Hardin County, Tennessee was shocked when a hotel under construction was engulfed in flames early Wednesday morning. The incident occurred on 90 River Side Drive, prompting a swift response from the Hardin County firefighters to assist the Savannah Fire Department. This four-story hotel, which was in the midst of construction and unoccupied at the time, became a scene of devastation.

Admiration for Tim Hunt's Initiative

As news spread, it became clear that this fire had a significant impact on the community. It is a challenging moment for those who strive to make Savannah and Hardin County an even better place to live, work, and raise families. However, there is one person who has stood out - Tim Hunt. His decision to step up and contribute something much needed to the community is worthy of admiration. Although this setback is significant, the community remains resilient and will work even harder to attract tourist dollars. We are grateful that all the firemen and emergency personnel were unharmed during the firefighting efforts. Let us take a moment today to offer a prayer for Tim and his family, as well as for all those involved in the hotel construction. We are confident that we will emerge stronger and better.

Details of the Fire and Investigations

There were no injuries reported in this tragic event. The building has been completely destroyed, leaving behind a scene of charred remains. Firefighters are currently conducting an investigation into the cause of the fire, with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations providing assistance to local investigators. At this time, the exact cause of the fire remains unknown. It is a mystery that will be unraveled as the investigation progresses.

Impact on the Community and Future Plans

This fire has undoubtedly left a mark on the community of Savannah and Hardin County. It is a reminder of the importance of safety and preparedness. However, it also serves as an opportunity for the community to come together and rebuild. There will be a long road to recovery, but with the support of one another, the community will rise above this setback. In the future, there will be discussions about how to prevent such incidents from happening again and how to enhance the safety measures in place. The community will work towards creating a more secure and prosperous environment for all.

DeKALB – In a significant development for the local economy, Kraft Heinz's $400 million facility in DeKalb has encountered a setback that will push its opening date back by two years to 2027. This delay has left both company representatives and City of DeKalb officials tight-lipped about the causes. The 775,000-square-foot automated distribution center was announced in July 2023 with promises of bringing around 150 jobs and an early 2025 opening. However, as revealed through public records requests, it won't be ready until at least 2027.

City Manager's Perspective

City Manager Bill Nicklas shed some light on the situation, stating that there was a pause due to a design conversation that was ongoing. He emphasized that he wasn't privy to the details but that this was the information he had been given. This delay has understandably raised questions among the local community and stakeholders.

Distribution Center's Significance

Once completed, this distribution center is expected to play a crucial role in Kraft Heinz's operations. According to the company, it will handle more than 60% of their dry goods distribution to North America. This shows the importance of this facility in the company's supply chain and its potential impact on the local economy. It will bring significant economic activity and job opportunities once it is up and running.

Email Exchange Insights

Shaw Local News Network obtained records of an Oct. 10 email exchange between DeKalb Mayor Cohen Barnes, Nicklas, Lynsey Elve (Kraft Heinz's director of global corporate communications), and Sarah Doran (associate director of state government affairs at Kraft Heinz). In this email, Doran stressed the company's commitment to completing the build. She wrote that the parties involved are working to address the issue and they expect to open the facility sometime in 2027. This shows that Kraft Heinz is actively working towards resolving the delay and getting the project back on track.

Impact on Tax Incentives

Nicklas also addressed the impact of the delayed opening on tax incentives. He stated that it will not affect the tax incentives that may be owed to the company. Tax breaks were approved for the development before it was announced, and after the first year of a full assessment, Kraft Heinz will become eligible for a 50% property tax abatement for 15 years. This provides some relief to the company and shows the local government's support for the project.

Enterprise Zone Benefits

Kraft Heinz is also in DeKalb County's enterprise zone, which offers corporations incentives to invest in the area. Because of this, the company may be spared from paying some of the sales tax on construction materials. This further reduces the financial burden on Kraft Heinz and makes the project more attractive. Nicklas expressed his satisfaction with the resumption of construction and the company's energetic pursuit of the project. The area around the tall portion of the structure continues to be worked on, indicating that progress is being made.