will be difficult to establish if every possible person was involved in saving lives.
I'd like to give all those helping that night the benefit of the doubt: if there was any way they could have gotten the road block up before someone else fell in, I believe they would have. I trust the judgment of the emergency team in setting priorities.
I also fully support Billys right to sue. If it is found that the county was negligent, then steps can be taken to improve disaster preparedness and responses. If Billy wins, a scholarship in his parent's names would be a nice memorial.
"
gw wrote on May 21, 2008 12:34 AM:
" A wise man once said that the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. ": Are you kidding. You actually put this on here.Your talking about 7 that died.The 7 are the few that your talking about here.No way around this comment.I will say it again. " You can't fix DUMB." "
yarnivek wrote on May 20, 2008 7:48 PM:
" This is why I think filing this suit was the wrong thing to do:
The claim of the suit is that the county was negligent in not getting warning signs to the spot within 3 hours of knowing the road was out. There is no dispute that a warning sign would have saved the Gensmers. But I don't see negligence. The implication of the suit is that county officials should have placed a higher priority in blocking off a road that isn't particularly heavily traveled under normal conditions rather than rescuing hundreds of people in imminent danger from homes that were flooded. A wise man once said that the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. "
ruby girl wrote on May 20, 2008 7:28 PM:
" Billy, You do what you need to do. Your Mom was one of the kindest people I have ever known. I know that you grieve for your parents everyday & you have the added responsibility of making sure your brother is cared for. My thoughts are with you & your brother. "
upset wrote on May 20, 2008 6:59 PM:
" BUTTERFLY: I don't feel the government SHOULD have to help us, and they haven't..We work for a living, and pay taxes, we have lived in this state all our lives, and will get NO benefits from the state, we are Americans, and got VERY little from the government, we didn't get any insurance "help" either, we didn't live in a flood plain, so didn't need flood insurance. We are doing it all on OUR own. Maybe you should step up and volunteer some of your time to help out victims of this, there are many people out here who still need help, we were fortunate enough to make it out with our lives, and the clothes off our backs, that's it. And you know what, it has made us stronger for it either. "
BUTTERFLY wrote on May 20, 2008 5:06 PM:
" Upset.... why in the heck do you feel the goverment(everyone that pays taxes) should have to replace yours or anyone elses personal property due to a natual cause? Can nobody help themselves anymore? I understand people lost everything and do need help getting back on the feet.... but so many expect money to be handed to them! that is what is wrong with this world today! back in the day, when something like the flood happened , people rallied together and help eachother out rebuilding. But no, now days lets wait and see what the Goverment will give us!!maybe we'll come out ahead!! it is a bunch of crap! "
gw wrote on May 20, 2008 4:59 PM:
" When I say you can't fix dumb,think about it,all the pissing and moaning everyone on here is doing,is for nothing,myself included.The Gensmer's have not won nor lost anything yet.Wake up.You have not had to pay extra taxes because of this yet.And you may not,and you might have to.We all have a right to our opinion on here,but they have the right to sue if they want to and they have.Like it or not,none of us on here are going to change anything.The flood affected many in a way that has changed lives forever,the Gensmer's included.By the way I have family & friends in MN City also that were safe.Thank God.The Gensmer's abviously feel that strongly about this.As do all of us on here.They are doing this ,like it or not.Pissing and moaning is not going to change anything.If they win,I HOPE THEY DO SOMETHING GOOD WITH THE MONEY.My point,my opinion "
upset wrote on May 20, 2008 4:41 PM:
" to BUTTERFLY: As far as help goes, not everybody who was affected by this tragedy is receiving help..there is a lot of fine print with the "HELP" you are taking about...FEMA only covers necessities, a computer to them is not a necessity...how about giving you $150.00 for a 2 month old refrigerator, that was well worth over $500.00 State money, you don't get that unless you go in debt up to your eyes, or don't qualify for SBA....so not everybody is getting the HELP...and I'm not suing either... "
Hot Rod Otis wrote on May 20, 2008 4:18 PM:
" Nevermind. I see they were driving a Jeep, so let's sue Chrysler. "
Hot Rod Otis wrote on May 20, 2008 4:17 PM:
" What kind of vehicle were they driving? Maybe Billy can sue GM, Ford, or Chrysler for not providing a safe enough vehicle. "
J.D. wrote on May 20, 2008 4:11 PM:
" GW - Obviously you know first hand that you can't fix dumb, now someone needs to explain it to Mr. Gensmer. I live in MN City and was watching TV and listening to the radio all night. Let's just thank god for what we have and believe that your brother is in a better place. "
BUTTERFLY wrote on May 20, 2008 4:10 PM:
" Yeah Well Upset!! I never said it wasn't a horrific or traumtic thing that happened, but it is not a reason to sue or expect to be paid by the goverment. people need to take care of themselves and not rely on HELP so much. "
upset wrote on May 20, 2008 4:02 PM:
" yeah well,BUTTERFLY, did you lose everything or anyone close to you in the flood, were you rescued from the roof of your house, it is a traumatic thing. Not saying SUEING is the right thing to do, but it was a devastating tragedy!! "
BUTTERFLY wrote on May 20, 2008 3:32 PM:
" What angers me, is when people sue because of an accident, it was nobody fault, but the county may have to pay for it. well guess what.... when the county has to pay that money out.. whos taxes are going to go up???
