Operation 423

10/10/2024

We are pleased to announce the Virginia Creeper Trail is NOW OPEN, from the Start to the Heart, Abingdon to Damascus.

Let’s reverse the ride! Bike outfitters are providing shuttle services for the Abingdon to Damascus section while the assessment and restoration of the upper trail continues. The Virginia Creeper Trail remains closed under US Forest Service from Whitetop Station to Damascus; there is no access to the Virginia Creeper Trail past Damascus at this time.

Bike through the valleys and rolling hills along the South Fork of the Holston River. The trail between Abingdon and Damascus is a gentle downhill grade suitable for beginners and families. Virginia's finest rail-trail, the Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail, occupies the bed of what was once a rugged mountain railroad connecting the two towns. At its lowest elevation, the trail crosses South Holston Lake on a huge curving trestle.

Parking is available at the Abingdon trailhead, Watauga, Alvarado Station, and the Damascus Town Park. Please avoid using any of the blocked off street parking in downtown Damascus temporarily while recovery efforts are ongoing. Bathrooms are available across from Trestle 1 at the Abingdon trailhead, Alvarado Station, and in Damascus near the caboose.

For over 100 years the Virginia Creeper has been a vital connection between our communities. We are open for business and our trail communities need your continued support. Find lodging, restaurants, and shopping in both Abingdon and Damascus.

We are resilient.
We are rebuilding.
We are OPEN.

The Town of Abingdon and The Town of Damascus welcome you to Southwest Virginia!

10/10/2024

Good news!

The Forests continue initial response and assessment activities across the National Forests in North Carolina, but are opening the following on the Nantahala National Forest this Friday, October 11, 2024:

On the Cheoah Ranger District:
•All developed recreation sites, trails and roads

On the Nantahala Ranger District:
•All developed recreation sites, trails and roads

With the exceptions of:
· Appletree Group Campground
· Balsam Lake Lodge
· Wayehutta OHV Trail System
· Wine Springs Horse Camp
· Rainbow Springs Road, FSR 437
· Van Hook Campground
· Cliffside recreation area

On the Tusquitee Ranger District:
•All developed recreation sites, trails and roads

Closures remain in effect for the entirety of the Pisgah National Forest.

“We initially focused most of our efforts on helping our neighbors and first responders by clearing roads and improving access to critical infrastructure throughout the area,” said Forest Supervisor James Melonas. “We recognize the significance getting to connect with nature has with everyone who lives in Western North Carolina. After thoroughly assessing the conditions on the Nantahala and found that it was safe, we knew the time was right to begin inviting our neighbors back to the forest.”

The public is advised to use caution on roads and trails. Hurricane impacts could still include down and fallen trees and limbs, loose rocks, soft shoulders and damaged or blocked trails.
For more information on Hurricane Helene closures, call the Southern Region Hurricane Hotline (404)-939-4485 or visit the forest website at www.fs.usda.gov/nfsnc.

Read more on our website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/nfsnc/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD1209033

10/10/2024

10/10/2024

https://forms.gle/uju9QxqoN3PQjnaF9

10/10/2024

If you would like to donate a cooked lasagna, please message us for details.

10/10/2024

10/10/2024

📣 Calling all volunteers! 📣

We're in need of helping hands in Erwin, TN, to assist with ongoing relief efforts. If you're ready to make a difference, sign up today at www.cajunnavyrelief.com and join our mission of neighbors helping neighbors. 💪

10/09/2024

As the weather changes and recovery efforts continue across our region, so do the needs.
In partnership with Eastman, Your Kingsport Chamber remains open as a donation center. Items needed at this time include baby medicine, flashlights, new sleeping bags, new blankets, can openers, hot hands, camping tents, work gloves, lighters, fire starters, solar blankets and large tarps.

Monetary donations are still being accepted through this link: https://square.link/u/QV7hHp7r

All collections and proceeds will go directly toward regional disaster relief.
Supplies and donations may be dropped off Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm at 400 Clinchfield Street, Suite 100, Kingsport TN 37660.

10/09/2024

Praying for Florida!

11:57pm: NHC now forecasting to remain a Catgeory 4 hurricane tomorrow evening, right before landfall. Still some uncertainty on where exactly the center will make landfall but current projections is somewhere between Tampa and Fort Myers. Location matters… -TWAC1

10/09/2024

We know that you do not need to be reminded of the devastation, inconceivable loss and unbearable heartache. And we know that so many of you have already generously given during this unprecedented time of need. We also know that Santa and his elves are going to need a little more help this year from the Volunteer State.
Please help the FJC ensure that the children directly impacted by the flooding in our area do not lose the hope and magic of Christmas.

The Johnson City / Washington County Family Justice Center is asking for donations of new, unwrapped toys for boys and girls of all ages.

If you or someone you know have children who would benefit from the assistance of Volunteer Elves this Christmas, or if you have questions regarding donations, please contact the Family Justice Center:

196 Montgomery St.
Johnson City, TN. 37604
(423) 722-3720
FJC@johnsoncitytn.org

It is our goal to reach as many families in the affected counties of East Tennessee as possible, but we will need your help to accomplish this! Please share!

10/09/2024

First responders are still on the ground searching for missing persons in communities devastated by Hurricane Helene. Are you in North Carolina and struggling to get a hold of a loved one in the aftermath of the storm? Call 211 to report a missing person or text PERSON to 40403.
https://nc211.org/

10/09/2024

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — Region A.H.E.A.D. was created during the COVID-19 pandemic to help small businesses impacted by the shutdown. It was launched again, this time to raise money and …