Cookeville Water Department continuing to address minor service lines and water main breaks following this weekend’s flash freeze. Environmental Engineer Matthew Phillips said the department is receiving multiple reports of leaks on the private side of water meters. He said many utility districts the city services are also reporting issues of leaks or main breaks. “And they have already or ... Read More »

Some 1,000 Jackson County residents have been without water since Monday. Mayor Randy Heady said the county purchases water from Red Boiling Springs to distribute to Jackson County Utility District customers. He said failures late Sunday contributed to the issues. “The problem now is that the reserves are out and what do we mean by reserves? We mean the water ... Read More »

Due to water outages in portions of the county, Jackson County is set to provide water to those in need Wednesday. The pick-up will be available from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Jackson County Fairgrounds and the West End Fire Department. Bottled drinking water will be provided as well as water for animal consumption upon request. Organizers ask ... Read More »

Upper Cumberland restaurants are gearing up for an influx of customers on New Year’s Eve. Gainesboro’s Bull and Thistle Pub Owner Diana Mandli said her business typically sees an influx over the holidays. She said since it opened 10 years ago, the Bull and Thistle always try to do something special for the New Year’s holidays, including a themed party, ... Read More »

Leftover boxes and holiday wrapping paper from Christmas presents do not all have to go in the trash. Putnam County Solid Waste Program Manager Lisa Luck said much of that waste can be recycled. She said each holiday season, the average person’s waste load increases by over one pound. “The problem comes in when you leave all the plastic wrap ... Read More »

Historic electric loads instigated TVA’s rolling blackouts across the state over the Christmas weekend as part of a tiered emergency plan. Cookeville Electric Director Carl Haney said the plan takes events step-by-step in energy conservation efforts to mitigate loads. He said this is the first time in his almost 29 years the TVA has gotten to a rolling blackout step. ... Read More »

Jackson County exploring the possibility of commissioners participating in the county’s Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System. Mayor Randy Heady said the county budgeted to do a study to see if this is something that would be feasible. He said they also wanted to start the retirement plan with the current commission or include former commissioners. “What would it cost for them ... Read More »

Fentress County applying for grant funding to help its food bank. County Executive Jimmy Johnson said the $500,000 would flow through the county. He said then, operations such as churches or non-profits can apply for a share. “It’ll just be a boost to the folks that operate the local food bank,” “And also for the participants of the food bank. ... Read More »

York Institute purchasing new ACT prep equipment. School Director John Bush said the goal is to continue the upward trajectory and positive growth of students’ scores. The program is called Pareto Analysis “Students will take a pretest and it will actually tell them,’ You’re proficient with these standards, and here are the ACT standards that you need additional supports on,'” ... Read More »

Pickett County firming up the timeline for its Bill Dance Signature Lakes feasibility study. County Executive Stephen Bilbrey said the county was recently approved for a grant for the $105,000 project. He said the Army Corps of Engineers is looking at putting hte new boat ramps and parking lot near the Obey River Campgrounds. “Once this feasibility study gets finished ... Read More »