Unicoi County officials provide latest update on Helene recovery

Unicoi County officials held another briefing Wednesday at Unicoi County High School to provide updates about Hurricane Helene recovery. Unicoi County EMA Director Jimmy Erwin said officials are still searching for one missing resident. The Unicoi County High School shelter has been closed, and one remaining resident is being taken care of by the American Red Cross. Erwin said all donations and supplies have been relocated to the Army National Guard and Bristol Motor Speedway. On Thursday, TDOT will open a section of I-26 for local motorists from the Tennessee/North Carolina line to Exit 40. This is to reconnect communities, like Erwin, affected by collapsed bridges. Administrator of Elections Sarah Fain said elections on November 5 will proceed as planned, with Temple Hill Elementary School as the voting site and said there are no anticipated changes.