If you have plans to travel to Knoxville this afternoon, you may face traffic delays as portions of I-40 are closed due to a Roane County wildfire. The far right lane going westbound is closed near mile marker 343. The road closure is a precaution as the State Department of Forestry tries to contain the fire. According to a state ... Read More »

Algood Police investigating an apparent shooting that involved a three-year-old child Thursday. According to early information released by City Administrator Keith Morrison, the child was wounded from a self-inflicted gun shot. The child was air lifted from the scene. The proximity of the incident prompted a brief soft lockdown of Algood Elementary and Middle Schools. Putnam County Schools Communications Supervisor ... Read More »

A growing hobby of drone flying has caused the Crossville Cumberland County Emergency Management Agency to highlight aircraft safety precautions. Director Travis Cole said the agency has not encountered any issues with drones, but there are several misunderstandings about the gear. “People will buy these cool toys and not realize the weight of the law that goes with them,” Cole ... Read More »

Livingston applying for grant funds to continue sidewalk improvements in the downtown area. Downtown Revitalization Chair Gene Gantt said if awarded, walkways and drainage on connecting roads between Church and Spring Street would be updated. “We’re known as one of the best walking towns anywhere around, so we want people to get out and enjoy the city and walk it ... Read More »

White County Commission Chair Robert McCormick said he believes the relationship between Sparta and the county remains healthy. That after concerns from city leaders about open communication regarding the landfill cell situation. The city has historically used the county landfill for garbage until the county paused residential trash intake. McCormick said while there may be some stress, the two governments ... Read More »

Byrdstown raised over $15,000 to be donated to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital through its 5k event. Mayor Sam Gibson said the town saw its highest participation since the marathon began over 10 years ago with over 90 runners. “With everybody, our chamber, our activities group, the town and everybody working together, it seems when people are working together you ... Read More »

Tennessee Tech graduation rates hit a new high with over 60 percent of students earning a degree that enrolled in Fall 2016. It is just a slight uptick from the 59.9 percent graduation rate measured last year. Provost Lori Bruce said she credits the student success to the university’s push for in-person classes. “One of the things that we have ... Read More »

Healthcare company Boa Vida, the party interested in purchasing the Cumberland River Hospital, takes a regional approach when setting up a healthcare system. Chief Strategy Officer Darrwin Perkins said over several years, the company tries to establish clinics in proximity to the hospital. Perkins said this creates a pipeline of patients to ensure the hospital stays in the green. “We’re ... Read More »

Sparta City Administrator Brad Hennessee has accepted a new position with the city of Murfreesboro. Hennessee resigned Thursday. He said he wanted a new opportunity that was better for his family while also moving to more of an outdoors position. “I have greatly enjoyed my time with the city of Sparta, and I’m grateful to be able to serve the ... Read More »

School funding, teacher licenses and academic standards were among the topics White County leaders discussed with the State Board of Education Tuesday. The state board stopped by Findlay Elementary School, hosting several discussion panels as it visits school districts across the state. Chair Lillian Hargrove said the board hand picked White County to see the work of the district. “I’ve ... Read More »