A Sparta family farm will be the site of the 30th mural painting done by the University of Tennessee’s “Everywhere You Look UT” campaign. The Johnson Family Farm has been a fixture in White County since 1806. Cynthea Johnson Amason is the family’s eldest daughter. She said when the opportunity arose for the family to marry their love for their ... Read More »

Nashville-based HCA Healthcare has purchased the former hotel/convention center site in downtown Cookeville. The nearly five-acre site adjacent to the Cookeville Depot was sold for $3.6 million this month, according to county real estate records. Developers had worked with the city on tax incentives several years ago to turn the former Wilson site into a hotel and convention center. Those ... Read More »

Gusty winds, low humidity, and ongoing drought conditions are leading to elevated fire danger for the Upper Cumberland Thursday. Drought conditions are particularly worse in the northern part of the region. Baxter Fire Chief Matthew White said in these kinds of conditions, a forgotten cigarette butt or spilled ashtray can create a dangerous situation. “Of course, the conditions you’re in ... Read More »

The loss of Monterey Mayor Nathan Walker will be felt region-wide. Cultural Administrator Rafferty Cleary said Walker was someone loved and respected by not only those in Monterey, but those who knew him across the Upper Cumberland for his knowledge and intellect. Cleary said he first met Walker while working as a reporter and covering Monterey Aldermen meetings. “He was ... Read More »

Cookeville Planning Commission to hold a public hearing on Monday, October 24th to rezone some 17 acres on Blackwell Road to light manufacturing. The property owned by company Nomads LLC is located off Highway 111. Community Development Director Jon Ward said the property is currently split-zoned between single-family residential and light manufacturing. “The light manufacturing just allows less intense uses ... Read More »

The healthcare management company Boa Vida showing interest in aiding the town of Celina with reopening its Cumberland River Hospital. The town of Jellico, Tennessee recently worked with the company on its own hospital. Jellico Mayor Dwight Osborn said the partnership began after the city became dissatisfied with its previous hospital manager. Osborn said after an exhaustive search trying to ... Read More »

Celina Board of Alderman has approved a resolution to apply for its TDEC and American Rescue Plan funds. Mayor Luke Collins said the money will be used for water and sewer upgrades in the city. He said the county is funneling a portion of its TDEC funds to extend water to Add Stafford Road. “Now in our priority list and ... Read More »

Putnam County Election Commission has registered nearly 1,300 new voters in the last three months. The Election Commission spent time at its Wednesday morning meeting checking 10 percent of the newly registered voters. Administrator of Elections Michele Honeycutt said commissioners undertake the process every three months. “Confirming that we didn’t make a mistake such as registering someone that didn’t sign ... Read More »

Gainesboro Fire Department wants residents to be aware that the natural gas smell downtown is being addressed by the gas company. Assistant Chief Isaac Davis there have been three reported leaks near the jail and on Montpellier Avenue. “There’s no imminent danger as of right now, what it is is the line is underneath the road on the outside,” Davis ... Read More »

Monterey Mayor Nathan Walker has passed away after a recent stage 4 pancreatic cancer diagnosis. Alderman Bill Wiggins said it feels as though a pall is over the town of Monterey Wednesday morning. Walker has served as an Alderman since 2014 and was recently elected as Mayor. “What he brought to the table as a leader in the town of Monterey, ... Read More »