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of Mount Airy passed away peacefully at the Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice Home on April 29
the son of the late George Ewart and Cleta Nell Wilborn Rives
Rives graduated from Mount Airy High School
and obtained his law degree from Wake Forest University
He was instrumental in starting the paralegal program and taught real estate law at Surry Community College
He also worked with Edward Woltz Law Office
Rives was the minister of Flat Rock Presbyterian Church for 13 years until its closing in 2024
Beverly Claire Rives; brother and sister-in-law
at 3:00 PM at the First Presbyterian Church with Dr
The family will receive at the church on Sunday from 2:00 until 3:00 PM
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Shepherd’s House 227 Rockford Street
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Barbara “Bobbie” Lou Brooks Rives
to the late Lewis Brock and Maggie Sanford Brooks
She was a member of Meroney Methodist Church for over 70 years where she taught Sunday School and sang in the choir
As a young girl she was a member of First United Methodist Church in Siler City
She and Gerald loved traveling with their friends to the mountains of North Carolina
reading and spending time with her family and friends
Bobbie attended Elon College and worked for 42 years at Clapp Brothers Implement and Truck Company
She enjoyed helping Gerald in the chicken houses and in the garden
Bobbie is survived by her children: Ann Rives Poe and husband
all of Siler City; grandchildren: Jessie Moore and husband
Zach of Siler City; Ryan Mashburn and wife
Jim of Oklahoma; and great grandchildren: Abbey
Bobbie was preceded in death by her husband: Kenneth Gerald Rives
Cecil and Hubert Brooks; and sisters: Mary George Brooks and Mildred “Mimmie” Brooks
The funeral service will take place at Meroney Methodist Church at 3:00 p.m.
Burial will be in the church cemetery with a visitation afterwards in the church fellowship hall
The family request memorials be made to Meroney Methodist Church or to Liberty Home Care and Hospice
Smith & Buckner Funeral Home is serving the Rives family
Online Condolences may be made at www.smithbucknerfh.com
The University is currently operating under normal conditions
Jocelyn Rives is eager to don her cap and gown this weekend to attend the Class of 2020 Commencement and celebrate the achievement of overcoming challenges and becoming the first in her immediate family to earn a college degree
Jocelyn Rives ’20 had her sights set on the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill since she was in the fifth grade
Her godmother was a Carolina alumna and inspired Rives to follow in her footsteps
she’ll have the opportunity to live out the highlight moment of that goal when she turns her tassel in Kenan Stadium
officially marking a significant milestone for her and her family
“Getting to attend the ceremony symbolizes the achievement of getting through all the struggles of college,” said Rives
who studied exercise and sport science with a concentration in sports administration
“My family and I are excited for the ceremony — finally adding the last piece to complete my college experience.”
That college experience was full of new opportunities for the Tar Heel from Bear Creek
In addition to her exercise and sport science studies and minor in philosophy
Rives participated in many extracurricular activities at Carolina
She competed on the club basketball and handball teams
raised money for UNC Children’s Hospital with Carolina for the Kids
served on the Carolina Union Activities Board
joined the Phi Alpha Delta law fraternity and worked as a photographer for UNC Special Olympics and the Daily Tar Heel
Rives relied on her busy line-up of organizations to help her find her place on campus
It’s a tip she’d pass along to Tar Heels navigating their way through college as a Carolina First
Don’t let anyone tell you anything different
was the official celebration of all that she had achieved as a Tar Heel
She’s eager to don her cap and gown this weekend to attend the Class of 2020 graduation ceremony
“It felt great [to earn my degree],” she said
“I did feel like a piece was missing since I didn’t have my ceremony
Rives said the ceremony this weekend will mark the beginning of another chapter in her life
She has stayed close to the Carolina community
working as a teacher assistant for special needs children in Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools and serving as the middle school JV volleyball coach
“My favorite part about my job is connecting with all the children,” she said
“I have a student that loves ‘Frozen.’ I dance with her all the time in the classroom
Being able to bring smiles to their faces warms my heart.”
