News

A California man has been charged with a recent theft.

43-year-old Benjamin James Einfeldt of Fresno California is charged with theft of property. His bond is $1,500 and he will be in court June 12.

Sheriff Ray said that on June 1 a deputy was dispatched to Dale Ridge Road on an unwanted guest complaint. Upon arrival the officer spoke with the victim who reported that he lived at the residence with the owner and his son, Einfeldt. According to the victim, he and Einfeldt began arguing after Einfeldt tried to destroy the house. The victim further stated that Einfeldt carried a handgun everywhere he went. The deputy confronted Einfeldt behind the house and asked about the gun. Einfeldt said the weapon was on the truck bed. A background check of the serial number revealed that the gun had been reported stolen in Cumberland County, Tennessee. Einfeldt was placed under arrest.

37 year old Wesley Hall Scott of McMinnville is charged with evading arrest in a motor vehicle, a 5th offense of driving on a revoked or suspended license, and reckless endangerment. His bond totals $20,000

Sheriff Ray said that on September 9, 2024 a deputy was patrolling Sparta Highway when he spotted a black motorcycle without a license plate. The officer activated his blue lights and sirens signaling for the bike to pull over but instead it sped up and crossed the double yellow line in curves almost hitting other automobiles head on. As the motorcycle crossed into White County the deputy terminated the pursuit and radioed the White County Sheriff’s Department. Later the White County notified the DeKalb officer that the motorcycle operator had ditched the bike and took off on foot. The local deputy assisted the White County officers in searching for Scott and he was found hiding in the woods. When asked why he ran, Scott said because he was on probation and he did not have a driver license. A background check of his license confirmed they were revoked with four prior offenses.

62-year-old Johnny Michael Howard of Billings Road, Sparta is charged with aggravated criminal trespassing and possession of a handgun while under the influence. He is under an $11,000 bond and his court date is June 26.

Sheriff Ray said that on June 2 a deputy was dispatched to Howard Redmon Road to assist EMS where a man and woman had gotten into an altercation. The officer spoke with the man, Howard who smelled of alcohol. His eyes were bloodshot and watery. Howard said he had been drinking. The deputy found a 38-caliber special revolver on his person and learned that Howard had gone onto the property at Howard Redmon Road without consent which caused Howard and the homeowner, 54-year-old Cassandra Lynn Dykstra to get into an altercation.

During the incident Dykstra assaulted and EMT. Her bond for assaulting a first responder is $10,000 and she will be in court June 26.

Sheriff Ray said that while speaking with EMS workers, the deputy called to the scene learned that Dykstra and Howard man had gotten into a physical altercation and that as an EMT tried to get in between them the EMT was assaulted by Dykstra injuring her left wrist.

New numbers are in on cost estimates for building a jail.

In April, the county commission voted to ask Treanor Architects and Bell Construction to come up with cost estimates to build a new jail complex at the current site on the public square as well as on a generic green space location. The commission also wanted to know what the jail footprint and cost would look like if the county were able to purchase the additional half acre lot adjoining the jail on the east side.

During Tuesday night’s meeting, the budget committee discussed new information just provided by Bell Construction. When comparing the 152 bed versus 200 bed options, Bell concluded that jail construction on a new site would be from $8.6 million to $9.3 million cheaper. No cost numbers were apparently provided on the existing county property with the adjoining lot not owned by the county

According to Rick Bruining of Bell Construction the pricing recap for the four scenarios on the DeKalb Jail Project are as follows:

*New site: 152 beds: $28,200,000
*New site: 200 beds: $34,500,000

*Existing site: 152 beds: $36,800,000
*Existing site:200 beds: $43,800,000

According to Jail Committee Chairman Larry Green, a new jail on the existing site would be a two-story structure as opposed to a one level building at a new location. More employees might also be needed to staff a two-level jail to meet state requirements.

County Mayor Matt Adcock said the Bell proposal for the existing site makes use of the property the county already owns leaving an option for future expansion on an adjoining lot the county currently does not own.

“I believe it (new jail footprint) would incorporate everything we have (own) and that (new) pod would set right beside the (current) jail where the impound lot and grass are to the left of the jail. He said the piece of property that Diane Kirby owns that was in question would be the perfect spot to expand if you wanted to make another addition to that pod,” said County Mayor Adcock.

