Sparta has received $200,000 in grant funding to install a siren activated traffic control system. It’s called traffic preemption where traffic lights turn to the appropriate light when it hears a emergency vehicle siren. City Administrator Brad Hennessee said the program will be added to all signals along Bockman Way. “We have 14 traffic signals overall,” Hennessee said.  “We have ... Read More »

It was a rebound year for the White County School System as the district’s TCAP scores saw gains across the board. Director of Schools Kurt Dronebarger said the data was a “pleasant surprise.” One in particular was 4th grade math. “That’s exciting, because that’s something that has been a low area across the state for the past several years and ... Read More »

The Upper Cumberland Regional Airport has received funding for its hangar construction project. The airport board approved applying for the $500,000 grant last year. Airport Manager Dean Selby said now the body will consider accepting the grant at its Tuesday meeting. “It would be a 50/50 grant for a million dollars worth of construction for T-Hangars,” Selby said. “We’re excited ... Read More »

The Monterey Depot Historical Society is creating a digital database of yearbooks issued by Monterey Nigh School. Cultural Administrator Rafferty Cleary said they have digitally scanned yearbooks dating back to 1947 to create a free online collection. “Originally, we thought we could get all of these and just put them in a bookshelf here at the museum,” Cleary said. “Then, ... Read More »

The Putnam County Solid Waste Department ended the fiscal year with the lowest amount of write-offs in recent years. That means companies that use the county landfill have paid the majority of dues. Mayor Randy Porter said a single factor resulted in just $806 of debt. “More construction waste,” Porter said. “I think all of the construction companies are so ... Read More »

This week in the Upper Cumberland the Overton County Commission will consider purchasing over 200 acres Monday. A $2.3 million price tag for 210 acres in Rickman. The purchase has been recommended by the county’s industrial board and budget committee. The meeting starts at 5:00 p.m. Monday. A healthy turnout expected at the Livingston Board of Aldermen meeting Monday as ... Read More »

Election machines in Putnam County are ready to be sent to the polling locations. The election commission evaluated a total of 86 machines Wednesday. Election Administrator Michelle Honeycutt said workers made sure no changes were made to the machines after being locked in a vault since April. “It’s pretty common,” Honeycutt said. “The only thing they might see is if ... Read More »

Sparta has purchased a new brush truck after facing several mechanical issues with an existing vehicle. City Administrator Brad Hennessee said the new vehicle is in service and will allow the old truck to be fully repaired. Hennessee said the city had to put several “emergency band-aids” on the truck to keep brush pickup on schedule. “This was an emergency ... Read More »

The Overton County Commission will consider purchasing 210 acres Monday night for industrial development. County Executive Ben Danner said two companies have already submitted letters of intent to purchase a site on the tract. “One of the companies will be about a $35 million investment and close to 100 jobs,” Danner said. “The other company is going to be close ... Read More »

Road and sidewalk improvements in the McMinnville budget have begun. Mayor Ryle Chastain said paving has already started in the historic district near downtown. “Those historic neighborhoods and as well as around Main Street in the business district, but then there are quite a few around the city limits that are going to get paved, but I would say we ... Read More »