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The
Importance of
Commercial Truck Insurance in Cleveland, TN
- Let's face it - truckers in America have always been the backbone of our great country. They still are in modern times. On any given day, thousands of trucks traverse our highways and local roads, delivering goods and products on time so that businesses and consumers have what they need to live life. And while commercial trucking can be an incredibly lucrative way to make a living and put food on the table, it can also be risky and expensive.
- Whether you're the owner of a fleet, an independent trucker, or have a business that uses big rigs to transport goods, you need commercial trucking insurance to protect you and your client's investments, shield you from liability, and more.
- That's where working with a reliable truck insurance agency comes into play. Unfortunately, for many commercial truck insurance providers, serving the needs of truckers is low on the proverbial totem pole. At Independence Insurance Agency, nothing could be further from the truth.
Service Areas
The Commercial Truck
Insurance Agency in Cleveland, TN You Can Trust
Much like you pride yourself on running a successful trucking business, Independence Insurance Agency prides itself on its years of experience providing truck insurance for hardworking men and women across the country. And in our experience, insurance rates for truckers are just too high - so high, in fact, that they eat away at their bottom line, making it more difficult to run a business and make a profit. Fortunately, at Independence Insurance Agency, we provide truckers the freedom they need from astronomically high insurance rates so they can stay on the road and keep driving America forward.
As one of the most trusted commercial trucking insurance agencies in the U.S., we understand the challenges that you face daily as a trucker. We also know how important it is to protect your business. That's why we go above and beyond to find you the best-priced coverage available, whether you're an operator, own a small fleet, a large fleet, or something in between.
We Put Truckers First Because Others Don't
Truckers across the country choose to work with Independence Insurance Agency because we put their needs first before anything else. As experts in transportation insurance, we proudly offer a range of quality insurance products that are both practical and affordable for them. Our industry-leading carriers provide coverage that caters to the unique challenges faced by the trucking industry, ensuring that your business is protected at all times.
At our core, we are committed to finding the best possible price for your coverage without compromising the quality of service you deserve. The truth is, we understand how essential truckers are to the United States and take pride in making their insurance experience more streamlined and affordable.
One way we do so is by simplifying the insurance process. Our transportation specialists take the time to understand your specific needs and budget to tailor a comprehensive plan that works for you. You won't ever have to worry about cookie-cutter plans or uninterested agents when you work with our commercial trucking insurance agency. We take an educational approach to ensure that the entire big rig insurance process is quick, painless, and easy to understand. If there's something you don't understand, we're happy to take the time to explain. After all, the success and safety of your business are on the line.
Looking to the future, we are committed to providing innovative new products that cater to the ever-changing needs of truck drivers. As your one-stop shop for commercial trucking insurance, we are dedicated to your success, one policy at a time.
If you're a commercial trucker looking to ensure your rig, you can rest easy knowing that Independence Insurance Agency provides:
- Affordable Trucking Insurance Plans for Any Budget
- Exemplary Customer Service
- Seasoned Transportation Specialists Who Customize Plans to Your Needs
- A+ Carriers Across the Country
- Simple, Easy Quote and Bind Process
- Multiple Insurance Carriers Quoted to Find You the Best Rates
- Truck Insurance for New Ventures
Call us or send us a message today to learn more about the best 18-wheeler insurance options for your trucking business.
The Commercial Truck
Common Types of Big Rig Truck Insurance in Cleveland, TN
At Independence Insurance Agency, we offer several types of insurance coverage for local, intermediate, and long-haul trucking needs. Here are just a few categories of trucking insurance coverage that our agency offers.
As the foundation of your insurance policy, liability coverage is required by law in most states in the U.S. It provides coverage for damage or injuries caused to properties or other people if your 18-wheeler is responsible for the crash. Without liability coverage, it's almost impossible to drive a truck or run a trucking business without major legal consequences.
Having physical damage coverage is an essential component that shouldn't be overlooked. This insurance is responsible for covering the expenses related to repairing or replacing your truck in situations such as accidents, theft, vandalism, and other damaging events. By having this coverage, you can rest assured that your business won't be affected significantly by unexpected incidents, and you can continue running your operations smoothly even in challenging times.
For trucking companies, the goods they transport are crucial to their operations. To protect these goods from damage, loss, or theft while in transit, cargo insurance is essential. This coverage provides much-needed peace of mind for both you and your clients, allowing you to reimburse clients for any losses sustained while protecting your reputation and brand identity.
