Jackson County Schools will receive lighting, plumbing and HVAC upgrades to conserve energy. Jackson County Director of Schools Kristy Brown said she is excited to see updated and energy efficient schools in her district. “They are working on the gym lights right now in the schools,” Brown said. “We expect to start seeing immediate savings. Those old light fixtures use ... Read More »

The Cookeville Gas Department will start testing automated gas meter readers for select communities in August. Gas department Director Jeff Mills said around 50 households will receive the new meter readers. Several commercial and industrial locations will also be included in the project. “This is going to be a pilot program,” Mills said. “We hope it does work out like ... Read More »

Much needed upgrades to the Buck Mountain water system are coming thanks to state grant. Algood City Administrator Keith Morrison said the city plans to increase pump capacity and place the pump station above ground with a new system. The upgrades are a necessity to continue to provide water to Buck Mountain. “The pumps there were put in several years ... Read More »

The Cookeville Fire Department responded to a fire call Wednesday morning at the IHOP on Interstate Drive. Fire Chief Darryl Blair said on arrival, the building was filled with haze. After investigating, the smoke was created from a faulty belt in an AC unit on the roof. “There was no fire at all,” Blair said. “The belt got so hot ... Read More »

Upper Cumberland Regional Airport will move to phase two of its fuel farm project. The Airport board approved a $362,500 bid to install power lines for the pump, construct a maintenance building, and build foundations for the tanks. Thatcher Sales & Erectors submitted the low bid. Construction expected to begin this summer. Manager Dean Selby said the new fuel tanks ... Read More »

The city of McMinnville wants to see the full financial impact of the coronavirus before continuing budget discussions. McMinnville City Administrator Nolan Ming said the city expected a significant drop in sales taxes and revenues. But so far, the numbers are better than expected. Regardless, the city still wants to wait for the final numbers to create an accurate budget. ... Read More »

Many people are exploring new hobbies while staying at home during the coronavirus. One of the most popular is genealogy. The Cumberland County Archives and Family Heritage Center specializes in Cumberland County’s earliest records and genealogical materials. Cumberland County Archivist Joyce Rorabaugh said the number of people visiting has not increased, but studying heritage continues to grow in popularity. “I ... Read More »

Eighth District Attorney Jared Effler said asking for a TBI investigation for Saturday night’s Clarkrange shooting is standard. Effler said TBI provides an unbiased third party to interview and review evidence for the situation. “That is standard operating procedure for our office to request TBI,” Effler said. “Any time there is an officer involved shooting involving local law enforcement agencies.” ... Read More »

The Dogwood Park Fountain will remain closed until further notice. State guidelines last week suggested all splash pads will remain closed. Leisure Services Director Rick Woods said Cookeville will continue to follow the state recommendations. “If that changes next week, then we will look to see if reopening makes sense for our community based on our numbers at that time ... Read More »

Van Buren County’s Piney Convenience Center has closed temporarily due to after hours dumping. Van Buren’s Solid Waste Coordinator Dale Cole said officials recently removed the compactor. Residents were throwing garbage on the ground and on the top of the compactor while it was closed each night. “Several truck loads were having to be picked up in a three or ... Read More »