In a 2–1 vote, the Knox County Commissioners have officially repealed local ordinances regulating invasive plant species and dissolved both the Invasive Species Board and the Weed Board, despite strong public opposition. Commissioners T.J. Brink and Tim Ellerman II voted in favor, while Commissioner Kellie Streeter opposed the move, warning it could harm agriculture, forests, and public health. Conservation advocates once again filled the meeting room, criticizing the decision as rushed and shortsighted. Former Invasive Species Board President Larry Sutter likened invasive species to cancer, while other speakers called the repeal a loss for environmental stewardship. Supporters of the repeal said state regulations are sufficient and argued the local rules placed an unfair burden on vendors.
