T-DOT has preemptively added Cookeville in its budget to gain urban transit status in 2023. Now they await federal government approval. Cookeville was listed in T-DOT’s annual three-year transportation program released Thursday. The status means the city would be eligible for federal transit funding. Deputy Commissioner/Chief of Environment and Planning Preston Elliot said the state department waits for final census ... Read More »

The Putnam County Planning Commission gave preliminary approval to a 10-lot West Cemetery Road subdivision Tuesday night. Planning Director Kevin Rush said commissioners also recommended for the developer to leave access to the acreage behind the lots. “We’re proposing that we recommend to the developer that they leave another 50 foot strip going back to it for future development purposes,” ... Read More »

The Upper Cumberland Regional Airport moving forward on the demolition of a farmhouse on its property. Airport Manager Dean Selby said the goal is to have the home removed by the end of spring. “I’m ready to see it gone,” Selby said. “I think it is a hazard. It could be potential liability if someone got in there and got ... Read More »

The Byrdstown Board of Aldermen has designated May 21st as Ivan Raley Day. Raley served as the First Baptist Church pastor in Byrdstown for 18 years. Mayor Sam Gibson said the town will celebrate Raley’s life through a gospel singing at the downtown pavilion. “He was well-known with the people and well liked by the people,” Gibson said. “He’s been ... Read More »

UCHRA will make its presentation to the state Thursday for its chance for a $25 million grant over three years. Pilot program presentations from 17 entities are scheduled. The entities competing for grants to change how assistance is delivered to families. Executive Director Mark Farley said countless hours have been spent preparing. “The basis of our proposal would be to ... Read More »

Fairfield Glade Police Chief Michael Williams has stepped down from his position to pursue a new opportunity with the Tennessee Board of Regents. Following William’s last day on April 30th, he will take over as TCAT’s Assistant Vice Chancellor/Chief of Police. Williams said he saw himself retiring with Fairfield Glade, but the opportunity was too good. “It’s been such a ... Read More »

The majority of Upper Cumberland schools dismissed early Wednesday due to the threat of severe weather. Situations like this remind families the importance of having a early dismissal plan ready. White County Director of Schools Kurt Dronebarger said the key is knowing where a student will be. “Who is going to be able to pick them up, who can watch ... Read More »

Cookeville’s Food City has officially opened. The company held a ribbon cutting ceremony Tuesday night leading up to Wednesday’s grand opening. Food City CEO and President Steve Smith said the some 54,000 square foot store has 220 employees ready to serve. “We are so glad to be part of Cookeville, part of Putnam County” Smith said. “We are going to ... Read More »

Tennessee Tech’s Cumberland Quintet celebrates its 50th anniversary season with a special performance Wednesday night. The ensemble consists of faculty members that all teach their respected instrument in the school of music. Flutist Dr. Mary Matthews said the performance will be a celebration of the past, present and future. “We just really feel the excitement and the honor and the ... Read More »

The Monterey Board of Aldermen approved an outside firm to conduct a water and sewer rate study Monday night. Mayor Nathan Walker said the company will evaluate customer rates, usage and future projections. “So we can make sure that we’re getting the most value for our tax payer dollars really,” Walker said. “So, they’re going to go through everything and ... Read More »