Learn more about Carolina Firsts
The dean of the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy talks about her research, rural initiatives and leading the No. 1 pharmacy school in the nation.
The Well compiled all the details you need before attending UNC-Chapel Hill’s May 10 graduation.
Want more Carolina news? The Well newsletter updates Tar Heels on UNC-Chapel Hill’s top stories, upcoming events and campus accolades, arriving in your inbox every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday morning.
NC Children’s will be North Carolina’s first freestanding hospital dedicated to caring for kids.
The Carolina sophomore shares her life through her poems, tours and activities on campus.
© 2024 The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Barbara Nell (Simmons) Rives, age 85, previously of Paducah, KY passed away in Arcola, IL at 4:52 pm on May 3, 2025. She was born September 4, 1939 at Melber, KY to William Howard Simmons and Genevieve Smith Simmons. Barbara accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior the summer of 1954 and was Baptized in the Ohio River at the foot of Broadway in Paducah, KY.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one brother, Kerry Simmons and one grandson, SPC. Lucas Starcevich. She is survived by two brothers, Glenn Simmons of Camp Verde, AZ, Dwight Simmons of Lone Oak, KY, three children, Ava (Rick) Tomson of Tolono, IL, Bruce (Lisa) Rives of Champaign, IL, and Dana Hartwell of Jerseyville IL, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, with visitation taking place one-hour prior, at Brown Funeral home in Mayfield, KY. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Memorial Gardens, Paducah, KY and Pastor Dyllan Simmons Officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Kentucky Sheriffs’ Boys and Girls Ranch in Barbara’s name.
Tribute Archive
This week, we invited the candidates running for local office in the Nov. 5 General Election to write a post about why Arlington residents should vote for them. Find information on how and where to vote here
Below is the unedited response from James Vell Rives
I am James Vell Rives (friends call me by my middle name
My wife Carmen and I have a senior at Wakefield High School and an 8th grader at Gunston Middle School
and I have directed children’s and adult church choirs for 20 years
I’m a physician; I practice adolescent and adult psychiatry
I’m serving my 6th year on Arlington’s School Health Advisory Board (as Co-Chair 2021-2022)
and I previously served 6 years as a County Election Officer
I’m running for school board because in APS we have been having the same challenges every year: keeping excellent teachers
And we have now depleted our financial reserves
we need different perspectives at the table
and School Board members have been exclusively Democrats for 20 years
Even just one person from outside their circle will yield better discussion and bring more credibility to the Board and its decisions
That’s one reason why I have earned the support of Democrats (!), Independents, Greens, and others here in Arlington. And I am proud to be endorsed by the Forward Party in Virginia. Details about my supporters are on my home page: www.rives4sb.com
I stand up for what’s fair: https://www.arlnow.com/2024/10/25/arlington-school-board-candidate-and-lgbtq-group-clash-over-transgender-policies/
My background as a physician and mental health professional will be especially helpful as we navigate the ongoing tragedy of substance abuse occurring inside our high schools and other possible health or safety crises in the future
I happen to be the only repeat candidate in this race
so I’ve done more campaigning than my fellow candidates
that experience – hearing from residents all across the county – has been the greatest thing I’ve gotten from these campaigns
I think it’s fair to say I’m the unconventional candidate in this race
and I would be so excited to work alongside them and any one of my fellow candidates
I think we could make a Dream Team for APS
and I respectfully ask that you make me one of your two votes for School Board
Several Facebook commenters were expressing frustration regarding a train that they say was blocking their way out of Rives
who provided information via Facebook messenger
drivers waiting (left) for the train to be moved had to turn around and drive through water over Caldwell Avenue (right)
Rives Volunteer Fire Department said residents should drive out while they still can as water rose amid historic flooding Saturday afternoon
Several residents said a stalled train blocked their way out for over an hour
RIVES, Tn. — In a Facebook post on Saturday afternoon
Rives Volunteer Fire Department asked residents to leave while they can amid widespread flooding
But some residents say they were stuck for over an hour and a half because a stalled train was blocking the way out
"We are asking that all residents inside Rives now while you can drive out
Since this is such widespread flooding we do not have the boat resources that we had last flood
If you stay we may not be able to get you out," the organization posted
put a note on the door with you name and a contact number so we know your gone and we can get in touch with you if needed," the post read
Several Facebook commenters were expressing frustration regarding a train that they say was blocking their way out
said a line of drivers was waiting over an hour for the train to move
she said everyone had to turn around and drive through high water over Caldwell Avenue
A member of the Rives Volunteer Fire Department confirmed in a phone conversation that the train's engine had stalled
Fuller said she was glad her family and pets were okay
but she was worried her car might be damaged by driving through the water
On Friday evening, the Rives Volunteer Fire Department posted: "We gave it our best shot but there was just to much water
If you stayed and you need out you will need to call 911."
