Scam: DeKalb Fire Not Conducting Phone Solicitation
The DeKalb County Volunteer Fire Department warning residents to be wary of fraudulent phone solicitations from individuals claiming to represent the department. DeKalb County Fire Chief Donny Green said the department began receiving reports from citizens regarding phone calls asking for donations toward a camp for children who have suffered burns. “We have not partnered […]
Algood Pauses Firefighter Expansion Citing Budget Concerns
The Algood City Council voted Tuesday to table the idea of adding two full-time firefighters to the city’s fire department. Mayor Lisa Chapman-Fowler said the proposal to hire the additional personnel would require the city to spend approximately $207,000 that was not included in the current fiscal year budget. Chapman-Fowler said the recurring expense would […]
Monterey Begins Enforcing Residential, Commercial Codes
Monterey’s Building Codes Department beginning code enforcement to ensure residential and commercial properties meet safety and maintenance standards. Building Inspector Randy Randolph said while the town codes have always existed, they have not been actively enforced for several years. Despite this, Randolph said his experience with the response from local residents has been surprisingly positive. […]
Tik Tok ‘Door Kick’ Challenge Shows Up In Overton County
The latest in a social media-fueled “door kick” challenge where young adults attempt to bust into neighborhood homes has made its way to Overton County. Sheriff John Garrett said the trend involves individuals, typically teenagers, recording themselves kicking on residential doors in the middle of the night to capture the homeowner’s reaction for social media. […]
Sheriff Partners With Local Locksmith For Welfare Checks
The Fentress County Sheriff’s Office teaming up with a local locksmith to assist deputies with welfare checks while minimizing property damage to residences. Sheriff Hunter Fowler said the department needed a solution when residents are unable to open their doors. Fowler said the initiative aims to provide a non-destructive alternative to traditional forced entry methods […]
Tradition Returns, WCTE Bidding Begins This Weekend
WCTE gearing up for its 43rd annual Great TV Auction to raise operational funds that support early childhood literacy programs and other programming. President and CEO Avery Hutchins said the fundraiser has evolved from an in-person event to an online auction and television showcase to reach a broader audience through changing technology. Hutchins said the […]
Baxter Fire Recruiting To Enhance Community Safety
Baxter Fire Department is recruiting new volunteers and part-time staff to ensure the agency maintains the high volume of personnel required to safely manage structure fires. Fire Chief Matthew White said the department typically hosts a certification class in the fall to train new volunteers and evaluate their interest in the role. White said the […]
Bomb Hoaxes, Calls More Prevalent Thanks To Technology
A Tennessee Tech expert said bomb threats and swatting incidents like those faced by the Putnam County Schools over the last several days are easier than ever through anonymous internet services Cybersecurity Education, Research and Outreach Center Assistant Director Regis Billings said these callers often use Voice over IP systems or computerized telephone networks to […]
Former WWII Spencer Artillery Range Part Of Safety Campaign
The Army Corps of Engineers addressing safety concerns regarding unexploded ammunition at the former Spencer Artillery Range. UT Extension Van Buren County Director Chris Binkley said the site served as a training ground for soldiers from Camp Forrest in Tullahoma during the early 1940s. Binkley said the military selected the location because the local topography […]
Putnam Budget To Include Minor Increases, 2 New Employees
Putnam County officials proposing the smallest budget request increase since COVID. County Mayor Randy Porter said the $2.28 million increase in expenses comes with revenues slightly ahead compared to this time last year. Porter said the majority of the new spending is driven by mandatory costs rather than significant staffing expenses. “You need one of […]