People that sue, drive prices of everything else up. Suck it up and move on! "
GW wrote on May 20, 2008 3:07 PM:
" OH JD,my last response to you. " You can't fix dumb." I have had, along with others one of the biggest reality checks ever.What angers me now is closed minded people.And no, I lived in Stockton , and I heard no warnings at all.So no, not everyone heard a warning.Hard to believe,but true.As for my brother, it was his time, and I believe he was meant for greater things.The Gensmers have the right to sue,they have the right to do as they please.I just hope if they win they use the money for something great.Have I not made myself clear on this? You all have a nice day now.The sky is blue,the sun is out,enjoy the day! Tricia "
J.D. wrote on May 20, 2008 2:34 PM:
" GW ~ Yes I did read what you wrote and that is why I responded the way I did. Every TV channel and radio station in the area had warnings, updates etc...I cannot believe that someone could not have known there was a major disaster going on. They were listing road closings and washouts including Highway 17, Highway 14 from Stockton to Lewiston, Highway 61 etc...Everyone who was affected by the flood has suffered a loss in once sense or another, the greatest being loss of human life. Filing a lawsuit just seems insensitive and a slap in the face to those who worked so hard to save so many. By the way, I was not referring to your brother when I said people should stay put, and I think you are the one who needs to wake up and get a reality check. "
GW wrote on May 20, 2008 2:03 PM:
" Aagain I ask, why are people afraid to sign their name on here.I use GW,that was my brothers nickname and I use in honor of him.But I also am not afraid to speak my mind and say who I am.Why do people love to say things on here but are too afraid to add their name? More fun to talk behind someones back ,I guess...??? "
GW wrote on May 20, 2008 1:59 PM:
" J.D.: Far from bitter.Thankfull my brother lived the life he did, and thankfull I knew him as long as I did.And thankfull for what he left behind.And if you want to say things like:"Most of us who were evacuated were smart enough to get somewhere and stay put".Your very cold hearted. His cell wasn't working and no he did not hear there was a flood.So for those who did not saty put,maybe they just didn't hear or know how bad it really was.I will NOT waste any more of my time reading what you write nor responding any further to you. WAKE UP. Some of you amaze me.......I'm sure glad I do not have friends like you in my life.You can't fix DUMB.Maybe you should read evrything I wrote and actually read it. "
jackson wrote on May 20, 2008 1:44 PM:
" LAX - At least I have God in my life. Please don't judge my God. We are all entitled to our opinions, even when they differ. There is no need to blast me for sticking to my beliefs. I simply stated my opinion. Basically I guess what I am trying to say, putting it short, is that life is priceless, no matter how short or long it is. Please, do not bash me for my opinion. I wasn't bashing, simply stating my feelings, which comes free in this country. That is what the boards are for, not bashing. My prayers do go out to all the families of those who lost loved ones in the flood and otherwise. "
J.D. wrote on May 20, 2008 1:36 PM:
" GW - I apologize for sounding rude, but you sound pretty bitter about what happened regarding the flood and your brother. The flood was a phenominal tragedy that no one could have predicted. Most of us who were evacuated were smart enough to get somewhere and stay put unless we volunteered to assist in the rescue of others. If it weren't for the hundreds of rescue personnel, think about how many more lives would have been lost. It is a sad day when the same people who are responsible for saving lives are being sued because they didn't put up a sign to prevent an accident when the people involved in the accident shouldn't have been out in the first place. People were advised to stay home and not drive. It was all over the radio, I heard it many times over throughout the night "
GW wrote on May 20, 2008 1:14 PM:
" We, in this area should be thankful that not more people lost their lives that night, or the days after.1 man lost his leg,he lives with that everyday,7 poeple died,we live with that everyday,poeple are still trying to rebuild,and no you can't put a price on a loved one's life.But we don't know what their intentions are, maybe they have good intended for that money if they win.Lets wait and see. "
GW wrote on May 20, 2008 1:06 PM:
