Citizens Complain of Overgrowth in Pct 3

Concerned citizens, who asked not to be named, have alerted the Olney Enterprise to high grasses and weeds along several Young County roads in Precincts 3, raising safety and fire hazard concerns.

The overgrowth, they said, is obscuring signs, impeding right-of-ways, and limiting visibility for drivers. Precinct 3 is overseen by County Commissioner Alan Craig, who could not be reached for comment.

Unusually heavy rains this summer, combined with a manpower shortage at the Precinct 3 yard, may have contributed to crews falling behind on mowing and road maintenance, residents speculated.

Photos sent to the Enterprise showed thick weeds towering over barbed wire fences along Taack Road in Newcastle and near the True Cemetery on True Road.

One resident said the growth makes it impossible to avoid oncoming traffic without scraping vehicles on the brush. Similarly, citizens reported that C. Stowe Road just outside Olney has become difficult to navigate because of the tall weeds encroaching on the roadway.

Beyond traffic visibility, residents warned that unmanaged grasses and weeds pose a significant fire hazard in rural areas. Dry vegetation in road ditches can quickly ignite and spread flames to nearby properties, fences, and pastures.

While regulations vary, residents noted that both counties and landowners share responsibilities for controlling vegetation in right-of-ways.

“The County’s responsibilities include preventing fires,” one citizen said, adding that many county and state transportation departments adopt policies requiring proactive mowing and fire control, particularly in rural, ranch, and timbered areas.

Residents said they hope Precinct 3 can catch up on mowing before worsening conditions lead to accidents or wildfires.