A temporary restraining order will remain in place that keeps the City of Smithville from intervening in the operation of the animal shelter until at least June 24. That is the date set for another hearing in front of Chancellor Ronald Thurman.

Chancellor Ronald Thurman extended the order during a hearing in DeKalb County Chancery Court on Tuesday morning, March 30. The proceeding went longer than expected and had to be cut short before all the proof was presented in order that Chancellor Thurman could make it to a noon court session in another county.

Chancellor Thurman kept the temporary restraining order against the city intact until another hearing, now set for June 24, in which both sides will get to finish making their case. Chancellor Thurman also wants the County to join in the hearing because it has a stake in the matter.

The Coalition, represented by attorney Sarah Cripps, is seeking to make the temporary restraining order against the city permanent and for the Chancellor to construe and interpret provisions of both the Coalition’s lease and contract with the City as well as the Coalition’s memorandum of understanding with the County.

City attorney Vester Parsley is asking that the temporary restraining order against the city be dismissed.

Both the city and the coalition claim they are in charge of operating the animal shelter and that the two full time employees work for them.