It’s hard to believe, but it’s true. There are parts of Marengo County where residents don’t have sewer lines. What’s worse is that Thomaston Mayor Terry Counselman believes there are homes around his small town where residents don’t even have septic tanks.

Living in those conditions in the 21st century is bad enough. But with the onslaught of powerful rains this spring and summer, Thomaston has an even bigger problem.

Spurred by council member Gail Etheridge, the city of Thomaston has sought the help of U.S. Rep. Artur Davis to fight an enormous mosquito problem.

On Monday, July 14, the town of Thomaston will host a community outreach and public health meeting to discuss the problem. Along with members of the town council, representatives from the Emergency Management Agency, the Marengo County Health Department, and Davis’ office will be present at the 6 p.m. meeting, which will be held at old Marengo County High School.

Davis’ office also will do as much as it can to help. Though a federal grant deadline has passed to get relief from the mosquito problem, there will be new ideas discussed at the meeting.

One person who could help, but hasn’t been invited, is State Sen. Hank Sanders, D-Selma.

When asked about the problem on Thursday, Sanders &045;&045; who represents the Thomaston area in the Alabama Senate &045;&045; said he has not been made aware of the problem.

Though Sanders said he had not been invited, Counselman said several leaders have been asked to attend Monday night’s meeting.