Tag Archives: Fire

When the Putnam County Commissioners meet next Monday to potentially decide on a new budget, they will consider cost of living adjustments for employees. Commissioner Jonathan Williams asked to see what a two percent increase for full-time employees and four percent for police, fire, and EMS workers would cost the county. Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter said the county has ... Read More »

Putnam County Fire Chief Jeff Hicks said he believes a house fire that claimed the life of a 79-year-old Baxter resident was an accident. Hicks said firefighters entered the burning structure through a window and extracted Mildred Wade in just 14 minutes after receiving the initial page. He said he believes this was an accidental kitchen fire that spread and ... Read More »

The Cookeville Fire Department is bringing back the Citizen Fire Academy to teach the public about the daily responsibilities of a firefighter, and how to respond to different emergencies. Fire Chief Benton Young said the department discontinued the course some eight years ago due to a lack of time and interest. He said the eight-week course has been shortened to ... Read More »

With lawn work increasing, fire officials remind all residents of the region that burn permits are still required through May 15. Jackson And Putnam County Area Forester Jeff Thompson said permits have been required since October 15 when leaves began to fall. He said many people like to use the early spring for a brush burn. “Sometimes, in the late ... Read More »

A commercial structure fire destroyed Byrdstown’s Country Farm and Home Lawn and Garden facility Thursday morning. The building center was not impacted. Firefighters responded around 6am. Fire Chief Garry Garrett said departments from surrounding counties including Overton and Monroe helped with the response. Garrett said the building had been burning for some time before firefighters arrived. “Smoke’s still going,” Garrett ... Read More »

Putnam County Commissioners voted Monday night to request Cookeville annex the portion of the new Putnam County Fairgrounds that falls outside city limits. Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter said the new fairgrounds fall directly on the Cookeville border, leaving half of the parcel outside city limits. He said the city cannot provide resources like sewer utilities to areas outside of ... Read More »

Sunset Marina will be home to several brand-new facilities by the time the spring boating season rolls around. Marina General Manager Tom Allen said the marina is still in the process of rebuilding after a fire destroyed half of the floating facility in August. He said they are pushing to have everything rebuilt and open to the public by April ... Read More »

Fentress County is considering adjustments to its Ambulance Services Department after Director Tony Maxfield resigned. Fentress County Executive Jimmy Johnson said the department is in good hands with Ambulance Service Assistant Director Steve Bradfield serving as interim director. He said the county is looking at ways to divide some of the directorial responsibilities to relieve some of the pressure of ... Read More »

Cookeville’s Sycamore Church of Christ will host a theatrical DUI production Saturday to help parents teach children the dangers of driving drunk. Sycamore Church of Christ Family Minister Kevin Daughrity said groups of 20 will be led through a 30-minute tour of 12 rooms. He said they will watch the story of a child losing her life to drunk driving ... Read More »

The Sunset Marina storefront appears to be a total loss after an hours-long blaze Thursday. Pickett/Overton County EMA Director Chris Massiongale said preliminary information indicates a houseboat striking the dock could be the initial cause of the fire. “Which dislodged the gas pumps and apparently gas was going everywhere and an explosion happened or the gas caught fire shortly thereafter,” ... Read More »