“And the logistics of it too is if we build downtown with a new inmate facility, we will then go back and take the existing jail and build the administration part in there. I don’t know where the sheriff’s administration would go in the meantime if we were redoing the existing jail for that,” said Commissioner Green.

County Mayor Adcock explained how such a proposed construction project could go from $63 million last year to $34 million this year.

“One reason how that they estimated that the next jail would be so cheap in talking to the architect is before we knew the courtrooms were approximately $10 to $11 million along with clerk offices and other spaces needed for a justice center. When they cut that off it became about a $52 million building which would be the jail without the justice center. What he (architect) explained to me was the reason it’s so much cheaper is the elimination of walls and other spaces compared to the plan presented before. He said its barely usable. It’s the cheapest barebones thing you could possibly ever do just to get by. They cut that back by significantly shrinking everything in the building. Everything now is as small as you could possibly ever get it. It’s a mezzanine type structure instead of the cellular structure that we would normally go to. They tried to cut cost at every corner they could,” said County Mayor Adcock.

The new proposal has not been reviewed by the Tennessee Corrections Institute which has to certify it nor has Sheriff Patrick Ray had input.

There are still a lot of things missing like an armory, impound lot, evidence room, detective offices, etc. so there are still some questions on what that building would look like, “said County Mayor Adcock.

Last year, the county commission adopted a budget with a 51-cent property tax increase for debt service (0.6160 total) to fund construction of a jail/judicial center through the issuance of bonds not to exceed $65 million. But that project failed to move forward after it was soundly defeated at the polls in a public referendum in November. Still the 51-cent tax increase remains as part of the overall tax rate of $2.51 per $100 of assessed value.

Although no further tax increase is needed, Steve Bates, the county’s fiscal agent, is recommending, as he first proposed last month, that the county keep the tax levy the same (0.6160 for debt service) to not only fund a jail project but future school construction.

Bates presented to the budget committee assumptions on a jail debt service requirement on $29 million, $35 million, $37 million, and $44 million doing either 12-year notes, 20-year bonds, or 25-year bonds.

According to Bates, the debt service requirement on a new jail over 12 years would be $3, 080,000 on a $29,000,000 project; $3,717,000 on a $35,000,000 plan; $3,930,000 for a $37,000,000 option; and $4,675,000 on a $44,000,000 option.

After coming up with those numbers, Bates said he began to consider plans for the future.

“I wanted to see how much debt the county is taking on. Where are you going to be in 10 years. If the school #2 is out in 10 or 12 years, then where are we going to be. If you will remember when we first started talking about a judicial center and a new elementary school that would have put you over $130 million in debt. You didn’t want that so that’s where we had to regroup and that’s where we are today,” Bates continued.

“The school board has decided they want to buy land (for another future new school) so now we are going to take $1.3 million (local option sales tax fund) and put it in their educational capital projects so they can plan for school building #2. We think its probably 10-12 years down the road”.

“If you do a 12-year jail we already know if you do $55 million for this (elementary) school (funded by local option sales tax revenue) you will owe on that school (elementary) in 10 years $42 million 195 thousand dollars. You’ll owe $5 million at 20 years on that jail and if that second school is $70 million its still going to take that 51 cents. I picked $70 million because that is what the 12-year amortization would be on a $35 or $37 million project and that’s about all based on these assumptions that $70 million will amortize at. That’s it,” said Bates.

Bates further advised the county to be smart in planning for a new jail with perhaps another new school in the future.

“Remember, whatever you build it has to last. You have to build something big enough because the worst thing you could do is build it small and then before you even get started on a second school you don’t want to have to come back and start adding on to the jail. I would suggest either the $35 million or $37 million project over a 12-year period,” said Bates.

Should the county hold the property tax rate at the current level, Bates said there would most likely be no need to increase it again for several years. And based on current sales ratio, Bates said the new certified tax rate should come down next year after reappraisal.

“If you take the sales ratio times the $2.51 tax rate and all things being equal your tax rate next year should be dropped to around $1.49. This county doesn’t have a wheel tax. You don’t have a solid waste fee. You use non ad valorem taxes to fund solid waste in this county. It just so happens interest income has been good. That has allowed you to build up cash in your capital projects fund. I think we can probably keep the tax rate from being increased for at least seven years just on what we have going on. You are going to have a lot of construction going on for the next 30 to 36 months. Its just going to be about managing your money,” said Bates.

