County staff report closed materials site after vandalism and relay complaints about internet-company digging in Apple Valley

County staff told the Knox County Board of Commissioners on July 7 that a county materials site has been closed after repeated misuse and vandalism and that county staff will investigate using camera footage.

The county administrator reported that the site had been overwhelmed with material before closure and that the push-button gate control was damaged — "either run over or kicked over" — and that wires had been cut. "It's now closed, and it's gonna have to remain closed for some period of time till we could figure out," the county administrator said, adding that contractors will need to clear material before the site can reopen.

Separately, staff relayed multiple resident complaints about an internet company working in Apple Valley. The transcript records residents alleging that contractors dug holes in yards, blocked mail delivery by parking equipment "right up against the mailbox," and left holes open. The county administrator said he has referred those callers to the county engineer for permit or site oversight and noted that county engineer Jeff Pickle has documented damage and losses to county property.

The chair said he had tried to contact 'Camry,' who was out for the week, and staff indicated they will follow up when that person is available. A commissioner also reported a successful July 4 celebration and mentioned an upcoming July 26 event.

County staff said they will pull camera footage to try to identify who damaged the materials site and will secure the site with chains and locks while contractors clear remaining material. No contractor or internet-company representative responded during the meeting, and no formal enforcement actions were announced at the time.