Update–Trench Cut Across County Road to Drain Land has been Reparied
Published by Joe Burgess September 12th, 2008 in County.The Drew County road that had been cut last Friday, has been repaired. The original document had stated that both the farmer and the landowner were involved, but follow-up information seems to reflect that the landowner has accepted responsibility for the cutting the road, thereby apparently clearing the farmer of any wrongdoing.
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The following story posted on September 11, 2008
According to a letter provided to MonticelloLive from Drew County Judge Damon Lampkin, that was being sent to Sheriff Mark Gober and Prosecuting Attorney Thomas Deen, a Drew County landowner and a farmer deliberately cut a trench across Panther Break Road to drain a canal they claim was clogged, with a trackhoe.
The hole is approximately 15 feet deep, and over 40 feet wide. The cutting of the road and removal of the pipe is willful destruction of public property and a criminal matter.
After Hurricane Gustav brought it’s rains to southeast Arkansas, Mr. Lephiew Dennington, landowner in the area of Panther Break, and Jeff Petty, who farmed the property,
Mr. Dennington had been told twice, and Mr. Petty once, over the phone, that they did not have permission to cut said road.
At 3:00 p.m., Friday, a call came in to the Drew County road department, telling that the road was barricaded, and dirt was piled high across the road. A deputy and a road department employee were sent to check and the road indeed had been cut.
Saturday morning, Judge Damon Lampkin went to the scene, and found the road blocked off and cut. The trackhoe was still there, although the county pipe was nowhere in sight. Mr. Dennington and Mr. Petty were asked why they did this after being told specifically not to. Both were very apologetic and Mr. Dennington said he would pay for all damages and put the road back to county specs.
Judge Lampkin has requested the county sheriff investigate the matter, and will inform the prosecuting attorney of the situation, to ensure legal action is taken unless the county road is restored to the county’s satisfaction.
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As much as it cost to put in a crop and the high taxes we pay drew co., the county should have been doing the digging. He did call the county for help. i pray that this year works out for all farmers in the state.
We too have a farm and it was flooded, because of pipes being used as bridges. We didn’t cut the road but God did it for us and took some of the pressure off of our land, (which was flooded 6 to 8 ft deep). We had 2000 lb rolls of hay that floated off, a 4020 tractor that was flooded and lost several foot of lumber due to this, and we are 8 ft above the road that flooded and on a 100 year flood plan..
I know we had alot of rain but the county should be able to do something about the drainage.
THE COUNTY JUDGE SAID …NO…. He had to wait in line.Like the rest of us.YOUR HIGH TAXES PAID FOR THE ROAD DUH .You feel it is right to dig up a county road???? Maybe next time he’ll find another way to drain his field.
Sometimes things happen that we have no control over. They didn’t ask for the “flood” from all the rain. The money they make off of that crop is how they make a living. If I were in their shoes, I would have probably panicked and done the same thing. Weigh the odds, a $50,000 crop or a few thousand to repair a road? That’s was a lot of money to lose. They did ask permission which was denied. At least they had the courtesy to do that much. They apologized and agreed to fix the damage that was done. I know the farmer personally and he only acted as he did because he has a family to support. Give them time and they will make right what was done. I pray that with the upcoming storms coming our way, other farmers don’t have to be put in this situation. It’s bad enough that they work so hard and get paid so little. Be a little sympathetic and don’t judge people without knowing the “whole” story. Sometimes it is easier to ask for forgiveness, than to ask for permission.
THERE WAS NO OTHER WAY TO DRAIN THE FIELD. GET OVER IT ALREADY
JEFF PETTY DID NOT CUT THE ROAD………….I DON’T UNDERSTAND WHY THEY WON’T PUT THE TRUTH ON HERE.
I know these people personally and I know for a fact Jeff Petty did not cut the road nor did he have someone cut the road and it was not his equipment that was used. His landlord did. Jeff did call the county for permission but was told no. Jeff told his landlord that they couldn’t cut the road and his landlord said that there was absolutely no other way. So Jeff’s landlord had the road cut. The workers that did the actual digging did not find a drainage pipe which was probably the major cause of it not flowing. His landlord told the county that he would pay 100% of the costs to fix the road. He thought it was understood but apparently not. The landlord is going to have the road fixed better than it was in the first place. If it had the proper drainage to begin with the field would not have flooded as badly. In opposition of what previously reported, the water was at a standstill…….meaning not draining at all. But the landlord is going to fix it like it should saving the county money. Because of the landlord’s actions, Jeff’s crops were saved. If it wasn’t for him he & his family would’ve lost at least $45000. So it was well worth it. Before someone prints a story, they should have both sides of it and should be very careful when accusing someone when in fact they are innocent.
I was trying to confirm that, and have done so. As of Friday afternoon, I had been told that the road has been repaired.
Joe Burgess
MonticelloLive.com
If he fixed it better, that’s a good thing.And that is to much money to let wash away, he did the right thing.I understand that was all there was to do to save the crop.
No is no! No one should be above the law not even farmers or rich land owners
I know Jeff is proud of his landowner for sticking his neck out for him. As tough as it is for farmers right now financially none of them need to lose a penny much less a $50,000 loss. Jeff is totally innocent but I know he is extremely glad that his landowner did what he did.
As of 9/14/08 the road is still closed denying access for anyone. The cut has been filled in but the road is still impassible.
Cutting a county road? Sounds like he made his problem the problem of everyone else who travels that road. Excuse me, traveled.