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News Headlines
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
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Gleason Woman Dies in Rural House Fire |
By David Fisher
Staff Reporter |
GLEASON - A rural Weakley County woman perished in a
house fire over the weekend, with the cause of the blaze yet
to be determined.
At approximately 11:46 p.m. Friday, the Gleason Fire
Department received a fire call for the home of 72-year-old
Joyce Fuller of 1472 Brawner's Levee Road, located near the
intersection of Wright Road, just south of Gleason.
Firefighters utilizing a fire engine, tanker and rescue van
were dispatched to the scene.
A report filed by Gleason Fire Chief Jerry Connell indicated
the fire appeared to have been burning for 30 or more
minutes before being reported to a Weakley County 911
dispatcher by a passerby. Chief Connell stated that mutual
aid was requested from McKenzie to supply water, and they
supplied three firefighters and a tanker.
According to Gleason Fire Captain James R. Terrell, when
firefighters arrived at the scene, the wood frame home was
fully engulfed in flames and the roof had collapsed.
A neighbor informed the firefighters that the occupant was
still in the house. Captain Terrell stated the victim's car
was parked next to the front of the house, and a natural gas
line, located on the front-right corner of the house, had
ruptured. The front-right corner and right side of the home
were completely consumed in the blaze, with just the floor
area and a few studs, approximately four-to-five feet in
length, remaining. Only the wall on the middle and left side
of the house were still standing. The electric line, which
entered the house on the left side, had already fallen on
the ground.
Weakley County Electric Service was called to the scene to
disconnect the live wires, and the gas company to shut off
the spewing gas.
An outbuilding, located approximately 15 feet behind the
house, was also burning and the roof had collapsed. Terrell
said that fire did not spread from the house into the
adjoining yard because of recent heavy rains. The blaze was
extinguished at 5:45 a.m. Saturday.
Chief Connell stated that the State Fire Marshal's office
and Weakley County Sheriff's Department were called to the
scene and that the elderly woman's remains were found inside
her home, which was a total loss.
Connell noted the fire apparently started in the kitchen
area. The fire marshal stated he does not suspect arson in
the case. However, the cause of the fire remains under
investigation. The victim's body was sent to Nashville for
an autopsy.
Gallimore Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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Trezevant Man Succumbs to Injuries from Tractor Accident |
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TREZEVANT - William Paul Walker, 90, of Trezevant, died at
Jackson-Madison County General Hospital Tuesday, April 19,
from injuries sustained in a tractor accident at his home
Saturday, April 16.
Walker was disking his garden near his home when the tractor
overturned. A family driving by the Walker home at
approximately 6:00 p.m. noticed the overturned tractor and
stopped to assist the victim, who was slightly pinned
underneath. Even with severe injuries that included a severe
back fracture, he managed to walk to the house before
ambulance personnel arrived on the scene.
Walker was a retired owner of the Texaco Station in
Trezevant and a farmer. He was a member of Republican Grove
Baptist Church and Modern Woodmen of America.
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Unemployment Decreases in Tri-Counties |
By Linda Bolton
linda@mckenziebanner.com |
Slight increases in manufacturing and service-producing
industries contributed to Carroll County's March unemployment
rate decreasing to 8.9 percent, down from 9.7 percent in
February, according to Judith Bradberry, labor market analyst
for the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce
Development.
From a labor force of 13,380 countians, a total of 12,190 were
employed, leaving 1,190 jobless.
Henry County reported increases in goods production and small
increases in manufacturing, according to Bradberry. The result
was a drop in the unemployment rate to 8.3 percent for March,
down from 9.1 percent in February.
From a labor force of 13,770 Henry Countians, a total of
12,630 were employed, leaving 1,140 unemployed.
Weakley County's March unemployment rate decreased to 6.4
percent, down from 7.7 percent in February.
"There was a temporary layoff in manufacturing in February and
those workers have returned to work," said Bradberry.
Tennessee's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for March
2005 is 5.9 percent, the same as the February revised rate of
5.9 percent, according to Commissioner of Labor and Workforce
Development James Neeley. The national unemployment rate for
March is 5.2 percent, down from 5.4 percent in February.
