The Cookeville Codes Department will be using new building regulations starting January 1st. The city currently uses codes that came out in 2012. Director Jeff Littrell said keeping the rules within seven years of the most recent codes is a state law. “We were looking at the different codes to go to,” Littrell said. “The state of Tennessee has adopted ... Read More »

The change of season means less park goers, and for residents near Monterey’s Meadow Creek Park, that means less noise after hours. Residents first voiced concerns last summer of noisy late night traffic as the park remains open 24/7. Police Chief Bill Randolph said since then, he has not received any complaints after increasing patrols for the park. “As far ... Read More »

A University of Tennessee student from Sparta finished first place in a university business competition for an innovative school bus application. Junior business management major Heidi Whitaker’s School Bus User System was the winning pitch. Whitaker said the app has two purposes with the first being efficiency. “The premise is a software program that would go on a tablet for ... Read More »

Clay County is finishing the final touches of a health grant funding two new basketball courts at Donaldson Park and Hermitage Springs. Mayor Dale Reagan said the court for Celina’s park has been completed with concrete work ongoing at Hermitage Springs. “Lord willing, we will get that wrapped up before the end of the month,” Reagan said. “That is our ... Read More »

People are not the only ones hungry this holiday season. Watch out for your pets sniffing out snacks that may affect their health. Dr. Kristin Edds owns the Bluegrass Veterinarian Clinic in Sparta. Edds said each year, veterinarians prepare for an increase in patients eating infamous unhealthy treats. “Chocolate,” Edds said. “And also, things they just eat off the Christmas ... Read More »

Local nursing homes are finding ways to keep the holiday spirit alive among residents as COVID has changed the landscape of visitations. Life Care Center of Sparta will not have visitors, but families can still interact with residents in a special way. Activities Assistant Nicole Fignar said people can still watch loved ones open gifts safely. “We do have some ... Read More »

The Upper Cumberland Medical Society is asking all Upper Cumberland Mayors to support businesses requiring masks. In a letter sent out Tuesday, the medical society expressed concerns of indoor mask wearing while in public. UCMS member Dr. James Gray said supporting residents that defy business owners’ requests does not help the health of other citizens. “We are asking the county ... Read More »

A Sparta man was included in 15 pardons that President Donald Trump handed out Tuesday night. Nick Slatten, a government security contractor, was one of four Blackwater security guards excused. The group was imprisoned for killing 14 unarmed Iraqi civilians and wounded 17 others during the Iraqi War in 2007. Slatten joined Blackwater after his service in the Iraqui War ... Read More »

The Livingston Municipal Airport is working towards improving its fencing to protect its runway from wildlife. Airport Chairman Jason Duke said a wildlife study showed that the last fence line was a safety hazard. “A recent wildlife survey found we needed to do an eight foot high fence. Of course, with barbed wire across the top made to keep deer ... Read More »

The Cumberland County Playhouse will take a hiatus with next year’s season not starting until April. CEO Bryce McDonald said the time will be used to make some technology upgrades. “We got somethings we need to do,” McDonald said. “We have a new ticketing software coming online. We have new development software. We are going to build a new website.” ... Read More »