Sparta Police will be adding a new pickup to the fleet, a replacement for a vehicle damaged in a high-speed chase. Insurance will pay some $18,480 toward the purchase with the rest coming from the drug fund. Police Chief Nick Dunn said the department decided to switch from Explorers because they are less expensive. “The ones we got before were ... Read More »

Jamestown and Fentress County celebrated the ground breaking Friday for the new TCAT/Roane State Higher Education facility set to be built just off old Highway 127. At least 700 students will be served annually at the 49,000 square foot facility. Governor Bill Lee earmarked $25 million toward the project in 2022 which will feature classes in nursing, construction, manufacturing and ... Read More »

Cookeville City Council approved a new five-year lease Thursday night for a parking lot on Church Avenue. The city will pay Tennessee Tech $1 annually for the use of the land, which includes a 15-year option. Finance Director Brenda Imel said it is located between Spring Street and Broad Street, and would be part of expanded parking. “We are pursuing ... Read More »

Sparta Electric wants to replace at least seven wooden utility poles with steel poles in an attempt to improve reliability. Aldermen approved taking sealed bids for the project Thursday night, because of the costs involved. Utility Manager Belva Bess said the city wants to budget for gradual replacements of the older infrastructure. “Some of our main poles that do more ... Read More »

“Tonight I feel like that I’m no longer needed as your chief of police.” Baxter Police Chief Danny Holmes resigned Thursday night, citing interference from the City Council. The resignation will be effective next Wednesday. Holmes called it a sad night, saying he had not planned on resigning. “My hope and my prayer is that you find another chief,” Holmes ... Read More »

Wednesday marks the 50th anniversary of the nation’s second-largest tornado outbreak on record, storms that took the lives of 27 Upper Cumberland residents. At least 11 different tornadoes touched down across the Upper Cumberland from April 3, 1974 into April 4. Storms struck every county but Clay and Van Buren. 275 homes were damaged and three people died in Overton ... Read More »

Work wrapping up this week on the renovations to Warren County Middle School, a project several years in the making. Warren County Director Of Schools Grant Swallows said the facility built in the 1950s had long been overdue for upgrades. Specifically, the system addressed the school’s entryway and added new administrative space. “The front of the building actually faces the ... Read More »

City of Cookeville asking for your help in surveying the type of water line in your home. The EPA-mandated survey includes homes constructed prior to July, 1988. At question, whether your pipes are lead, copper, plastic, or galvanized. Water and Sewer Department Director Barry Turner said lead is at the heart of the government’s concern. “Well, there’s the health concerns ... Read More »

The Governor’s budget with limited money this year for Tennessee Tech capital projects, but it does include money to renovate the auditorium inside the Bryan Fine Arts Building. Wattenberger Hall has not seen a major overhaul since the building was constructed in 1981. Dean of the College Of Fine Arts Jennifer Shank said the facility hosts more than 250 School ... Read More »

The Putnam Education Partnership will gather next week for its first major fundraising event, a lunch to support its work with the Putnam County Schools. PEP Foundation Executive Director Katelyn Steakley said the event will raise money for the foundation’s work and showcase students inside the school system. “It’s going to be really exciting to share all the things that ... Read More »