Finding foster placement for some 800 children in need of homes across the Upper Cumberland has been a challenge during the pandemic. That’s according to Youth Villages Senior Treatment Foster Care Counselor and Development Specialist Tara Shepherd. Shepherd said the biggest challenge they face are families more focused on maintaining than adding during the pandemic. “We’ve had a couple of ... Read More »

While teaching remains outside the classroom, one of the most important roles parents can play in education is reading. White County Library Director Cathy Farley said parents should make a set schedule and choose books that are on the same level as the child. “The biggest thing to help parents is to be consistent,” Farley said. “Make reading a time ... Read More »

The Upper Cumberland Airport wants to sell a house on its property and get the house moved to allow more space for expansion. Airport Manager Dean Selby said the house interferes with the virtual airspace as well as the long-range master plans to build a ramp on the property. “The house itself is not apart of the long range plan,” ... Read More »

Upper Cumberland residents should expect to see an increase of carpenter bees this spring. Putnam County Ag Extension Agent Wayne Key said carpenter bees survived the winter and are emerging this spring to feed on nectar. “The reason for it is because we had such a mild winter,” Key said. “We didn’t have a lot of cold or bone chilling, ... Read More »

Jamestown hosted a web seminar on Monday for businesses who are eligible for the Economic and Community Development Facade Grant. Jamestown Alderwoman Misty Clark said projects such as signage, painting, awnings, lighting, windows, doors and entryways are all eligible for funding. “We did have a good turnout,” Clark said. “A lot of people are really excited to get projects started. ... Read More »

The strawberries are red, ripe and soon will be ready to pick at Amazin’ Acres in Sparta. Amazin’ Acres Jimmy McCulley said families can come enjoy the farm and start picking strawberries as early as next week. “We do have a good strawberry crop this year,” McCulley said. “I would like to throw out there that we have a lot ... Read More »

Tennessee Senator Paul Bailey hosted a telephone town hall meeting Thursday answering constituents questions over education, unemployment, small business aid and reopening. Bailey was asked how Tennessee is preparing for a possible second wave once the state reopens. Bailey said there could be a possible second outbreak, but the state is prepared. “We have those in place today,” Bailey said. ... Read More »

The Biz Foundry found most Upper Cumberland businesses surveyed believe they can meet government standards for reopening. Some 140 businesses responded to the survey conducted this week on behalf of Governor Bill Lee. “We have a really good grasp on the rural areas since we serve the entire Upper Cumberland region,” Director of Operations Tiffany Anton. “We can really get ... Read More »

Construction for a new Taco Bell location in Jamestown is set to begin in May. Jamestown building inspector Earl Sweat said the taco bell would be built at the old Hardee’s location on North Main Street. “They are going to start on the demolition work on the old Hardee’s building possibly,” Sweat said. “They have moved equipment in already.” Sweat ... Read More »

Spring produces a flood of high school students heading to college campuses, like Tennessee Tech, searching for a new home. COVID-19 has changed that this year. Tennessee Tech has turned to virtual tours for recruiting future students. Vice President for Enrollment Management and Career Development Dr. Brandon Johnson said they are trying new strategies to tell Tech’s story and share ... Read More »