The jail committee will meet again on Monday, June 16 at 6 p.m. in the auditorium of the county complex.

Alexandria Mayor Beth Tripp and the town’s water and sewer manager Richard Edward Potter turned themselves in at the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department Tuesday afternoon after being named in a criminal summons for trying to get the police chief to cancel a ticket on someone.

Both will make an appearance in DeKalb County General Sessions Court on June 26th.

In a prepared statement, Sheriff Patrick Ray said that “39-year-old Jana Beth Tripp of Curtis Avenue. Alexandria and 60-year-old Richard Edward Potter of Bradford Hill Road North Brush Creek were booked into the DeKalb County Jail on June 3rd on a Criminal Summons following an investigation into a case for “Cancellation of a Citation”. These charges stem from an investigation by the Attorney General for the 13th Judicial District for DeKalb County”.

“The Criminal Summons for Tripp reads “On or about May 29th 2025, Tripp approached Alexandria Police Chief Vincent Turocy requesting him to cancel a ticket. This occurred in Alexandria in DeKalb County”.

“The Criminal Summons for Potter reads “On or about May 30th 2025, Potter approached Chief Turocy requesting him to cancel a ticket. This occurred in Alexandria in DeKalb County”.

The citations that Tripp and Potter were trying to get cancelled are not on the same person.

Both Tripp and Potter’s charges are a Class C Misdemeanor.

Tennessee Code § 40-6-215 (2024) – Summons instead of arrest warrant :: 2024 Tennessee Code :: U.S. Codes and Statutes :: U.S. Law :: Justia

State Senator Janice Bowling (R-Tullohoma) announced her first town hall for the Summer 2025 in DeKalb County.

Bowling, who represents Coffee, DeKalb, Franklin, Grundy, Lincoln and Warren Counties in the Tennessee Senate, will host monthly town halls over the course of the summer to meet with constituents and hear their concerns and issues regarding the state legislature.

WHO: State Senator Janice Bowling

WHAT: DeKalb County Town Hall

WHEN: Monday, June 9th, 2025 at 9:00am

WHERE: 104 E. Main Street Smithville, TN 37166, City Council Room

The Smithville Jamboree is thrilled to announce a generous contribution from Middle Tennessee Natural Gas, which has donated $1,000 to the festival through its charitable initiative, Project Hometown Help. This donation underscores the company’s commitment to supporting local traditions and fostering community engagement.

Project Hometown Help, a program designed to give back to the communities served by Middle Tennessee Natural Gas, provides financial assistance to organizations that enrich and strengthen the region. The Smithville Jamboree, a celebrated annual event showcasing Appalachian music, dance, and crafts, is a proud recipient of this donation.

“We are incredibly grateful for Middle Tennessee Natural Gas’s support,” said Kim Driver Luton, President of the Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree & Crafts Festival. “This contribution will help us continue to preserve and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of our region while bringing people together for an unforgettable experience.”

The Smithville Jamboree invites attendees to enjoy live performances, artisan crafts, and family-friendly activities during the festival July 4 – 5, 2025. Middle Tennessee Natural Gas’s donation ensures that this cherished tradition can continue to thrive, benefiting the local economy and fostering a sense of community pride.

For more information about the Smithville Jamboree, visit smithvillejamboree.com. To learn
more about Project Hometown Help, visit mtng.com.

The fairways of Smithville Golf Course were filled with laughter, friendly competition, and a strong sense of community spirit on Saturday, May 31, as local golfers gathered for the Smithville Bogey Boys Golf Tournament.

Organized by the light-hearted local golf group known as the Smithville Bogey Boys, the event was designed to bring together golfers of all skill levels for a day of fun, fellowship, and a shared love of the game. The tournament drew a crowd of both local players and out-of-town guests—many of whom have already expressed interest in returning next year.

“This wasn’t just about golf,” said one participant. “It was about bringing people together. And you could really feel that out here today.”

Community-Driven and Sponsor-Supported

The tournament was made possible by the generosity of several local businesses and community leaders. Their support helped cover prizes, giveaways, and event logistics, allowing the day to run smoothly and leave a lasting impression.

Sponsors included:
Shannon Cantrell, Smithville Assessor of Property; Smithville Donuts; Lipstick Pig; Food Lion; Rick Barlow’s Club Repair; El Rancho; Sonic; Ace Hardware; BW Fine Cigar Shop & Lounge; Isaac Walker; Gracie Nicholson; and Smithville Golf Course.

