CHURCHS FERRY (AP) - A town that was bought out by the government because of the rising Devils Lake has refused to die. It's now celebrating its 125th anniversary.

Churchs Ferry was nearly cleared of homes after the $3.5 million Federal Emergency Management Agency buyout in 2000. The northeastern North Dakota town had about 100 residents at the time of the buyout. Only four homes and 10 residents remain.

"We don't have much, but we have more than a lot of North Dakota towns that have let things go," said Paul Christenson, the town's mayor - and its lawn mower.

A mechanic by day, Christenson spends almost every summer evening cutting the 30 acres of grass in Churchs Ferry.

"This is my town," he said. "I wouldn't let it go, even if I had to pay everything out of my own pocket."

Sid Bingaman, another resident who stayed, is still rankled by the buyout.

"We still have never had a drop of water in the lowest part of town," he said. "Paul and I still get calls from people who think the whole town is under water. People think we no longer exist.

"The government wanted to take us off the map, but couldn't," he said.

Bingaman is president of the school alumni association and president of the community club, which holds a demolition derby as its annual fundraiser. He also organized the 125th anniversary weekend celebration, which included everything from a one-mile memorial walk to a polka church service.

Street signs remain in Churchs Ferry, as does City Hall, the post office and numerous other buildings. Since the buyout, the city has added two businesses.

Gardendwellers Farm, operated by Barry and Holly Mawby and son Adam, grows custom crops for wineries and restaurants and offers horticulture tours and workshops. Longtime residents Phil and Donna Eli have opened the Water's Edge Dog Boarding kennel.

Churchs Ferry also is still incorporated, with the sewer system and wells still working.

"I've lived here my entire life and I don't want to let it die," Bingaman said.

Churchs Ferry and neighboring Lake Irvine were named for Irvine Church, who began operating a ferry across the Mauvais Coulee in 1883. When the railroad came through in 1886, the town's buildings were moved one-half mile north to its current site.

"There's a heritage born into you," Christenson said. "Some don't want to give up that heritage. Like me. Like Sid."