The Greater Good?

Produced by: Daniel Antillon, Emily Copeland, Alex Sinks and Cecil Witherspoon
The city of Wichita Falls has long promoted Lake Ringgold as a lasting solution to potential water shortages in the region. However, efforts to initiate construction have hit a roadblock as 25 ranching families, who would face complete or partial displacement due to the proposed reservoir, have firmly opposed the project to safeguard their properties. They argue that their deep-rooted connection to the land and skepticism about Ringgold's efficacy as a solution to the city's issues justify their stance. This conflict has sparked debate as city authorities push ahead with what they believe is the most effective path to secure the city's future. We encourage you to weigh both perspectives and form your own conclusion: which serves the greater good?

[@hunterdoughty3961]

One of my favorite things to ever come out of this department. It really shows that the crew knew what they were doing. The drone shots are amazing. The music is wonderfully thought out as well as all the shots and interviews are very good indeed. I would like to thank y'all guys for bringing light to the subject which I would not have known about otherwise, this is truly a great documentary and I can't wait to see what y'all do in the future. Congratulations!🎉

[@lindseybullard8560]

Very well done! Congratulations Emily and coworkers on this piece. I hope they find the best solution for all involved.----Angie

[@Theemilyshea]

Thanks, Angie! I appreciate you watching it.

[@ryanfelix8059]

My son was a part of the making of this documentary and I was blown away on how well him and his classmates covered both sides of this serious matter at hand....

[@JoeStaleyIV]

This reservoir directly affects my family’s multi-generational ranch, one that’s been in our family since the 1850s. My great great great grandfather was killed by a Comanche on this land. It’s part of our lore, our livelihood, and our legacy.

[@TannerNaeher]

This is the problem with eminent domain, someone can always say it is for the greater good, like the flower shop owner, but he would be the first one humming a different tune if it was something he cherished that was being taken away. He complained about his business temporarily closing yet he wants to take away someone else's way of life. The guy talking about them being wealthy doesn't understand somethings money can't buy or replace and what is the point of money if you already have what you want. As time goes on if eminent domain continues to be used as it is being used today, it will only lead to one outcome, the end of private property.

[@shawdawggt]

Rather than condemning the land and ruining the landowners livelihood, all avenues should be explored...like for 1, dredge the existing lakes. And I'm sorry Smith's Garden Town, I love the place, but your pretty flowers aren't essential. The crops and the cattle produced by these farmers and ranchers are. Theyre MUCH more important for our economy and wellbeing. This lake is only a money grab. They have plenty of water. There are no if's, ands or buts about it. It's factual, they themselves stated the numbers. You can't dictate life with "what ifs".

[@carmenpatin1514]

Why should Clay County and it's residents suffer for the incompetent officials of Wichita Falls??? You could have had the lake dredged years ago !! You could have done it last year. But you didn't and now you want to take land away from generations of farmers and ranchers. This will not benefit Wichita for years. when if you dredged Lake Wichita you will see results almost immediately???

[@melissawitherspoon9094]

Lake Wichita is not a water source for Wichita Falls.