“Mayor Indya Kincannon and our Mayor Roland Dykes III have a close relationship, both personally and professionally,” Finchum said. “As soon as she found out what was happening, Mayor Kincannon reached out to offer help.” While Knoxville provided resources like rescue teams and equipment, Newport’s recovery was also bolstered by its longstanding relationship with regional construction and trade partners. Blalock Construction, based in Sevier County, played a pivotal role. “They brought flush trucks and other equipment to help us clear the streets,” Finchum said. “They wouldn’t take any payment for it. Their support, along with help from local contractors, allowed us to get the roads open and traffic flowing within days.”
Newport’s residents were at the heart of the recovery effort. Volunteers, both local and from surrounding areas, flooded the streets to help clean up and rebuild. “People just started showing up,” Finchum said. “Churches, families, even strangers from Knoxville and Morristown came to help. By Wednesday, people driving through town couldn’t believe it had been flooded just days before.” Despite the overwhelming generosity, challenges remain. One downtown building, owned by a family for over 70 years, will not be restored, displacing several small businesses. A Community That Shows Up
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