County Confirms Residents May Clear Snow for Access on Rural Roads

UPDATE

Salina County Road and Bridge Administrator Darren Fishel spoke with Salina311 to provide clarification regarding snow removal on rural county roads.

Fishel said he understands the realities faced by residents in rural areas, including the need to access neighbors, care for livestock, and maintain basic mobility during winter weather.

He stated that there is no issue with individuals clearing snow on roads near their property to allow access to homes, neighbors, or agricultural operations, particularly when the work is limited to snow removal and does not involve altering the roadway or performing permanent maintenance.

Fishel emphasized that accessibility during winter conditions is important in rural parts of the county and said residents often need to take action to ensure they can safely reach where they need to go.

Local rancher Chad Koehn took to social media to report a tense phone conversation with a Saline County employee regarding snow removal on a rural county road during recent winter weather. 

Koehn said he used farm equipment to clear snow from a county road in order to access and feed livestock and to assist three nearby neighbors, all of whom are retirement age, including one with a medical condition. He said the work was limited to clearing access and did not involve altering the roadway or performing permanent maintenance.

According to Koehn, he later received a phone call from a county employee identified as Jason, who told him the snow removal was not permitted and warned that law enforcement could be contacted. Koehn alleges the conversation escalated and included personal insults.

Koehn also stated that as of approximately 12:48 p.m., he had not observed any county snow plows or road graders operating in his area.

After Salina311 reached out to speak with Kohen we obtained the contact information and are in the process of collecting additional details. 

Jason, a Saline County employee with Rural Patrol Territory 11, advised Salina311 to contact his supervisor, Tyson Gold, regarding the incident. After speaking with Gold, Salina311 was informed that he was unable to comment on the matter.

Salina311 was then directed to contact Darren Fishel, Saline County Road and Bridge Administrator, for clarification regarding county policy and the reported interaction.

Salina311 has reached out to Fishel and is awaiting additional information. An update will be provided once a response is received.