The extension of Cookeville’s high school football state championships contract with TSSAA depends on the city submitting a bid. This weekend’s Blue Cross Bowl at Tucker Stadium is the last of a four-year contract. TSSAA Assistant Executive Director Matthew Gillespie said the organization looks for Cookeville to be involved in the bid process. “It is a standard process that we go ... Read More »

The Upper Cumberland Workforce Development is preparing for an influx of high school students entering the workforce. Executive Director Becky Hull said Federal Student Aid completion rates are down about 20 percent in Putnam County. Hull said while the decrease may seem discouraging, these students could fill worker shortages. “Well, I definitely think it will definitely be a positive effect ... Read More »

The Gainesboro Board of Alderman approved a $3,000 awning project for its municipal building. The bid was awarded to Nashville Tent and Awning during Thursday’s board meeting. Town Clerk Lisa Dodson said three will be replaced while a new canopy will be built for the drive thru. “We have one over the back door, one over the police department and ... Read More »

Upper Cumberland Habitat for Humanity will break ground Saturday on its first home in Overton County. The Habitat organizations in Putnam and Overton Counties formed a regional partnership in 2019. Executive Director Pam Ealey said people are invited to attend at 10:00 a.m. on Thomas Road. “We are going to be breaking ground on a home for Brandi Martin and ... Read More »

Gainesboro city trash pick up could be near as Alderman Ricky Head said he is working on a plan with Jackson County officials. “I did get with Randy Heady about us taking, if we started picking up trash, us taking it to the county dump sites,” Head said. “He said that he didn’t see an issue with it, but he ... Read More »

Gainesboro City Attorney Kayla Cantrell is drafting an ordinance with MTAS limiting the allowed amount of items displayed on store fronts. A thrift store within city limits is the focus of the new regulations. Cantrell updated the Board of Alderman Thursday that a final draft would have its first read through during next month’s meeting. “Well, we have had several ... Read More »

The Crossville Police and Fire Departments are indefinitely operating by appointment only. Deputy Fire Chief Chris South said both departments made the decision to prevent personnel shortages from COVID exposures. “We worked with the city manager both the police chief and the fire chief.” South said. “And made that decision to go ahead and protect our citizens and also our ... Read More »

Monterey broke ground this week on its water and sewer line project off exit 300. The aging water line running from South Holly Street to the Bee Rock Overlook will be replaced. Mayor JJ Reels said sewer lines are also being added. “Right now, they are cutting the pavement from Bee Rock up to about the Hardee’s, where we are ... Read More »

Cookeville’s Driver Services Center has temporarily closed due to personnel shortages. Wesley Moster is the State Department of Safety and Homeland Security Director of Communications. Moster said health concerns caused the closing. Offices are scheduled to reopen December 10th. “Crossville, Lebanon or McMinnville Driver Services Centers are the closest locations customers can visit as an alternative location,” Moster said. “But ... Read More »

The Cookeville Police Department is investigating the death of a 32-year-old woman found at Willow Avenue’s Star Motor Inn. Captain Bobby Anderson said police responded to the call Tuesday and discovered Jessica Daniels deceased in her vehicle. “The young lady was sent to Nashville for an autopsy,” Anderson said. “Once that autopsy is complete, we will then find out what ... Read More »