DANDRIDGE, Tenn. — A year ago, this week, Hurricane Helene left Douglas Lake swimming with debris. Some locals say debris isn't uncommon, but what Helene brought was something different.

Caroline, who did not want to share her last name, has lived steps away from the lake for four years.

"Every year when the water comes up to its natural level, it naturally brings branches and things like that to our shoreline. We go down 72 steps to get to our beach, and usually we go into the water with life jackets on and just push out any debris that's there," she said.

She said after Helene swept through, it was impossible to get into the water. It left her and some of her neighbors wondering what could be done. That's where the Tennessee Valley Authority came in. The organization was tasked with

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