Cookeville and Upperman High Schools are repairing their gym floors this July. Putnam County Schools Facilities and Construction Supervisor John Magura said the floors are usually repaired every 10 to 12 years. Each gym floor will not include any new designs. “The floors will be sanded down to bare wood and repainted and refinished,” Magura said. “They’ll also repaint logos ... Read More »

A candidate for the Tennessee House wants to see increased strategic spending targeted at Tennessee’s key economies. Candidate Dennis Bynum said the plan to build Tennessee’s economy is called Tennessee R.I.S.E. The  addresses how to strengthen manufacturing, agriculture, small businesses and education. “I feel like this plan directly compliments our state and federal leaders accomplishments prior to Covid-19,” Bynum said. ... Read More »

Cumberland County Veterans Services Officer Bill Ward retires this month after seven years of service. Ward helped veterans secure disability and pension payments throughout his tenure. Ward said the most important part of a Veteran Service Officer is being able to guide veterans through the bureaucratic language efficiently and correctly. “The thing that makes me the most proud is that ... Read More »

The Baxter Fall Festival Excursion and Del Monaco Wine Train will not happen this year. Tennessee Central Railway Museum President Terry Bebout said the museum will focus on shorter trips in precaution to Covid. “It is a longer ride from the Nashville area to Putnam County,” Bebout said. “Couple that with some slow orders along the track in certain areas, ... Read More »

Pickett County High School is in the process of multiple renovations this summer. The Board of Education approved bids for the parking lot paving and ceiling replacement project. Quality Asphalt and Sealing Incorporated won the bid as the sole bidder at $29,545. Director of Schools Diane Elder said the parking lot will be numbered, striped and sealed. “We are excited ... Read More »

Watch your step while tending your gardens and mowing the grass, as snake sightings have increased across the Upper Cumberland. White County Ag Extension Agent Scott Swoape said snakes are cold-blooded and search for cool or damp areas. Areas like crawl spaces, flower gardens,wood piles and ponds are the most common habitats for snakes. “Everybody gets the image that they ... Read More »

Sparta Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved a $5.4 million budget for the new fiscal year with no city property tax increases. The budget is the same amount as last year, but all the departments received capital projects in the budget. City Administrator Brad Hennessee said completing the budget during the uncertainties of Covid is a success. “We are glad ... Read More »

April sales tax revenues in Overton and White County increased over same month last year. Overton County collected around $148,000 in sales tax, or about. $10,000 more than last April. Overton County Executive Ben Danner said the increase was not expected. But he said with so many at home, people may have spent money on DIY projects. “There is a ... Read More »

The Cookeville-Putnam County Tornado Relief Fund raised $2, 275,474. Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter said the amount donated exceeded all expectations. People and organizations from all around the world answered the need and donated. Porter said the outpouring of support was unbelievable. “We figured if we could do a million dollars, we would just be great,” Porter said. “But to ... Read More »

The Sparta Board of Alderman approved the purchase of $25,000 of personal protective equipment for city police. Mayor Jeff Young said the purchase is mainly for a periodic replacement of items such as bulletproof vests. “There is a whole list of items in the police department they have to upgrade annually and some of them are long term expenditures,” Young ... Read More »