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Joe P. Asher

Staff Writer

A blocked road was a large part of the discussion during a special called meeting of the Harlan Fiscal Court on Thursday. Liza Kelly Cemetery Road has reportedly been blocked by a mining company.

Magistrate Bill Moore introduced the issue to the court.

“We do have a group here from the Holmes Mill area where a cemetery road’s been blocked by a coal company,” said Moore. “They’re requiring them go through the security gate.”

Vernon Saylor, a resident of the area, was in attendance and addressed the magistrates about the problem.

“They’ve blocked the main road that goes to the cemetery,” stated Saylor. “I actually think that’s dangerous because you’ve got equipment coming in and out of the mines all the time.”

Harlan County Judge-Executive Joe Grieshop wanted some clarification on the issue.

“You have to go around by the shop?” asked Grieshop.

Saylor confirmed this, adding that they were being required to check in at the guard shack.

Moore agreed with Saylor’s assessment.

“It is a hassle,” said Moore. “This has been a county road for the best I can tell 30 plus years.”

Harlan County Jailer Curt Stallard had some comments concerning the issue.

“When I was the magistrate for that district, the road went across the railroad track away from that coal company. That coal company for some reason decided to change it back then and to begin with it wasn’t a hassle to go through that coal company’s property. As time went on they’re making more obstacles for them to rise over.”

“I suggest that we look at this with our county attorney. Since it’s been a county road we know we need to take a look at that, and also find out what the coal company’s issues are,” said Grieshop.

Moore pointed out the road has a C.R. number.

“If it’s got a C.R. number, it is a county road. That’s pretty much cut and dried,” said Grieshop. “We’ll check into that and Bill (Moore) will get back to you.”

In other fiscal court action:

* It was announced that Delzina Belcher has resigned her magistrate post due to health concerns;

* A resolution was passed accepting the memorandum of agreement between the Commonwealth of Kentucky Infrastructure Authority and the Harlan County Fiscal Court for coal severance tax allocation reauthorization and reallocation;

* A resolution was adopted accepting the grant assistance agreement between Kentucky Infrastructure Authority and Harlan County Fiscal Court;

*A resolution in support of a veteran’s hospital facility being established in the 5th Congressional District was adopted.

Reach Joe P. Asher at 606-573-4510 or jasher@heartlandpublicaions.com