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Tenn.–The town of Rives in Obion County is mostly underwater today following the massive rainfall and continuing problems with the levee
Army Corps of Engineers worked at fixing the levee earlier this week
There were calls for residents to evacuate and Saturday night
the Rives Fire & Rescue posted a message on Facebook: “We gave it our best shot but there was just to much water
If you stayed and you need out you will need to call 911”
school has been cancelled for Monday in Obion County
Weakley County and Stewart County due to damage and flooded roads
Tenn.– After one community had to evacuate due to high waters earlier this year
they have now began preparations for another storm
Tennessee experienced a flood that resulted in their fire department saving residents from their homes
They’re repairing the levees that began leaking after the storm
“They learned that it was not Army Core levee it was West Tennessee River Basin levee
The River Basin authority came out here this morning and fixed one hole in the levee
I just wanted to come out here and check it on behalf of Senator Hagerty to see what it was like and get pictures of the repair,” Ford Hawkins
Over the next three days meteorologists have predicted thunderstorms and flooding
So it was important that those levees were fixed
we’re hoping that takes care of that
We have another spot that’s behind the fire station that they’re working on trying to get it filled up now so that we can hopefully keep that water out of the city,” says Chief Rice
The Rives community has worked together to improve another end of the levee
“It was probably about 80 feet long and the farmer was able to come down here and he repaired that levee himself,” Rice shares
Fire chief Campbell Rice is requesting that if residents are asked to evacuate that they will do so
most of the people that were affected by the flood have gotten back in their house
They’ve gotten a lot of their repairs done
It would be sad for them to have to go through that again,” he says
The River Basin group also provided some tools to the fire station
“So with having the help of two extra pumps and the levees repaired
we’re hoping it’ll be much better than it was last time,” Hawkins shares
For more local news, click here
flooded homes and impassable roads riddle the small town of Rives
in the aftermath of unprecedented flooding
Rives residents are currently undergoing mandatory evacuations
while officials advise no attempts to travel into the area
The small town in Obion County, home to just under 250 residents in West Tennessee, has declared a state of emergency following the levee break during storms that pummeled the area over the weekend
Currently officers are instructed to turn people away trying to enter the town
Of the slightly under 250 people that live in the community
City of Rives Mayor Lester Burnes estimates that of the approximately 105 homes in the town
One of those homes belonged to Tresa Summar
who never imagined when she bought her home in Rives a year ago
that she would one day be evacuated via a rescue boat
Seeking shelter at the Woodland Mills Civic Center with her sister and young nephew
both of whom lived with her in the Rives home
Summar Monday recalled the terrifying moments leading up to her rescue
Leaving with nothing but the clothes on their backs
she described the situation as "traumatic."
"The water started coming in the house around seven that morning
and we had vehicles but both of them didn't run
I don't know what we're going to do and where we're going to go."
and emergency medical personnel are describing as a potentially life-threatening situation
Rives Fire Chief Campbell Rice said despite the town experiencing flooding approximately twice per year
and this is one I've never seen before," Rice said
He noted that 95% of residents have been affected in some capacity
whether it was having to be rescued or evacuated
Here's what to know about the situation in Rives
Mayor Steve Carr of Obion County declared a state of emergency
Carr shared in a press conference via Facebook Live that the state of emergency order will remain in effect "until we are satisfied that the danger has passed us from this flooding that's taken place."