Non-Trucking Liability Insurance is designed to cover property damage or bodily injury that may occur during personal time when the driver/truck is not under dispatch. This coverage can be applied with or without a trailer and is added to a commercial policy as an endorsement.
While Independence Insurance Agency has built a reputation of excellence in serving the needs of truckers, we also offer general liability. Also known as Truckers General Liability, this coverage insures for bodily injuries or property damage that happen due to business activities that are NOT the cause of operating a truck. It covers accidents that occur in parking lots, rest stops, also while loading or unloading. General liability can also cover losses related to theft and vandalism. Most brokers and shippers will require this coverage to work with you.
Bobtail insurance is a type of coverage that is comparable to non-trucking liability, which is designed to offer protection when driving a truck without a trailer attached. This is commonly referred to as "bobtailing." With bobtail insurance, the tractor is covered at all times, even when it is not attached to a trailer, regardless of whether or not the truck is under dispatch.
Trailer interchange insurance is a must-have if you're involved in a trailer interchange agreement. This essential coverage offers protection for trailers owned by other parties that you're using under a contractual agreement. It covers damages caused by collisions, fire, theft, and vandalism, providing assurance to all parties involved.
Curious whether our commercial truck insurance agency in cityname, state offers additional coverage? The following options can be bound in your insurance policy:
- Business Interruption Insurance
- Reefer Breakdown Insurance
- Occupational Accident with Contract Liability Insurance
- Rental Reimbursement Insurance
- Underinsured or Uninsured Motorist Insurance
- Towing Insurance
- Electronics Insurance
- Much More
3 Safe Driving Tips to
Lower the Cost of Truck Insurance in Cleveland, TN
Keeping your drivers safe on the road is crucial not only for their own well-being but also for the safety of other motorists and the financial stability of your business. The Department of Labor has identified the trucking industry as one of the most hazardous sectors in the U.S. In fact, trucking and logistics fleets are known for their high injury and fatality rates. By improving how safely your truckers drive, you can help reduce expenses related to claim payouts, accidents, and insurance premium hikes.
Whether you own a large fleet or you're the owner and operator of a single rig, keep these safe driving tips in mind to help lower your insurance costs.
Implement Preventative Maintenance Plans
Ensuring the safety of your drivers begins with the safety of their vehicles. Trucks and tractor-trailers that do not receive regular maintenance, such as oil and brake pad changes, are more likely to experience breakdowns while on the road. Telematics devices provide real-time insight into engine and odometer data, including fault codes.
This information enables your mechanics to create comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules based on mileage, history of previous breakdowns, days, and more. Additionally, they can receive immediate notifications for critical fault codes. By implementing routine maintenance and proactive repair schedules, you can ensure that your vehicles are in top condition, minimizing the likelihood of breakdowns, which can help reduce the cost of trucker insurance.
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Practice Defensive Driving
This approach aims to mitigate the risk of fatal crashes and injuries by proactively identifying and responding to potentially dangerous situations and making informed decisions while driving. By adopting defensive driving techniques, drivers can reduce their likelihood of accidents, thereby minimizing the need for expensive repairs, claim payouts, and increased insurance premiums.
Some of the easiest ways for you or your drivers to practice safe driving include:
- Be Wary of Blind Spots: Operating a reefer or tractor-trailer means driving high off of the ground, which can make visibility limited, especially in blind spots. To check your blind spot, look over your shoulder and out of your windows while changing lanes.
- Be Ready for Emergencies on the Road: It's important for drivers to be ready for unexpected situations when driving, especially during long trips. They should be equipped to handle emergencies such as poor driving conditions or big rig breakdowns.
- Use the Three-Second Rule: Truck drivers should try to maintain a three-second gap between their vehicle and the car in front of them. This means that the truck driver should reach a certain point on the road three seconds after the car in front of them has passed that same point.
- Always Use Right and Left Turn Indicators: It's important for drivers to always use their turn signals when changing lanes or exiting highways, even if they don't see any other cars around. This is not only required by law, but it also reduces the chances of accidents occurring on the road.
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Find Ways to Prevent Distracted Driving
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted driving is the primary reason behind truck driver accidents. Any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road or the steering wheel is considered distracted driving. Distractions can come in various forms, such as eating while driving or gazing at a billboard outside the window. However, the most frequent form of distracted driving is the use of cellphones, specifically texting while driving.