" yarnivek: We did not sue, because the road my brother was on, has a SHARP corner, he had no idea what was ahead of him,but if we were ever to sue, I know my family would donate the money.My younger brother and I raised money in Jerry's name and donated it and will do so every year.What I am saying is they have the right to sue if they want to. We have made our choice another way.Greatful the place you work for donated food.Great,others were out there in the mud,searching,digging,cleaning up,helping us for 3 days.Placing signs,fixing roads,moving trees.I could go on.I think if it was you in their shoes,you would be singing a different tune.I know how they feel,my family does,this is the Gensmer's choice. "
Supernova wrote on May 20, 2008 1:02 PM:
" yarnivek, I did'nt say you could'nt have an opionion I said unless you have lost your own flesh and blood in a accident you have no idea of the person's motives for sueing. So I don't think anyone should sit in judgement over how he chooses to pursue dealing with his grief. "
GW wrote on May 20, 2008 12:58 PM:
" But if there were calls saying a road is out.Some type of road block should have been placed.If my brother would have seen a sign Road closed he would not have went any further.Nor would I.And I don't think any of you would either.I don't know what else to say here,I guess my family is just GREATFUL that after a 3 day search,we found Jerry's body and were able to lay him to rest.The Gensmer's are going to do what they feel is right for them,nothing you or I say will change that.And they may loose.They may win.Will it really hurt your life that much if they do win? "
GW wrote on May 20, 2008 12:57 PM:
" Ok,my brother was washed away and missing for three days,thank God we found him,thank God for the volunteers who helped,and yes my family agrees,when it is your time it is your time.And thank God not more people's lives were lost.And yes that night things were crazy,I don't think anyone was thinking it was as bad as it was. "
yarnivek wrote on May 20, 2008 12:55 PM:
" gw: You lost your brother and yet you didn't sue anybody did you? Why? Perhaps because you realized that it was simply an accident and that no one was at "fault"?
Why do I have to have had someone die that night to have an opinion on this issue?
And just for the record, I was asleep during most of that night. I went to bed at about 9 because I had to get up at 4 AM the next morning. So, I didn't really know what was going on until I saw people Sunday morning. However, the restaurant I manage donated hundreds of meals to volunteers that helped with cleanup. "
Supernova wrote on May 20, 2008 12:47 PM:
" To all, like I said unless you have lost a family member you have no idea what the emotional roller coaster you go on, 'flesh and blood' you are not God so don't sit and judge others or try to make them feel guilty over trying to make a statement in the names of the ones they lost. "
LAX wrote on May 20, 2008 12:44 PM:
" To Jackson: Well, apparently your God is a mean sonofabi__! That you didn't sue is your choice -- some would say folly. Sorry, I don't subscribe to your "it was God's time to take her." If that's what you beleive, then you and your so-called god are both warped and vicious. "
jackson wrote on May 20, 2008 12:21 PM:
" Supernova - Watch your tone with me. I have lost loved ones in accidents. I lost 27 dear friends and a teacher in an accident in 1976 in California. Not very many people sued over that one like they could have. Its life, it is priceless and no amount of money would make me feel any better knowing that it could not bring back my loved ones. My mom fell at a restaurant in December and died 3 days later. I didn't sue the restaurant. It was God's time to take her. "
jackson wrote on May 20, 2008 12:18 PM:
" LAX - You are so wrong. Don't assume we would all do that. God has a reason and a time. Although we may not understand it, we need to accept it. Had they now been killed there, it was obviously their time to go and would have died that day somehow. What about the guy whose car and himself were washed away because of the flood. Does the guy's family sue the property owner where he was washed away? I would NEVER sue someone because of a death. It is putting a price on human life, and that is priceless. "
gw wrote on May 20, 2008 11:29 AM:
" yarnivek: " I think i would have,I think i would have.Unless you had someone die that night,please rethink I think i would have.And to VolunteerFF: Yes I was a volunteer,I lived in Stockton at the time of the flood.Did not find out about my brother missing until 3 that Sunday so that entire day i was helping people.then had to help find my brother. And YES and BIG SIGN would have helped some,maybe not all but it would have helped. I saw some volunteers that helped .they were there just to be in the picture and I saw the ones that actually were helping.Were you there yarnivek or? I sure hope you were.I hope if the Gensmer's win,they do something real Great with the money,and shut all of you up.Sad. "