Pumps set up at the levee pumped out about 4,000 gallons of water per day
Rice reports that the department is monitoring the water levels to resume pumping when it lowers
Rice says the city was working to return power to residents
Shelters have been set up at Ridgemont Elementary School
shelter and clothing are available for displaced residents at these locations
The 108 rescued individuals were first brought to Ridgemont and the overwhelming majority have since found somewhere else to go
Those who couldn't were relocated to the fairgrounds
Senator Marsha Blackburn wrote in a post on X
"My team and I are monitoring the flooding across Middle and West Tennessee and are in touch with local officials
We appreciate the work of the first responders who are assisting."
Rives remained under a flood warning and a flash flood warning as of Monday afternoon
The flash flood warning was set to expire at 7:15 p.m
According to the weather service
the warnings are for areas more downstream from where the levee failed due to increasing water levels
West Tennessee saw rain amounts between two and four inches after a week of rain which caused flooding all over the area
According to the National Weather Service, Union City, the closest measuring center to Rives, the area received over six inches of rain on Saturday alone
This does not include any of the rain from earlier in the week
It was reported by the National Weather Service that the levee broke at about 10:30 a.m
Tennessee are being asked to leave ahead of historic rainfall across the region
On Facebook
the Rives Volunteer Fire Department is asking people to evacuate if they normally get flooding
The agency encourages residents to put their name and phone number on their door before they leave
"Don't wait till it's too late," the agency said on its Saturday morning post
In February, the city's levee failed
leading to the entire town of about 200 people being evacuated and significant damage to dozens of homes
the city did last-minute repairs on the levee
To read more about those repairs, click here
Bill Lee and several elected officials visited the town of Rives on Tuesday afternoon to assess the devastating flood damage incurred after a levee break caused the small town to evacuate
Director of the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency Patrick Sheehan
City of Rives Mayor Lester Burnes met for a press conference at the Rives Volunteer Fire Department
just steps away from an entirely flooded road
mayor Carr says the full extent of damage done to buildings and homes will be determined in the coming weeks following assessments
Burnes suggested that approximately 60% of the 105 homes in Rives have severe water damage
Lee says there are collaborative efforts in place at the local
state and federal levels to assist in the restoration of Rives
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem
who Lee says has reached out to twice over the weekend
More: West Tennessee flooding in Rives: More than half the homes affected by rising waters
More: A state of emergency, near-historic flooding: How Tennessee fared after weekend storms
that we understand that they're in hardship but that that is what we do as we surround them
"Their neighbors do so even more than we do
and we know that but to the degree that we can support what's happening here in the community
we want them to know we're here to support them."
Rives Fire Chief Campbell Rice estimates that a breach in the levee broke around 3 a.m
prompting the water to flow back into Rives
which was previously shut off following the flooding
has been restored to approximately 75% of residents
it is due to the amount of water in their homes
which the state fire marshal must inspect and give the green light for it to be turned on
TEMA will conduct assessments to determine the extent of its contribution to relief efforts before potentially asking for federal assistance
"We're working with our local partners to assess the damages to see what unmet needs there might be and what kinds of things we can do to address
especially ahead of these very bitter cold temperatures that we're getting ready to see," Sheehan said
doing an assessment and calculating that and seeing how we compare against the legal threshold for requesting a federal declaration this year
but we just want to make sure that Tennesseans are taken care of and that the community
the county and city are getting the support that they need."
ahead of TEMA's commencement of the damage assessment
there have been conversations with the U.S
House of Representative Transportation Committee
the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation
"The levee restructuring would go a long way in helping our problems," Burnes said
we have a system in our town to stop the river from backing in
but at the same time that didn't transfer rainwater here
so pumps are needed to alleviate that part
but pumps are no good if we don't fix the levees to stop it from coming this way."
