Kingston Springs, Pegram declare states of emergency amid Winter Storm Fern

The Town of Kingston Springs and the Town of Pegram have both declared states of emergency as of Jan. 25 as Winter Storm Fern continues to impact southern Cheatham County with severe winter weather.

Kingston Springs Mayor Todd Verhoven issued a state of emergency declaration to allow the town to formally coordinate resources and operations with Cheatham County Emergency Management, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

“With these declarations in place, Kingston Springs is now able to access state and federal support to help protect our community and maintain essential services,” the town said in a statement.

The declaration also allows the town to seek reimbursement for employee time, fuel, equipment and supplies used by essential workers and public safety personnel during the storm response.

Mayor Verhoven said the declaration is a standard step during major weather events.

“It frees up resources for our town such as funding or other things we may need for repairs,” Verhoven said, noting similar actions were taken during previous severe weather and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pegram Mayor Charles Morehead also declared a state of emergency due to the storm. In a statement, the town said the declaration allows Pegram to coordinate with county, state and federal agencies and access critical resources such as personnel, equipment and funding.

Cheatham County Mayor Kerry McCarver has declared a countywide state of emergency, and Gov. Bill Lee has declared a statewide emergency. President Donald Trump has also issued a national emergency declaration for Tennessee and several other affected states.

County officials said the declarations allow local governments and utilities to request reimbursement for storm-related expenses through TEMA and FEMA.

Winter Storm Fern hit Kingston Springs and Pegram early Saturday, Jan. 24, bringing a few inches of snow and a thick coat of ice. Power outages were widespread across the two towns as trees began to fall. Many in the community were left without heat for several hours.

Officials in both towns urged residents to stay home if possible, stay warm and check on neighbors as cleanup and recovery efforts continue.