City of Cookeville starting the process to conduct a $40,000 salary study before the next budget season. City Manager James Mills said even after historic raises for its city employees, there is more to be done. “But with the rate of inflation and the difficulty we were having filling some of our positions we felt like a salary study was ... Read More »

Putnam Planning Commission could be making changes to its subdivision regulations. Director Kevin Rush presented the idea of requiring traffic studies for certain developments moving forward. He said they would like to have a certified engineer performs the traffic study to ensure the study is sound. “That takes us out of the guessing game of whether that development will work ... Read More »

Putnam Planning Commission deferred a decision on the preliminary plat for a proposed 54-lot subdivision on a 63-acre tract off of Medlin Road. Several community members attended the meeting in opposition of the development. Planning Director Kevin Rush said the road going into the development does not currently meets width standards for that development size. However, he said recent legislature ... Read More »

Cookeville Regional Medical Center CEO Paul Korth appointed to the American Hospital Association’s regional policy board. The AHA is the national organization that represents hospitals and healthcare networks throughout the U.S. The AHA uses analysis and recommendations from the AHA Regional Policy Board in policy deliberations. Korth’s appointment is through 2025. He also serves on the Tennessee Hospital Association Board ... Read More »

Food to the Rescue beginning to replenish its supplies after spending the winter break delivering meals to needy kids in Putnam County. Family Outreach Coordinator Robin Twitty said the non-profit delivers meals to food-insecure children when the school system goes on break. She said they serve 600 or 700 kids during any given break. “A large number of children in ... Read More »

Damages reported in Cumberland County after thunderstorms moved through Tuesday afternoon. EMA Director Travis Cole said the event was in a more isolated area of the county called Tabor Loop. “Which we had a tornado there a couple of years ago in the same area,” Cole said. “But it was much, much less damage this time. We think it was ... Read More »

Putnam County Library continuing its partnered efforts with the jail to create a library for inmates. Library Director Katherine Wisinger said the library began taking paperback book donations in February. She said since then, they have been able to donate more than 1,000 books. “It keeps the prisoners involved in something good and something beneficial to them, it also keeps ... Read More »

If you are wanting to get healthy in the New Year, starting those habits can be a daunting task. Local Dietician Holly Bundrant said the best way to start is to set an achievable goal. Because many people tend to “fall off the wagon” if they do not see immediate results, one solution is to set both a short-term and ... Read More »

Pickett County expecting an answer in mid-January about which sites might be suitable for industrial development. County Executive Stephen Bilbrey said the county received grant funding to evaluate approximately eight sites across the county. He said the state and a consulting group visited the sites and are currently evaluating each one. “Of course, everybody doesn’t want to work in the ... Read More »

The arrival of a new year brings many people wanting to turn over a new leaf. One way to make a positive change in your life and in the environment is to begin the proper recycling practices. Putnam County Solid Waste Program Manager Lisa Luck said the best way to start is to lay it out in front of you. ... Read More »