Van Buren High School’s graduation rate last year was five percent above the state average with a 95 percent of seniors graduating. Director of Schools Cheryl Cole said the high-rate is a testament of the great faculty in the system. “We are more like a family here at both schools, the elementary and high school,” Cole said. “Everybody knows everybody, ... Read More »

The Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency will apply for a $8.7 million grant to expand its early head start services. The agency is looking to build one new facility in Morrison and Sparta and buy and renovate a building in Spencer. The current Van Buren Head Start Center will serve as the headquarters. UCHRA Executive Director Mark Farley said the ... Read More »

The Cookeville City Council postponed the final reading of its panhandling ordinance Thursday after a public hearing at the Cookeville Performing Arts Center. About 30 people participated in the public hearing prior to vote. The council heard concerns and suggestions from a mix of business owners, long time residents and religious leaders. After listening to concerns and suggestions, the council ... Read More »

The city of McMinnville is taking the first step to fixing its sewer line issues thanks to a federal grant. In the event of rain, the city’s sewer lines face Infiltration/Inflow, which is unfitted line connections allowing ground water in the system causing dilution in treatment. City Administrator Nolan Ming said city has already started smoke testing to find the ... Read More »

The town of Monterey has a new city attorney. Cookeville Attorney Brett Knight has accepted the invitation from Mayor J.J Reels. Knight said his friendship with Reels made the decision easy. “I am very excited at the direction Monterey is heading, and the opportunity that they are seeking out to grow and expand and bring in new businesses,” Knight said. ... Read More »

Visitations for long term care residents will expand under a new initiative announced by the state department of health Thursday. Health Commissioner Dr. Lisa Piercy said starting October 1st, facilities that have gone 14 days with no new COVID cases may allow visitors. “The health and safety of our vulnerable Tennesseans, particularly those in long term care facilities, remains our ... Read More »

Putnam County will meet with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) Tuesday to continue work on the sports complex expansion. The county received a TDEC grant in 2018 for the expansion. Since then, requirements for the grant have changed three times Mayor Randy Porter said he has contacted Representative Paul Bailey to help speed up the process. “It ... Read More »

The Oak Tree Tower public hosing project has began framing with a completion date of June 2021. Highland Residential Services Executive Director Dow Harris said the low income midrise apartment complex fell behind schedule last spring, but the contractor should gain ground in the coming months. “All the concrete pad and foundation is in,” Harris said. “The elevator shafts and ... Read More »

The Upper Cumberland Regional Airport has switched to a new radio frequency. Airport Manager Dean Selby said traffic around the airport has grown causing a need for change in frequencies. Selby said at least five other airports shared the same frequency. “What happens a lot of times is a pilot comes in, and he starts talking to another aircraft,” Selby ... Read More »

The Van Buren School system has waived student attendance requirements for semester exams. Before, students with perfect attendance and a passing grade were exempt from semester exams. Now, all students with passing grades are not required to take the exams. Director of Schools Cheryl Cole said with the pandemic, the attendance policy was unfair. “The principal and the assistant principal ... Read More »