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Township trustees report incomplete fence directives; landowner alleges county crew cut trees off property
Summary
Acting Vernon Township Trustees Waugh and House reported that directives from a March 4 notice about a fence controversy remain partly unmet (barbed wire not added; fallen trees remain). The responding party has until May 15, 2025, to complete work; Candy Wenke said county crews cleared trees on her property without permission and will file an insurance claim.
The Board recessed May 12 at 11:16 AM for Vernon Township business. Acting Vernon Township Trustees Waugh and House reported their April 30 review of a fence and flood-gap dispute between Eugene and Candy Wenke (complaining party) and the Benjamin A. Thorud Irrevocable Trust (responding party). Trustees found the flood gap installed is substantial but needs to be tied into the existing north fence; barbed wire required by the notice had not been added; and fallen trees on the fence remain.
County Auditor Lisa Plecker, acting Vernon Township Clerk, noted the March 4, 2025 Notice of Findings set an April 15 completion date, and under Iowa Code § 359A.6 the responding party has until May 15, 2025 to finish the work. Plecker was directed to email the responding party with the trustees' findings and the May 15 deadline; trustees will appoint someone to address the matters if not completed. After the recess the Board resumed and discussed brush cleared at Site 15 of the Indian Creek Watershed: Candy Wenke said county crews cleared trees on her property without permission and intends to file a claim with county insurance; Thornburg said crew action followed a verbal agreement with Eugene Wenke, which Candy disputed, and recommended a survey to re-establish boundaries.
