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Tennesseans urged to follow fire prevention best practices during wildfire season

Beginning Oct. 15, Tennesseans must obtain a free burn permit before burning leaves or natural debris or conducting prescribed burns. As wildfire season begins, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry (TDF) encourages residents and visitors to observe National Fire Prevention Week by practicing fire prevention and exercising extra caution when burning outdoors. Tennessee averages about 1,000 wildfires each year, burning approximately 18,000 acres.

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Haithcote wins judgement against Hayes

In a recent lawsuit filed against Claude “Chip” Hayes, Spencer Haithcote alleged that Hayes failed to make payments to Haithcote’s retirement account and Roth IRA. Haithcote was employed by Hayes as site foreman for the Whiskey Creek development in Lynchburg. He was employed by Hayes from June 2025 until he resigned in July 2026.

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