Board declares roadside trees a public nuisance on Roscoe Highway parcel

Following a public nuisance hearing, the Keith County Board of Commissioners declared roadside trees adjacent to 1st Street and Keystone Roscoe Road (833 Roscoe Hwy 30) a public nuisance under Nebraska statutes referenced in the record.

Complainant Thomas Wilbur and property owner Dave Schafer exchanged positions about where the trees sit and who bears responsibility. County staff presented photographs (emailed previously on 01/14/2026) and testified that the trees had not been trimmed or removed as required by statute. The board heard statutory standards cited in the meeting (a county official read requirements for trimming and mowing to the center of the road) and received confirmation from road staff that the items in the photos remained uncorrected.

After closing the public hearing at 09:00, Commissioner Irvin moved to declare the property a nuisance based on Neb. statutes cited in the hearing; Anderson seconded. The motion passed on roll-call vote with commissioners voting yes. The declaration places the county in position to proceed with abatement steps, notify the property owner of required corrective actions, and recover expenses through special assessment if necessary, consistent with the statutory process described by staff.