Participants and team members from the 23rd Judicial District Drug Court helped those impacted by the deadly flooding in Waverly last month. The group was among the first volunteers to help clear the roads of debris, removing furniture and appliances from destroyed homes and helping victims salvage any belongings they could find. Humphreys County Circuit Court Clerk Edie Stainforth reported that several drug court participants sifted through the mud to find a small box containing sentimental jewelry. Another homeowner reported that the drug court crew recovered a family photo album. The 23rd Judicial District Drug Court Program was established 22 years ago. Those accepted into the program are sent to in-patient treatment for at least 28 days and afterwards live in one of the program’s Sober Living Houses. “Public service is a vital part of our recovery program,” said Drug Court Director Kevin Batts. Read more from the Administrative Office of the Courts.

The Tennessee Trial Lawyers’ Community Relief Fund has made five disaster relief grants to community organizations helping residents of Humphreys County and Waverly recover from devastating flooding. The contributions will benefit Salter’s Chapel AME Church, Humphreys Homeless Coalition, Waverly Church of Christ, Humphreys County Humane Society and Waverly Elks Lodge No. 2289. The fund was created in March 2020 by the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association and Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein following tornadoes that hit Nashville that year. It is administered through The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. Contributions may be made online or by mailing a check to the foundation at P.O. Box 440225, Nashville, TN 37244. Please note the donation is for the Trial Lawyers’ Community Relief Fund.

The American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division Disaster Legal Services Program (DLS) is ramping up pro bono efforts to assist Louisianans affected by Hurricane Ida. Attorneys play a vital role in helping disaster survivors recover after a disaster, including accessing post-disaster assistance from federal and state programs and responding to other needs. The DLS is asking interested attorneys to register to assist with the anticipated legal needs. Additionally, the Louisiana State Bar’s website has information about how to assist attorneys affected by the hurricane in their state, including providing office space, technology and housing.

Gov. Bill Lee today signed an executive order declaring a major disaster and state of emergency for Humphreys County after deadly flooding in Middle Tennessee last weekend, the Tennessean reports. Executive Order 85 frees up state aid for residents while they repair damage caused by the flood. It gives the Humphreys School District the flexibility to implement its Continuous Learning Plan and allows qualified medical professionals and contractors licensed outside the state of Tennessee to assist in treatment and relief efforts for disaster victims. EO85 also allows state officials to waive fees for residents needing to replace driver’s licenses, motor vehicle titles and other paperwork. State-level aid will supplement federal aid approved by President Joe Biden yesterday.

Court operations in Humphreys County have been disrupted by flooding over the weekend, the Administrative Office of the Courts reports. While the courthouse itself did not sustain substantial damage, phone and internet outages and road closures are impacting the court’s ability to conduct business. Servers are down in the court clerk’s office and staff cannot access email or some court data or records. The circuit court closed this week as several court staff lost family, friends or property in the floods. Dockets have been moved but Judge Suzanne Lockert-Mash will be onsite to handle emergency orders, warrants or other matters that need to be addressed. Attorneys who have business with the courts over the next few weeks should call before traveling to the courthouse.

President Joe Biden today approved federal funding for residents of Humphreys County affected by the catastrophic flooding on Saturday, News 5 reports. “Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster,” officials with the White House said in a release. Residents and business owners can begin applying for assistance tomorrow. Watch for more information from the TBA about disaster legal assistance opportunities to help affected individuals.

A coalition of legal groups, including the TBA, recently announced that residents impacted by spring storms, tornadoes and flooding in Davidson, Williamson and Wilson counties now have access to a free legal assistance hotline. The service, a partnership between the TBA, Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services, Legal Aid Society, ABA Young Lawyers Division and Federal Emergency Management Agency, allows those in federally declared disaster areas to receive free legal assistance with insurance claims, replacement of important documents, mortgage-foreclosure problems, landlord-tenant problems, government benefits and other needs. Those living in the affected counties between March 25 and April 3 are eligible for the service and can start the process by calling 844- HELP4TN (435-7486) or posting questions online. Those impacted also are encouraged to register with FEMA online or by calling 800-621-3362. In addition, volunteer lawyers are needed to provide legal information, advice and representation to those affected. Those willing to help should complete this online form.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee recently announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency will grant his request for a major disaster declaration to help 13 counties impacted during severe winter storms in February, WSMV reports. The counties are Bedford, Cannon, Coffee, DeKalb, Fentress, Jackson, Moore, Overton, Pickett, Putnam, Scott, Shelby and Smith. The declaration means they will be able to seek reimbursement for emergency work and the repair or replacement of damaged facilities and infrastructure. The storm in mid-February brought rain, heavy snow, ice and very cold temperatures, resulted in power losses for more than 20,000 Tennesseans, and caused six fatalities.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today approved Gov. Bill Lee’s request for an emergency declaration following the bombing in downtown Nashville on Christmas Day, the Tennessean reports. Lee requested FEMA’s assistance on Dec. 26, asking for help with debris removal and emergency protective measures.

Gov. Bill Lee requested an emergency declaration from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) last week for financial assistance following the Christmas Day bombing in downtown Nashville, Fox17 reports. The request specifically seeks to reimburse Davidson County for costs associated with debris removal and emergency protective measures. FEMA says the request is "under review."