Wednesday, March 31, 2010 7:35 pm

Cannon County Executive Mike Gannon has issued the following statement regarding the removal of the trees in the courtyard of the Cannon County Courthouse:

"I have had several comments made to me about the removal of the trees. Many people are wondering why they were removed. I've also had some people tell me they should be removed.

"The reason they were removed is because they were diseased. I had (Cannon County Extension Agent) Bruce Steelman examine them, and that is what he found.

"It was a hard decision for me to make, because those trees have been there a long time. However, we look forward to the planting of new, healthy trees as part of the court revitalization and beautification project."