Officials stated that though flooding occurs approximately twice per year
Carr suggested that in addition to a pump system
the levee needs to be reinforced and heightened
The flooding of Rives comes just days ahead of a winter storm
The National Weather Service reports a nearly 100% chance of snowfall expected to reach between four and six inches starting on Tuesday night in Obion County
Lee shared that the Tennessee Department of Transportation is also working to ensure that roads are clear across the state in preparation for the snowstorm
officials are monitoring the water levels to be lowered before pumping can resume
but Rice says the freezing temperatures will essentially halt recovery efforts
"It's probably going to bring everything to a stop," Rice said
"There's a lot of things that are going to take place
One thing is when the water gets into the foundations in these places and it freezes
so people have issues here that they're probably not aware that will pop up."
Sarah Best is a reporter for The Jackson Sun. To support local journalism, subscribe to the Daily Briefing here
People in a Tennessee town breathed a sigh of relief Tuesday night after last minute repairs to a nearby levee
The city of Rives is hopeful these repairs will prevent another flooding disaster
as residents continue to recover from the last
— People in a local town breathed a sigh of relief Tuesday night after last minute repairs to a nearby levee
In February, the entire town of about 200 people was evacuated from their homes when the levee failed and water rushed into the streets
Army Corps of Engineers to build up and reinforce the levee will hopefully prevent another flooding disaster
it's giving the people of Rives some peace of mind
Leroy Brown is wary of what this week’s storms could bring
He’s hoping it won’t be a repeat of February’s floods
He’s taking precautions by making sure his house is in order and helping his neighbors prepare
Trying to pick up stuff that won't on someone else's property
We all have to kind of work together on stuff like that now that we're aware we have the flooding problem,” Brown said
Obion County Mayor Steve Carr said emergency responders are also preparing
They are evaluating their rescue performance from February and making sure they have the personnel they need on standby
The levee repairs were a long awaited part of their preps
And so it's been a little bit longer getting them here to get it repaired
and she was more than glad to help,” Carr said
brown says he’s ready to ride out the storm
“That gives a little bit of relief to know something is being done
Obion County 911 is testing evacuation sirens in Rives and other flood prone places at noon Wednesday so they will be ready if needed
Obion County Mayor Steve Carr announced that electricity was restored in Rives; a week before
hundreds of people had evacuated because severe flooding had created a life-threatening situation
TN — Obion County Mayor Steve Carr announced on Friday
that electricity has been restored to every occupied residence in Rives
The announcement comes almost a week after the county declared a state of emergency on Sunday
Hundreds of people evacuated because a potential levee failure and severe flooding created a life-threatening situation in Rives
Carr took to Facebook Friday evening to express his gratitude to the local first responders
"Thank you to everyone who helped to make this happen
I am so grateful for all of you," said Mayor Carr
Mayor Carr also thanked Craig McManus and his crew at CAM Electric and Gibson Electric Membership Cooperative for making it possible
Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInRIVES TWP
prompted a massive firefighter response Monday afternoon
News 10 crews at the scene saw at least five firefighting agencies responding
The owner of the house told WILX that every human made it out of the home alongside some dogs
three cats and three rats died in the fire
WILX has reached out to authorities for more information
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Flood waters sweeping through the town after a big rain is not unusual for the town of Rives
A levee breach Sunday morning has changed what flooding means in this small community
— Flood waters sweeping through the town after a big rain is not unusual for the town of Rives
meaning those who live there are used to seeing water in the streets
but this is like nothing the residents have seen before
rescue crews from Obion County and other parts of Tennessee made 95 rescues — make that 96 in total
as one woman and her dogs were rescued on Monday afternoon
The question now many are asking is: "When can we go home?"
