When logs, lumber or other obstructions without necessity are left on such ways described in section 3451, any road commissioner or municipal officer may remove them, and he shall not be liable for loss or damage thereof unless occasioned by design or gross negligence. When no one appears to pay the expense and trouble of removal, he may sell at public auction so much thereof as is sufficient for the purpose, with charges of sale, posting notice of the time and place of sale in 2 public places in the town 7 days prior thereto. The person through whose neglect or willful default they were left may be prosecuted as for a nuisance.