Van Buren County Public Safety Director Will Max said Bone Cave community still has residents with no power after Sunday’s storm. Max said blocked road ways are slowing down the process. “We had some roads in the northwestern part of the county in the Bone Cave area that did receive some damage,” Max said. “Several roads are blocked, and we ... Read More »

Recent above average rainfall and high winds in the Upper Cumberland create conditions causing an increase in downed limbs and fallen trees. Allen’s Tree Service owner Bryan Cook said to look for low lying areas that hold water and exposed root balls at the base of the tree. These trees are more likely to be pushed over by winds. “The ... Read More »

Van Buren County officials conduct daily wellness checks on residents in an effort to ensure the health and safety of the community. County Mayor Greg Wilson said officials check via phone call or Facebook. “We started our list with people, especially the elder, who do not get out as much,” Wilson said. “We are doing wellness checks with them, and ... Read More »

Cumberland County Playhouse laid-off 35 full-time and all part-time employees in a cost-cutting move forced by COVID-19. The Playhouse cancelled all shows until May resulting in an estimated loss of $500,000 in ticket presales. CEO Bryce McDonald said 70 percent of Playhouse income comes from ticket sales. “We could lose our livelihood,” McDonald said. “Something as powerful as the playhouse ... Read More »

Tennessee Tech University’s main concern for student athletes is not sports related, but academic related as classes transition to online Monday. Athletic Director Mark Wilson said it is their goal to provide their athletes with the appropriate adjustments to be successful in their new learning experience. “The biggest challenge is really preparing our student athletes for new academic work,” Wilson ... Read More »

The Putnam County Library System wants to add a full-time librarian at its Algood branch. System Director Phil Schaller said a full-time staffer would allow the system to expand hours for citizens. “The Algood branch is the one with the most limited hours,” Schaller said. “We have been trying to get this branch full-time for quite sometime, and we have ... Read More »

The Cookeville Police Department will begin upgrades to their in-car camera systems and body cams this week. Captain Bobby Anderson said improving the department’s technology is important for overall safety and accountability. “The incidents, the calls and the contacts that are recorded are always reviewed by supervisors periodically,” Anderson said. “We spot check those to check for officer’s safety, as ... Read More »

A rainy week including possible soaking rains Tuesday could impact the already saturated ground across the Upper Cumberland. “We have already seen flooding occur across the Southeastern U.S. due to heavy rains through February and early March,” NOAA Deputy Director Mary Erickson said. “With many states at risk with at least minor flooding across central and the southeast U.S,, any ... Read More »