Larry Vanover reached out to the Cuba Free Press about the complaints made by his neighbor, Troy Fox, on Oct. 21 to the Bourbon Board of Aldermen about the conditions of his property located in the 500 block of Cedar Street.

Fox told aldermen during the meeting that Vanover’s property contained a junk pile that he alleged was a health hazard. Vanover asked for an article in response to the Nov. 12 story, telling his side of the situation.

Vanover claims that no trash or garbage was dumped on his property. He runs his business at his property and provides haul-off services for family estates and business liquidation. 

Vanover said he plans to open a trading post in early 2026, and what Fox claims is junk is his merchandise.

During the Oct. 21 meeting, Fox alleged that Vanover was running equipment during all hours of the night, potentially violating a noise ordinance.

“He's been running that freaking skid steer all night long; he has no respect for anybody. I can’t talk on the phone on my deck because he’s running that thing,” said Fox.

Mayor Dave Lafferty told Fox that there is a noise ordinance against running heavy equipment throughout the evening hours.

Vanover rebutted the allegations. 

“I am very aware of the noise ordinances and have never once violated them,” Vanover said.

Fox mentioned at the meeting that he was trying to sell his property and that the mess at his neighbor’s residence was making it difficult. 

Vanover said he has not seen an attempt from his neighbor to sell his property, claiming that there is no for sale sign in the yard. 

Vanover has been fined by the city for an ordinance violation concerning the condition of his property. City Attorney Robert Davis with Robert L. Davis Law Office was contacted about the legal status of Vanover’s case.

According to Missouri Case.net, Vanover's case number is 25BOUMU00004, filed on Nov. 19 in the Bourbon Municipal Court. 

Court records claim, “Larry Vanover, did then and there unlawfully and willfully allow unlicensed dumps/dumping, maintain, or permit the accumulation of refuse, trash, garbage, waste materials and debris upon property owned, occupied or controlled by him, which emitted noxious offensive odors and created conditions conductive to the harborage of insects and vermin, thereby constituting a public nuisance in violation of Section 215.100 of the ordinances of the city of Bourbon, Missouri to wit:

Section 215.100-nuisances affecting health-accumulation of trash or refuse prohibited, City Code of Ordinances, City of Bourbon, Missouri.”

Davis refused to comment or discuss the upcoming case because of a policy he has for pending cases

A court date is set for 9 a.m. on Dec. 12 at the Bourbon Municipal Court.

Vanover said he intended to address the aldermen at 7 p.m. on Dec. 16 at City Hall.