A leadership group ready to change social services. That is what UCHRA/UCDD Executive Director Mark Farley said was his main takeaway from last week’s kickoff meeting revisiting social services. The meeting was the first over a Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Opportunity Act Planning Grant the agency received. “There is a frustration that we all feel right now,” Farley said. ... Read More »

State Representative Paul Sherrell said the election of school directors is something he plans to bring to Nashville Tuesday as the General Assembly reconvenes. Sherrell said he first filed for the legislation last year. “People would like to see their superintendents of school elected instead of appointed,” Sherrell said. “I cover White County and about 2/3’s of Warren and all ... Read More »

Thursday’s snowfall in Cookeville was the highest amount recorded on January 6th since 1996. That is according to Local Weather Observer Michael Detwiler. He said Cookeville got about five inches while some areas in the region exceeded seven inches. “Livingston got 6.5 inches so the numbers were really up there, and I’ve heard some reports and I haven’t verified them ... Read More »

The future of the Central View Community Subcommittee will be decided by the White County Board of Education this week. Subcommittee Chair Bob Young said a board vote makes the final call, but a third subcommittee meeting is unlikely to happen. “I think we got good feedback from the community as far as some ideas and interest,” Young said. “The ... Read More »

Tennessee Tech returns from Christmas break ready to begin its spring semester. Some schools changed openings due to the recent COVID variant surge. Chief Communication Officer Karen Lykins said Tech compared its date to others to make a decision “Most people did not change that are in our sphere of colleagues,” Lykins said. “It’s just that they had a original ... Read More »

A new Cookeville non-profit has formed in Cookeville preserving the history of the West End community. The organization West End Connection was created by President Natalie Okorji (Oh-Core-Gee) alongside other community members. Okorji said she grew up in West End and wanted to keep its story alive. “West End area is historic to the Cookeville city due to it being ... Read More »

The Algood City Council will consider bids for yearly sidewalk repairs this week. City Administrator Keith Morrison said the three bids include square foot installs, so when a sidewalk needs work, the city has a consistent cost all year. “We’ve redone sidewalk on main street. We’ve added some in different places to finish off sections and kind of make things ... Read More »

With recent weather events, Clay County 911 wants to remind residents of its emergency alert straight to your phone. 911 Director Beth Moulton said the services notifies via land line and cell phone through text or call. “It gives them the opportunity to know about severe weather,” Moulton said. “But we also use it for other things like if you ... Read More »

The White County basketball courts near its high school have reopened after a temporary closure for improvements. County Executive Denny Wayne Robinson said residents can expect new paving and amenities. “It’s looking good,” Robinson said. “It’s been resurfaced. Its color coordinated maroon and gray to match our county high school colors. Basketball goals I think all of them have been ... Read More »

If you had to leave your vehicle on the side of the road due to weather, make sure the you are not creating a traffic hazard. Overton County Sheriff John Garrett said during inclement weather, his office will not tow vehicles as long it is in a safe spot. “If weather conditions are bad and if you feel like the ... Read More »