A stable economy should mean a positive year in the stock market, but the presence of COVID still remains a red flag. That is according to Diamond Financial Partner Jason Murphy. Murphy said while he expects an overall up trend, the market will be volatile. “I do anticipate a correction in the market in the first half of the year, ... Read More »

Tennessee Tech’s Whiston-Hester School of Nursing enrollment has not been affected by COVID. Some medical programs have reported a drop in interest because of COVID. But Tech Dean Dr. Kim Hanna said applications for both lower and upper division classes have steadily grown. “Our applications for upper division for our bachelor of science and nursing degree are up,” Hanna said. ... Read More »

Sparta officials are planning an extended work session to discuss yearly and long term goals of the Board of Alderman. Mayor Jeff Young said the meeting will happen sometime in February after the city installs its new screens at city hall. Young said the technology will be able to give the board a complete view of needs. “A lot of ... Read More »

Cookeville is anticipating a transition to a Metropolitan Planning Organization depending on the final results of the 2020 census. Federal transportation legislation requires all urbanized areas of 50,000 people or more to maintain its own transportation plan. Planning Department Director Jon Ward said other surrounding Putnam communities are also expected to be grouped in the organization. “It’s T-DOT,” Ward said. ... Read More »

Veterans in Van Buren County can take advantage of free telehealth services at the Spencer American Legion Post. Post Commander Hansel Moore said the need for virtual health in rural areas was always present, but the pandemic has made this a necessity with mental health problems rising. “With increased isolation and lack of interaction with other people, sometimes those situations ... Read More »

Clay and Van Buren Counties are in the top 15 highest unemployment rates in the state for the month of December. The Upper Cumberland as a whole saw the same trend with each county showing increased in unemployment. The state as a whole saw an increase to an average rate of 6.4 percent. According to data from Tennessee Department of ... Read More »

White and Warren County Health Departments have begun the process of vaccinating those 70 years and older, according to the Tennessee State Health Department. Both counties are the first in the region to vaccinate those 70 or older. Read More »

Six Upper Cumberland pharmacies have been selected by the state to assist in vaccinating residents against COVID. One pharmacy in White County, Dekalb County and four in Warren County are part of the program to expand vaccination access. Payless Pharmacy in Sparta has received vaccines and has already filled its scheduled allotment. The local pharmacies involved will vaccinate the same ... Read More »

Maintenance on a sink hole and lack of fire protection will keep a proposed Algood subdivision in study mode a bit longer. Planning Director Tommy Lee said the sink hole lacks the appropriate rip rap and fabric to meet Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation standards. “Keith (Morrison) and I have concerns with is the maintenance of this sink hole, ... Read More »

January is human trafficking awareness month with the goal to educate communities of an ever growing problem. Rana Zakaria is the Community Educator of the Community Coalition Against Human Trafficking. Zakaria said areas such as the Upper Cumberland are especially vulnerable. “They are geographically isolated,” Zakaria said. “There are usually less stops out there, which makes people more vulnerable. We ... Read More »