Polk County approves abandonment of Old Blanchard Loop in Precinct 2

Polk County Commissioner’s Court on April 8 approved an order to abandon Old Blanchard Loop (also referenced as Blanchard and Onalaska Highway) in Precinct 2 following a public hearing and a petition from Thomas Timbers and adjacent landowners.

The petition filed March 11 requested formal closure of roughly 4,785.91 feet of roadway located about seven miles from Livingston that extends into land owned by Thomas Timber Investments. Court staff said the road does not appear on the county’s 911 map and has not been maintained or traveled by the public since the court permitted gates on the road in February 1980.

The petitioners submitted a legal description, photographs showing notice posted at gates on both ends of the roadway and a copy of the 1980 minutes. Court representatives said the 1980 minutes granted permission to gate the road but did not formally close it, and petitioners asked the court to make the abandonment part of the county record to avoid future disputes.

No members of the public spoke during the hearing. After the presentation, Commissioner Pervis moved to approve the petition; Commissioner Robertson seconded the motion. The court called for the vote and the motion carried.

The court recorded the abandonment to clarify the county’s records and to reflect that both adjoining owners requested the closure. The county clerk will enter the order and the petition into the official minutes as the court directed.

Details on how the county will update its 911 map or any follow-up actions were not specified during the hearing.