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Hundreds of millions of dollars are on the line in hopes of turning grass into fuel. Tennessee taxpayers paid $70-million towards the plan to produce ethanol from home grown switchgrass. After five yearsMore >> Hundreds of millions of dollars are on the line in hopes of turning grass into fuel. Tennessee taxpayers paid $70 million towards the plan to produce ethanol from home grown switch grass. After five yearsMore >> A bear is on the loose in Oak Ridge. For one family, the animal came too close for comfort.The bear has been spotted in several locations across the city.
More >> A bear is on the loose in Oak Ridge. For one family, the animal came too close for comfort. The bear has been spotted in several locations across the city.
More >> RICEVILLE (WATE) - A McMinn county boy is recovering after being attacked by a donkey. The 12-year-old told deputies said he was walking on County Road 58 near his Riceville home on Saturday when theMore >> A McMinn county boy is recovering after being attacked by a donkey.More >> Thieves manage to steal a roof right off of a McMinn county cabin.More >> Thieves manage to steal a roof right off of a McMinn county cabin.More >> A day after Knox County Commission Chair Mike Hammond and School Board Chair Thomas Deakins presented a new budget proposal at a joint meeting, some commissioners are discussing supporting it.More >> A day after Knox County Commission Chair Mike Hammond and School Board Chair Thomas Deakins presented a new budget proposal at a joint meeting, some commissioners are discussing supporting it.More >> Debby Jennings, the former associate athletics director for media relations, became a legend behind the scenes for the Lady Vols basketball program over the past 35 years. However, she says was forced to retire.More >> Debby Jennings, the former associate athletics director for media relations, became a legend behind the scenes for the Lady Vols basketball program over the past 35 years. However, she says was forced to retire.More >> Sharlene Justice, 49, the former secretary for the Morgan County Soil Conservation District, was arrested Wednesday on a theft charge.More >> Sharlene Justice, 49, the former secretary for the Morgan County Soil Conservation District, was arrested Wednesday on a theft charge.More >> The doors were locked Wednesday night at Scott County's only hospital, ending decades of service for some doctors, nurses and other staff.More >> The doors were locked Wednesday night at Scott County's only hospital, ending decades of service for some doctors, nurses and other staff.More >> Supporters of a big proposed funding increase for Knox County Schools are stepping up their efforts to sway public opinion.More >> Supporters of a big proposed funding increase for Knox County Schools are stepping up their efforts to sway public opinion.More >> A rare type of meningitis recently took the life of a 12-year-old girl in Roane County. Morgan Peters died in early May after she was diagnosed with bacterial spinal meningitis.More >> A rare type of meningitis recently took the life of a 12-year-old girl in Roane County. Morgan Peters died in early May after she was diagnosed with bacterial spinal meningitis.More >>
By SAMANTHA SARACINO
6 News Reporter
MADISONVILLE (WATE) - Officials are looking at the needs for a new county jail in Madisonville. It hasn't been decided whether it will stay downtown or move elsewhere.
This is where the jail currently stands in Madisonville, but officials are looking into building a new one.
"Whether the objective will be to construct another jail facility exclusively or a combined jail facility with a new Justice Center for the county," said Jerome Melson, the Monroe County and Madisonville City Attorney.
It could stay downtown or it could be moved somewhere else which has downtown business owners worried. Many rely on the traffic the jail and the courthouse brings to downtown.
"That's one of the reasons I picked where I did to rent because this is where everything happens. I wanted to be where the traffic is. That's why I like it down here," explained Mickey Allen, owner of Welcome Back Antiques.
Many business owners told 6 News that they do want a new jail, but they want it to stay in the downtown area.
"It means property tax money. It means sales tax money. It means jobs. It just needs to stay downtown," explained Alan Johnson, a member of the Downtown Business Association.
Officials are aware of the downtown business owners' concerns, but the decision is still very preliminary.
"We want to see that viability maintained and to see that grow and flourish however whatever the county commission does, there will be a very careful study done about whatever is done," Melson said.
Business owners say they just want to get involved early, so their voices can be heard.
A meeting will be held at the end of the month about the new jail proposal and whether or not officials would like state aid to help conduct a study and make a decision about the jail.
