It is graduation week for the Putnam County School System. Deputy Director of Schools Tim Martin said a total of 866 students are expected to graduate in four ceremonies. “We try to not have two graduations going on at the same time, and the schools do all of that planning,” Martin said. “We just want to have good events for ... Read More »

After 35 years of transportation work for Putnam County Schools, Supervisor Kim Bradford has announced her retirement. Bradford said there was no certain deciding factor. She just knew that it was time at this point in her life. “I’m going to miss of course the staff here,” Bradford said. “We’re like one big family. I’m going to miss my supervisors ... Read More »

The biggest change to Gainesboro’s proposed budget is funding for fuel and water treatment chemicals. Mayor Lloyd Williams said an additional $15,000 included after a Tuesday work session, $8,000 for fuel and $7,000 for the chemicals. “Got together and looked at our chemicals for the water plant,” Williams said. “They are just going through the roof right now, and we ... Read More »

The Putnam County School Board has submitted the plans for the new Parkview School to the State Fire Marshal’s Office for review. The state office falls under the State Department of Commerce & Insurance. Communications Director Kevin Walters said inspectors will review the plans for building and fire safety items. “On average, a plan review takes about 14 days but ... Read More »

Astronaut and Tennessee Tech Trustee Barry Wilmore said he will be representing the university Thursday as a member of a uncrewed NASA test launch. It will be the second launch of Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner spacecraft. Wilmore said he will be in the mission control center during the launch. “We are more than thrilled to be here, and we’re also very very ... Read More »

Van Buren Commissioner Bill Mosley voiced his frustrations Tuesday night after the county received zero bids to repair the courthouse steeple. “I’m asking it for everybody that is listening to this,” Mosley said. “I’m asking for the commissioners if they know anybody. I would like to get it fixed.” Mosley said he is concerned that the leak could later result ... Read More »

The idea of a new Monterey council that would oversee events and sports has been introduced. Mayor Nathan Walker said the concept resulted from a Monday night work session. Walker said the goal would be to bring all the community events and civic organizations together. “Of course, this was just the beginning stage of trying to put something like that ... Read More »

As a year-end project, some Livingston Academy agriculture students handmade and installed bird feeders for Overton County Health and Rehab residents. Director of Schools Donnie Holman said he worked with Center Director Jennifer Bouldin to plan out the day. “It was just such an uplifting day,” Holman said. “We met with a lot of the residents and their smiling faces. ... Read More »

After hearing presentations from the final county departments, Putnam County Budget Committee Chair Ben Rodgers had a message for committee members. Rodgers said with the requests the county has, it will require additional funding. “So, we need to start deciding June 9th where we go from there based on the funding we know that we’re going to have and work ... Read More »

The Overton County School Board approved a some $26 million dollar budget Monday that includes raises, support staff insurance and two new nurse positions. School Board Chair Mike Hayes said the spending plan will go to the Overton County Education Committee for approval Tuesday. “Last year, started at 25.1. This year we’re at 26.5,” Hayes said. “So, we’re 1.4 million ... Read More »