As Pickett County School System returns for its first day back to school, leadership has safety at the forefront of their minds. Director of Schools Diane Elder said they have recently applied for a school safety grant in hopes of improving building access. She said the goal is to make have all keyless entries in the school system. “Which only ... Read More »

A successful first day as Putnam County students spent the first full day of the year in class Tuesday. Communications Supervisor Buddy Pearson said from a logistical standpoint, everything has gone smoothly including bus routes and in-school business. He said it bodes well to have a successful first day as it can set the tone for the remainder of the ... Read More »

Cookeville Public Works set to receive two new trucks to better conduct projects such as drainage jobs and material handling. Director Blake Mayo said the department has been relying on the Water Department to borrow a mini-excavator when needed. He said the truck allows the department to get into smaller spaces while still having the capabilities to perform projects. “And ... Read More »

The Putnam County Commission does not want to see Red Flag Laws enacted at the special legislative session this month. According to House Bill 1574, the law as introduced, allows a court to issue a risk protection order upon  finding  clear and convincing evidence that a person poses a significant danger of causing personal injury to the person or others ... Read More »

Sparta Public Works Department has completed drainage ditch upgrades on Allen Drive near White County High School. Director Dillard Quick said the old tile in the ditch needed to be replaced as it had rotted over the years. He said it was about 48 inches long. “We were afraid that with buses going across that tile it could possibly fall ... Read More »

Standing room only at Jackson County’s budget hearing over concerns of the proposed 30 cent tax rate Monday night. County leaders and residents spoke for almost an hour about how the tax rate would impact them. Most residents said while they support necessary raises for the county’s employees, it is not fair to put that burden of cost on the ... Read More »

As schools reopen, safety remains a top priority. Putnam County Schools’ School Emergency Response Team works with all county emergency personnel and school staff to develop emergency plans for each school. Deputy Director Tim Martin said it includes the Sheriff’s Department, local police agencies, ambulance services and fire departments. Martin said there is a SERT both at the district level ... Read More »

Putnam County Sheriff’s Department expects about another year until its new emergency radio communications system will be complete. Sheriff Eddie Farris said Putnam County will have five sites for the transmitter locations. He said three sites are already in good shape, one site needs upgrades, and the state will find and purchase land for the final site. Farris said the ... Read More »

New Clay County High School Principal Mike Dickerson says he is excited to start the new school year in his new role. Dickerson said his career in education spans 28 years, with experience teaching in Wellness, Science, History, and ISS. He said one of his main goals for the coming year is to beat the learning curve. “This doesn’t come ... Read More »

Cookeville Regional Medical Center is making gains on hiring more staff to join the facility. CEO Buffy Key said she attributes that to more employees returning to healthcare after COVID, as well as a return of the hospital’s workplace culture. “I’m constantly trying to communicate with them and that’s the most important thing,” Key said. “Because I remember being that ... Read More »