Newport
Politics
Cocke County mayor shares update as recovery efforts continue in Helene aftermath
NEWPORT, Tenn. (WATE) — As recovery efforts continue, Cocke County Mayor Rob Mathis shared an update on Monday just after 1:15 p.m. He started by sharing a list of impassable roads, warning people to avoid these areas at all costs: He added that Nob Creek Bridge on the Cocke/Greene County line has been washed away. […]
Roads in downtown Newport reopened, crews working to restore critical water systems in Cocke Co.
COCKE COUNTY, Tenn. — UPDATE MONDAY AFTERNOON: Cocke County Mayor Rob Mathis offered hopeful news Monday afternoon of progress on some fronts as emergency officials help with recovery efforts. All downtown Newport roads reopened Monday afternoon. Mathis said in a social media update that he'd just spoken with the...
Newport Medical Center remains open
The local hospital is open for business. Tennova Newport Medical Center (TNMC) had two tanker trucks of water delivered so they could operate as usual. The water is also keeping Tennova Newport Convalescent Center up and running as well. “Our community is facing significant challenges and we are committed to doing our part to assist in keeping medical services available during this difficult time,” said TNMC CEO Scott Williams. “We are grateful for the dedication of our employees and healthcare providers who are working tirelessly...
Destroyed homes, soaked Bibles, stories of survival: Cocke County rebuilds amid Helene floods
Spring Pearson bought her Del Rio house, which sits on the banks of the French Broad River, flood-ready. It was lifted atop a waist-high brick foundation following the catastrophic 1916 flood. It wasn’t enough to hold back the unprecedented floodwaters from Hurricane Helene. She, her husband and their two kids, ages 3 and...
Cocke County Election Commission opens in new location after Helene, flooding
NEWPORT, Tenn. (WATE) — As the floodwaters have cleared and cleanup efforts are underway in Cocke County after Helene, local election officials announced Tuesday that registered voters can cast their ballots at a new location. The Cocke County Election Commission ceased operations at the Courthouse Annex and relocated its main office to 157 Western Ave., […]
Shower facilities available to Cocke County residents
With water service being out for those relying on Newport Utilities, several area companies and community centers are opening their shower facilities to county residents are no charge. The following is a list of shower facilities that the Plain Talk has been able to confirm as of Monday. Sandvik, which supplies mining and rock excavation equipment, has one shower available at its location at 3307 Old Airport Road in White...
Destruction and Recovery: Cocke County suffers widespread damage, loss of water supply
COCKE COUNTY — All three rivers that pass through Cocke County reached record flood stages on Friday causing catastrophic flooding throughout the county. The flooding led to extensive damage of Newport Utilities (NU) equipment, which has left NU water customers all across the county without water. Homes and businesses have been destroyed and some roadways remain impassable because of debris or damage. NU customers without water NU declared a state...
TEMA provides update after historic East Tennessee flooding
COCKE COUNTY, Tenn. — The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency spoke Monday after historic flooding swept through many parts of the state after Hurricane Helene. According to the agency, disaster recovery will take years — potentially even decades. More than 100 people in the state are still considered missing,...
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