UNICOI COUNTY, Tenn. (WTVF) — On Sunday afternoon, the Tennessee Department of Health confirmed two deaths as a result of severe weather and Helene Impact – one in Johnson County and one in Unicoi County.

On Sunday morning, Unicoi County emergency officials said at least 73 people remained missing after flooding. Officials continue to conduct welfare checks and rescue operations in necessary areas.

Sewage service has failed and the county is under a boil water advisory until further notice. About 750 people are without power, and electrical crews estimate everything should be restored by Wednesday.

Officials say the Nolichucky River swollen to 30 feet, causing extensive property damage. Water levels have dropped by 75%, giving officials space to conduct search and rescue operations.

“We are constantly moving forward. We have to grow, we have to rebuild what we lost,” Jimmy Erwin, Unicoi County Emergency Management Director, said at a news conference.

How can you help?

Many supplies are needed in affected areas. There is also a new donation collection site where you can leave anything you want to donate.

The new location is Evergreen Freewill Baptist Church at 910 Hoback Street in Erwin, Tennessee.

Here is a list of the materials they are currently requesting:

Flashlights, batteries, garbage bags, medical and work gloves, shampoos, body washes, hand soaps, deodorants for men and women, rubbing alcohol, bandages, unopened and expired medications (Tylenol), charcoal, small storage tanks propane, gift cards for gas, cleaning supplies, candles, blankets, new and unopened toys/board games and other children’s items.

If you know of someone in need of assistance in the affected area, you can call (423)-560-0261 with information and operational crews will contact them as soon as possible. If you would like to volunteer and support the county’s recovery efforts, please call (423) 560-0269 for more information.

Supply pickup locations

If you or someone you know needs supplies, you’ll find three new pickup locations below.

1. Southside Free Will Baptist Church, 1313 Chestoa Pike, Erwin
2. Temple Hill Elementary School, 797 Old Highway Road, Erwin
3. Flag Pond School, 917 Old Asheville Highway, Flag Pond

Middle Tennessee Schools Earn 2024 National Blue Ribbon Award for Academic Excellence

There are lots of great schools in our area. Congratulations to four midstate schools that received National Blue Ribbons for academic excellence. They were one of six in Tennessee to receive this honor. They were among 356 schools across the United States recognized by the U.S. Department of Education!

-Lelan Statom