Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, May 22, 1993 TAG: 9305220125
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: Southwest bureau
DATELINE: WYTHEVILLE LENGTH: Short
A Russell County-based enterprise called SEACOR has bought the former Trail Motel in Grahams Forge to convert to a halfway house.
SEACOR has operated a halfway house in Lebanon for several years.
Operators of halfway houses sign contracts with the state Department of Corrections to receive convicted felons.
The term used to describe such operations stems from the fact that convicted felons are halfway between prison and release. They complete an adjustment program in halfway houses before being fully discharged from the corrections system.
The motel would have to meet county and state building requirements for such a use, including having a sprinkler system for fire safety.
Wythe County Administrator Billy Branson said that, once the proposed halfway house complies with those standards, it could open at once. That could be as early as two weeks.
The county has no zoning ordinance to govern where such a facility would have to be located.
by CNB