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Home Based Business

40/29 employee to rebuild after losing home in May tornadoes [Video]

Its been more than five months since devastating Memorial Day weekend tornadoes tore through Benton County and surrounding areas.The storm impacted some of the staff at 40/29.One of our video editors, Robert Griffin, is preparing to rebuild after parts of his house were demolished Tuesday. Griffin has worked at 40/29 for almost 11 years, editing many of the newscasts viewers have watched from home.The more it rained, the more water came in. And then it made its way downstairs, where my grandson sleeps, and the roof caved in on his crib. You know, just straight water. Theres like a foot and a half of water down there. Its all gone. Its all trash, Griffin said.Griffin said his family moved into their Rogers home in 2017. He said its in a great location, being near Prairie Creek.The only noise you get is the squirrels, the wind and maybe a boat or Jet Ski. But thats the only sound you ever hear, he said.When the storm arrived, Griffin said he took his family of nine and three dogs into a small basement closet for cover. He said they could hear the storm.We were watching the wooden steps above our heads, making sure they didnt fly away, Griffin said.After the storm passed, Griffin said they came out to find parts of their home destroyed. He said his community stepped up to help.They all came together. Everybody kept saying, Do you need food? Water? You can stay with us, Griffin said.Now, five months later, his home of seven years is being demolished because the damage was beyond repair.Theyre going to start tearing the garage down and work their way this way. Then, as they make it to our bedroom, well be able to get to some stuff we havent been able to reach, Griffin said.There is a bright side, though. After demolition, Griffin said they plan to keep the property and build a new home.Everythings going to be new. Its going to be up to date. We can design it the way we want to. So, thats a big plus for us, Griffin said.Though this is one of the hardest parts of the process, Griffin said he and his family are looking forward to building their new home.

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Home Based Business

Silicon Ranch advances solar power in Franklin and Russellville [Video]

Silicon Ranch, a Nashville-based solar energy company, is expanding its footprint in the Southeast with innovative solar projects aimed at community partnerships and environmental stewardship. Two of their projects in the region, solar farms in Franklin and Russellville, will provide environmental, economic, and social benefits for members of those communities.