Putnam County Schools have funded retention bonuses to help maintain staffing among school age care workers. Deputy Director of Schools Tim Martin said a $500 incentive will be distributed at the end of February based on number of days worked. “We are having a lot of trouble with retaining our hourly workers, and so that is an attempt for us to ... Read More »

Putnam Education Partnership Foundation Board has appointed its first-ever executive director. Katelyn Steakley will lead the organization that provides essential needs for classrooms. Steakley said she will focus on building community relationships and fundraising to grow its mission. “I’m extremely excited,” Steakley said. “After I got involved in different community aspects over the past few years, I have been looking ... Read More »

The south bound lane of South Washington Avenue will be closed for a few hours Wednesday. The Cookeville Water Control Department will work on a water leak from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The lane closure will begin at the intersection of South Washington Avenue and East Spring Street and extend south of the Putnam County Justice Center. South bound ... Read More »

The speakers for the Livingston Academy Alumni Association Dinner are official. Tennessee Highway Patrol Major Michael Hamilton, Upper Cumberland Medical Society President Dr. Dawn Barlow and Professional European Basketball Player Keelie Lamb will headline. Assistant Principal and Planning Committee Member Lesley Riddle said the alumni will speak on April 23rd. “We’re hoping that we have a good turnout, and people ... Read More »

Tennessee Tech has been recognized by Colleges of Distinction as one of the top Tennessee universities for hands-on education. The organization creates a yearly guide for college-bound students, providing information on dedicated focuses. Tech received 10 distinctions including the overall list of “Best Colleges for You.” Tech was recognized for engineering, nursing, business, education, military and career development. In Tennessee, ... Read More »

Byrdstown has two parties interested in developing near Highway 111, but a pump station will be required to accommodate the growth. The most expensive part to provide water already exists, an unused line that stretches to the site. Mayor Sam Gibson said spending about $30,000 for a pump station would be a small price considering the possible return in taxes. ... Read More »

The Pickett County School Board added an extra day to fall break for next school year Monday night. Director of Schools Diane Elder said the breaks now begins on October 7th with school resuming October 17th. “We will be starting our fall break on Friday before the entire week of fall break, and we did this because we were having ... Read More »

Clay County’s Abney CPA firm has been named Middle Tennessee Volunteer Business of the Year for providing free FAFSA services to local students. Owner Carol Abney said she gives her time and resources to the Clay County High School college boot camp. The group helps students complete financial aid and search for jobs. “I’ll be honest I was shocked when ... Read More »

The Putnam County Health Department miscommunicated a cease and desist order against Cookeville’s Recovery Kitchen. That’s according to State Department of Health Associate Director Bill Christian. The County Health Department last week told the organization that feeding the homeless through a home kitchen was not allowed according to state food regulations. Christian said the practice is allowed without a permitted ... Read More »

A Putnam County home deemed a complete lost early Monday morning after a wood stove caused fire. Fire Chief Tom Brown said crews arrived at the Zeb Warren Road home around 3:45 a.m. with the residence fully involved with flames. “She had discovered fire around the ceiling level above a wood stove,” Brown said. “When we arrived on scene, fire ... Read More »