Assuming you or your driver's rigs are equipped with dual-facing cameras, try reviewing footage of an unsafe driving incident. Coach your drivers on ways to correct their unsafe behaviors or look up ways to do so yourself if you're the one operating the big rig. The bottom line is that when your drivers aren't distracted, they drive safer. And when they drive safer, the cost of 18-wheeler insurance in cityname, state can be reduced.
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Ensuring the safety of your drivers begins with the safety of their vehicles. Trucks and tractor-trailers that do not receive regular maintenance, such as oil and brake pad changes, are more likely to experience breakdowns while on the road. Telematics devices provide real-time insight into engine and odometer data, including fault codes.
This information enables your mechanics to create comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules based on mileage, history of previous breakdowns, days, and more. Additionally, they can receive immediate notifications for critical fault codes. By implementing routine maintenance and proactive repair schedules, you can ensure that your vehicles are in top condition, minimizing the likelihood of breakdowns, which can help reduce the cost of trucker insurance.
Call Now
This approach aims to mitigate the risk of fatal crashes and injuries by proactively identifying and responding to potentially dangerous situations and making informed decisions while driving. By adopting defensive driving techniques, drivers can reduce their likelihood of accidents, thereby minimizing the need for expensive repairs, claim payouts, and increased insurance premiums.
Some of the easiest ways for you or your drivers to practice safe driving include:
- Be Wary of Blind Spots: Operating a reefer or tractor-trailer means driving high off of the ground, which can make visibility limited, especially in blind spots. To check your blind spot, look over your shoulder and out of your windows while changing lanes.
- Be Ready for Emergencies on the Road: It's important for drivers to be ready for unexpected situations when driving, especially during long trips. They should be equipped to handle emergencies such as poor driving conditions or big rig breakdowns.
- Use the Three-Second Rule: Truck drivers should try to maintain a three-second gap between their vehicle and the car in front of them. This means that the truck driver should reach a certain point on the road three seconds after the car in front of them has passed that same point.
- Always Use Right and Left Turn Indicators: It's important for drivers to always use their turn signals when changing lanes or exiting highways, even if they don't see any other cars around. This is not only required by law, but it also reduces the chances of accidents occurring on the road.
Call Now
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted driving is the primary reason behind truck driver accidents. Any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road or the steering wheel is considered distracted driving. Distractions can come in various forms, such as eating while driving or gazing at a billboard outside the window. However, the most frequent form of distracted driving is the use of cellphones, specifically texting while driving.
Assuming you or your driver's rigs are equipped with dual-facing cameras, try reviewing footage of an unsafe driving incident. Coach your drivers on ways to correct their unsafe behaviors or look up ways to do so yourself if you're the one operating the big rig. The bottom line is that when your drivers aren't distracted, they drive safer. And when they drive safer, the cost of 18-wheeler insurance in cityname, state can be reduced.
Call Now
FAQs About
Independence Insurance Agency
If you're looking for a commercial trucking insurance agency for your business, chances are you have some questions - and we've got answers. Keep reading to learn more about some of the most commonly asked questions we hear from truckers like you.
Why go with a "jack of all trades" when you can work with specialists who focus exclusively on transportation insurance? We have excellent relationships with major trucking insurance carriers and, as such, can provide the best assistance and reasonable rates.
Typically, companies will look at claims that date back three years or less.
We proudly work with more than 20 carriers to provide our clients with the most advantageous options at competitive prices, catering to the needs of owner-operators and big fleets alike.
Permit filings are typically done by insurance companies on the next business day. Federal (FMCSA) filings are completed online and updated immediately, while some states may take up to three weeks to process.
Independence Insurance Agency: Committed to the Trucking Industry
There's no question about it - you've got to protect your staff, your rig, and your trucking business with insurance. But choosing the right insurance partner isn't always easy. Thankfully, with Independence Insurance Agency by your side, you can rest easy knowing you're covered no matter where the road takes you. If you're in need of a commercial truck insurance agency in Cleveland, TN that caters to truckers like you, pick up the phone and contact one of our transportation specialists today. That way, you can get back on the road with confidence tomorrow.