VolunteerFF wrote on May 20, 2008 11:17 AM:
" There were hundreds of people responding to thousands of calls for help. Most of the responders were volunteers. Are any of you who support this ridiculous lawsuit among us volunteers? We all worked our butts off trying to preserve life and property. How can anyone sue us for not volunteering hard enough? "
yarnivek wrote on May 20, 2008 11:11 AM:
" And another thing, how does Gensmer's lawyer plan to prove causality? How can he claim that the Gensmer's died as a "direct result" of crashing into the hole when someone else crashed into the same hole and survived? "
yarnivek wrote on May 20, 2008 11:04 AM:
" You seriously think that putting up a road closed sign was priority number one during a time when no travel was advised?
Again, if you can't see the road you probably should stop.
Frustration and anger at the time of the accident is to be expected. At that time I might have expected Bill Gensmer to be calling for someone's head. But, after 9 months to think about it I would expect him to simply accept that all this was was a tragic accident. It wasn't anyone's "fault". I think that is how I would have reacted. Initially some anger, but I think I would have gotten over it when I realized what else had happened in the area that night. Chalk it up to the entitlement generation. Everyone expects the government to do everything for them. "
ilbfishn wrote on May 20, 2008 10:54 AM:
" Well, I know what I was doing from 3:00am to 6:20 am that morning. I was stranded on the roof at my home in Stockton, hoping like h@!! we didn't float away! So I know it wasn't my fault that road blocks were not put up in time. My point is I don't think some of you understand the magnitude of the flood. I know for a fact there were emergency personnel and deputies STRANDED in Stockton while trying to rescue people. I can venture a guess that the same was true in Mn City, Goodview, St. Charles, ect. Just who was suppose to find the time to do that, and how were they going to get there? The county was offially a disaster area, and they were out driving to work??! Who was negligent? "
upset wrote on May 20, 2008 10:34 AM:
" So does this mean we can sue the City of Minnesota City for allowing someone to have a rail car box in a flood zone.(Right by the creek). They were questioned about it a month before the flood and did nothing about it. If they had the Sunny Acres and Saehler addition probably would not have flooded. How about it, let's sue them and the rail box owner, maybe next time they'll listen to their citizens. Thanks for putting us through all this MN CITY Mayor. See how you would like it to lose everything. "
trax wrote on May 20, 2008 10:13 AM:
" Sue for $100,00.00? Should be more! Sure money won't bring them back,but that road needed to be blocked off...Remember....it was raining so hard a person could barely see the way it was...Good luck Gensmers....your parents were great people "
gw wrote on May 20, 2008 10:12 AM:
" One last thing, why doesn't anyone sign their name in here.What is there to hide? "
KB wrote on May 20, 2008 10:11 AM:
" I guess it will remain to be seen at trial what the priorities of the defendants were that night. I think any reasonable person would rank a washed out highway right up there at the top! If the defendants had 3 hours of other more important calls, then they shouldnt be worried. If not, better get our check book out and pay these people. Its as simple as that. Disrespecting either side in this case is apprehensible, those that do simply shed light on their own character, or lack of it. My sympathies are with the family. "
gw wrote on May 20, 2008 10:10 AM:
" I saw the bodies in their car of the other couple that died that next morning in Stockton.I saw my brothers body.I know nothing can bring him or anyone back.Just answer me 1 ?. If this was your family member,what would you be doing about it right now? You can't honestly say,can you? Because it's not your family member that died in this flood.And if you did loose someone in this flood, more power to you for being so strong.We lost 1 family emember,I can't even imagine lossing 2 this way.I'm done here...Good luck to the Gensmer's. Tricia Lorenz "
gw wrote on May 20, 2008 10:00 AM:
" To digitalwrenchpuller:I saw the roads that night.And I walked a creek bed for 3 days looking for my brothers body.I don't know you.But hopefully you were one of the many that helped people durring this flood.But I'm guessing not.Let the Gensmer's do what the feel they need to do.I would love to blame the world but I know what really happen to my brother,his death could have been prevented also.Maybe,coulda,shoulda,woulda.
