NEBRASKA CITY – Cody and Shayla Beecham asked the county board Tuesday to dissuade a neighbor from repeated moving of dirt into an Otoe County road ditch.

Commissioners said the road, identified as Resolution 89-13 on the county GIS map, was kept open for the Beecham’s benefit. Commissioner Jared Sornson said the county has removed dirt that was pushed into the ditch in the past, but said there is confusion over an easement and county right-of-way.

Neighbor Glen Royal, 82,  was fined $1,000 in 2022 for criminal mischief and Otoe County Attorney Jennifer Panko-Rahe referenced “judicial economy” in response to a suggestion that additional citations be issued.  She said citations in the past have not resolved the matter. She said the county has been addressing the issue, but said disputes between neighbors could be a civil matter.

Commissioner Chuck Cole suggested sending a bill to the landowner if the county has to send a crew to move dirt off of county property as a way to dissuade the practice.

Panko-Rahe said the county could pursue reimbursement of costs as part of restitution if there were a criminal conviction.

Shayla Beecham: "It's becoming redundant that we have to continue to call the sheriff, we have to continue to drive down here and bring this up to you guys, we have to continue to sit here and listen to you throw your hands up because nobody wants to deal with it."

Commissioner Rick Freshman said it appears the county has done everything it can do.

Commissioners were told that dirt in the ditch will eventually plug downstream culverts or damage the road Resolution 89-13 and close access to the Beecham's home.