That is weather permitting for the pole at the LMS-post office corner to be replaced

TOP PHOTO: The snapped pole is stabilized by these two LUB trucks.

Tim Carroll, left, and John “Elk Man” Baird are working the lines hot above Foot Hills Drive. Notice the orange gloves and orange insulators being used to keep them safe while the power remains on for customers.

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF)- When a power pole in front Faithway Assembly of God was chopped down by a car Tuesday night about nine o’clock, it created quite a dangerous situation, according to officials.

WLAF’s Charlie Hutson shares his photo gallery HERE.

Left, Tyler Brammer and Alex Blevins working on a 7200 volt lines, and there are six lines above East Central Avenue. Faithway Assembly of God is in the background.

An eastbound car traveling along East Central Avenue veered off the roadway, down a embankment, and hit the power pole. “When that happened, all the weight from that pole went on this pole (across the four lane), and it snapped it up high,” said Steve Reynolds, La Follette Utilities Board Line Foreman.

Jimmy Reece and Richard Preece (not pictured) handle traffic control.

Reynolds explained that there was a lot of uncertainty with the pole that was snapped though still standing on the corner of Foot Hills Drive and East Central Avenue, across Foot Hills Drive from La Follette Middle School. LUB crews were able to position two large trucks to stabilize the damaged pole so power could be restored to some 1,300 customers.

Twenty-year LUB veteran Steve Reynolds, line foreman, speaks with line truck operator Dalton Phillips.

LUB crews spent the balance of Wednesday preparing for Thursday’s planned pole replacement, weather permitting. During the pole replacement, customers power will not be affected thanks to the preparation. “We are working the lines to keep the crews safe and maintain power while replacing the broken pole,” said Reynolds.

All those on LUB’s crew Wednesday include Steve Reynolds, Tyler Brammer, Alex Blevins, Tim Carroll, John “Elk Man” Baird, Dalton Phillips, Travis Malicoat, David Whaley and Branden Shown. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-09/04/2025-6AM-PHOTOS COURTESY OF WLAF’S CHARLIE HUTSON)

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