'Road to nowhere' still a problem

By Colette Lefebvre-Davis

Herald-Tribune

HARRISON TOWNSHIP, Mo. -- Joe Cain hasn't given up his crusade against the "road to nowhere," a rural pathway that ends at the property of Percy Heitz, in Harrison Township.

Cain was challenged by Vernon County commissioners to meet with them or to call and he did, after a story in the Nevada Daily Mail outlined his concern that the road had been abandoned then rebuilt to the benefit of one citizen.

Cain called to speak with southern commissioner Bonnie McCord, who insisted that the road was a township issue. Previously, McCord said that three people utilized the road, Travis Lathrop being one of them.

Lathrop stated that he did go to the commission to report that the road and the bridge were in total disrepair, that they needed to be amended, and it had to be done soon. The commissioners, who Lathrop says were doing what they believed was best, closed the road.

"Two people used to use the road, Everret Hope and Percy Heitz. Everret's gone, so now its just Percy." said Lathrop. Lathrop received a petition that he had 12 other area residents sign in order to officially close the road and "I filled out the best and most accurate legal description of the road, in fact it was completely accurate," said Lathrop, who believes that Vernon County Prosecutor Lynn Ewing III has misled the county commissioners.

"In the meantime, Percy was just raising Cain." Lathrop said.

Lathrop is with Cain, and both maintain that the road is part of a greater problem, the "fleecing of America." Cain had his conversation with the commissioners, which ended in a welcomed class action. Cain said that the commission members seem to be enacting eminent domain for their own efforts, citing that they can refurbish any old ancient road that they deem necessary for the appropriate persons.

Cain said that now some of the participants mentioned that "I would rather die than give up that road now." Cain also asserts that Heitz is an intimidator, and Lathrop calls him a bully. "They have done more work and expended more money on a road that is only utilized four times a year -- planting and harvest time -- and if it is a township matter, if it was never a county road, then why do we need the county to close the road?"

Cain said a new gate was placed at the road, the very same type of gate that was missing. However, Lathrop replaced it himself. "I support Joe. I think he is doing the right thing. It's a democracy and the majority rules, not just one person."

Lathrop did say, however, that Cain was wrong, and someone didn't do their homework.

Lathrop also insisted that the county prosecutor "does not study law, he took a two-cent tour and advised the county. He should be held accountable. The people of Harrison township and Vernon County taxpayers paid for this road."

Joe Cain has decided to file a lawsuit against the county.

The question is whether this is a matter of democracy and the protection of private citizens from eminent domain or whether it's truly a matter of township authority.

Harrison Township officials have yet to respond to any of these allegations.