You said:drivers have a responsibility to be able to stop or avoid hazards in front of them.How if they can't see whats in front of them?BIG sign saying road closed.Dark rain decieving water???? "
yarnivek wrote on May 20, 2008 9:50 AM:
" Mike is spot on. If the conditions are so bad that you can't see a 30 foot hole in the road, you are driving too fast. 3 hours may seem like a long time for the road to have been unblocked, but I don't think it is. First they have to get the signs, then they have to get them there. Over roads that may be flooded, have debris on them or may be otherwise impassable. And they have to do that on both sides. Just to get to the uphill side from the downhill side, would take close to half an hour under GOOD driving conditions. This is another nuisance lawsuit where the only winners are going to be the lawyers. The Gensmer's aren't going to magically be brought back to life. It's just going to cost the taxpayers money. "
digitalwrenchpuller wrote on May 20, 2008 9:48 AM:
" Tragic as this is, remember that at the time there were people FLOATING ON THEIR HOUSES in Stockton and Rushford was cut off from civilization. There are only so many people to go around in an emergency. One other point - the county doesn't really have any money - they are using ours (taxpayer $$). If you support the law suit, just go ahead and write Billy a check yourself. It's still tragic and a terrible loss, but drivers have a responsibility to be able to stop or avoid hazards in front of them. "
digitalwrenchpuller wrote on May 20, 2008 9:46 AM:
" unbelievable "
gw wrote on May 20, 2008 9:43 AM:
" My brother died in this flood.There were no road blocks put in that area either.I know what my younger brother and I have done since then.We raise money and donated it in our brother Jerry's name for a good cause.Maybe they are not looking to buy a TV,maybe they just want it to be recognized that something could have been done and wasn't,I could be wrong,but don't judge unless you know the facts.Maybe,coulda,shoulda,woulda.The normal ?'s that come along with deaths like this.We can't and won't ever put a price on my brother's life or death.But if something can be done to help so this does not happen again,Go for it,do what you have to do.Hopefully their death can make a difference there.My heart goes out to EVERY family that lost a loved one that horrible night.Day by Day Tricia "
Supernova wrote on May 20, 2008 9:34 AM:
" Jackson shut your hole. I hope the county is held accountable for not having someone put up road blocks. If you have never lost a close loved one in a tragic accident keep your feelings to yourself. You should be ashamed of yourselfs for accusing him of trying to make money off his dead parents. Maybe he is looking for the county to admit that they screwed up. "
BUTTERFLY wrote on May 20, 2008 9:31 AM:
" To Sillgirl and LAX, you people make the world a bad place to live....Do you know the amount of people the county has employed, and the amount of people out helping others, this was a major disaster. People could not be everyone at once. Sorry, about the lives that were lost, but did they not see the big gapping hole in the road. "
Silly Girl wrote on May 20, 2008 8:44 AM:
" The county and law enforcement KNEW there was a big, washed out hole in the road and they did nothing to block it off or warn people of it. They SHOULD be held resposible for these deaths. "
LAX wrote on May 20, 2008 8:37 AM:
" The County had three hours notice of a very dangerous situation and did nothing when they could have done something. Facts are difficult to argue with. I bet the posters complaining about the suit would feel different if it were there family killed in the washout...then they'd be begging for a lawyer to take their case. "
lilly wrote on May 20, 2008 8:15 AM:
" People will sue over anything now.Accidents happen and we need to quit making the Lawyers richer.Even they must think it's unethical over the things people will sue for. BUT they have the almighty $$$$ in their eye as most people do.I was in an severe accident that wasn't my fault a few years ago and I didn't sue the person that injured me even though he was at fault. See,that's just it. It was an accident, not intentional.Sht happens.Start forgiving and move on as God would have wanted us to do. "
jackson wrote on May 20, 2008 7:50 AM:
