Judge rules Reeds Spring property owner had no right to shut off water

Wes Johnson

GALENA - Reeds Spring property owner Doug Lorenzen had no right to shut off water to two neighbors, a Stone County Judge ruled this morning.

Judge George Scott found there was no provision in Lorenzen’s water contract with Ron Mangum and Brian Mellott that allowed him to shut off the water even if they failed to pay their bill.

The only remedy for nonpayment stated in the contract was for Lorenzen to foreclose on Mangum’s and Mellott’s properties. Although surprised by the judge’s ruling,

Lorenzen said he now intends to begin foreclosure proceedings to take back the property he sold them.

Lorenzen shut off their water Aug. 6 during an extreme heat advisory. He took that step after property owners refused to pay the well repair bill.

Today’s ruling ends the civil lawsuit Mangum and Mellott filed against Lorenzen over a $943 water well repair well.

Judge Scott tossed out that bill saying it wasn’t from the person who did the work and that Mangum and Mellott had no obligation to pay it.

It was from a handyman that lived in a rental house owned by Lorenzen.

Scott also ordered Lorenzen to pay attorney fees incurred by Mangum and Mellott, which are expected to exceed $600.

First of all, who shuts off someone’s water during heat wave?  Secondly, how much dumber can you get?  Lose in court and foreclose again?

(And if you’re wondering who Brad Barritt is… click here.  He now manages Store 86 in Springfield MO and is just as big of an SEB as this joker)