Public commenter urges Hutchinson County to declare Justin Road public after alleged blockade

A public commenter during Hutchinson County Commissioners Court said Justin Road has been blocked by a neighboring property owner and asked the court to declare or otherwise secure the route for public use to ensure emergency access.

The commenter said the road "was dedicated for public use in the 1980s" and that his clients, "Mike and Tammy stoud," live adjacent to the stretch. He told the court that, during recent wildfires, emergency vehicles attempting to use Justin Road were prevented from passing because of actions by a neighbor identified in the comment as Mr. Randa.

County officials heard the request during the public-comment period and were asked either to confirm that the route is a county road or to take action to make it one. The speaker said private legal remedies may be possible but could leave the problem recurring if property ownership changes, and suggested a county-level remedy would better protect emergency access.

The court did not take an immediate formal vote on Justin Road. Commissioners said they had some familiarity with the location and that staff would check records (including past commissioner actions from the 1980s) and consider next steps, including possible executive-session review with legal staff.

The matter remains under consideration; commissioners indicated they would return to the topic if staff determined more formal action was required.