New managers for stockyard to get OK today

Management of the Marshall County stockyard may have been changed months ago, but the business' transfer is to be consummated by the Tennessee Public Livestock Market Charter Board this afternoon when it meets in the Courthouse Annex.

State oversight is to be sure the producers get their money for the sale of their livestock, according to an official with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. That's accomplished with verification that market operators have the financial assets to run a stable market.

Larry R. Smotherman, Dennis Garrett and Billy Joe "BJ" Johnson II have been leasing the stockyard at 1930 Finley Beech Road from Larry Yokley, who had the facility up for auction last winter.

See the complete story in the Tribune.