Pierce Gentry
ReporterBorn and raised in Knoxville, Pierce studied journalism in the University of Tennessee's College of Communication and Information. His work with WUOT covering Hurricane Helene, the Great Smoky Mountains and local government has earned him numerous awards, including "Best Radio Reporter" from the Southeast Journalism Conference. In his free time, Pierce enjoys reading, photography and getting lost in the Smokies.
You can contact him via email.
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One year ago, Frank Brough and his wife lost their 177-year-old home to Hurricane Helene. They were told it would cost at least $400,000 to repair their house. Hear his story in his own words. -
One year ago, John Hilemon II's family farm was wiped out by flooding in Unicoi County after Hurricane Helene swept through East Tennessee. Hear his story in his own words. -
One year ago, Allyson Felty and her family lost their Johnson County home after Hurricane Helene raged through East Tennessee. Hear her story in her own words. -
One year ago, Michael Davis and his family lost everything to flooding caused by Hurricane Helene. After receiving help from a local church, they're getting back on their feet. -
One year ago, Joy Lambert and her husband, Karlas, lost everything to floods wrought by Hurricane Helene. Now, with the help of their community, they’ve managed to get back on their feet. -
One year after Hurricane Helene dealt billions of dollars' worth of damage to communities in East Tennessee and western North Carolina, local governments are still struggling to pick up the pieces and restore damaged infrastructure. -
After the federal government shutdown cut staffing and services at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, local governments and nonprofits in the region stepped up to foot the bill and keep the park open during the peak fall season. -
As East Tennessee recovers after Hurricane Helene, farmers find their land has changed in unexpected ways. University of Tennessee soil scientists are testing the ground to create future plans. -
On September 27, 2024 Hurricane Helene struck the heart of Appalachia, devastating rural communities throughout East Tennessee. One year later, many are still picking up the pieces. -
State officials in Appalachia have labeled low-head dams as public safety hazards, with some even being responsible for deaths. But some community members are hesitant to have the fixtures removed.
