Du Bois keeps Kittenbrock cleanup case open after mixed progress

Du Bois County commissioners on July 21 agreed to leave the Kittenbrock property enforcement case open and review progress in 30 days after hearing mixed reports about clean-up work. The action follows a June order that required the property owner to register or remove inoperable vehicles, remove junk and debris, bring an unsafe building to a safe condition or demolish it, and maintain turf. Solid waste staff said the family paid an imposed fee, provided receipts for recent removals and recycling, and submitted photos, but commissioners and nearby residents said visible accumulation — especially dozens of metal totes and large wood piles — remains and creates a negative appearance. Carla Streagle of Harris Solid Waste said she drove by the site and distributed photos to the commission, adding, “I am here as a resource, and I just follow whatever you guys had determined in the meeting last time.” That documentation included receipts for multiple recent disposals and recycling loads, staff said. County commissioners and solid waste staff said some items required by the original order have been completed: previously visible unregistered vehicles were removed or shown to have valid registration, and the assessed administrative fee was paid. But staff and neighbors said other elements of the June recommendations remain undone — notably the recommendation to move items from the property edges to a central location that would be fenced or otherwise screened within 30 days. Commissioners emphasized that whether the activity is a personal wood‑splitting operation or a commercial activity, the materials must be kept “organized neatly” and out of public view. County direction: the board and solid waste staff will keep the case open, continue drive‑by monitoring and photos, and re‑review the property in 30 days. If the cleanup milestones are not met, staff said they will consider next enforcement steps. Commissioners also asked the resident to continue submitting disposal receipts and documentation of progress. Background: the case arose after neighbor complaints and earlier solid‑waste findings. At prior meetings the commission ordered a series of corrective actions; this week’s review found partial compliance but lingering visual and nuisance concerns.