Winners and Highlights

The tournament featured multiple contests and giveaways that added an extra layer of excitement throughout the day:
• First Place: Brain Koegler & Caleb Gash– Trophy + Free 18-hole round of golf
• Second Place: Austin Garrett & Ethan Hale– Two $35 gift cards to El Rancho
• Closest to the Pin (Hole 4): Michael Atnip– Box of Titleist Pro V1x golf balls
• Longest Drive (Hole 7): Colton Seifert – Free 9-hole round of golf

Giveaways and Good Times

In addition to the main competition, participants had the chance to win a variety of prizes, including:
• A free golf lesson with Isaac Walker
• $25 gift card from BW Fine Cigar Shop & Lounge
• A new hybrid golf club
• Sonic coupons
• A decorative hummingbird feeder

Everyone walked away with something—whether it was a prize, a new friendship, or just a great story to tell. Plans are already underway for next year’s tournament, and if this first one is any indication, the best is yet to come.

For more photos, stories, and updates, follow the Smithville Bogey Boys on Facebook.

SRM Annexation Approved!

During Monday night’s regular monthly meeting, the Smithville Aldermen adopted a resolution to annex property belonging to Hollingshead Materials, LLC (Smyrna Ready Mix) at 746 East Broad Street bordering the city limits of Smithville. The action by the council taken at the owners request is for the annexation of two parcels including one where the SRM concrete batching company now operates (Map 065, Parcel 073.04) and the adjoining vacant property (Parcel 073.05). The land is situated between East Broad Street, Midway Road, and Terrell Road.

In March, the Smithville Planning Commission recommended approval of a plan of services for the proposed annexation which was later adopted by the Board of Aldermen and a public hearing was held prior to annexation last month.

Alderman Shawn Jacobs, a member of the planning commission, said the property qualifies for annexation.

“Our staff planner Tommy Lee did his due diligence in investigating the situation. He notified us that it (property) is within the city’s published and proposed urban growth area and meets all the requirements for annexation. The public works director and city engineer have also agreed that there are no problems as a result of the annexation of this property,” said Alderman Jacobs.

However, prior to the annexation vote, city property owner Steve Cantrell raised concerns during the public comment period.

The following are Cantrell’s remarks:

“I am strongly in favor of the City of Smithville’s growth, but only if it is smart growth. In this light, I am very pleased that in addition to the “Smithville Tennessee Land Use and Transportation Policy Plan for 2010-2030, many in city government and the public are now aware of Smithville’s Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) Map thanks to publication on WJLE”.

“Again, my focus is on Smart Growth and ensuring taxpayers know our way ahead”.

“In that light, the city appears to have the infrastructure to handle some growth; however, our infrastructure is aging and will most likely require expansion in the future. Without expansion, developmental growth such as housing will most likely have to slow down or completely stop until funding may be acquired. When the city has required additional funds, other than through grants, the answer has usually been taxes. Something both the city and county residents are very sensitive to now with the county’s increase in taxes twice in two years”.

“I propose an alternative. The city should look at developing a fee structure for new city homes and/or structures resulting from new developments. The fees collected would go into a city fund for future expanded sewer and water infrastructure”,

“Once collected, the funds could grow through interest; and then, could be complemented by Tennessee or Federal grants in the future, But what should not happen is for the taxpayers of Smithville to be surprised with a major tax increase not of their making, but from City approved developmental growth”.
“As far as annexing properties, if, and when, the city annexes a property, they are grandfathering that property into the city “as is”

“However, prior to approving an annexing request, the city has leverage with the property owner. The city should inspect the property to ensure it completely meets all city code requirements”.

“For example, the Hollingshead Materials, LLC annexation may be approved tonight. However, the property currently appears to have drainage challenges in the back of its building as reflected by these three pictures (shown to the mayor and aldermen) taken from a public road”.

“The problem appears to be the result of the construction of their cement operation, which may have interfered with normal drainage. In addition, this appears to have impacted the lower part of the building”.

“I recommend, not only for this property, but any property requesting annexation into the city, that it be inspected to ensure it is within city code requirements. If it is not, then postpone annexation until violations or concerns have been addressed to the city’s satisfaction. Now, this property may in fact be fine, but do we know for sure?”

