The Fentress County Commission has given the county executive permission to move forward in finding a location for a stand-alone University of Tennessee emergency room. County Executive Jimmy Johnson met with UT Medical Center officials Monday for more than 90 minutes. County Attorney Leslie Ledbetter said the University wants the county to pursue a long-term lease or the purchase of ... Read More »

The Putnam County Soil Conservation District will serve as a hub for a discounted tree sale for the Upper Cumberland. Secretary Katrina Green said the district is partnering with the Tennessee Environmental Council for Tree Day on March 20th. “We’re going to be helping host in March,” Green said. “To try and help spread the word about different native trees ... Read More »

The Putnam County School Board is considering making repairs to the Cookeville High School tennis courts and the Upperman High School baseball field. Cookeville High School Athletic Director Steve Robbins said most of the tennis court needs come from wear and tear over the 25 years of activity. “Some of the issues that have surfaced is worn, and there is ... Read More »

The Fentress County Jail is switching to a new inmate phone system starting Wednesday. Fentress County Sheriff’s Department Secretary Taylor Hart said using Combined Public Communications is cheaper for inmate families and the county. “The one we had currently is a little high at times, and this one they offered us better local rates,” Hart said. “They are only going ... Read More »

Overton County Emergency Management is partnering with Team Rubicon to assist home owners with debris cleanup from last week’s ice storm. The non-profit is made of military veterans that are staying in Overton County for one week of relief. EMA Director Chris Masiongale said the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency sent the organization after a request from the county. “They don’t ... Read More »

All 13 snow days for Overton County Schools have been used after classes were cancelled Friday. Monday makes the 14th day missed. Interim Director of Schools Donnie Holman said now that the stockpile has been depleted, school officials are tasked with planning for future closures. “All the stakeholders will get together, and we will have a discussion to see what ... Read More »

Local tree removal services are recommending homeowners seek professional help for fallen trees on your property. Tree Service Owner Jeff Manier said self removal presents a number of dangers, especially with the amount of ice we received last week. “Cutting trees and stuff, some times they have their own mind,” Manier said. “Some times they go areas you don’t want ... Read More »

The Cookeville Planning Commission holds a public hearing Monday on a proposed zoning change in the Highway 70 corridor. Planning Director Jon Ward said future land use of a property on West Broad Street near County Farm Road and Royal Oak Drive is the reason. “The residents have submitted a request to rezone the property, and also requested that the ... Read More »

Cookeville saw 11.6 inches of snow in February with four inches recorded on Wednesday. The Cookeville Weather Guy, Michael Detwiler, said that amount of accumulation is a rarity for Cookeville this time of year. “The average for February is 1.4 inches,” Detwiler said. “As you can tell, that is significantly above our average. In a typical winter season, we are ... Read More »

The Overton County School System is accepting applications for bus drivers to fill a district shortage. Interim Director Of Schools Donnie Holman said the school system has been utilizing substitute drivers to complete the 31 routes. “We have at least three positions,” Holman said. “Three bus drivers that we have been subbing more or less all year. If we can ... Read More »