Bernie and Steve Johnson would like other people's livestock to leave them alone, and they are hoping the county will do something about that.

The couple, who live near Harts Corner, south of Great Bend, met with the commissioners this week and will be meeting soon with the county Planning Commission in an effort to have their residential area free from livestock.

The Johnsons, who live at 28 SW 20 Road, said their area, which was once just residential, includes a small plot where different tenants over the years have kept horses, cattle, even goats.

The livestock tend to get loose and come into their backyard, causing damage.

They would like to have the area zoned as residential only; however, it is currently in an agriculture zone, which means livestock is allowed.

Even so, the Johnsons urged, it's not right for livestock to be crowded onto small areas, as has been the case in their neighborhood, nor should they be allowed to wander onto adjacent property.

County Administrator Richard Boeckman said he would move the issue to the Barton County Sheriff's Office, to determine if the county's nuisance ordinance is being violated, and the couple plan to meet with the county's Planning Commission at its next meeting.

In an unrelated matter, commissioners also heard complaints this week about the condition of NW 20 Avenue, which a resident, David Brack, told them has been closed to local school buses due to poor condition.

Brack said he was recently called to come pick up one of his children at school because the bus wouldn't come to their house. "My youngest child had to call me and tell me the bus wouldn't go on the road."

Many vehicles that try to use the road, after even a moderate rain, end up in the ditch, Brack reported. And he suggested the Eureka Township officials are not fixing the matter.

Boeckman reported there are legal provisions for the county to fix such a problem and then charge the work to the township.

Plans have been made for a study session meeting with the township officials, as well as with those from South Homestead Township, about road condition issues, it was reported.