County non-seasonally adjusted unemployment rates for March
show that 72 counties decreased, 19 counties increased and
four remained the same.
"Employment figures can be analyzed in many ways, but the
better indicator of employment is reflected in the business
survey that shows about one percent growth--more than 27,000
jobs--from March 2004," said Neeley. "We must continue to
focus on creating and retaining jobs in our state."
The February-to-March figures show increases in trade,
transportation and utilities jobs, up by 4,400. Leisure and
hospitality jobs increased 3,400. Construction jobs rose by
2,600. Month-to-month seasonal decreases occurred in financial
activity jobs, down 200. Professional, scientific and
technical service jobs dropped by 200, and information
employment declined by 200.
From March 2004 to March 2005, professional/business services
jobs increased by 8,200. Jobs in trade, transportation, and
utilities increased by 6,600. Jobs in health care and social
assistance rose by 6,200. Decreases occurred in nondurable
goods manufacturing, down 1,900. Accommodation jobs lost 1,700
and information jobs decreased 1,500. |
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Paris Fish Fry This Week |
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PARIS - The World's Biggest Fish Fry is underway this week
in Paris, with activities continuing through Saturday, April
30.
The fish tent, located at the Henry County Fairgrounds, offers
all-you-can-eat catfish dinners for $8.00 per person beginning
at 5:00 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, April 27 and 28, and at
11 a.m. Friday and Saturday, April 29-30. Dinners include
fresh fried catfish, hushpuppies, french fries, cole slaw,
white beans, and a drink. The fish tent closes at 9:00 p.m.
each evening.
Another main attraction is the Grand Parade Friday, April 29.
Area bands, floats, motorized units, royalties and marching
groups are expected to participate in the parade, beginning at
10 a.m. The parade route is unchanged from last year. Units
will head east on Wood Street. Bands will unload at Ogburn
Park, then head to the fairgrounds to their designated
boarding area for band members after the parade.
Floats will line up on Wood Street next to the curb, headed
east. All other entries will be in the Church of Christ
parking lot. Horse owners are asked to unload and prepare at
the lower level of Ogburn Park.
Serving as grand marshal of this year's parade is Brenda
Valentine, who has earned the title of "First Lady of
Hunting." Brenda and her husband, Barney, live in the Puryear
area near their children and grandchildren.
The Fish Fry carnival is open at the fairgrounds through
Thursday, April 28, beginning at 5:00 p.m. and Friday and
Saturday, April 29 and 30, beginning at 12:00 p.m. Armbands
for $15 are available Wednesday beginning at 5 p.m., and
Friday and Saturday from noon until 5 p.m. A Thursday special
includes ten rides for $10. Tickets to attractions will be
sold Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. to close.
A Christian concert will be held Wednesday, April 27, from
6:00 to 11:00 p.m. at the fairgrounds.
The Pro Rodeo, presented by Ken Treadway Rodeo Company of
Laurens, South Carolina, will be held Thursday, Friday and
Saturday evenings, beginning at 8:00 at the fairgrounds.
Advance tickets are $7.00 for adults and $6.00 for children
ages 6-12. Tickets at the gate will be $9.00 for adults, $8.00
for children 6-12, and under 6 free. Thursday, April 28, will
be family night. Tickets at the gate will be $9.00 for adults
and children under 12 will be admitted free when accompanied
by an adult.
An arts and crafts show will be held Thursday, Friday and
Saturday at the fairgrounds.
Other Saturday events will include the Small Fry Parade,
beginning at 10:00 a.m. downtown. Units will line-up at First
United Methodist Church. Catfish races will get underway at
10:00 a.m. on the court square and the Junior Fishing Rodeo
will begin at noon at Williams Lake. The fishing rodeo will
include age groups 4 and under, 5 to 8, and 9 to 12. Prizes
will be awarded.
For more information or for souvenirs, visit the Fish Fry
Headquarters, or call 731-644-1143. |
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