Putnam County has gotten the money from the $98 million bond paying for the jail expansion and new school project. Mayor Randy Porter said the money will be repaid over 25 years coming out to about $5 million a year. ‘I wanted to get the bond issued as soon as I could, very concerned about the inflation that’s going on ... Read More »

Cummins Falls State Park has been named park of the year by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. Park Manager Ray Cutcher said park staff have worked hard to better protect park goers while also expanding learning opportunities. “We’re very proud,” Cutcher said. “I’m very proud of our staff and very proud that our department has chosen to recognize ... Read More »

A TBI Investigation of a fatal shooting involving two Overton County Deputies has found the officers’ action as justified. On June 4th, 43-year-old Jerry Henley was shot and killed after resisting arrest. District Attorney Bryant Dunaway said non-lethal options were used, but Henley fled to his vehicle, brandished a firearm and threatened law enforcement. “In defense of themselves, they returned ... Read More »

The city of McMinnville will begin a series of new COVID guidelines starting Monday. Mayor Ryle Chastain has ordered the closure of public access to walk-in services and lobbies. This includes city hall, fire halls and the police department. Face coverings will be required on city property for all people that do not have an exemption. Municipal Court will move ... Read More »

The city of Cookeville cautioning the public of a social media account claiming to be the official Instagram of the city. The account “thecityofcookeville” has made controversial posts regarding COVID. City Manager James Mills said the city has a good idea who owns the account. “We’ve had an issue with this same person in the past,” Mills said. “Other organizations ... Read More »

The Celina Board of Aldermen supports Mayor Luke Collins asking Clay County for funding to assist in purchasing the Cumberland River Hospital. The Aldermen passed a motion unanimously at a special called meeting Thursday. Collins said the commission’s answer will determine future negotiations with Hospital Owner Johnny Presley. “It’s a long journey, but I’d like to see us start moving ... Read More »

The Highway 111 park and ride lot off I-40 will be temporary closed Monday. T-DOT Community Relations Officer Rae-Anne Bradley said crews will be trimming vegetation on that day. “The city police in the area have requested this vegetation clearing, and the parking area most be empty for our crews to perform this work,” Bradley said. “These safety improvements should ... Read More »

Some White County residents disagree with TWRA’s plan to clear cut a portion of the Bridgestone-Firestone Centennial Wilderness. One of those residents is Mike O’Neal who has hunted on the property for some 40 years. O’Neal said he is strongly against the project that would turn a hardwood forest into a quail habitat. “Why would anyone take out a hardwood ... Read More »

The 2021 U.S. Kayak Open in Putnam County has been postponed to next year. The kayak fishing event at Center Hill Lake scheduled September 9th-12th has been moved to April 29th- May 1st 2022. Event host USAngling, the Cookeville-Putnam County Visitors’ Bureau and participants made the decision. Limiting the spread of COVID and the safety of anglers caused the push ... Read More »

In-person visitations at the Putnam County Jail are set to resume Monday. Visitations were temporarily suspended for three weeks after a COVID spike among inmates. Sheriff Eddie Farris said the facility now stands COVID free. “We’ve certainly made some progress over the last few days,” Farris said. “So the 27th everybody will be off quarantine. So, we’re excited about that. ... Read More »