news
Alpha House founder Jerry Clayton descends the front steps after announcing the closure of the boys' home on Monday.
Officials said a combination of factors, including changes in the placement of abused or neglected children away from group homes to relatives or foster care, made the decision unavoidable.
"This was a difficult decision for the board and officers to make, but it seems under the current circumstances it was our only avenue," said long-time director Jerry Clayton.
The four current residents will be placed in appropriate alternative care. The house on Franklin Street will revert to Lee County, which owns it, for its use.