The new State Economic and Community Development Commissioner stopped by Cookeville Friday as a part of his regional tour. Stuart McWhorter took over the position just four weeks ago. He replaced former commissioner Bob Rolfe. McWhorter said one thing he wanted to do early on was visit local partners across the state. “Certainly what’s going on here in this region ... Read More »

The Putnam County School Board approved its 2023-2026 school calendars Thursday night with minimal changes. Attendance Supervisor Chris Pierce said a calendar committee created the package based on community feedback. “The committee decided to use the format and keep the format with a two week fall break, the one week spring break, taking Easter Monday in addition to Good Friday ... Read More »

The 13th District has a new Circuit Court Judge in William Ridley. Ridley got 62.1 percent of the vote in a defeat against Incumbent Amy Hollars. The Tennessee House District 43 Primary Race saw a close battle. Incumbent Paul Sherrell held his seat by less than 100 votes. He received 4,636 votes. Candidate Bobby Robinson received 4,563 votes. State Representative ... Read More »

Sparta has a new mayor in Jerry Lowery. Lowery received 59.3 percent of the vote beating Mayor Jeff Young who got 40.7 percent. Lowery said he believed the people wanted a change after Young served 12 years as mayor. “I am a believer in term limits, and I think there was a lot of people while I was out campaigning ... Read More »

A total of nine new commissioners will serve Putnam County following Thursday’s election. Fred Vondra, Ron Chaffin, Chevin Eldridge, David Gentry, Ken Hall, Junior Phipps, Vinnie Faccinto, Terry Randolph and David Andrews will join the commission.  Current Commission Chair Mike Atwood lost in the 12th district, finishing fourth among four candidates. In district one, Vondra ran unopposed. He joins incumbent ... Read More »

David Sullivan is the new mayor of Van Buren County. Sullivan won convincingly with 1,018 votes. Candidate Jessica Grissom received 653 votes. Candidate Kelly Dishman got 370 votes. “With my policy for the future, I hope to have communication with the general public and also an open door policy for people to come in and discuss problems,” Sullivan said. “We ... Read More »

Just a single vote decided the election in the White County Commission District 1 race on Thursday. Cain L. Rogers won the first seat with 364 votes. Chris Brewington beat out Emilie Austin Roberts 271-270 to take the second seat in District. In District two, Jordan Cocke and Thomas Margeson will represent district two. Cocke finished with 54 percent of ... Read More »

Pickett County has a new County Executive. Stephen Bilbrey received 1,112 votes to defeat incumbent Carey Garner. Garner received 665 votes. In the Pickett County Commissioners races, Sheila Moon, Chris Masiongale, and Tony Beaty will represent district one. Moon received 361 votes. In district two, Francis Copeland captured the most votes in a tight race. Copeland’s 294 votes topped Jim ... Read More »

The White County Heritage Museum will be getting new flooring. The White County Commission approved $21,000 for the project. Co-Director Peggy Hurteau said the new wood-grained floor will better complement the historic displays. “The flooring that we have is carpet,” Hurteau said. “It’s been here 13 years, so you can imagine with people coming in and out it is in ... Read More »

The first home game of the Livingston Academy Football Season will be played at Tennessee Tech’s Tucker Stadium. Head Coach Dale Flatt said the stadium project is set for an August 26th completion, the same day of its game against Cookeville High School. “Then the rest of the home games will be at Livingston Academy,” Flatt said. “Our next home ... Read More »