HOHENWALD, TN (WOPC) - Lewis County Mayor Jonah Keltner has made an additional plea for state and federal disaster assistance following the January ice storm. Lewis and surrounding counties continue to deal with the overwhelming task of removing trees and debris, repair damaged infastructure, and fund the coasts of cleanup. WOPC received a copy of Mayor Keltner's latest request to state and federal leaders:

 

To Whom It May Concern: 

Winter Storm Fern struck Lewis County with devastating force, causing widespread damage across our community. Thousands of trees and limbs fell, homes were without power for days, families lacked adequate heat and water, roads were blocked, power lines damaged, and debris cleanup needs were overwhelming. By every measure, this was the worst natural disaster of my lifetime. 

I am very grateful to Governor Bill Lee for declaring a State of Emergency on January 22, 2026, and to President Donald Trump, as well, for approving Tennessee's Major Disaster Declaration on February 6, 2026. That federal declaration was critical, allowing counties like Lewis to seek reimbursement for much of our public disaster-related costs and easing the burden on local taxpayers. 

Lewis County is a small, rural community with many disabled and low-income residents who are struggling to recover. To help, county officials waived Transfer Station tipping fees for storm debris in February and March, opened on Sundays throughout February, and remained open on Presidents Day to provide additional disposal opportunities at no cost to our residents. 

Because we have so much debris, and a limited staff and resources at our Highway Department, Lewis County has issued a Request for Proposal for debris removal and monitoring services. However, these efforts are contingent upon funding, as Lewis County must pay all costs upfront. 

While FEMA will likely reimburse the overall cost of this project at 75%, and TEMA at 12.5%, Lewis County will still be responsible for a 12.5% local match. And with a state-estimated 100,000 tons of vegetative debris and projected cleanup costs near $5 million, our local share could total $625,000...a burden our county simply cannot afford. 

Therefore, I respectfully request your assistance in identifying any available state or federal funding opportunities, whether through grants, forgivable loans, or a special allocation, to help Lewis County recover from this disaster. Your support would make a meaningful difference for our community. 

LINDEN, TN (WOPC) - Special Agent Matt Votaw, formerly a dedicated deputy with the Perry County Sheriff's Office, was recongnized by state leaders for his mutual-aide assistance during the recent winter storm. 

Votaw, who now serves with the Tennessee Department of Homeland Security, joined forces with the hard-working local first responders to deliver meals and check on countless neighbors. In a statewide media release Tuesday, Votaw was specifically featured for his outstanding service. 

"In addition to conducting 30 welfare checks through the TBI-FIND hotline, OHS Special Agents also responded to requests from local law enforcement and community groups. During the storm, Special Agents also transported essential workers, delivered meals and assisted with debris removal. One OHS Special Agent, Matthew Votaw, who serves Perry and Lewis counties, conducted 102 welfare checks and delivered 110 meals." the statement read. 

Here is the complete news release from the Department of Homeland Security highlighting the calls for service statewide, as well as Votaw's efforts. 

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Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS), through the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) and Office of Homeland Security (OHS), provided critical assistance during Winter Storm Fern, responding to thousands of calls and conducting welfare checks across the state.   “Our troopers were all hands-on deck from the beginning of the weather event until the end,” said TDOSHS Commissioner Jeff Long. “The troopers and special agents went above and beyond to help those affected by the severe weather, from welfare checks to clearing blocked roads, working around the clock to ensure Tennesseans were safe.”   Tennessee Highway Patrol statewide response from Jan. 24 to Feb. 5:   *9,099 total phone calls to *THP asking for assistance *3,548 motorists requesting assistance *1,218 crashes involving property damage *278 crashed involving injuries *545 abandoned vehicles *455 roadway obstructions (mostly caused by trees) *16 vehicle fires *7 fatalities (the causes of those deaths will be determined by the Tennessee Department of Health)   “Troopers show up every day with one purpose: to serve and protect the people of Tennessee.” said THP Colonel Matt Perry. “During Winter Storm Fern, that purpose was on full display as troopers went door-to-door in some of our hardest hit communities, checking on neighbors and making sure people were safe.”   THP Troopers, OHS Special Agents and other partners conducted 86 welfare checks coordinated through the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s (TBI) 1-800-TBI-FIND hotline. TBI activated this hotline for only the third time in history to coordinate disaster-related family reconnection efforts. The welfare checks included providing transportation to local warming centers if needed.   In addition to conducting 30 welfare checks through the TBI-FIND hotline, OHS Special Agents also responded to requests from local law enforcement and community groups. During the storm, Special Agents also transported essential workers, delivered meals and assisted with debris removal. One OHS Special Agent, Matthew Votaw, who serves Perry and Lewis counties, conducted 102 welfare checks and delivered 110 meals.   “Our Special Agents are a vital part of each community they serve no matter the crisis or the disaster, they stand ready to serve.” said Deputy Commissioner Greg Mays, Tennessee Office of Homeland Security. “When it came to our attention that Winter Storm Fern left our neighbors stranded or in need of essentials, we did not hesitate to respond to their needs.”   The TDOSHS’s statewide response to Winter Storm Fern reflects the department’s commitment to ensuring no family is left wondering about the safety of their loved one during any disaster.   For more information about the TDOSHS, visit tn.gov/safety.