" JED - You are so right. This was an accident. Law enforcement isn't God and can't be everywhere. The people in the county were running like crazy that night. I guess $100,000 is enough to buy that new big screen LCD TV before we go digital. Couldn't give me enough money to bring me happiness, or even satisfaction, if my parents died like this. "
JED wrote on May 20, 2008 7:38 AM:
" I'm surprised they aren't suing the first people who spotted the hole and called 911. Didn't they have a responsibility to stay there until something could be done about it? Why pick [more than] $100,000? It's almost as if they figured they could select a high enough number to get the county's attention and low enough that it'd cost less to settle out of court. Perhaps they realize that the odds of winning are slim. "
The Real World wrote on May 20, 2008 7:14 AM:
" I hope no one in my family would ever sue the neighbors and friends if this happened to me. Repulsive greed and misdirection by lawyers has encouraged this. I wish we could get judges who would disallow this type of case. "
jackson wrote on May 20, 2008 7:14 AM:
" Me - So you could put a price on life. I think it's sad that a person could put a price on a priceless human life. I am sure his parents are real proud that he is doing this. I've told my family never to sue for my death. God has a plan, and even though we don't like it, we have to accept it. I know this because my mom fell, broke her hip and died, and I am not suing the restaurant where she fell. It's terrible to think any amount of money would make a person happy after they have lost a loved one. Our time for death is decided before we are born, but if you aren't a Christian, you wouldn't understand that. I hope he can enjoy this money. I for one would feel guilty! "
Mike wrote on May 20, 2008 7:10 AM:
" People need to be careful when they drive. If they can't see far enough ahead to stop their car they need to slow down. The driver is largely responsible for this tragedy.
No doubt the county was busy responding to all sorts of emergencies during the biggest flood in the history of Winona county. To win this case I think the county need only show every single first responder was tied up responding to other emergencies from 3:00am to 6:20am. It was simply not possible for the county to respond to every single situation immediately. "
hds wrote on May 20, 2008 6:50 AM:
" The flood of 07 was unprecedented. As a community, we are saddened by the loss of life, but to blame the county and the emergency personnel is so wrong. There was no intended negligence, caution is everyones responsiability, especially in such adverse conditions. The only negligence detected is with a lawyer wrongfully advising his client to bring suit against the very community which tried to safeguard its own. No matter the outcome, this suit will require the dedication of time of our emergency officials which could be spent doing the very things the suits says they didn't do. Its not right that there isn't a state statute which would allow reimbursment from the lawyer and his firm for the time and monies spent to defend against this unreasonable law suit. "
Me wrote on May 20, 2008 6:49 AM:
" I think it is about time the family sued and they should have sued for more. That entire flood response was a botched effort by the sheriff. I, for one, wish Billy good luck and you might want to ammend your complaint for more. "
jackson wrote on May 20, 2008 6:28 AM:
" My parents' lives are worth more than $50,000 each. How can anyone sue over a death. To me it is putting a price on a loved ones life, and to me that is priceless. God has a plan for all things, and you can't sue him. Just be thankful you had your parents as long as you did. There is no price that anyone could pay me for my parents' lives. They were much more important to me than a dollar amount. If we all sued over bad roads in this state, the state would go broke. I don't know how you could enjoy the money if you did win. I am so sure your parents would be proud......NOT "
gchordbob wrote on May 20, 2008 6:10 AM:
" Amen Yarnivek. Reminds me of the settlement doled out for those killed & injured in the Mpls. bridge collapse. "
yarnivek wrote on May 20, 2008 12:19 AM:
" Maybe he should sue God for sending the rain too.
Again, this is why lawyers get zero respect in this country. Sometimes bad things just happen. Why do people always have to try to blame someone when they do? "
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