Overton County Schools received several grants amounting to $60,000 to expand CTE and STEM opportunities at several schools. CTE Director Leslie Riddle said Livingston Academy getting about $9,000 to continue its school-based enterprise called Wildcat Wake-Up Coffee Shop. “We’ve already had it a few years, but it will continue that and grow that,” Riddle said. “It gives students the opportunity ... Read More »

The Sparta Rotary Club Christmas Parade happening Saturday will be led by a longtime local business owner and active community member. Ernie Cheek one of the two men that will be grand marshals leading the parade. Cheek moved to the community in 1968 and later purchased an insurance company known as Cheek Insurance Agency today. Cheek said as a parade ... Read More »

Tennessee Tech celebrating the graduation of over 800 students at its commencements Friday. President Phil Oldham said the undergraduate class covers 39 different fields of study. Oldham said the students come from 72 counties, 18 different states and 20 other countries. “You are prepared,” Oldham said. “You are set to get a great return on the investment you have made ... Read More »

A former Overton County School Resource Officer jailed on charges of sexual offenses. 39-year-old Dustin James Farris of DeKalb County arrested Thursday for solicitation of a minor by electronic means, two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and sexual contact with a minor by an authority figure. Incidents leading to the charges ranged from May to July of this ... Read More »

The Museum of Appalachia in Crossville has cancelled its annual Candlelight Christmas due to rain. The old-time winter cerebration was scheduled for Friday and Saturday evening. The event will not be rescheduled due to the availability of facilities and vendors. The event is centered around the museum’s pioneer village where you can tour authentic log cabins. Historic demonstrations such as ... Read More »

The Cookeville JayCees hosting its fourth annual Festival of Trees as a fundraiser for those with disabilities Friday. National President and Local Member Margo Dirkson said local partners sponsor and decorate a tree to be sold in a live auction. Margo said the funds go towards scholarships for the organization’s Camp Discovery in Gainesboro. “It’s a camp that specializes in ... Read More »

Downtown living in Cookeville a trend that Cookeville Cityscape expects to gain momentum. Some 60 units planned off Spring Street. The Cookeville City Council on first reading approved rezoning the Builder’s Supply property to allow the development this month. Cityscape Executive Director Lorie Krauss said she sees downtown living as an option that young people want. “We’re within walking distance ... Read More »

The Sparta Mayor and Board of Aldermen plan to designate the Sparta-White County YMCA as a new emergency shelter. The board approved the purchase of a back up generator for $31,000 Thursday night. Mayor Jerry Lowery said the city has already started the process with the American Red Cross. “This generator would provide emergency shelters if there are ice storms, tornadoes ... Read More »

A 64-unit income based apartment complex in Overton County moving forward. The Overton County Industrial Development Authority approved an in lieu of taxes for the development Thursday. Chair Greg McDonald said construction can move forward once attorneys and the developer sign the contract. “We’ve had a great need for quite some time for housing and apartment types,” McDonald said. “We ... Read More »

Over 800 Tennessee Tech students graduate Friday. Tech will host two commencement ceremonies at the Hooper Eblen Center. “It’s one of the best days for students celebrating their accomplishments and the hard work they put into earning their degrees and for families to get to come and watch them celebrate that and see the results of all that hard work ... Read More »