Celina Board of Aldermen approved the first reading of an ordinance Tuesday that will increase water rates by $2.20. Mayor Luke Collins said the State Comptroller’s Office recommended the change to bring the price to $10.80 per 1000 gallons. “The city of Celina water department has lost money in water five years in a row,” Collins said. “Last year, $255,000 ... Read More »

The Jackson County Election Commission has selected Drew McMillan to take over as Election Administrator. McMillan said community trust and running an honest operation are important to him in the new role. “I’ve always wanted to be heavily involved in the community of Jackson County,” McMillan said. “I love it here and, I love the people here. So, this is ... Read More »

Initial enrollment numbers for Putnam County Schools indicate the student population is returning to normal. Attendance Supervisor Chris Pierce said compared to the end of school last year, an additional 450 students have arrived. “It does seem that there are many students that have returned from a homeschool type enrollment back to the traditional school setting,” Pierce said. “The pace ... Read More »

Van Buren County Ag Extension Director Chris Binkley has won a statewide honor for excellence among extension agents. Binkley said it would not be possible without his co-workers over the past six years. “It means a great deal,” Binkley said. “I mean UT Extension is like a family. People like Vernon and Ida Darter and their families keep that family ... Read More »

DeKalb County Emergency Management urges residents to avoid the Hickman Creek area as an unknown substance in the water has killed several fish. EMA Director Charles Parker said officials from TWRA and the federal Environmental Protection Agency have been testing samples throughout the week. “TWRA has been on the scene documenting the situation and doing a fish count,” Parker said. ... Read More »

Pickett County Schools will be repaving the high school parking lot in increments starting with the first phase approved Monday. The Board of Education awarded a sole bidder to repave some 4,600 square feet for about $110,000. Director of Schools Diane Elder said the main road to the bus garage behind the high school will be improved. “We’re hoping to ... Read More »

Byrdstown will conduct some $60,000 of sewer plant improvements to fix the system. Mayor Sam Gibson said the town will pay for a new computer system and air valves. “This is kind of the thing that needs to be done without doing the $3 million at the water plant and the $3 million at the sewer plant,” Gibson said. “I ... Read More »

The Double Springs Utility District is finalizing a $1.2 million bond for a main line improvement near Highway 70. Board President Lynn McHenry said the water line from Locust Grove Road to Highway 56 will increase from an eight inch to 12 inch line. “We of course have an increase in usage in that end of the county,” McHenry said. ... Read More »

UCHRA plans to fully launch its Uber-based transportation service PickUp Cookeville on August 23rd. Transportation Director Holly Montooth said the Cookeville/Putnam County area will now have mobility on demand. “We have partnered with Routematch Uber Technologies to be a part of their mobile apping service,” Montooth said. “So if you have Uber downloaded on your phone or mobile device, you ... Read More »

Preparations are complete for the Livingston Academy Football team to play its five home games at Tennessee Tech’s Tucker Stadium this season. Head Coach Dale Flatt said Tech and LA have entered into a contract for two Friday night games and three Thursday night games. “It’s a certain amount per each game,” Flatt said. “Of course, they gave us the ... Read More »