News

Opponents to demonstrate against training center ahead of sheriff's forum

By Bill Moss, Published: March 27, 2017

Opponents of a $20 million law enforcement training center plan to demonstrate against the project today an hour before Sheriff Charlie McDonald is scheduled to defend the proposal at a public forum.

Opponents announced that they will picket at 5 p.m. on the sidewalk at the Henderson County Public Library, where McDonald will talk about the project and take questions. The law enforcement training center would be 49,000 square feet under roof and include 50- and 100-yard shooting lanes, space for police officer physical training, classrooms, locker rooms and showers.
During public comment time at Board of Commissioners meeting county voters have opposed the project, saying it costs too much, duplicates training programs available elsewhere and shifts money from other priorities. Sheriff McDonald says the facility is needed for tactical training and firearms qualification that now require out-of-town travel.