“Once annexed into the city, you have grandfathered any outstanding issues”

“Again, my focus is on smart growth for the City of Smithville,” said Cantrell.

In other business, the aldermen adopted a resolution establishing a plan of services as recommended by the planning commission and scheduled a public hearing for July 1 on the proposed annexation of a parcel located at 640 East Broad Street by the owner’s request, Lou Ann White. According to city officials, White wants this parcel to be in the city limits adjoining another she owns which is already in the city. Any final action on the request in August would not come until after a public hearing in July.

Meanwhile, upon a recommendation by the planning commission, the aldermen adopted an ordinance on first reading to rezone a parcel of property (0.6 acres) belonging to Josh Hawkins at 885 Foster Road across from Calvary Baptist Church from R-1 (Low Density Residential) to R-2 (High Density Residential). Hawkins wants to build a duplex on the property, part of which is in the county. A public hearing will be held prior to second and final reading passage in July.

The aldermen further adopted an ordinance on first reading, upon the recommendation of the planning commission to rezone a parcel of property (behind Wilson Bank & Trust and Tractor Supply) located on West Main Street from R-1 (Low Density Residential) to C-1 (General Commercial) at the request of owner Mark Hart who wants to build a salon for his daughter. While land around the Hart location is currently zoned R-1, city officials said the property across the street is all zoned C-1. A public hearing will be held prior to second and final reading passage in July.

Because of the Independence holiday and the Fiddlers Jamboree, the July monthly meeting of the Smithville Mayor and Aldermen will be held on Tuesday, July 1 at 6 p.m. at city hall instead of the regular meeting night on Monday, July 7.

Property tax rates for City of Smithville landowners will not be going up this year, but water and sewer rates will be raised by 4% in order to keep utility revenues ahead of expenses, per state requirement.

During the regular monthly meeting Monday night, the Mayor and Aldermen following a public hearing adopted on second and final reading a budget ordinance for the 2025-26 fiscal year.

The city property tax rate is 0.7523 cents per $100 of assessed value and it is expected to generate $1,230,000 in local revenue. Actual city property tax collections for the year ending 2023-24 were $1,217,281.

The new rates for city water customers will be $8.59 per thousand gallons of usage (up from the current rate of $8.26 per thousand). Rates for customers outside the city limits will be $12.88 per thousand (up from the current rate of $12.38 per thousand. City sewer customers will pay $8.00 per thousand (up from the current rate of $7.69 per thousand).

Under state law, if a utility operates at a loss for more than two years and doesn’t address it, the state has the authority to force rate increases to make it solvent. The city is currently not running at a loss in the water and sewer fund. According to the budget the city finished the 2023-24-year June 30 on the plus side by $530,625 but is projected to be only $2,914 to the good by the end of the 2025-26 year on June 30.

The new budget includes a 3% pay raise for hourly city and salaried employees with a few exceptions (noted below). Those with up to four years of service would get a step raise due them on their employment anniversary date along with the 3% increase. The total regular base pay for all city employees combined in 2025-26 will be $3,081,525, up by $169,567 from $2,911,958 in 2024-25.

According to the budget, the salaries of the following city department heads and employees will be as follows (regular pay not including benefits) in 2025-26:

City Administrator: $90,000, up from $85,840 in 2024-25

Public Works Director: $74,000 up from $70,008

Certified Municipal Finance Officer (CMFO): $74,000, up from $66,950

Golf Manager: $42,000 up from $38,192

Lead Operator in Water & Sewer Maintenance (same employee with new title): $26.32 per hour with CDL, up from $23.64 per hour with CDL.

Parks employee: (same employee going from part time to full time): $19.07 per hour, up from $17.52 per hour.

Also included in the proposed new budget is $4,000 to increase the longevity pay of volunteer firefighters as follows: 5 to 10 years of service- $250; 10 to 15 years of service-$500, and over 15 years of service-$750. Total budgeted payment to volunteer firefighters-$70,000.

Not included in the budget is the proposed purchase of a $1.2 million Pierce fire engine as requested by the fire chief nor the three additional full-time (career) firefighter positions he wanted.

Projected general fund expenditures for 2025-26 are to exceed revenues by $250,970. A year ago, the budget showed that actual city spending outpaced revenues by $795,688 for the year ended June 30, 2024.

In the water and sewer fund, the city is projected to finish next year (2025-26) in the plus column by only $2,914. A year ago, actual water and sewer revenues exceeded expenditures by $530,625 as of June 30, 2024.

