Grant Court Takes Stand On Future Road Closure Decisions

There was applause last week as the Grant County Court unanimously approved an ordinance requiring that agencies contemplating road closures consult first with the court and the sheriff. The May 22 decision culminated a second public hearing on the ordinance, held at the County Courthouse. County Judge Scott Myers said the Forest Service and other agencies were supposed to be working with the county, “but they have not been as forthcoming as they should have been.” “What we’re trying to do here is to spark some cooperation, some dialogue,” he said. Commissioner Chris Labhart noted “the legal, binding power” of a county ordinance. He said past courts have not been at the table on the issue of road closures. “The new court will be at the table,” he pledged. Commissioner Boyd Britton called it sad that the matter had to come to this point, but the new ordinance will force Forest Service and other agencies “to have a discussion with us.” Roger McKinley said it’s not sad or bad, but “a wakeup call” for the agencies and the community...more