The Crossville City Council will further discuss contract renewals with Azure Flight Support to build more hangars at the Crossville Memorial Airport next week. The company proposed a five year extension with a five year option during a Tuesday work session. Partner Allen Howell said the the current contract expires in May. “So, we’re asking for a contract extension now ... Read More »

The Clay County Commission will vote Monday night on whether to provide money to a company interested in reopening Cumberland River Hospital. During a commission planning session Monday, Boa Vida Executive Darrwin Perkins said the company intends to purchase the closed hospital. Perkins said the company had yet to secure the funding. Commissioner Winton Young then asked commissioners to add ... Read More »

A new way to allocate sales tax revenue to the Putnam County School System remains a possibility for the County Commission to discuss next year. The school system has been placed on a fix rate since the 2008 recession. Commission Chair Ben Rodgers said he thinks it is time to explore a percentage-based model in upcoming budget talks. “Schools need ... Read More »

Tuesday is the first day of work for some of the manpower behind the Upper Cumberland’s initiative to bring 800 families out of poverty. UCHRA Executive Director Mark Farley said the some 30 employees behind the Empower Upper Cumberland pilot will be stationed at the UCHRA offices and other partner agencies. “Just getting all the paperwork and getting them assigned ... Read More »

Sparta Mayor Jerry Lowery wants to live stream Board of Aldermen meetings. Lowery said he is reviewing information from two companies. Lowery said he wants to fulfill his campaign promise of making public meetings more accessible. “This is going to happen,” Lowery said. “I believe in transparency of government. I think government needs to have the eyes on us. I ... Read More »

One graduate of the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office Citizens’ Academy gave high-praise to the 10-week course. About 15 citizens in total completed the program. Participant Luann Nicosia said the courses exceeded her expectations. “I think everybody should take this, because by going through all of this it just helps you to understand their jobs,” Nicosia said. “You get to not ... Read More »

Tennessee Tech University will bring a new Bachelor of Science in Music degree program next year. Provost Lori Bruce said the university already offers two degrees for music education and music performance. Bruce said a number of students and employers wanted a broader program. “Employers that are looking for students that have that strong music education, but maybe combined with ... Read More »

There is a need for more industrial sites in the Upper Cumberland. UCDD Executive Director Mark Farley highlighted the issue when he encouraged local mayors to target land during a recent executive committee meeting. White County Executive Denny Wayne Robinson said there is a high demand for sites. ‘We have sold everything that we have,” Robinson said. “We’ve been real ... Read More »

Dirt work ongoing at the Flatrock Motorsports Park in Cumberland County as site preparation has officially begun on the project. COO Jeremy Hale said the project will cross motorsports and entertainment creating a destination off exit 338 of I-40. “The economic impact will be significant,” Hale said. “Usually, when you’re seeing those numbers like Barber (Motorsports Park) for example. They ... Read More »

This week in the Upper Cumberland the Cookeville City Council will host a work session Monday. Council members will review proposed agenda items in preparation for its full meeting Thursday. The Monday work session starts at 4:00 p.m. with the council meeting starting 5:30 p.m. Thursday. The Clay County Commission gathers Monday night at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, the Crossville City ... Read More »