A proposed Algood subdivision has been tabled by the Algood Planning Commission until sink hole requirements are met for development. Planning Director Tommy Lee said the city is waiting for guidelines from TDEC before moving forward with approval. “It wasn’t constructed properly,” Lee said. “So, it is going to need to be reconstructed with the proper materials, and also in ... Read More »

Upperman Middle School Art Teacher Janice Nunnally has been named Tennessee Art Educator of the Year by the Tennessee Art Education Association. Nunnally said this year, she has been incorporating lessons of social justice in her classes. At the same time, she continues volunteer work with the association. The combination of the two led to the distinction. “I’ve been working ... Read More »

Van Buren County School officials want to meet with the county’s sheriff’s department to discuss the need for a school resource officer. The school system has gone the entire school year without an officer on campus. Director of Schools Cheryl Cole said she has spoken with Sheriff Eddie Carter about the situation, but no movement has been made. “We need ... Read More »

The Monterey Board of Alderman has developed a baseline of changes to the city’s alcohol ordinance to allow the establishment of microbreweries. During a Thursday work session with city attorney Brett Knight, four wants were established by the aldermen. Mayor J.J Reels said officials made good progress towards their goal. “Overall, I think it went well,” Reels said. “We got ... Read More »

The state’s music history, talents and venues are being celebrated this week as a part of Tennessee’s Songwriter Week. One of the talents that came from the Upper Cumberland Region is country artist Jake Hoot. The Tennessee Tech alumni lived in Cookeville for 12 years and was the 2019 winner of the The Voice. Hoot said while pursing his music ... Read More »

The Cumberland County Playhouse has announced its productions for the upcoming spring season. The performance art theater has four shows prepared. CEO Bryce McDonald said productions kick off April 2nd with Clue On Stage. “We are still operating at a 25 percent capacity, so we are only selling 120 seats for the main stage shows,” McDonald said. “And only 75 ... Read More »

The Highlands Residential Services is exploring selling Cookeville’s Claude Darwin apartments property. The Board of Commissioners discussed Thursday the 32 duplexes located between Boatman and Darwin Streets. Executive Director Dow Harris said if sold, residents would likely be transferred to the almost completed Hickory Valley units. “If we were to choose to dispose of Claude Darwin, there was some interest ... Read More »

The Putnam County weekly grocery giveaway has been moved. Cookeville Strong Member Katelyn Steakley said the grant funded program will resume at the Putnam County Sports Complex Friday at 10:00 a.m. “What we learned was that we had a little bit too much traffic flow for the fairgrounds, so that is why we are moving,” Steakley said. “This is the ... Read More »

Volunteer Energy Cooperative is considering buying power from a new provider after increasing whole sale rates from TVA. Volunteer Energy Cooperative President Rody Blevin said prices have continually increased over seven years at about a two percent rate. “We spent about a year talking to TVA about a possible new contract,” Blevin said. “TVA refused to negotiate with us on ... Read More »

Van Buren County School staff will be receiving a one time bonus this year through ESSER COVID relief funds. Director of Schools Cheryl Cole said full time employees will get $500 and part-time employees will draw $250. “I think that will be a morale boost for them, because they have worked hard during the COVID season,” Cole said. “It’s been ... Read More »