Supporters show opposition to closing Bessemer Courthouse

The Jefferson County Commission meeting on Tuesday morning filled up as two different groups of supporters gathered for their cause. Supporters of both Cooper Green Mercy Hospital and the Bessemer Courthouse showed up in force.

The Bessemer Courthouse is facing closure after the county filed a motion to terminate their lease on the building in bankruptcy court last week. An interesting twist to the move has Jefferson County Manager Tony Petelos on the opposite side of the issue from his wife, Bessemer Courthouse Presiding Judge Teresa Petelos. Judge Petelos has sent a letter to her husband that states her objections to the courthouse closing.

Bessemer Courthouse District Attorney Arthur Green told the Commission in the meeting that there are big legal questions about the commission's authority to close the courthouse. Green later told FOX6 News reporter Alan Collins that he is considering legal action to keep the courthouse open.

District Judge Jill Ganus, who oversees juvenile and family court in Bessemer, says shutting down and moving would be a disaster for the court. She feels it would be a massive delay for justice.

Van Sykes from Bob Sykes BBQ told FOX6 that he is against the closing and feels it will do damage to his nearby business.

No decision was made about the possible closing during the meeting.

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