The Wags and Whiskers non-profit will become Putnam County focused as it takes over the Putnam County Spay and Neuter Clinic. The founders of the Crossville-based non-profit were looking for a new purpose for the organization as they wanted to retire. Putnam County Resident Elizabeth Sophia said the founders’ desires just happened to align with the issues in Putnam County. ... Read More »

A new COVID Omicron subvarient called Kraken is most likely already in the Upper Cumberland. Nashville Metro Public Health confirmed its first case last week. Upper Cumberland Medical Society President Dr. Brent Staton said the subvarient is highly contagious but not necessarily more dangerous. “The likelihood of it not being here is pretty slim considering if you look at the ... Read More »

Sparta has started the process to fill its vacant financial director position. The Board of Aldermen approved opening the application portal after Financial Director Tonya Tindle was hired as city administrator. Tindle said four candidates have already applied. “It’s very important, because as small as Sparta is, it’s usually one person doing that job,” Tindle said. “There’s not a lot ... Read More »

A Livingston Academy teacher seeking nominations to create the high school’s first hall of fame class. Ag Teacher Michael Johnson said the school has its own football hall of fame, but he wanted to expand the opportunity to teachers and alumni. “I got the idea from seeing a post on the internet where Cumberland County High School inducted some people ... Read More »

Local supports of the Putnam County Spay and Neuter Clinic excited that services will continue under a different non-profit. The animal rescue Wags and Whiskers is set to take over the operation. Resident Lendzi Chandley said the clinic remaining open means efforts will continue to fight pet overpopulation. “It has really made my heart soar,” Chandley said. “My mother and ... Read More »

Leaders of the four-county Highlands Economic Partnership celebrated the opening of the Highlands Training Center Tuesday. The 5,500-square-foot building on Spring Street will be used for the Empower Upper Cumberland initiative. Director Megan Spurgeon said the center will train referrals to give them the core skills to transition into the workforce. “It is phenomenal,” Spurgeon said. “It’s been a long ... Read More »

The Genesis House seeking local businesses and civic groups to help the homeless population of Overton County. The domestic abuse advocate group is partnering with Salvation Army to plan a summer fundraising effort. Sexual Assault Advocate Shelia Ford said the organization wants to raise funds for abuse cases that often lead to homelessness. “Usually it will be mothers with children and ... Read More »

A flood of television advertisements to do your taxes may have you stressed, but one local tax expert recommends waiting a little bit longer. Cookeville CPA Jennifer Phipps said the end of February or early March serves as the best time to file since most companies send out paperwork this month. “I don’t necessarily think it is super critical unless ... Read More »

Mayor Alisa Farmer said the city has reached the point where low water rates can no longer be ignored. If approved Thursday, a water rate increase of $3.75 would go into effect in February. Both city and county customers would be impacted by the increase. Farmer said after that, the city would increase water rates three more times in six-month ... Read More »

The Putnam County Humane Society Board of Directors voted in favor of allowing a Crossville-based non-profit to take over its spay and neuter clinic. Board Chair Kyle Peterson said the board selected Wags and Whiskers to lead the operation this week. The pet rescue group manages its own spay/neuter voucher program as well as community education efforts. The Putnam County ... Read More »