UVALDE, Texas - Major sewer problems at a Girl Scout house in Uvalde have forced troops to move out. But some people are worried this could be permanent, ending decades of tradition.
Since the 1950's, Uvalde Girl Scouts have been using the house on Dean Street to hold meetings, dances, and other functions.
Diana Keith works with the Uvalde Girl Scout troops and talked to us about the historic house, “Many, many happy memories. Many, many, thousands of happy girls running through this building. And with wonderful memories comes high emotion."
A routine inspection by the Girl Scout Southwest regional office, here in San Antonio, uncovered a problem with an exposed sewer pipe. The problem had gotten so out of hand that the bathrooms were no longer working properly, causing a health and safety concern.
"Our priority is the safety and protection of our members and that includes our girls. We need to provide them a safe and sanitary place to meet. And right now the house on Dean Street just isn't meeting those standards,” Stephanie Finleon, Girl Scout Southwest Director of Communications, told us.
Regional leaders are looking for a temporary meeting spot for Uvalde troops. But the Girl Scouts of Uvalde don't own the home on Dean Street. So regional leaders say, even when the sewer lines are fixed, there's no guarantee troops will get to move back in.
"It is my hope and prayer that a resolution can be reached. And that we can be back in this house,” Diana said.
Carrizo Springs Girl Scout troops were also moved out of their facility because of health and safety issues. Regional leaders say it could take anywhere from six months to a year to figure out where these troops will end up.
