Fentress Faces $300K In Flood Damage To Roads, Bridges
Fentress County is facing more than $300,000 in damages to infrastructure and property following the recent flood event. Fentress County EMA Director James Bilbrey said the total cost estimate includes significant repairs needed for roads and bridges as well as the removal of debris. Bilbrey said the county beginning the process of seeking state and […]
Baxter Aldermen Approve Purchase Of New Sludge Truck
The Baxter Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved an $88,865 bid for a new sludge truck for the wastewater plant Thursday. Engineer Tom Bennett said the city will utilize leftover money from a previous wastewater project. Bennett reviewed the proposals to ensure the purchase aligned with federal funding requirements. “There’s sufficient funds in the project […]
Cookeville Fire Receives $195K Grant For Hazard Equipment
The Cookeville Fire Department has been awarded an estimated $195,000 grant from TEMA to purchase additional hazardous materials response equipment. Cookeville Fire Chief Benton Young said equipment will consist of two meters that will be used to test hazardous materials and some training props. Young said the fire department is hoping to use the equipment […]
Jackson Recovering After Heavy Rains & Flooding Sunday
Jackson County recovering from significant flooding that damaged water lines and highways throughout the area.
New Emergency System For Fiddlers Jamboree
The DeKalb County EMA will be using a new emergency alert system during this weekend’s Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree. EMA Director Charles Parker said ReadyOp is a notification system that allows them to organize contact information for different groups and then communicate with people in a timely manner. Parker said they have been preparing and training […]
Swallows Named Chairman For Emergency Planning
Algood Assistant Police Chief Bryant Swallows selected as the new chairman for Putnam County’s Local Emergency Planning Committee. Swallows said that the role has historically not been occupied by law enforcement officers. He said it is important to have all of the different kinds of first responders working together through this committee. “I was impressed […]
Putnam To Receive Extra FEMA Payments After Federal Changes
Putnam County will receive some $300,000 as a result of FEMA increasing its natural disaster reimbursement funding. Mayor Randy Porter said TEMA notified the county that the federal government is increasing its reimbursement percentage for counties that responded to disasters. “We’ve had of course the 2020 tornado and the 2015 ice storm that the county […]
CRMC Third Largest Donation In State Collecting Hospital Supplies For Ukrainian Refugees
Cookeville Regional Medical Center will send some five pallets of items to Poland for Ukrainian Refugees. Director of Materials Management Melinda Poston said that the collection came at the request of TEMA and Governor Bill Lee to hospitals all across the state. She said that within four or five hours of her sending a mass […]
Livingston Hazard Mitigation Application Appears Dead, For New Reason
Livingston’s hazard mitigation application will not move forward, after TEMA shared another new explanation for why during Monday’s Board of Aldermen meeting. This time, FEMA cited an ongoing legal battle from a Bradford Street property owner against the city. “Now you’re telling us we can’t approve it because it’s a lawsuit and it is a […]
Livingston Awaiting Hazard Mitigation Grant Feedback On How To Move Forward
Livingston’s frustrations with TEMA and FEMA continue as the agencies leaves the city in a wait and see situation on its hazard mitigation grant application. Mayor Curtis Hayes said the agencies mentioned another pot of money may be available but have not shared specifics. “We’re in the hurry up and wait mode,” Hayes said. “The […]
