LOCKHART — After two brothers from the Town of Lockhart realized their problem would not be solved by a government agency, they took the initiative and fixed the problem themselves.
Carlton Cato, 18, and Tyler Albrecht, 15, began to grow tired of a pothole at the end of their driveway in Lockhart. The hole measured about three feet in diameter and was about eight inches deep. Because of the size, the brothers and their family could not avoid it in a vehicle. Auto repairs became a growing expense for the family after wheel bearings on two vehicles were severely damaged.
The pothole was located at the end of the family’s driveway, adjacent to the road. Carlton and Tyler contacted Mayor Ailene Ashe, who directed them to government agencies which might have been able to offer assistance.
“We asked several people in higher positions about getting it fixed,” Tyler said. “We were told, ‘It’s not our problem.’”
Rather than getting discouraged, the brothers decided to take action.
“We decided to take it into our own hands,” Tyler said. “We overcame the obstacles and proceeded to do what we needed to do.”
Although the two brothers did not receive assistance from any agency, they did get help from the people close to them.
“My Grandpa Dan (Hogue) gave us the cement,” Carlton added. “We tried to fix it on several occasions, and it finally came together after difficulties due to weather and rain.”
James Schrader — a neighbor known to the family as simply “Mr. James” — also let Carlton and Tyler borrow a water hose for the project.
The pothole was filled and the driveway was smoothed out.
“It saved us a lot of money on car repairs,” Tyler said.
Jean Cato — mother of Carlton and Tyler — said she was thrilled with what her boys did.
“When no one else would, they took it upon themselves to solve the problem,” Jean said. “That made me really proud.”
Staff Writer Derik Vanderford can be reached at 864-427-1234, ext. 29, or by email at dvanderford@heartlandpublications.com.
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