Published: June 11, 2009 09:24 pm      

Rice house destroyed by fire

The City of Rice was rallying around one of its own Thursday, following a house fire at the home of the city secretary, Tonya Roberts, and her family.

The house was completely razed by fire Thursday around noon.

By that afternoon, though, neighbors and friends were gathered at the scene, finding the family a temporary place to stay and seeking donations to restock a house.

“Right now, they’ve got nothing,” said Mayor Larry Bailey.

The family of Corbin and Tonya Roberts includes three teens. Among the losses were also the family pets.

It was unclear how the fire began, Bailey said.

Donations of clothing, household goods and supplies are being accepted at the Rice City Hall and at the First Baptist Church of Rice. Anything not used by the family will go into a garage sale to benefit the Rice Volunteer Fire Department.

For more information, call City Hall at (903) 326-7511.

— From Staff Reports