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East Tennessee Counties to Receive $100M in No-Interest Loans for Helene Cleanup

Issue #237

11 Oct

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

☀️ Columbia Weather - Sunny with a high of 80

📰 East Tennessee Counties to Receive $100M in No-Interest Loans for Helene Cleanup

🤣 Nashville Comedians Host Comedy Benefit for Hurricane Helene Recovery 

📌 Second Saturday at The Factory at Columbia 

🚨 DUI Checkpoint Alert

⛑ Looking For Ways to Help Victims of Hurricane Helene? Click Here

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

📣 We Want To Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Friday, October 11th

Saturday, October 12th

Sunday, October 13th

East Tennessee Counties to Receive $100M in No-Interest Loans for Helene Cleanup

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has introduced a new loan program to help East Tennessee counties impacted by Hurricane Helene. The Helene Emergency Assistance Loan (HEAL) program will provide $100 million in no-interest loans to address immediate needs, including debris removal and repairs to water systems, as local governments wait for federal reimbursements. The program was initiated after a county mayor expressed concern about covering payroll and cleanup costs. The state has designated $35 million for water and wastewater repairs and $65 million for debris removal.

The funding will come from Tennessee’s TennCare "shared savings" program, typically used for health and welfare purposes. The loans will serve as a bridge for local governments until federal funding arrives. Although the loans will be repaid when federal funds are available, the timing remains uncertain, which could affect future budget decisions. Governor Lee noted that the state’s strong economy allows for flexibility in managing these funds, but the $100 million allocation may impact funding for other programs.

FEMA has already approved over $5.1 million for disaster assistance to more than 900 households in Tennessee as of early October. The assistance includes payments for immediate emergency needs and long-term recovery aid for housing and home repairs. Additionally, three more Tennessee counties have been approved for FEMA’s Public Assistance program, which provides grants for debris removal and infrastructure repair for local governments and certain nonprofits.

Governor Lee emphasized the critical role of FEMA, the National Guard, local law enforcement, nonprofits, and volunteers in the recovery efforts. Lee reassured the public that relief efforts are progressing well, with highways and bridges being restored and essential supplies being delivered to affected communities.

Nashville Comedians Host Comedy Benefit for Hurricane Helene Recovery

A group of popular comedians, including Leanne Morgan, Charlie Berens, John Crist, and Dusty Slay, will headline a benefit show titled "No Laughing Matter: A Comedy Benefit for Victims of Hurricane Helene" at the Ryman Auditorium on October 21, 2024. The event aims to raise funds for Mountain Ways, a nonprofit focused on supporting those affected by the hurricane. Both Morgan and Slay, with ties to the South, expressed their commitment to using their platforms to aid in the recovery efforts. Tickets are available here.

Second Saturday at The Factory at Columbia

If you haven’t experienced a Second Saturday at The Factory at Columbia, this month is the perfect time to go! Get a head start on your holiday shopping, eat some yummy food and enjoy the fun activities for the kids!

A Freedom Journey has organized a Howl-O-Ween dog costume contest. May the best pooch win! Find details here.

101 N. James Campbell Blvd

🚨 DUI Checkpoint Alert

The Tennessee Highway Patrol will be conducting sobriety roadside safety checkpoints during the week of October 11th on State RT. 50 East .2 Miles East of the 19 Mile Marker in Maury County starting at 10:00PM .

Impaired driving is a serious crime that kills more than 16,000 people and injures 305,000 people every year in the United States. Troopers will evaluate drivers for signs of alcohol or drug impairment. Troopers will target those who operate a vehicle while impaired and take corrective actions for other violations observed while ensuring the protection of all motorists.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol recognizes that sobriety checkpoints are highly visible and effective tools in the battle against impaired driving.

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Friday, October 11th

Brash Betty, Buck & Board, 6-9 PM
Moonlight Grahams, Grinder's Switch Winery, 7-9 PM
November Blue, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM
The Mighty Train Wrecks, Puckett’s, 7:30-9 PM
Escape, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Saturday, October 12th

Cliff Waddell, Keg Springs Winery, 2-5 PM
TBD, Hampshire Hills Distillery, 2-6 PM
TBD, Natchez Hills Vineyard, 4-7 PM
Mellie Koska, Buck & Board, 6-9 PM
Eaglemaniacs, The Mulehouse, 7-9 PM
The Def Leprechaun Band, McCreary's Irish Pub , 7-9 PM
Outlaw Apostles, Puckett’s, 7:30-9 PM
Cliff Waddell & Winnie VanHook, The Rebel, 7:30 PM
Rubiks Groove, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Sunday, October 13th

TBD, Natchez Hills Vineyard, 1-4 PM
Murphy Ridge Band, Manor Hall, 216 Pleasant St, Mt Pleasant, TN, 3-5 PM
Apollos Hand, The Rebel, 4-7 PM
Mary Lou, Pucektt’s, 6-7:30 PM

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