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Public commenters and commissioners clash over Last Best Place zoning rules and county lawsuit
Summary
Prairie County residents and two commissioners disputed whether zoning regulations for the Last Best Place district are already in effect; commissioners voted 2–1 that the district's general provisions are approved and scheduled a special meeting to address a related lawsuit.
A contentious exchange erupted March 18 as residents and the Prairie County Board of Commissioners debated whether the newly formed Last Best Place zoning district already had enforceable regulations and whether the county should continue a lawsuit tied to the district.
Shane Eaton told the board he had received information from the county attorney that "no regulations have been put into place," prompting extended discussion among public commenters and commissioners. Commissioner Teske moved that Resolution 26-20 approved the district's general provisions; Commissioner Devlin seconded and the motion passed with Teske and Devlin in favor and Commissioner Keltner opposed.
Public commenters urged the commission to withdraw the lawsuit challenging aspects of the petition. Joylynn Millwright asked that County Attorney Dan Rice be removed from the Brown case and "recuse himself." A motion by Commissioner Teske to withdraw the lawsuit failed for lack of a second; Commissioner Keltner asked for more time for discovery and to consult the county attorney.
Rob Reukauf and other residents urged the commission to reconsider the lawsuit, citing similar ballots in neighboring counties, while Norma and Kay Hoffer urged prompt withdrawal and resolution. The board scheduled a special meeting for 1:00 p.m. on March 21, 2026, devoted to the lawsuit.
The dispute centered on process: residents argued that the petition and signatures established the district and its regulations, while commissioners noted that a petition cannot by itself create an ordinance. The board's 2–1 vote on Resolution 26-20 affirmed the general provisions but left procedural questions and the litigation strategy unresolved.