Latest News in Cleveland, TN
UPDATE: Cleveland, TN girl battling cancer passes away
Local 3 News Staffhttps://www.local3news.com/local-news/update-cleveland-tn-girl-battling-cancer-passes-away/article_446fc1fa-5261-11ee-af64-37233383d700.html
UPDATE: A child living in Cleveland, Tennessee has passed away after fighting cancer for four and a half years.You may have heard of Olivia Weatherford. She was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma in 2019, and we have covered her fight ever since.Olivia was loved and cherished by the Cleveland community. She was a fourth grader at Candy's Creek Cherokee Elementary School.The family plans to share arrangements when they have them made.Cleveland City Schools released this statement:"Goo...
UPDATE: A child living in Cleveland, Tennessee has passed away after fighting cancer for four and a half years.
You may have heard of Olivia Weatherford. She was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma in 2019, and we have covered her fight ever since.
Olivia was loved and cherished by the Cleveland community. She was a fourth grader at Candy's Creek Cherokee Elementary School.
The family plans to share arrangements when they have them made.
Cleveland City Schools released this statement:
"Good afternoon,
It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Olivia Weatherford's passing. Olivia, a 4th-grade student at Candy’s Creek Cherokee Elementary, passed away yesterday. Many of us have followed Olivia’s journey through the “LIV - In The Journey” Facebook page where her family graciously shared their experience and raised awareness.
“Olivia and her family have been a staple in our community as we have followed this journey," said Dr. Russell Dyer, Director of Schools. "Liv’s strength, courage, and laughter inspired me and many others and will continue to do so. My thoughts and prayers are extended to the Weatherford family.”
"Olivia's presence at Candy’s Creek Cherokee Elementary has served as an inspiration to students and staff, teaching us the true meaning of courage and strength," said Lisa Earby, Principal of Candy's Creek Cherokee Elementary School. "Her spirit of love, compassion, and happiness will always reside in our hearts and in every space of our school building."
Our hearts and sympathies go out to Olivia's family and friends. Cleveland City Schools stands by Olivia's family during this difficult time, and are ready to provide any support that may be of assistance.
We kindly ask that you respect Weatherford's privacy during this difficult time.
Thank you."
PREVIOUS STORY: Today, Cleveland City Schools went purple in support of one of their own.
Olivia Weatherford is a currently a fourth-grade student at Candy's Creek Cherokee Elementary School.
She was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma in 2019, and we have been following her fight for years.
Today, the district, students, and staff - along with the community - wore shades of purple.
Kroger To Bring 140 New Jobs To Cleveland With Central Fill Facility
chattanoogan.comhttps://www.chattanoogan.com/2023/8/21/473582/Kroger-To-Bring-140-New-Jobs-To.aspx
Kroger announced Monday that the company will construct a new central fill facility with Cleveland, Tn., as its fifth U.S. location.Kroger will create 140 new jobs in Bradley County as a result of the project.The central fill facility will increase pharmacy efficiencies and accuracy by utilizing automated technology to fulfill prescriptions, officials said.Once complete, the 50,000-square-foot plant will support Kroger’s pharmacies in the Southeastern U.S.Founded in 1883, and headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohi...
Kroger announced Monday that the company will construct a new central fill facility with Cleveland, Tn., as its fifth U.S. location.
Kroger will create 140 new jobs in Bradley County as a result of the project.
The central fill facility will increase pharmacy efficiencies and accuracy by utilizing automated technology to fulfill prescriptions, officials said.
Once complete, the 50,000-square-foot plant will support Kroger’s pharmacies in the Southeastern U.S.
Founded in 1883, and headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, the Kroger Company operates supermarkets and multi-department stores across the U.S.
Governor Bill Lee said, “Tennessee is leading the nation as the best state for companies to expand and succeed, thanks to our unmatched business climate, thriving economy and highly skilled workforce. Kroger is a national brand that shares our state’s strong family values, and their decision to establish this facility and create new jobs will ensure greater opportunity for Tennesseans across Bradley County.”
TNECD Commissioner Stuart McWhorter said, “We are proud to collaborate with Kroger again to announce new jobs and investment in Tennessee. Cleveland and Bradley County are geographically positioned to enhance Kroger’s distribution network across the Southeast, and we look forward to seeing the success of its newest Central Fill facility.”
Kroger Economic Development Director Lisa Daugherty said, "We appreciate the site selection guidance and collaboration with the State, city of Cleveland, Bradley County and Tennessee Valley Authority on this exciting project. Tennessee offers an ideal combination of business assistance and a skilled labor market to support the growth of Kroger Health.”
