Tennessee Tech nursing student enrollment holding steady this fall semester after recent low enrollment. School of Nursing Director Barbara Jared said Tennessee Tech’s School of Nursing typically sees about 600 undergraduate students. At the graduate level, the average is about 140 students. Jared said she believes the drop in enrollment numbers was influenced by the pandemic. “And I think the ... Read More »

Pickett County approved a bid to purchase a new ambulance at some $271,000. County Executive Stephen Bilbrey said the county currently has four ambulances in good condition. However, with an estimated 18-month lead time the county wanted to plan ahead. “You know since it’s going to take so long to get this ambulance they went ahead and approved it,” Bilbrey ... Read More »

Consumers are increasingly using buy now, pay later apps or using credit cards to cover the cost of rising food bills amid high inflation. Local Attorney Dale Bohannon said while it might be a short-term aid, the danger comes when it’s time to pay it back. “You don’t want to finance living expenses,” Bohannon said. “Because if you’re not able ... Read More »

Clay County Sheriff’s Office seeking help in the search for a missing Pea Ridge man last seen in Kentucky. 53-year-old Michael Harding was last seen on Sunday and reported missing by family on Tuesday. Chief Deputy Rick Lisi said no foul play is suspected, and that they are treating it as a Silver Alert case. “Everything about what his routine ... Read More »

The federal reserve has increased interest rates, and is expected to do so again next month in its ongoing efforts to reduce inflation. Tennessee Tech College of Business Dean Thomas Payne said it will have a big economic impact, but a necessary one. He said as rates increase, the price of goods will decrease. “This is their way of attacking ... Read More »

A note with threatening language found under a seat at Upperman High School Thursday deemed a non-event after an internal investigation. Putnam Schools Communication Supervisor Hannah Davis said once found, it was immediately brought to a teacher and reported to the administration and the school’s school resource officer. “The student was identified and it was determined that there was no ... Read More »

Cookeville Regional Board of Trustees approved the renewal of an employee software service after tabling approval citing financial concerns. The software would allow department heads access to employee profiles and organizational charts, among other uses. When originally presented to the board, the cost came in at some $300,000 for a three-year contract. Board Member Danny Rader asked if cost-cutting measures ... Read More »

Literacy Implementation Network working across the state to implement a high-quality English Language Arts curriculum. Diana Wood is the Putnam Schools PreK through 4th Grade Instructional Supervisor. She said Putnam County is a mentor district for surrounding areas because it was an early adopter of this curriculum. “So the goal is we’re mentoring them in the implementation, they’re a little ... Read More »

Cumberland County’s Steve Norris, who had forecasted the weather and kept local residents informed, has died at age 63. Long-time friend and Star Recording Studio Owner Tony Perry said Norris has been an institutional figure in radio meteorology for the last 46 years. Norris died after complications from a long bout of pneumonia at Cumberland Medical Center Thursday morning. “The ... Read More »

Jackson County Schools working to get more students involved in a state program that covers the costs of AP courses and testing. AP Access for ALL provides students across the state with access to 17 different virtual Advanced Placement courses, eliminating financial barriers and supporting student enrollment in AP coursework. The state program provided AP classes access to 42 schools ... Read More »