The 2025-26 budget includes the following in new spending:

CAPITAL OUTLAY:

*Public Works: mower trailer-$5,000; steam cleaner-$5,000; backhoe thumb kit-$5,300 (funded 50% from the general fund or $2,650 and 50% from the water and sewer budget $2,650)

*Fire Protection: 2 tri band filters for radios-$7,000; 10 batteries for radios-$3,800; training site equipment-$15,000; loose fire equipment-$25,000; new hydrants-$50,000

*Street Department: Paving-$100,000

Police Department: 2025 Tahoe-$52,143, 2025 Tahoe equipment-$8,554; 2025 Durango-$45,060, 2025 Durango equipment-$10,925, and tasers-$58,592.

*Financial Administration: G-5 software upgrade- $27,600 (funded 50% from the general fund or $13,800 and 50% from the water and sewer fund $13,800); backhoe thumb kit-$5,300 (funded 50% from the general fund or $2,650 and 50% from the water and sewer budget $2,650)

WATER AND SEWER FUND FIXED ASSET ADDITIONS:

*Fixed Asset additions: wastewater treatment plant air piping project- $130,000; G-5 software upgrade-$27,600 (funded 50% from the general fund or $13,800 and 50% from the water and sewer fund $13,800).

The 2025 Miss Jamboree Pageants are set for Saturday, June 14 at the DeKalb County Complex starting at 9:00 a.m. and is a fundraiser for the Last-Minute Toy Shop.

15-year-old Karah Jo Ford, daughter of Hector-O-Roscoe and Amanda Ford of Smithville, was crowned the 2024 Miss Jamboree Queen in the age 14-16 category.

All Tennessee girls, babies, toddlers along with single, married, and senior ladies may enter by June 6th.

The entry fee is $25.00 per contestant. A People’s Choice Award will also be given in each category and there are optional awards of prettiest eyes, hair, attire, smile, and photogenic. The entry fee for optionals is $5.00 in each category. All winners in the 13-15, and 16-18 age groups are required to be present during the Fiddlers Jamboree July 4 & 5 to help distribute trophies, flyers, etc.

Age groups are as follows:
Boys and girls- one day to 6 months
Boys and girls- 7-12 months
Boys and girls-13-24 months
Boys and girls-25-48 months
Girls-4-6 years
Girls-7-9 years
Girls-10-12 years
Girls- 13-15 years
Girls-16-18 years
Ladies 19-49 years single
Ladies-19-49 years married
Ladies-50 and older senior

Include on the entry form, name and age of contestant, complete address and phone number, parents or guardians’ names, and note “I love the Jamboree Because”.

Pay via Venmo or mail check/money order to Last Minute Toy Shop 3385 New Home Road, Smithville 37166.

A Sunday fire swept through and destroyed a home on Coconut Ridge Road.

DeKalb Fire Chief Donny Green said that the department was summoned to the scene at 3:05 p.m. and upon arrival found the structure well involved with fire venting through the back of the roof. Firefighters were challenged with lack of apparatus access due to the narrow one lane road and water supply in the remote area.

Although the structure was a complete loss, firefighters, Emergency Medical Services, the Sheriff’s Department, and the department’s rehab unit were on the scene for over six hours. No injuries were reported, and no other property was damaged. The cause of the fire is currently undetermined.

The Main, Cookeville Highway, Liberty, and Temperance Hall stations, Tanker 1, Tanker 2, Rehabilitation Unit, DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, and DeKalb County Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene.

Special thanks to Domino’s in Smithville donating pizza to feed firefighters on scene.

Meanwhile on Saturday at approximately 10:36 a.m., the DeKalb County Fire Department was dispatched to 450 South Mill Street in Dowell town for a commercial structure fire.

According to Chief Green when firefighters arrived, they found two vehicles fully ablaze inside the building. Crews quickly made an interior attack and extinguished the fire containing it to the area where the fire originated. There was significant smoke damage through the large building.

The staff at the facility reported they had been using a cutting tool to disassemble one of the vehicles when a spark from the tool ignited flammable materials nearby. One facility staff member onsite received minor burns to his hands but refused emergency medical services transport.

The Liberty, Temperance Hall, Main, and Cookeville Highway stations responded along with both tankers, DeKalb County Emergency Medical Services, and the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department.