Bradley County Mayor D. Gary Davis and Cleveland Mayor Kevin Brooks said, “Bradley County and the City of Cleveland have enjoyed a Kroger warehouse and distribution presence in our community since 1979, providing quality employment opportunities to several thousand residents over the past forty-four years. Today, we have the privilege of being some of the first to say welcome and thank you for your decision to make another investment in our community. Locating a state-of-the-art Central Fill facility in Southeast Tennessee not only allows Kroger to better serve its customers throughout a major portion of the Southeast, but it also serves as a testament to the hard work our citizens and leadership have put in over the years to make this place that we call home an attractive and productive location for logistics and distribution companies.”
John Bradley, TVA senior vice president of economic development, said, “TVA and Cleveland Utilities congratulate Kroger on its decision to establish operations in Cleveland. Helping to attract companies creating job opportunities and investment in the region is fundamental to TVA’s mission of service. We are proud to partner with the City of Cleveland, Bradley County, the Cleveland-Bradley County Chamber of Commerce and the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development to help further that mission and celebrate this announcement together.”
“We are pleased Kroger is creating 140 new jobs in Bradley County with the opening of its fifth Central Fill facility in the U.S. This project will grow our local economy, and the innovative prescription drug services provided by this facility will be a great benefit to our residents. We thank Kroger for its investment in Bradley County and very much appreciate their continued partnership,” said Senator Adam Lowe (R-Calhoun).
Rep. Kevin Raper (R-Cleveland), said, “Once again, the state of Tennessee proves itself to be the best place in the country for corporations looking to expand their business. We are proud to announce the installation of Kroger’s latest Central Fill facility in Cleveland and Bradley County. This endeavor will create 140 jobs and provide state-of-the-art care through the utilization of automated technology to fulfill prescriptions. We are honored to be the site for this project, and highly anticipate the positive impact it will have on our economy and community.”
Cleveland State Community College Presidential Search Advisory Committee appointed, public forum set for Oct. 26
Tennessee Board of Regentshttps://www.tbr.edu/news/cleveland-state-community-college-presidential-search-advisory-committee-appointed-public-forum
The Search Advisory Committee that will lead the Tennessee Board of Regents' search for the next president of Cleveland State Community College has been appointed and will meet for its orientation session and a public forum on Oct. 26.Board of Regents Member Danni B. Varlan will chair the 19-member committee, which also includes Regents Miles A. Burdine and Thomas A.H. White, representatives of the college’s faculty, staff, students and alumni, and business and community representatives from Southeast Tennessee. The full list of...
The Search Advisory Committee that will lead the Tennessee Board of Regents' search for the next president of Cleveland State Community College has been appointed and will meet for its orientation session and a public forum on Oct. 26.
Board of Regents Member Danni B. Varlan will chair the 19-member committee, which also includes Regents Miles A. Burdine and Thomas A.H. White, representatives of the college’s faculty, staff, students and alumni, and business and community representatives from Southeast Tennessee. The full list of members is below.
The Search Advisory Committee will meet for an orientation session for its members and a brief public forum that will provide an overview of the search process at 2 p.m. ET, Oct. 26, 2023, in the auditorium of the George R. Johnson Cultural Heritage Center on the Cleveland campus, 3535 Adkisson Drive, Cleveland, TN 37312. The public forum will be also be accessible online at this Zoom link: https://mycs-cc.zoom.us/j/96924481081. Anyone needing assistance with the Zoom meeting may contact Ashley Raburn at araburn@clevelandstatecc.edu or (423) 478-6216 or Casi Hodges at chodges@clevelandstatecc.edu or (423) 478-6200.
The committee will review applicants and nominees for the next president and recommend finalists. The finalists will be announced and participate in campus meetings and public forums. Afterward, TBR Chancellor Flora W. Tydings will review input from the campus community and the public and conduct final interviews to recommend a single candidate for consideration by the Board of Regents, which appoint presidents of all colleges in the system.
The next president will succeed Dr. Ray Brooks, who is serving as interim president since the resignation earlier this year of Dr. Ty Stone. Cleveland State is a comprehensive, public community college committed to providing open access and quality education to all students.
The Board of Regents approved criteria for the next president July 13. Full details – including the presidential criteria, how to apply and submit nominations, and information about the college – are posted on the TBR website at https://www.tbr.edu/hr/executivesearches/president-cleveland-state-community-college.
Academic Search Inc., an executive search and consulting firm, is assisting in the search process.