and they self-evacuated their home on Saturday
Their grandson lives next door — he hesitated to leave
That hesitancy resulted in him being rescued by a boat on Sunday morning
Obion County Sheriff Karl Jackson said not knowing what's next is the worst part
where it's been going on the east side of the river in several places
There's also been a breach that's been developed on this side of the river which has been putting a lot of water out but
not sure where that's going to go," Jackson said
Many outsiders are curious to see what the town looks like
"People that don't live here don't need to come here
but I don't know that they've ever been through it with a snow behind it," said Jackson
Obion County Mayor Steve Carr has a heavy heart for the families of Rives
"We're fortunate that we didn't have any major injuries so far
We're very thankful for that and we're trying to take every precaution to make sure that it remains that way," he said
Carr said this recovery will be quite different and require a major clean up effort
but at this time it is too early to tell their exact needs
We had a lot of rain in a short period of time you know
so that just put a major strain on the levee system
The levee had been damaged a few years back
so there's going to have to be some work on that to get it built up better," said Carr
There's a lot to be done in the days to come
but both the mayor and the Markses said they're taking it day by day
and we've done that before and we'll do it again," said Teresa Marks
There are shelter locations set up at two locations for the displaced families
The first is at the Obion County Fairgrounds and the second is at the Woodland Mills Civic Center
The Obion County Emergency Management Authority reports that Rives has declared an emergency
TN — The Obion County Emergency Management Authority reports that Rives has declared an emergency
Obion County EMA has already forced the evacuation of at least 88 people
"This is NOT like recent floods—this is a possible life-threatening situation," said the Obion County EMA
Residents should evacuate when the next round of boats arrives
contact 731-300-0160 to report your address
Here is a list of shelters Obion County EMA provided:
and evacuate as soon as possible," Obion County EMA added
Army Corps of Engineers will be in Rives on Tuesday to repair the Obion River levee
Rives is still recovering while preparing for the next round of weather
That levee failure led to the entire town of about 200 people being evacuated and significant damage to dozens of homes
Brittany Rollins has lived in Rives for a decade and had never witnessed flooding like she saw in February
Rollins said everybody in Rives was affected
Obion County Mayor Steve Carr said cleanup efforts for Rollins and others are well underway
their focus is turning to preventing another disaster
Army Corps of Engineers is coming in to help
“They're going to be here tomorrow to get that underway
To get the levee reinforced and built up here around town so that we'll be ready for the potential flooding,” Carr said
Carr said that update is a relief for county leaders
What if we don't get that hole plugged in that levee
Rollins is hopeful the flooding won't be as severe
“We just deal with it as it comes and some of us are very frightened,” Rollins said
Carr said emergency responders are also meeting and evaluating their response to the February flood
they can better coordinate if water rescues and flood response is needed
Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInRIVES
(WMC) - Obion County’s Mayor has officially declared a State of Emergency following flash flooding throughout the area
The mayor took to social media with the following message:
I AM declaring a STATE OF EMERGENCY in response to the severe flooding in Rives and the imminent threats to other low-lying areas within our county (potentially Kenton)
This decision has been made to ensure the safety and well-being of our community as we navigate these challenging conditions
Evacuations: There will be mandatory evacuations in effect for the residents in Rives due to the rising water
and freezing temperature creating a life-threatening situation
Security: Law enforcement will be actively securing the affected areas to protect residents and property
Please be advised that there will be no trespassing in these zones
Private drones are not allowed as helicopters and public safety drones are in use at this time
We urge everyone to respect this directive
as it is vital for the safety of both our first responders and the community at large
Public Information: Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels
and Sheriff Karl Jackson for updates on the situation and safety instructions
I encourage all residents in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions
Please stay tuned for further updates and follow guidance from local authorities
let us join our hearts in prayer for all of those affected and we will overcome this situation with His help
There was also a Flash Flood Emergency issued for the Obion River in Rives
Water rescue crews were deployed to the area around 8:00 a.m
are in the area to assist in ongoing water rescues
It was reported that approximately 200 residents need to be rescued from the rising Obion River
according to the Tipton County Fire Department
People in the area are encouraged to seek high ground
avoid walking or driving through flood waters
Obion County Mayor Steve Carr released a statement:
Today is a very sad day for our community and our hearts hurt for all those who are affected by the ongoing flood crisis
As we face the ongoing challenges posed by the severe flooding in our area
I want to assure you that our first responders and swift water rescue teams are working tirelessly to bring those in need to safety
I am amazed at the number of agencies and personnel who have come to the aid of the residents of Rives
Their dedication and bravery in these trying times is commendable
