by Michael J. Marino
An electric fence does appear to be blocking off access to the ditch in question (D04) and the easement off North 13th Road in Worden. This picture was taken the morning of July 19, 2022.
(Photo by Jonathan McNiven)
One thing was clear after the July 13, 2022 meeting of Huntley Project Irrigation District (HPID): Rick Horton categorically denies any and all accusations brought against him at the previous meeting on June 8, for which he was not present. A dilemma was presented on June 8 by another landowner, Shawn Smith, who stated that he’d had an ongoing issue with Horton over an irrigation easement. (See YCN’s June 17, 2022 edition as well as excerpts from the June 8 meeting minutes on page 8 for more background information.
Approximately one hour and seventeen minutes into the July meeting, President Cody Kuntz gave the floor to Rick Horton, who was accompanied by Lacey Rollins, who introduced herself as Horton’s daughter and personal representative.
Here is Rollins’ full statement to the HPID Board:
“Thanks. First of all, thank you guys. I’ve never been to an irrigation meeting; this is kind of interesting. And thank you, Willy, for correcting the meeting minutes. I know a couple of you have been out to Rick Horton’s property since last meeting, so again, thank you for doing that. Kind of just wanted to come tonight… first of all my name is Lacey Rollins and I’m Rick Horton’s daughter. I am here to represent Rick Horton.
Last month, I believe it was brought to your attention that there was an issue with a landowner in regards to the ability to access water. As we weren’t in attendance last month for the meeting, I just wanted to verify a few things.
First of all, never has Rickey Horton denied access to Shawn Smith or Owen Schmidt, who is the landowner. A fence was put up, and improvements to the fence line have been done over the years, as to prevent livestock from leaving Rick Horton’s pasture. This is not done to keep anyone out, but more to keep livestock in. If, at any time, [he] needed access, a conversation could’ve happened to work with Rick Horton on that access.
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