A resident of Stevenson Township is frustrated with those who go on dirt roads when they are muddy and tear them up.
Ed Smalley says there is no purpose for the costly damage that also prevents farmers from later using the roads from reaching their fields.
After getting his farm machinery stuck in a damaged part of a dirt section of the Cross Road he received permission from Stevenson Township to research the issue of what could be done.
What Smalley learned is those responsible can be hauled to court in a civil case and ordered to pay for the damage.
“The Road Commissioner has the right to close the road when it is wet and keep people off of it. If they go on it when the road is closed then civil proceedings can be sought after. I can guarantee in Stevenson Township it is going to happen. We are going to put trail cameras up and if they get caught and we can provide who it is, and with a trail cam picture it should be a no-brainer, I can guarantee you it is going to end up in court. Whatever it takes, I’m pretty sure the township is going to go after it to fix it.”
Smalley was aided in his research by the attorney for the Illinois Township Officials organization. Former State’s Attorney Matt Wilzbach has also agreed to handle any needed court action.
Smalley says this has been a problem for many years and isn’t limited to Stevenson Township. He’s offering to share his research and needed steps of action with any township having similar problems with dirt roads being torn up while impassable due to muddy conditions.
Smalley shared his concerns about the project with the Marion County Board at its meeting last week.
