The White County School Board has renewed a lease with Motlow State Community College to continue hosting college courses on the high school’s campus. Director of School Kurt Dronebarger said a five-year agreement signed to use the facility on the corner of Roosevelt Drive and Robert Knight Drive. “We’re just recommitting to that partnership and letting them know that White ... Read More »

It is National Apprenticeship Week, and a time to look at the growing popularity of programs. Apprenticeship opportunities have boomed in the Upper Cumberland over the past year. Upper Cumberland Workforce Business Service Administrator Jeremiah Miller said the American Job Center has grown from two to 13 programs over the past two years. “We had the difficulty of finding employees ... Read More »

The Double Springs voting precinct in Putnam County set to move pending a final accessibility survey by the Election Commission. Chair Phillip Adams said voters will move from Upperman Middle School to Double Springs Church of Christ. “First of all, it puts it back into the proper district,” Adams said. “The 9th district, so it is closer to the voters. ... Read More »

September sales tax receipts grew by 12.7 percent across Putnam County over this same time last year. Some $4.9 million dollars collected compared to $4.3 million. Putnam County saw the largest increase with 20.6 percent. Baxter jumped up by 19.8 percent. Monterey went up 15.6 percent. Algood saw an increase of 14.0 percent. Cookeville experienced the least amount of growth ... Read More »

Sparta’s Veterans Day celebration rescheduled for Sunday after being cancelled due to inclement weather last week. Mayor Jerry Lowery said the Salute the Troops event begins at 1:00 p.m. at Metcalf Park. “The veterans they fought. Many died for our freedoms,” Lowery said. “The Veterans Day program is very dear to my heart, and I think it is good that ... Read More »

Three men arrested Thursday in Putnam County on drug related charges following a home search by the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies with a search warrant investigated a home in the Candyland area between Cookeville and Algood. 38-year-old Deon Larkins, 31-year-old Skylar Powell and 26-year-old Christopher McCathern charged for numerous crimes. Officials found firearms and illegal narcotics including fentanyl, heroine, ... Read More »

Sparta’s Sunset Outfitters and Calfkiller Conservancy bringing more opportunities to the community thanks to a new lease agreement with the city. Owner and Founder Samantha Satterfield said she has already moved into the location on the corner of West Bockman Way and Carter Street. “We’re still going to do pay what you can rentals,” Satterfield said. “We’re going to do ... Read More »

Clay County has received a $6,000 grant from the Tennessee Historical Commission to continue window restoration efforts at the county courthouse. Courthouse Curator Thomas Watson said the county will match the funds with $4,000 making for a $10,000 project. “Hopefully it will do six windows,” Watson said. “It will do the windows in the old offices in the bottom of ... Read More »

Progress made on lifting Sparta’s sewer moratorium with a residential and commercial location added to the system. Mayor Jerry Lowery said the city met with TDEC last week and left with positive results. “That’s a plus for us that we have not been exed out right now, but that they are working with us,” Lowery said. “We are going to ... Read More »

Putnam County School Board Chair Kim Cravens named the Interim TSBA District Director for the Upper Cumberland Region. She replaces White County School Board Member Jayson McDonald. McDonald was elected as TSBA Treasurer leaving a year left on the term. Cravens said she accepted the position to complete the term. “It helps give you a connection to other school board ... Read More »