County officials consider vacating road

Franklin County commissioners are taking a road trip.

County commissioners decided to travel Monday to the 4300 block of Ellis Road near Rantoul, to see for themselves a small stretch of minimum-maintenance road.

A property owner near the road, Don Swenson, Rantoul, asked the county to vacate a portion of the road, between the 4300 and 4325 blocks. The road winds around a hillside and culvert where it abruptly ends, he said.

However, another property owner, Dave Spencer, Lane, said the road is the only way he can access part of his land.

This is the second time Swenson has asked the county to vacate the land, Jim Haag, public works director for the county, said. Commissioners in 2004 denied the request after Spencer protested the action.

Swenson said the road’s condition has deteriorated and people sometimes drive into the area and get stuck. Other times, he sees beer cans and evidence that people may be using the area as a party spot.

Spencer said he does not have any problems accessing the road with a four-wheel drive pickup, and it’s the only way he can check on cows he keeps on part of his land.

Commission Chairman Ed Taylor said during the commission’s regular meeting Wednesday night he would like to see the land before the commission makes a decision. Commissioners will meet at the road about 10 a.m. Monday after their regular study session.

Both Swenson and Spencer jokingly advised commissioners to be careful driving in the area, which could be especially difficult to navigate because of rain this week.