The Putnam County Commission will not consider a seven district plan for dealing with growth and redistricting. The county’s redistricting committee voted Monday night to drop the option due to conflicts with the county’s private act regarding districts. County Attorney Jeff Jones said under the current framework, a seven district plan would not be allowed. “The commissioner districts can be ... Read More »

The Monterey Board Aldermen approved the first and second reading of an ordinance Monday that outlines the process of hiring for a city attorney. Aldermen Jim Whittaker said the original procedures caused confusion and needed clarification. “The reason for this ordinance in my opinion is we had so much problems with the hiring of the lawyer, and it just wasn’t ... Read More »

Putnam County broke its 2020 record for new construction dollars with more than 7 million in new construction in October. October of last year had $4.6 million in construction. Mayor Randy Porter said overall, the county will be close to 2020’s record, which was 399 permits for $54.6 million. With 2 months left in 2021, Putnam has 324 permits for ... Read More »

Celina Mayor Luke Collins said local EMS workers will receive holiday pay moving forward. The town’s EMS employees have voiced concerns over equal benefits after being excluded from several departmental raises. Collins said he hopes the increased wages improves Celina’s relationship with emergency workers. “This has got to make them feel better,” Collins said. “So hopefully, we’ll continue to work ... Read More »

Putnam County’s Bloomington Springs Convenience Center will be temporary closed for repaving Wednesday. Solid Waste Director Doug Ashburn said the facility should reopen to the public Friday, November 5th. “This has been needed for quite some time,” Ashburn said. “We have this one, and we’re also going to do Monterey, Burgess Falls and Buffalo Valley in the near future.” Ashburn ... Read More »

Sparta City Administrator Brad Hennessee said the city could pursue individual storm alerts for residents. Hennessee said the 911 system has the capability to call individuals in the event of a hazardous weather. Hennessee said the city wants to consider the change along with a possible third weather siren coming next budget season. “The question at this point is what’s ... Read More »

The Jackson County Domestic Animals Committee will have its first ever meeting Tuesday. Coordinator Karen Fitzmaurice said members will be meeting with Gainesboro Mayor Lloyd Williams and Commissioner Don Chinoy to discuss animal services. “One of our needs is to try to have a one-stop website, so that it’s easier to find lost and found animals,” Fitzmaurice said. “And then, ... Read More »

Residences inside the city limits of Algood will be able to take advantage of leaf pick-up starting Monday. Public Works Director Victor Jones said leaves should not be placed near mail boxes, fire hydrants or ditches. “We ask the people to rake them up to the curve of the road,” Jones said. “Please do not put brush or nothing big ... Read More »

The White County Sheriff’s Office offering free scans to prevent potential hazardous items in children’s candy on Halloween night. Sheriff Steve Page said from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., parents and kids can bring their candy to the Justice Center to be x-rayed. “We’ve actually just started doing it this year,” Page said. “We have a new scanning machine in ... Read More »

This week in the Upper Cumberland the Cookeville City Council will gather for a work session. Business begins at 4:30 p.m. at the Cookeville Municipal Building. The Livingston Board of Aldermen will have its second reading of an Open Burn Ordinance Monday. The new rule could create oversight by requiring a permit for fires exceeding six feet in diameter and ... Read More »