Three Putnam County groups will travel to Kenya next month for a collaborative effort to make a global economic impact. Flint Global is an international business incubation network. Founder Travis Trull said it is the first step in connecting the Upper Cumberland with the company’s efforts. “Flint Global owns a social enterprise in Kenya where we make handmade, high-end jewelry,” ... Read More »

The Overton County Ag Extension Office participating in a statewide competition to encourage financial literacy among the youth. It is the annual Piggy Bank Pageant. Ag Agent Nicole Marrero said participants create their own handmade banks with the general public voting on the winners. “It’s important for kids to start learning to save money early on,” Marrero said. “To help ... Read More »

The Cookeville Planning Department will once again further study the addition of campgrounds and RV parks under local commercial districts. Community Development Director Jon Ward presented preliminary guidelines to the Planning Commission Monday. Ward said the proposed amendments would remove the developments from general commercial. “This is a pretty complex issue,” Ward said. “We want to make sure we do ... Read More »

White County Executive Denny Wayne Robinson said the county currently has no guidelines to enforce property maintenance. Commissioners are set to explore options in committee next month. Robinson said as the county grows, his office receives more calls regarding the issue. “Farms are now being sold off and subdivided and you are getting 50 houses are a 25 acre plot,” ... Read More »

Pickett County wants to purchase new CPR equipment and heart monitors for its ambulance service. County Executive Stephen Bilbrey said the county is applying for some $400,000 in grant funding for the upgrades. “The heart monitors that we have are probably about nine or 10-years-old,” Bilbrey said. “They still work, but we definitely need to upgrade those and some CPR ... Read More »

Cumberland County Fair Board Member Ricky Smith was inaugurated over the weekend as the next State Fair Association President. Smith said he has served as a vice-president the past three years leading up to the new one-year term. “It’s a great experience to become president,” Smith said. “It’s been about a six or seven year experience to do so. You ... Read More »

The moving process to relocate Putnam County’s Veteran Services Office and Archives has begun. Mayor Randy Porter said the county has received the certificate of occupancy following the completion of the new building. “The veterans museum alone with all those showcases with veteran uniforms, and it is a lot to move,” Porter said. “There is a lot more than what’s ... Read More »

Sparta Mayor Jerry Lowery said there was conversation with Aldermen to open the city administrator job to outside candidates but ultimately decided to hire from within. City Recorder and Certified Municipal Finance Officer Tonya Tindle was named the new city administrator. Lowery said the city wants to build a work environment where employees have a chance to move up. “Sometimes ... Read More »

The new three-digit suicide prevention number has lead to more Upper Cumberland residents seeking mental health guidance. Roughly 500 additional callers a month have used the new 988 number after changing from 10-digits six months ago. Upper Cumberland Suicide Prevention Network Director Mike Anderson said the increase was anticipated. Anderson-1                   (:16)    ... Read More »

A Livingston entertainment venue will receive state recognition for connecting the community to music. Americanaville at Iron & Oak Event Center named a TN Music Pathways location. Chamber of Commerce Director Shannon Cantrell said the designation means the venue will receive a physical marker and online marketing. Cantrell-1             (:15)              ... Read More »