Members of the Search Advisory Committee:
Regent Danni B. Varlan
Member, Board of Regents
Search Committee Chair
Regent Miles A. Burdine
Member, Board of Regents
Regent Thomas A. H. White
Member, Board of Regents
Melodee Alexander
Faculty Representative
Faculty Senate President
Jason Taylor
Faculty Representative
Caleb Chapman
Student Representative
Aspen Davis
Student Representative
Student Government President
Corey Campbell
Administrative Representative
Vice President, Academic Affairs
Kellie Frank
Administrative Representative
Executive Director, Human Resources
Chad Cameron
Staff Representative
Interim Director, Student Success
Kim Howard
Staff Representative
Technical Clerk
Mark Wilson
Staff Representative
Director, Counseling & Support Services
Mike Bell
Alumni Representative
Jonathan Cantrell
Alumni Representative
Kevin Brooks
Community Representative
Mayor, City of Cleveland
John Gentry
Community Representative
Mayor, McMinn County
Vant Hardaway
Community Representative
Connie Vaughan
Business Representative
Susan Hatto
President, Tennessee College
of Applied Technology Athens
Resources:
For more details and information on the search: https://www.tbr.edu/hr/executivesearches/president-cleveland-state-community-college
The College System of Tennessee is the state’s largest public higher education system, with 13 community colleges, 24 colleges of applied technology and the online TN eCampus serving approximately 140,000 students. The system is governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents.
Cleveland's Olivia Weatherford, brave cancer fighter who inspired others in her short life, passes away
Jaclyn Davishttps://newschannel9.com/news/local/clevelands-olivia-weatherford-brave-fighter-who-inspired-others-in-her-short-life-passes-away
CLEVELAND, Tenn. — Olivia Weatherford, the young girl with the bright smile who united and inspired her hometown of Cleveland, Tennessee, is now no longer in pain.On her Liv In The Journey Facebook page, Olivia's family made the diffi...
CLEVELAND, Tenn. — Olivia Weatherford, the young girl with the bright smile who united and inspired her hometown of Cleveland, Tennessee, is now no longer in pain.
On her Liv In The Journey Facebook page, Olivia's family made the difficult announcement that she had passed away Tuesday evening, surrounded by her loving family in her Cleveland home. She had just turned 9 and a half years old.
Read the full update from her family below.
We have shared Olivia's story for the past few years.
Every one of our stories featured a photo of her with a beaming smile.
Her family says a positive attitude kept both them and her going, but recently, the cancer that ravaged her body finally took its toll.
Our last update on Olivia was last month, when Cleveland City Schools, Bradley County Schools, and much of Cleveland and Bradley County all wore purple in her honor.
This was as her family was hoping she would get well enough to return to her Cleveland home from St. Jude's Hospital in Memphis.
Their wish was ultimately granted, according to the Liv In the Journey Facebook page, with her spending the last two weeks of her life where she belongs.
Read the family's full message to supporters below:
**LIV UPDATE - The hard one**
There are two very difficult moments when a family is diagnosed with pediatric cancer: the actual diagnosis, and sharing the loss of that child. Up until now, I’ve only done one of those
At 6:04 p.m., on Tuesday, September 12, Olivia was officially ushered into Heaven surrounded by her family. After 4 1/2 years of fighting cancer, her fight ended ironically on her 9 1/2 birthday. When she passed, we were all together with Nana and Granna at our house with Olivia nicely tucked into bed.
“I can only imagine” what Olivia is seeing today. THE moment I felt her last heart beat with my fingers, and saw the last exhale of breath from her lungs, part of me sank. The other part, well it smiled. Bc I truly pictured her opening her eyes in a place unlike any other, surrounded by so many she thought she’d never see, and covered in hair that she thought she’d never have to brush again. There’s a sweet peace in knowing that our hero, our fighter, is finally in the winners circle.
It’s been an emotional day, and life will no longer be the same. For now, we will plan arrangements and share them when ready. We understand there might be many who will want to attend or express their condolences. There’s no doubt we would not have made it this far without you.
Because of her impact on the younger ages, and the amount of children that have spoken her name during dinner prayers, we know this might be a difficult conversation to have with your young ones. Please share with them that Olivia is no longer fighting cancer, and that her spirit will live on in our lives and those we love and embrace. We will see her in the kindness we show others. Her smile will be there when we brighten someone’s day. Her laughter will be heard when someone tells a dad joke or does something silly. And her heart will be seen in the love we show to those in need.
