Sparta facing a slight delay in paving efforts with its fall projects now pushed back until the spring. Public Works Director Dillard Quick said the city’s approved paver rescheduled after a separate state road project took priority. “They had more work this fall than anticipated,” Quick said. “That doesn’t mean we are not going to do our paving this year. ... Read More »

The Putnam County School System named its Teachers of the Year Monday. Cane Creek Elementary School’s Alicia UpChurch, Prescott South Middle School’s Margie Cavender and VITAL School virtual teacher Lucinda Queen. Putnam Schools considered teachers with at least three years of experience with exceptional gains in student achievement. They are now in the running to potentially be named the state ... Read More »

The Overton County Commission applying for grant funding so local food pantries can purchase new equipment Monday. County Executive Steven Barlow said the some $500,000 would flow through the county. Barlow said then, operations such as churches or non-profits can apply for a share. “I found a food grant, and I reached out to them to find out more about ... Read More »

The Livingston Mayor and Board of Aldermen to further discuss the possibility of converting two city roads to one-way traffic. Consultant Ray Evans proposed the item Monday night in an effort to create more roadside parking. Evans said business owners expressed the need in a recent informational session over the South Church Street improvement project. “There’s no reason not to ... Read More »

Local senior center directors thinking about future services and capacity as the state projects significant growth in aging populations. A recent state report predicts an increase of 300,000 people in the state’s aging population over the next 10 years. Clay County Senior Center Director Sandra Wix said she believes current facilities will be able to handle the growth. “We have ... Read More »

Poinsettias are mildly toxic for your pets, but you should be more aware about two other decorative plants that present danger. White County Ag Extension Office Director Scott Swoape said holly and mistletoe create worse symptoms for pets if ingested. “The holly what’s toxic on those are the pretty, red berries,” Swoape said. “Definitely decorate with caution if you are ... Read More »

Monterey aldemen do not want to name a new mayor until after the first of the year. Monterey Alderman Charles Looper said he does not want a special called election to decide who will serve as mayor. Looper said the town has historically appointed an alderman to fill mayor vacancies. However, the board has not officially discussed the matter. “What ... Read More »

All Sparta employees will receive a $300 holiday bonus next week. The Board of Aldermen approved Mayor Jerry Lowery’s proposal Thursday night. Lowery said the payment serves as a thank you to employees for their work over the past year. Read More »

Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter said Tuesday night’s special called meeting will be one of the tougher decisions that this new commission will have to face. The commission will vote on a $16.5 million bond to build the 5-8 grade portion of the Park View school. Porter said even the previous commission contemplated the decision before new members joined. “They ... Read More »

This week in the Upper Cumberland the Putnam County Commission will vote on funding to complete the Park View School. Commissioners gather for a special called meeting Tuesday to consider a $16.5 million bond. The money will be used to construct the upper grade wing of the K-8 school. Business begins at 6:00 p.m. The Overton County Commission meets Monday ... Read More »