If you have to travel far enough up the Ohio River, you know there is a treasure moving between Sistersville and Fly that has served travelers for generations. Last week, the Sistersville Ferry tug suffered the consequences of recent flooding that left it high up on a rocky bank.

That perch may have led to structural problems that created leaks. As soon as the tug was back in the water, it quickly flooded and began to sink.

Despite a series of challenges, the community has jumped in to help, with Tom Cooper, director of the Tyler County Office of Emergency Management supplying containment booms, and Del. Bill Bell, R-Dist. 8, and state Sen. Charlie Clements, R-Dist. 2, lending their support. Ferry board member Janet Conn helped Sistersville Mayor Bill Rice get in touch with someone who could arrange for Bel-Air Harbor to get a crane in to lift the tug for transportation to a dry dock for assessment.

Residents of our region care so much about the things that make our communities special that it is easy to take for granted when so many jump in to help. Rice did not.

“This little community has faced hardships in the past where the historic ferry is concerned,” Rice said. “Working together, we will meet this challenge and move forward. Don’t count us out!”

Surely no one who knows Sistersville will be counting them out as they tackle this challenge. We have no doubt they will get the job done and the ferry will be making its rounds again before we know it.