Commission approves hold‑harmless letter to reopen temporary runaround at Portland Mills Bridge

Parke County commissioners agreed to provide a hold‑harmless letter to private landowners so a temporary runaround around Portland Mills Bridge can be reopened while the county pursues surveying and a permanent right‑of‑way.

The chair said a private landowner had closed the runaround used by farm equipment since the bridge was closed; the landowner cited liability concerns. The chair and staff said the county has begun surveying the area and that the county would prepare a written hold‑harmless agreement for JV Hale and spouse so the landowners would allow temporary use while the county completes the right‑of‑way process. “So before you get to that, I need to make that motion to us… that we agree to hold JD Hale and his wife harmless to any things that may occur on their runaround while we're in the process of making that county right of way,” the chair said; a motion to that effect was seconded and approved.

Why it matters: Reopening the temporary runaround restores farm access and reduces detours for local traffic while the county completes surveying and right‑of‑way acquisition. The hold‑harmless letter shifts short‑term liability concerns to a documented county acknowledgement while the permanent acquisition proceeds.

Next steps: Staff will draft the letter and communicate it to the Hales so work crews can reopen the route. Survey work is already underway to establish county right‑of‑way.