WINCHESTER, Ky. — The town of Winchester is still trying to get back on its feet after the October flood that damaged many businesses downtown and condemned Cartwright Designs along Broadway Street.

Brenda Salyers isn’t afraid to use her muscles for a custom frame because she’s the owner of Frames on Main. Running a custom made frame and artwork gallery is a full-time job for Salyers but it’s a job that doesn’t feel like a work. Her love for art and the Winchester community is deep.

The streets of Winchester were so flooded in October a state of emergency was declared, it was a terrifying reality for Salyers who was headed into her shop that morning.

Brenda Salyers hand painted artwork displays in her shop Frames on Main. (Spectrum News 1/Diamond Palmer)

Almost two months later she still thinks about Oct. 7, but she’s doing everything she can to keep her business afloat. 

“Water was that high, so I got into the vehicle and started into the store because we’re a frame shop and we have valuable artwork inside,” said Salyers.

Salyers had a lifetime of custom frames and artwork come face to face with flood water. Almost two months later, you can still see the warped flooring.

“It’s [the floor] getting soft but we’re going make this the last repair. We have replaced a wall in the basement. We’re slowly but surely getting the repairs done, we’ve struggled but we’re getting there,” said Salyers.

Cartwright Designs sits with a condemned sigh on window and orange cones, caution tape almost two months after flood. (Spectrum News 1/Diamond Palmer)

Cartwright Designs still has caution tape, orange cones and a condemned sign in front of their business. Rachel Boyd serves as the executive director of Main Street Winchester, and said supporting local businesses needs to be amplified no matter the circumstance. 

“But I also think that this has been our mission since the beginning of COVID-19 is to try and think of different ways to create events, marketing for small businesses. But absolutely after the flood it has been a big push as well,” said Boyd.

Brenda Salyers is thankful for the push local leaders in Winchester have displayed for the support of local businesses. 

“The people do it, the people and the support. Supporting each other, you know that’s what kept us going,” said Salyers. 

Salyers has been advocating for her community members since the flood and they’ve returned the favor by booking her schedule full until the new year. Salyers has been through illness and has struggled with COVID-19 affecting her business, being a flood survivor adds to everything else she’s been through the last couple of years.

“It seems like every time we start to get going again, another wall, we hit another wall. That’s what’s so frustrating about it. We get going, we get moving and something else happens,” said Salyers.

If there's one thing Salyers can count on it’s doing what she loves for people she loves.

Winchester and Clark County Emergency Management is urging people who still have flood concerns to call the Clark County emergency operations center at (859) 745-7415.