Celina continuing efforts to remove an invasive species from Donaldson Park. The Board of Aldermen learned more about a Division of Forestry grant opportunity. Program Specialist Hannah Hollowell said the city can get up to $10,000 to fund the project. “By removing invasive plants, we’re giving native species more room to grow, and it also promotes forest health, habitat and ... Read More »

Livingston Alderman Chris Speck has resigned from his position. Speck shared his resignation in a letter to Mayor Curtis Hayes Tuesday. Speck said “my wife and I are currently in the process of selling our home in Livingston and moving outside of the city limits this month.” Speck’s resignation comes just days after former police chief Greg Etheredge stepped down. ... Read More »

Concerns from residents the reason why the Overton County Industrial Development and Planning Committee Chair did not pursue a land purchase. Chair Geraldine Walker said she entered the meeting in favor of a 210-acre land deal. Walker said after hearing from residents, she changed her mind. “I want to see growth in this county,” Walker said. “I would love to ... Read More »

Livingston Alderman Kelly Coleman said city officials should consider setting term limits for elected officials. Currently, the Livingston charter allows the mayor and aldermen to serve an unlimited amount terms. Coleman said he suggests using Cookeville’s two-term limit as a model. “Does that require a charter change,” Coleman said. “Or can it be put on a referendum for the people ... Read More »

Pickett County’s state testing data showed improvements in science, math and English language arts. Director of Schools Diane Elder said science scores especially improved as the county landed above state average. “Improvement,” Elder said. “That was the first word. We have improved, and we were thrilled. We’ve shown improvement across the board in science.” According to state data, Pickett County ... Read More »

Overton County Executive Ben Danner said the county will look for other strategies to land two potential large scale employers. The purchase of 210 acres near Highway 111 in Rickman did not make it to the county commission for a vote Monday night. A few residents expressed concern during a industrial development and planning committee meeting. “I’ve been in contact ... Read More »

The Celina Volunteer Fire Department getting new turnout gear thanks to a grant and the city’s support. Firefighter Russell West said the department received a $20,000 state grant. He approached the Board of Aldermen Tuesday night seeking an additional $30,000 to completely replace the inventory. “Our newest gear was about 2011,” West said. “We have about four sets of it. ... Read More »

District Attorney Bryant Dunaway’s Office will return to assist with a full inventory of the Livingston Police Department. That’s according to former Police Captain Ray Smith. Smith was introduced as the Interim Police Chief at Monday night’s Board of Aldermen meeting. He replaces Greg Etheredge who resigned over the weekend following multiple issues outlined in a state comptroller’s report. Smith ... Read More »

Two industrial developments that would have brought some 400 jobs to Overton County will not happen for now. Commissioner Darwin Clark said the county commission was set to vote on a 210-acre land purchase Monday night. But, the item died in the Industrial Development and Planning Committee minutes before the full commission meeting. “They got a motion by Roger Carr,” ... Read More »

DeKalb County Sheriff Patrick Ray said no new leads in a Smithville missing person case. 31-year-old Brittany Ann Miller was last seen at her home at Hurricane Ridge Road last Monday. Miller is a white female standing at 5’4″. She weighs 150 pounds, has dark brown shoulder length hair and has a tattoo on her forearm and ankle. Deputies ask ... Read More »