While the weather might not be on its best behavior Friday, spirits will be bright in Vonore as the switchgrass plant holds its grand opening.
Bob Sliger of the UT Agricultural Extension Service said the 2009 crop has been finished on 40 farms covering 199 fields and 2,613 acres, with about half of that being in Monroe County.

Sliger spoke during an Economic and Community Development Board meeting Tuesday.
"It's going more of a technical operation than anything else," Sliger said. "There will be a lot of research going on to see what all can be done with switchgrass."

Sliger also mentioned there may be a pellet mill put in behind the plant. "It would be used to put the fuel from the switchgrass into a pellet for easier transportation," he said. "The pellets would be about 3/4 of an inch in size. I'm not completely sure that will happen, but it is being looked at."
 Ron Hammontree of Tellico Reservoir Development Agency also spoke at the meeting, saying as many as 90 jobs may be coming to the Tellico West Industrial Park.

"MasterCraft is looking at building Hydrasport boats," he said. "If the deal comes through, it could bring 90 jobs to the area."
Hammontree also said Christenson is back at work on its boat plant, building a hull mold that should be finished in 9-12 months
He also mentioned the Cobalt building is close to being sold, but even if the deal falls through, they have other options on the building.

michael.thomason@advocateanddemocrat.com | 442-4575