Gone over 30 years, the spirit of Times Beach lives on social media

ST. LOUIS COUNTY • Toxic waste forced the town’s evacuation more than 30 years ago, but the spirit of Times Beach lives on through dedicated social media sites, occasional reunions and the efforts of Marilyn Leistner, forever the mayor of a town that no longer exists. Leistner still questions whether she and 2,500 fellow residents made the right decision in 1983 by leaving behind homes, belongings and a way of life. “If someone said, ‘Let’s rebuild in the same place,’ there would be a line of Times Beach people ready to go back,” Leistner said. Please click on this to read the story from Steve Giegerich of the St. Louis Post Dispatch. Note: Times beach was located about five miles west of Six Flags along Interstate 44.