Sand Mountain Reporter

The Stepping Ahead methamphetamine transitional facility may have finally found a home in Marshall County.

But hurdles still have to be leapt, according to Marshall County Commission Chairman Billy Cannon.

Cannon said between 150-200 people showed up at the gymnasium at Union Grove School Tuesday night to voice their concerns about the proposed men’s meth transitional facility on Union Chapel Road.

Stepping Ahead, a nonprofit faith-based organization, wants to provide a drug and alcohol free, safe comfortable workplace where residents will be able to acquire the tools needed to become productive members of society.

Cannon’s recommendation was to build the facility adjacent to the Cedar Lodge rehabilitation facility in Claysville. Cannon said he has been working with District Attorney Steve Marshall, Rep. Robert Aderholt and Cedar Lodge Director Jerry Johnson to fund and build the facility. Cannon said the cost would be around $200,000, and that local, state and federal funds could be utilized.

“The meeting was excellent,” Cannon said. “Anytime you have a problem, you have to have a solution. I have a proposal, and it was very well received.”

The proposed facility, Cannon said, would have 24-hour-a-day security and accommodate 12-15 residents. The residents would have the opportunity to utilize a work-release program.

Dr. Mary Holley, director of Stepping Ahead, said Wednesday she was not invited to the meeting and that plans had not changed to use the house and 40 acres in Union Grove for a transitional facility.

“I’ve heard of the facility at Cedar Lodge, and that’s all fine and good,” Holley said. “That will not stop us from doing the project we have planned.”

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