By Jim Cooper, Editor
Times Record-Roane County Reporter
A local tradition for more than 50 years could be in danger of coming to an end.
Roger Atkinson, the owner and manager of the Livestock Market of Spencer, announced this week that he would not open the business this year. He said illness prevented him from running the operation.
"It's simple, that's all it is," Atkinson said of his decision. "It was a spur of the moment deal."
Atkinson and his wife, Sharon, had run the livestock market for the past eight seasons. He said the structure east of Spencer along U.S. 33/119 was built in 1952 and opened the following year.
Atkinson said the traditional seasonal Friday sales had been continuous since the market first opened.
"As far as I know they never missed a season and maybe we won't this year," he said. "At least I hope we won't."
Atkinson said that while he would not run the market, he had been in contact with three or four parties who are interested in leasing it.
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