The temporary low-water crossing for Perkins Branch in the Jeremiah community of Letcher County washed out Saturday night following a day of steady rain and snow.

The washout once again stranded more than two dozens families in the hollow just off Kentucky Highway 7, just as a washout had on March 7th, when the community’s only bridge collapsed due to flood damage. Residents say the new washout occurred between 9 and 10 p.m. Saturday evening.

The washout was not unexpected, residents and officials said.

Letcher County road crews worked Sunday and Monday to get the temporary passage across Rockhouse Creek rebuilt. Letcher Judge-Executive Jim Ward said he hoped the reconstruction would be complete Monday evening.

This weekend’s washout is the latest development for the residents of Perkins Branch. After the March 7 washout, crews got the temporary crossing completed in about three days.

On March 12t, the Kentucky National Guard delivered a bridge to the mouth of Perkins Branch. But after learning that only emergency vehicles, and not the residents of Perkins Branch, could use the bridge, and that an armed guard would have to be stationed at the bridge to keep civilian traffic off, the county declined to utilize the military-style bridge.

But while frustrated, the residents of Perkins Branch are taking this latest hit in stride.

Ward said with more rain forecast for the coming week, he plans to closely monitor the condition of Rockhouse Creek, and continue searching for a permanent solution to the situation.

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