HOPEtown will proceed After Petersburg Fire

The freshly renovated facility for HOPEtown’s new Petersburg site burned to the ground early last Thursday morning, Nov. 2, in a fiery frenzy that could be seen for miles. Foul play is not suspected, as the initial TBI investigation suggests the fire most likely began in the building’s ceiling in some old wiring. No injuries were reported, and HOPEtown sustained no loss of equipment or supplies because their moving into the building was still a few days away. HOPEtown Executive Director Frank Sullivan has indicated that HOPEtown will proceed undeterred with their Petersburg plans and will use various temporary facilities until more permanent arrangements can be made. “Our steps have been shaken but their course has not been altered,” said Sullivan. HOPEtown’s first public event in Petersburg will be a Pop-Up Pantry food/hygiene giveaway at the Morgan School site on Saturday, Nov. 18, from 10 a.m. -noon. This giveaway is open to all.