Highlands Residential Services has received $2.5 million in state housing funds for a future master plan development. Redbud Village would bring 20 units to the housing authorities inventory. Executive Director Dow Harris said the grant means half of the Cookeville project is now funded. “That starts to get us close to making this development actually a reality,” Harris said. “There ... Read More »

Funding mechanisms and which option to pursue. Two decisions that the Crossville City Council will have to make before moving forward on its indoor recreation facility. Council members have three options that are $55, $60 or $65 million. Mayor RJ Crawford said he plans to have all the financial information prepared by March for the council to select a project. ... Read More »

Sparta has caught up on its trash pickups after facing several delays the past week due to mechanical issues. Public Works Director Dillard Quick said the issues still continue though. One truck remains under repair while another will enter the shop for emission issues. “We’re spending thousands and thousands of dollars on these trucks, and we’re not the only ones,” ... Read More »

Ficosa formally asked for some sort of tax relief from the company’s payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreement Thursday. The Cookeville Industrial Development Board met in a special-called meeting Thursday to discuss the plant’s request to revisit the 2016 contract. Board Member Allen Ray said the company wants relief based on not meeting its agreed-upon goal of 900 employees. Ficosa is about 300 workers ... Read More »

The Overton County jail roof project moving forward after the county commission approved the work Monday. A $94,250 project that will repair aging infrastructure over the jail cell portion of the Justice Center. The some 20-year-old roof has experienced leak issues. A total of four bids were considered with the $94,000 price tag recommended for approval. The county commission designated ... Read More »

The UCDD Executive Committee approved $100,000 Wednesday to help create a new angel investment fund. The Local Upper Cumberland Invest Fund will operate through Biz Foundry. Executive Director Mark Farley said the allocation serves as starting capital to help draw a state match to the program. Biz Foundry President Jeff Brown said 23 firms or businesses have also invested into ... Read More »

White County’s request to create a state park around Virgin Falls is included in Governor Bill Lee’s proposed budget. The spending plan includes $27.8 million to create Scott’s Gulf Wilderness State Park. County Executive Denny Wayne Robinson said the proposal is a promising step forward. “It’s great,” Robinson said. “It is going to affect the county in big ways, especially ... Read More »

Upper Cumberland mayors frustrated Wednesday after a state presentation regarding opioid abatement money spending. State official Mary Shelton tried to answer leader’s questions during the UCDD Executive Committee meeting. Smith County Mayor Jeff Mason said the state is causing unnecessary problems at the local level. “The state doesn’t know what they are doing, but they have to get the money ... Read More »

A new CDC report this week shows 1 and 3 teenage girls have considered suicide. In 2011, less than a fifth of teen girls considered suicide. Upper Cumberland Suicide Prevention Network Director Michael Anderson said the numbers may seem shocking, but more people today talk about their mental health. “Sometimes these reports come out and these statistics come out, and ... Read More »

Byrdstown has been utilizing emergency generators to provide water for at least a month as the city waits for a new pump. The city ordered new equipment for its pump station at the Pickett County garage facility over a year ago. Mayor Sam Gibson said the situation has caused a need to reevaluate how the city manages its water system. ... Read More »