We’ll share details for arrangements when we have them. For now, pray for our souls. Pray for Ella and Eli who broke down asking why sissy isn’t coming home. Pray for peace that is beyond explanation. But most importantly, pray that God continues to have His way in this journey as it continues and that His purpose and will be done.
#LivInTheJourney #wontgiveup #LiveLikeLiv
Funeral information has not yet been announced, but we'll update this story when that happens.
“Olivia and her family have been a staple in our community as we have followed this journey," said Dr. Russell Dyer, Director of Bradley County Schools. "Liv’s strength, courage, and laughter inspired me and many others and will continue to do so. My thoughts and prayers are extended to the Weatherford family.”
We send our condolences to the family of this fighter who inspired so many with her positive example.
Check out our previous Olivia Weatherford stories:
UPDATE: General Assembly passes bill to make Cleveland the Hot Slaw Capital of Tennessee
Shay Pattersonhttps://www.local3news.com/local-news/update-general-assembly-passes-bill-to-make-cleveland-the-hot-slaw-capital-of-tennessee/article_d12909fe-c5ec-11ee-900a-972894db7983.html
UPDATE: The Tennessee General Assembly has passed a bill making Cleveland the Hot Slaw Capital of Tennessee.State Representative Kevin Raper from Cleveland celebrated the passage of his proposal.HB1597 and HB1598 passed unanimously, making hot slaw an official sta...
UPDATE: The Tennessee General Assembly has passed a bill making Cleveland the Hot Slaw Capital of Tennessee.
State Representative Kevin Raper from Cleveland celebrated the passage of his proposal.
HB1597 and HB1598 passed unanimously, making hot slaw an official state food and giving Cleveland the special designation.
Rep. Raper said making hot slaw an official state food is an important step in preserving Cleveland's history.
Hot slaw typically contains mustard, vinegar, and hot pepper, and is served cold.
The dish was invented at Star View Theatre in Cleveland. It's now a staple in the community, where it is served in more than two dozen local restaurants.
"I was looking at the board," said Rep. Raper. "I was looking up at the vote and it was unanimous and I was just so excited I wanted to actually jump for joy out there! And that's a little out of character for a state legislature to do something like that."
Representative Raper said that he foresees no issues with the bill passing when it reaches the governor.
PREVIOUS STORY: Cleveland, Tennessee, the self proclaimed Hot Slaw Capital, is one step closer to being officially recognized.
After some opinionated discussions today in the Tennessee House, the bill (HB1597) to designate hot slaw as the official state food and the bill (HB1598) to designate Cleveland as the hot slaw capital of the state received the thumbs-up from the State Government Committee.
Representative Kevin Raper of Cleveland presented the two house bills with an intriguing description of the food to those unfamiliar.
Rep. Raper said, "Tennessee is blessed with many historical food and beverages. We have a task of keeping these historical events alive for our future."
Representative Curtis Johnson of Clarksville challenged Rep. Raper to explain the historical significance of hot slaw, pertaining to Cleveland.
Rep. Raper explained that it all started at the Star View Theatre in Cleveland. The drive-in-movie owners gathered a list of secret ingredients all over the state to make something unique.
Instead of just having coleslaw as a side dish, they created hot slaw. As it evolved, they started putting the hot slaw on hot dogs, hamburgers, pinto beans, chicken sandwiches, and more.
Rep. Raper said that now, hot slaw is offered in every single grocery store and many restaurants in Cleveland.
Due to the popularity of hot slaw, Cleveland hosts an annual hot slaw festival. He said he is one of the judges who decides on a winner who gets as close to possible as the original recipe which is still secretive.
Representative Jake McCalamon of Franklin asked, "How often do you eat hot slaw, and would you entertain the suggestion to bring samples for all of us and the public here?"
Raper replied, "As long as it is legal, I will bring it to the break room. If it makes it to the house floor, everybody can have a sample if they want to. How often do I eat it? Often! My wife and I eat it 4 to 5 times a week."
Representative Mary Littleton of Dickson said, "I'm going to let it go to the floor, but I'm going to need a sample before."
"I don't believe I've seen such an impassioned presentation since Chairman Russel asked for pumpkin pie to be made state pie." said Morristown Representative Rick Eldridge. "With that, I don't really know how anybody could vote against it."
Both house bills passed unanimously.
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