Henderson, Ky. – A dispute in Henderson County has raised concerns about safety and property rights as a local landowner and an oil company clash over road maintenance. Jerry Frields, a property owner in Robards, Kentucky, claims that a road leading to his home has been severely damaged by the operations of Robinson Engineering and Oil Company, which has a longstanding lease on the land.
The oil company has had access to several oil and water injection wells, as well as tank facilities on Frields’ property, since the lease agreement was signed in 1928. According to Frields, who bought the land in 1997 and began living on the property in 2007, the road was once in “perfect condition.” However, he argues that the heavy machinery used by the oil company over the years has caused significant damage, rendering the road impassable.
“The road is beat down, the elevation of the road is beat down, it can’t even drain,” said Frields, expressing his frustration with the situation. He further stated that this isn’t the first time he and his wife have faced issues with the road’s condition. “They promised me they would fix the road in 2013 and they’ve torn it all up,” he added, accusing the company of showing no respect for his property.
The situation has become even more concerning for Frields due to his wife’s medical needs. “My wife has Alzheimer’s, and I’m afraid if it’s like right now, an ambulance might not be able to get through if I have to call one for her,” said Frields, calling the condition of the road “elder abuse.” With his wife’s health and emergency access at risk, Frields has taken a firm stance, blocking the road and refusing to allow Robinson Engineering trucks to enter the property until the road is repaired.
Henderson County Sheriff Chip Stauffer confirmed that Frields had alerted the Sheriff’s Department about the situation. A deputy was dispatched to review the roadway but determined that the issue was a civil matter rather than a criminal one, referring Frields to the court system for resolution.
In a statement, Robinson Engineering responded to the dispute, acknowledging the ongoing tensions with Frields. “The dispute surrounds our right of ingress and egress to access Robinson Engineering’s operating oil wells, water injection wells, and tank facilities which are located on the property of Mr. Frields,” the company said. They emphasized that the lease, known as the Warren Wilson Lease, has been in continuous operation since 1928, long before Frields acquired the property.
“While we are certainly disappointed in Mr. Frields’ malicious actions, we are not surprised as this has been a recurring issue over the last 10 to 15 years,” the company added. Robinson Engineering stated that it plans to pursue legal action through the Henderson County courts in an attempt to enforce its rights of access.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains a classic example of the complex dynamics between property owners and companies operating under long-established agreements. The dispute also highlights the potential risks involved in balancing the interests of landowners, businesses, and safety concerns, particularly when emergency access is compromised.
The legal battle is expected to proceed in the coming weeks, with both parties awaiting a resolution through the court system.
