A team of UCDD-UCHRA leaders visited Nashville Wednesday creating communication avenues with newly elected legislators. Executive Director Mark Farley said three or four new state representatives or senators representing the region means new staff needing to learn about available programs. “We’ve got some individuals that are working the hill today that new staff members know how to access the programs ... Read More »

The addition to White County Schools’ BonDeCroft Elementary School progressing but not without some inconveniences. The school closed for one day due to a water line leak in January. Director of Schools Kurt Dronebarger said again this week, the gas supply was interrupted causing the school to go without supply for a day. “They ensured there was no safety issues ... Read More »

U.S Senator Bill Hagerty visited Cookeville Wednesday morning opening a new office for constituent services. The district office is located on the third floor of the U.S. Post Office on Broad Street. Hagerty said this marks the first time a U.S. Senate office has been established in the Upper Cumberland. “The Upper Cumberland in my view was a gap in ... Read More »

Building pads and framing taking shape at Tennessee Tech’s newest engineering building. Capital Projects Director Jim Cobb said the some 100,000 square foot Ashraf Islam Engineering Building is progressing as scheduled. “Erecting steel and they are starting the metal framing and the contractor for six months now has been holding schedule,” Cobb said. “That building is slated for completion in ... Read More »

It is Tennessee Severe Weather Awareness Week, a time for families to prepare before stormy weather arrives. Putnam County EMA Director Tyler Smith said the main key is to stay alert and have multiple sources for storm notifications. “The best thing to have is a weather radio,” Smith said. “They are battery backed up. If you are asleep at night ... Read More »

The Overton County Fair Board accepting applications for its junior fair board. Board member Sonia McCowan said Overton students grade 7 through 12 can apply. “It helps them become more aware of working with the public,” McCowan said. “Seeing what all it takes to put on an event or give back to their community. It helps some of them to ... Read More »

The Putnam County Budget Committee has been formed. Mayor Randy Porter appointed nine commissioners Tuesday that include: Kim Bradford, Chris Cassetty, Chevin Eldridge, Dale Moss, Kathy Reel, Ben Rodgers, Sam Sandlin, Jonathan Williams and Darren Wilson. “There’s always a lot more people that want to be on the budget committee than there are spaces,” Porter said. “I have to choose ... Read More »

A mixture of new and old faces will serve on this year’s Putnam County Budget Committee. Commission Chair Ben Rodgers served as the committee chair last year and will once again be a part of the process.. Rodgers said he sees benefits in having a mixture of opinions. Rodgers-1                     (:16)    ... Read More »

Tennessee Tech starting the design work to renovate Johnson Hall and construct a new Advanced Construction and Manufacturing Building. Capital Projects Director Jim Cobb said both projects should begin work in 2024 after ranking for state funding. Cobb said the new engineering building will take at least 16 months to design. Cobb-2                  ... Read More »

TDEC and TDOT conducting a joint project to construct a highway bypass to better protect the Great Falls Cotton Mill at Rock Island State Park. Parks Area Manager Kenny Gragg said the bypass would lead traffic away from the historic building which sits just inches away from the road. “So that mill is taking the brunt of water splash, dust ... Read More »