Jacksonville – A judge has requested written closing arguments in a trial over four trees Alabama Power is trying to remove from the yards of two Jacksonville residents.
Calhoun-Cleburne Circuit Judge John Thomason heard from lawyers Friday who are representing Alabama Power and Jacksonville residents Barbara Wilson and Rufus Kinney.
The utility has seven days to submit a brief explaining why they have the right to cut down trees.
Attorney Mark Martin represents Wilson and Kinney and will have 14 days to explain his clients' views on the issue.
Wilson was joined by several supporters in July when they protested Alabama Power's plans by sitting in folding chairs that were chained to the three pecan trees in her yard.
The company also wants to cut down a cherry tree in Kinney's yard.
Wilson said the pecan trees near her home have been there at least 75 years.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)