UCDD wants the state to make a one million dollar childcare grant program into a reoccurring opportunity. The state funding was used for nine projects that created some 300 additional childcare spots in the Upper Cumberland. Executive Director Mark Farley said the development district wants to get more operations licensed by state. “We have a lot of small operations where ... Read More »

Celina has purchased a new trash truck after facing mechanical issues with its current vehicle. Mayor Luke Collins said a $195,000 purchase to bring the solid waste department back to speed. “When our other trash truck is tearing up, we have been picking up trash is with a flatbed truck and a pickup truck pulling a trailer,” Collins said. “It ... Read More »

State Senator Paul Bailey was reappointed as the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee Chair. Bailey said the committee is all about business. Bailey said it is responsible for six departments of state government such as commerce and insurance as well as labor and workforce. “Our Economic and Community Development Department is one of the department I works with on a ... Read More »

Paving in Livingston will resume in the spring as resurfacing has stopped for the winter season. Mayor Curtis Hayes said about 90 percent of the designated some 25 roads remain to be paved. “We got less than 10 percent of the streets done that we solicited bids for due to the weather and equipment malfunctions with Rogers Group,” Hayes said. ... Read More »

The Van Buren County School System providing health tips to local families as a part of National Staying Healthy Month. Coordinated School Health Director Kelly Lewis said at least eight hours of sleep the number one way to keep your student healthy. “I think a lot of our students come to school sleep deprived,” Lewis said. “Not getting enough sleep ... Read More »

The Monterey Board of Aldermen accepting proposals from companies to install new playground equipment at Whitaker Park. Cultural Administrator Rafferty Cleary said the town wants to replace the existing metal playground that is in need of major repairs. “The merry-go-round no longer works,” Cleary said. “It’s actually been taking out of operation. See-saw if you’re lucky it might work. Swing ... Read More »

Overton County Executive Steven Barlow will host a small business workshop this month to help with energy costs. Barlow said a solar panel company will speak on funding opportunities available for businesses to make the switch. “It’s a big thing for our small businesses to look at and an opportunity to maybe save on some of that overhead,” Barlow said. ... Read More »

There are measures you can take to help your backyard birds in cold winter weather. Lynne Maddux is a coordinator with the Cookeville Bluebird Club. Maddux said providing food, clean bird baths and shelter are ways to help. “If you’re feeding seed in a seed feeder, you just really need to remember filling that everyday,” Maddux said. “The birds that ... Read More »

This week in the Upper Cumberland the Putnam County Commission will consider action that would allow a land purchase from Cookeville Tuesday. Commissioners will vote on an option that would allow the county to purchase 92.54 acres over the next six years if needed. The land is known as the Trinity Property. A resolution will also be considered to request ... Read More »

White County Schools applying for a one million dollar grant to install interactive learning boards in classrooms. Director of Schools Kurt Dronebarger said grades K-5 already have the technology. Dronebarger said the grant would install interactive boards for the remaining grade levels. “These are great tools. They are not just tvs,” Dronebarger said. “They are presentation devices. It’s like a ... Read More »