We are closely monitoring the situation regarding the levees
and I must stress the seriousness of the potential for levee breakage
and the safety of this community is our top priority
at this time the best help you can offer is to avoid the area
We know people are concerned about their fellow citizens
we can not allow you to jeopardize these critical rescue missions
I strongly encourage all residents of Rives to evacuate as soon as possible
Please heed the warnings and take necessary precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones
If you require assistance or transportation
do not hesitate to reach out to local authorities
In terms of evacuees and patients - we do not have a count as to the number because it is very early in this crisis
We are transporting any patients to our local hospital with at least one in critical condition
Please remember everyone involved in your prayers
We have reached out to crews for more updates
and we will update you as soon as we learn more
Congressman David Kustoff has released a statement addressing the flooding and thanking those who are working in the area:
I am closely monitoring the flooding in Rives
including staying in communication with state and local officials
I encourage everyone to follow local guidance and stay safe
Thank you to our law enforcement officers and first responders for working diligently to evacuate the area and help those in harms way
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Beulah "Boo" Rives Cheney Wilson
Boo was the beloved daughter of the late Hugh Rives and Ann Watters Rives
Her early life was marked by a strong commitment to education
later graduating from the University of Georgia
Boo made a significant impact as a public relations executive
where her eloquence and passion shone brightly
This love for connection extended into her personal life
where she was known for her remarkable communication skills and her unwavering willingness to mentor others
She devoted herself to her community in many ways
She was one of the first female Rotarians in the Rotary Club of Clemson
embodying the principle "Service Above Self." She was one of the first members of the Association of Women Professionals and she served on the Clemson University Foundation Board
and as a devoted member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church
she served as Senior Warden and took great pride in her mentorship role with Education for Ministry
Boo’s commitment to her church and its community reflected her deep-seated belief in the importance of service and spiritual guidance
Boo's personal interests included her love for golf
Her vibrant personality and warmth drew many into her life as she nurtured relationships that transcended conventional bounds
and embracing everyone withkindness who entered her life.
leaving behind a legacy of love through her many grandchildren and those she lovingly adopted into her heart
A memorial service to celebrate Boo's life and the many ways she touched others will be held at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Clemson on Saturday
with “Boo Wilson Memorials” in the memo line
She will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege to know her
Visit RobinsonFuneralHomes.com or Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home & Cremations
According to the reports from the U.S. National Weather Service-Memphis
the levee near Rives has failed and severe flooding has prompted water rescues
Obion County Sheriff’s Department and Rescue Squad
Lake County Rescue Squad and other agencies are working to help those in need
“We have one family that refuses to leave
just viewing her animals safety and stuff like that
it’s in everybody’s best interest to get out,” said Clay Craddock
at the request of the Obion County Emergency Management authority
Gibson electric will be temporarily shutting down power in parts of Rives as a precautionary safety measure
This action is being taken as they continue to evacuate the area due to rising floodwaters
We are currently working to get additional details on those affected by the flooding
Stay tuned to WBBJ-7 on air and online as we gather more information
evacuations and numerous water rescues in February
officials in Rives are making preparations for the predicted huge rainfall our area is expected to experience the next few days beginning tonight
Rives officials said the levee on the north side of Rives has been patched and they hope it holds
the Army Corps of Engineers fixed the levee break north of town
Also the river basin brought in large pumps for the town to use
Tenn.—One local west Tennessee town continues to recover after devastating flood waters damage the area
Citizens in the town of Rives are still finding their way after suffering loss from last week’s levee fail
Flood waters quickly overtook the town and many had to flee homes
Brutal cold weather and snow then hit west Tennessee causing further delays for those eager to get back home
residents in the area have managed to make their way back to their homes
Residents also finally regained electricity Friday
which helped in sifting through the damage
all offering needed services at no charge to aid in recovery
We spoke to a few residents to see how they are handling the entire process
“We are in the process of cleaning up today
With it being 50 degrees we had to wait until everything kind of unthawed with the winter storm
we both had flood insurance so that’s a positive on our part
This flood has gathered a lot more national attention and news media
where in 2023 we didn’t see anyone out here,” said Matt and Ajgan Payne
more than half the residents living there were affected by the flood
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Tenn.–Obion County Emergency Management Agency Director Danny Jowers spoke for everyone in the area of Rives when he said
“For EVERYONE involved Mission accomplished!!!!”
