The White County Commission meeting turned into a school board discussion Monday night following public concern over study materials. Tennessee Pastors Network President Dale Walker spoke to the commission on the behalf of a White County family. Walker said the family took offense when their student was assigned to read the book, “The Hatchet,” which includes violent moments and references ... Read More »

A new outdoor classroom facility has opened at Obed River Park in Cumberland County. Parks and Recreation Director Donnie Moody said the roofed area can accommodate 50 people. It includes eight stone benches and 12 large seating boulders. “This is a project that we have talked about for several years,” Moody said. “We’ve had interest with schools, TWRA and soil ... Read More »

Highlands Residential Services applying for $2.5 million in state funding to construct more housing units. Director of Operations Chris Cassetty said if approved, the grant would help continue the housing authority’s master plan for 20 units at Buffalo Valley Road. “It looks to target people that are about to be homeless. People that maybe can’t afford their market rent anymore,” ... Read More »

Byrdstown has repaired one of its retention ponds as a state required improvement on its water system. The outdoor body of water is located at the water plant for discharge proposes. Mayor Sam Gibson said sink holes have historically caused the pond to leak. “That has been a continuous problem for the Byrdstown water district for a long time,” Gibson ... Read More »

The Putnam County School System is at about 80 to 85 percent capacity at the middle school level. About 600 additional students were to go to the middle school wing of Park View, but the project’s funding mechanism was not approved by the county commission last week. Director of Schools Corby King said the district has some room for growth, ... Read More »

This week in the Upper Cumberland the Putnam County Commission will consider selling a parcel of land Monday night. Commissioners will consider the highest bidder of $85,000 for the Old Bridge Property. A grant application for firefighting and training equipment will also be discussed. The county could be eligible for some $34,000. The meeting begins at 6:00 p.m. The White ... Read More »

The Warren County Animal Shelter hosting a Christmas open House Saturday as it tries to grow community outreach efforts. Director Sherri Bradley said you can stop by at noon to learn more about pet safety and shelter operations. “Our goal is to try and educate the community about what we do,” Bradley said. “We’re going to have a vaccine clinic ... Read More »

Former Crossville City Councilman Rob Harrison is back on the council. Harrison sworn in this week after being appointed to fill the vacant seat left by Mayor RJ Crawford. Crawford has two years left as a councilman when elected. Harrison was one of three candidates that ran for two open council seats in November. Harrison was not re-elected but will ... Read More »

Four hundred ninety-five veterans will receive a wreath on their grave at the Cookeville City Cemetery Saturday. It is a part of the “Wreaths Across America” program that honors those who served each December. Mayor Randy Porter said the program begins at noon. “I think our community has always been great to honor our veterans, and I think this is ... Read More »

Putnam County 911 will be implementing a new smartphone app next year to give dispatchers additional information on calls. Director Penny Foister said RapidSOS Premium will replace the current system and add new capabilities “If you got a smart phone, and you have your health information in there or emergency contacts when we get a 911 call, we will see ... Read More »