Putnam County fire crews responded to two calls Monday initiated by issues with heating units. Chief Tom Brown said these kinds of calls are not uncommon as the weather starts to change. “We normally have an uptick this time of year whenever everybody starts heating,” Brown said. “It’s always a good idea to get your units checked annually.” Brown said ... Read More »

Warren County Schools awarded a grant that will help address student mental health needs. Director of Schools Grant Swallows said the funding of around $148,000 will go towards implementing Care Solace. The program works to connect individuals seeking care for their mental health with the right providers. “If a student comes in in the morning worried about other things, whether ... Read More »

Some residents have called on the Board of Aldermen to hold a special election instead of making an appointment to fill the seat of former Mayor Nathan Walker. Alderman Alex Garcia said his biggest concern is the expense of holding a special election. “I don’t know exactly what it would cost but I know it would cost a ton of ... Read More »

Cookeville Police Department set to issue new firearms to officers. PIO Lieutenant Anthony Leonard said the department was looking to transition to new pistols with upgraded technology. “By switching to the 9 mm pistol, this will make our officers gain compatibility with surrounding agencies,” Leonard said. “Along with the ability to mount a miniature electronic reflex sight. And the electronic ... Read More »

Monterey potentially exploring the next steps of a T-DOT grant opportunity that would expand the rail trail. Cultural Administrator Rafferty Cleary said the $678,000 grant would extend the trail 1,000 linear feet from Oak Street to Woodcliff. “And it would also address the sidewalks that run along the side of Whitaker Park,” Cleary said. “And in the same location, it ... Read More »

FAFSA application process is now open to prospective college students. The program provides need-based financial aid to those who apply and meet qualifications. Jackson County High School Gear Up Coordinator Gary Flynn said that the process can sometimes be daunting for applicants, but the key is coming prepared. “Take your income tax, any kind of bank statements that you might ... Read More »

Algood United Methodist Church hoping to complete renovations to its building by March. Pastor Albert Willis said the process has taken over two years. He said because the church was built in 1899, it was a large undertaking to renovate the roof, the outside walls, and the church’s inside. “They had never had ever taken all the boards off that ... Read More »

After a dry start to the week, Sparta residents should be able to receive burn permits starting Monday. Sparta Fire Chief Kirk Young said Friday’s rain and the forecasted weekend rain should make conditions safer for outdoor burns. He said they use several avenues to inform the decision on whether or not to issue burn permits. “Get a call in ... Read More »

Cookeville Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance for parking lots at Highlands Residential Services’ old Claude Darwin property at Boatman and Darwin Streets. Community Development Director Jon Ward said the property is in the process of redevelopment by a third party. He said the current zoning code requires 1.25 parking spaces per bedroom for the first 50 units, and ... Read More »

Putnam County Court System has fully caught up on the backlog of cases caused by the pandemic. Early discussions indicated it could take years to catch up, due to requirements from the Tennessee Supreme Court slowing the process. Circuit Court Clerk Jennifer Wilkerson said the work of attorneys, judges, and court staff paired with new electronic capabilities made the catch-up ... Read More »