First United Methodist Church in Cookeville offering five weeks of classes geared for those that never stop learning. Adventures in Lifelong Learning begins classes August 31st until September 30th. Servant Ministries Assistant Kathy Conrad said instruction targets people 55 and older that want to expand their knowledge. “It’s a great way for us to extend our community, and sometimes we ... Read More »

Putnam Director of Schools Corby King said without options for remote learning, stockpile days will be used in the event of a COVID closure. King said those days are usually depleted by weather alone, and any excess cancellations will be made up. “As a group of Directors, we are asking the Governor, we are asking the state to allow some ... Read More »

McMinnville Utility recently competed in the statewide competition for the best tasting water. The city water provider won the region four competition to have a chance at the state level. Water Treatment Plant Manager Ricky Morton said while they did not win, it was a great way to show off the department’s work. “They even recognized each one of us ... Read More »

Sparta City Administrator Brad Hennessee said the city is making progress on the Wilson Sporting Goods sewer pump station project. “The wet well was set last week,” Hennessee said. “Coding for the wet well will be done next week. They’re still waiting on some parts, but once those parts are in place, that project should finish up shortly.” Hennessee said ... Read More »

Overton County jail stands COVID free after a recent spike in cases. Sheriff John Garrett said the department continues to take measures to limit exposure. “It’s been a challenge. It’s been very difficult,” Garrett said. “We have had to take multiple precautions. We’ve really had to look at the folks we were bringing into the facility. We’ve had to suspend a ... Read More »

Tennessee Tech doing its part to help the student population from Humphreys and Hickman Counties after this weekend’s flash flooding. University Service Center Assistant Director Michelle Huddleston said 188 students are from the effected area. “That is actually a significant amount to us,” Huddleston said. “So, we have resources like the counseling center. We have an Eagle Assist grant that ... Read More »

Livingston and Overton County officials want to do in-depth work on keeping more sales tax revenue at home. The community one of eight in Tennessee selected by TVA to participate in its Innovation Academy. The program helps answer economic challenges by providing resources and grants. Chamber of Commerce Director Shannon Cantrell said 15 Overton leaders will explore options. “The most ... Read More »

Cookeville Regional Hospital reported two new deaths due to COVID Tuesday. A White County patient that was not vaccinated died as well as a Putnam County patient with an unknown vaccination status. Sixty-six COVID cases remain in house with nine new admits Tuesday. Nineteen people are in the intensive care unit with 10 on ventilators. Read More »

Sparta aims for a late September completion date for a new set of gateway monuments. City Administrator Brad Hennessee said the welcome signs along Highway 111 at the northern and southern city limits will be a good fit for the city. “The basic shape of the sign is there,” Hennessee said. “The structure is complete. They’ve been erected, core poured ... Read More »

Overton County accepting applications for a part-time Judicial Commissioner. County Executive Ben Danner said the position writes orders of protection and signs warrants for the sheriff’s department and city police. “I hate to say, but there’s a lot of domestic abuse in the county and all the counties in the Upper Cumberland,” Danner said. “It’s something that is needed so ... Read More »