Commissioners hold trash court over Dubois property

Dubois County Commissioners issued a fine against a Dubois property owner during its meeting Monday.

Rob Slotten was fined $600 and ordered to appear before the commissioners in April with proof that his property at 5404 E. Walnut Street in Dubois had been brought into compliance.

The Dubois County Solid Waste Management District notified Slotten of the complaint against the property regarding abandoned vehicles, weeds, and accumulation of junk in August of 2020.

Slotten did not respond to the letter as required on receipt and did not bring his property into compliance, so he was brought before commissioners court.

Waste district director Carla Striegel-Winner and enforcement assistant Randy Boehm presented the case to the commissioners stating that they normally would work with the property owner but had put time into the case with no contact from the owner. They requested a fine be issued and a judgement to have the items removed from Slotten’s property and bill him for the expense.

Slotten admitted he didn’t respond to the letter and took responsibility for his actions. He added that he has been working on the property and plans on bringing it into compliance.

During the court, it was brought up by the highway superintendent that Mr. Slotten has other properties in Dubois have issues as well. Also, his trailers and vehicles may be on the right of way and a safety concern.

According to Striegel-Winner, the moral of the story is if you get a letter regarding your property, work with us in a timely manner.