By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–The sudden and strong storm that came through Henry County early Saturday evening took down two trees on the southeast corner of the county courthouse lawn. One was the huge hallowed-out oak that was set to be torn down next week. The high winds took the oak most of way down and took the Magnolia tree next to it down, too.
Both Henry County Mayor John Penn Ridgeway and Paris City Manager Kim Foster were on the scene immediately after it happened, surveying the damage.
Ridgeway noted the age of the trees on the court square, which are some 100 years old. “The thing is, they’ve reached their life expectancy at this point,” he said.
North Poplar Street had been set to be closed next week for the removal of the oak tree. Removal of the oak tree had been set for Wednesday, but removal of both trees has now been set for Monday.
Everything will be cleared before the Oak Ridge Boys appear downtown Thursday. Or should we call them the Oak Tree Boys?
Photos by Shannon McFarlin.