Supervisors decline request to vacate portion of 115th Street after public hearing

The Adair County Board of Supervisors on March 11, 2026 voted 3-2 to reject a request to vacate a portion of 115th Street following a public hearing where neighbors raised competing concerns about safety and maintenance.

Resident Leonard Shelley spoke against vacating the road, saying increased traffic and the prospect of a new truck stop would create safety hazards for equipment and local drivers. In contrast, resident Dan Deluhery told the board that vehicles have gotten stuck on the unpaved portion this year and that the county spends considerable time maintaining the mud road; he and others said vacating would reduce repeated maintenance burdens. Rob Mensing asked the board to explain the rationale for considering a vacation.

County Engineer Nick Kauffman and board members said the vacation request originated with adjacent landowners after outreach from the engineer's office related to nearby construction. Board members discussed possible costs to rock and widen the road, enforcement of closures, and access needs for other landowners. After discussion, the board moved to not vacate the portion of 115th Street; Supervisors Hoadley, Baier and Wedemeyer voted aye. Supervisors Christoffersen and Walker voted nay. The board agreed, however, that the road should be closed during construction to address safety and traffic concerns.

The decision leaves the road open to public use but authorizes construction-period closures. The engineer and staff will coordinate on temporary closures and barricading during construction periods as needed.

Next steps: the board did not adopt any permanent improvements at the meeting; staff will manage closures during work and may return with cost estimates if permanent improvements or a different outcome is requested.