After over 12 hours of evacuations and welfare checks
rescue and evacuation operations in Rives have been suspended
Rives declared a state of emergency Saturday night and Jowers posted
“Rising floodwaters have already forced the evacuation of at least 88 people
with some being transported to the hospital
This is NOT like recent floods—this is a possible life threatening situation
and conditions are rapidly worsening.”
Shelters were set up at the Obion County Fairgrounds and the Woodland Mills Civic Center
According to the Madison County Rescue Squad
multiple agencies worked tirelessly in the cold temperatures and water to make sure all structures were checked
Many worked eight-plus hours before stopping to warm up and eat
While crews headed home six Swiftwater members and Chief Turner stayed the night in Obion County in case there are any rescues needed during the night
Details: cache-fra-eddf8230105-FRA 1746530433 3424239424
Joseph Super (pictured) will take on incumbent Vercilla Hart for the role of Rives Township clerk in the Aug
(Photo provided by candidate)Courtesy Photo
.st1{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#2a2a2a}By Mitchell Kukulka | MKukulka@mlive.comJACKSON COUNTY
MI - A township seat that’s been vacated and refilled three times in just over a year is up for grabs in August
Rives Township’s incumbent clerk Vercilla Hart will face challenger Joseph Super in the Aug
Hart resigned again - citing overwork - in January
only to come back the role four days later
Related: Resigned township clerk returns to position for second time after abruptly leaving again
With no Democrats filed to run for the position
the winner of the August election will appear uncontested on the November general election ballot and likely will win the seat
MLive/Jackson Citizen Patriot has partnered with the nonpartisan League of Women Voters of Michigan Education Fund to provide the Vote411.org voter guide.
The voter guide questionnaire asked both candidates to discuss their qualifications and plans from the position
Hart did not response to the questionnaire
Note: All responses in the voter guide were submitted directly by the candidate and have not been edited by the League of Women Voters
except for necessary cuts if a reply exceeded character limitations
Publication of candidate statements and opinions is solely in the interest of public service and should NOT be considered as an endorsement
The League never supports or opposes any candidates or political parties
and characteristics qualify you for this position
Super: I have worked across a variety of industries
to automotive repair & residential construction
to production-oriented manufacturing in several forms
One of the most important skills I’ve acquired across all of these is the ability to train myself
but I have found the ability to find the best way to master the basics and then identify what I don’t know
and find the people & resources to fill in those gaps
and that has helped me to excel in situations new to me
What are the most important challenges the Clerk’s position currently faces
Super: Township Clerks are a focal point and a catch-all in our local municipal governments
it shares the functions and responsibilities of a governing body of any size
and I hope to bring cohesiveness and communication to the position in order to best serve our residents
What is the role of the community clerk’s office in increasing civic participation in elections
especially increasing the number of registered voters and encouraging turnout
Super: There are so many separate dynamics faced by our township at the moment
we face issues that directly impact our residents
and I would like to be sure our residents feel that they are served and represented by their elected officials
I find a lack of awareness of issues big enough to make the news amongst our community
and I look forward to finding ways to tell our residents that their participation is strongly encouraged and that their voices are heard as clearly as any other
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