Cottage Township Road Commission Mike Karns
SALINE CO., Ill. — Last night in Cottage Township, a final decision on the fate on Cottage Grove Road was reached.
For now.
New Cottage Township Road Commissioner Mike Karns met the public at the final continuation of the Public Hearing for the Closure of Cottage Grove Road last night (Monday, June 24, 2014). The hearing has stretched out over several continuations thus far, and has passed between two road commissioners, after the resignation of former Cottage Township Road Commissioner Tim Tuttle.
Karns opened the continued hearing by addressing the public, which consisted of coal miners associated with Peabody Arclar, residents of Cottage Township, and activists from both near and far who have aided in the “Justice for Rocky Branch” movement. In a short statement, Karns informed John Keller, representative for Peabody Arclar, and the listening miners that he had spoken with the residents who call Cottage Township home, and had received no indication that the public wished to see the road closed. In reflection of this, Karns apologized to those affiliated with the coal company, and informed them that he would not close the road.
However, this decision may only hold the road for a short time. After Karns had announced his decision, Judy Kellen, Cottage Township Trustee, announced that she would be contesting the decision, as Karns had been installed in his office during an allegedly illegal meeting.
Kellen told media after the adjournment of the hearing that she was happy with Karns’ decision, but would be doing everything she could to make sure that the decision would be made without any illegalities behind it.
To find out more, check out the upcoming decision of Disclosure NewsMagazine, on stands July 1st and 2nd.