A Pickett County High School teacher has earned her Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education certification (CASE). Agriculture Instructor Tracy Smith said the certification helps her teach students using a more inquiry and lab-based curriculum. She said it helps to create a bridge between hands-on work and the science behind it. “My ag kids they know physics because they’ve built electric ... Read More »

Clay County High School seeing historically high enrollment levels. Principal Teia Arms said the school typically averages around 320 students. They are currently seeing 330 students, and expect that number to grow especially with the influx of residents moving in. “Most of the parents or guardians that we’ve talked to are moving to this area because it’s rural,” Arms said. ... Read More »

Lawns and gardens across the Upper Cumberland continue to combat drought periods and flash flooding. UT Extension Agent Jason Garrett says that extreme wet and extreme dry spells can have negative effects on grass and crops. “Here in Livingston, before the rain, lawns were basically burnt plum up,” Garrett says. “But when we get too much rain, that’s when you ... Read More »

Van Buren County PreK through 8th-grade students will have the opportunity for free dental care. Through the State’s Department of Health, the School-Based Dental Prevention Program will be providing sealants, fluoride varnish, dental screenings, and education. Coordinated School Health Director Kelly Lewis said this opportunity comes every three or four years. “Because we don’t have a dentist in Van Buren ... Read More »

A local electric company has begun an accredited apprenticeship program to help provide work experience for those in trade professions. Steve Van De Voorde is the owner of Van De Voorde Services. He said it has been in the works for at least five years, and is a project near to his heart. “You want to prepare yourself to be ... Read More »

Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has found a new Chief Engineer and Deputy Commissioner in Will Reid. Will Reid is a licensed professional engineer with over 20 years of experience in project management, transportation design, bridge design and evaluation, and roadway construction. He takes over the role from Paul Degges. Degges will now serve as the Chief Policy Advisor, focusing ... Read More »

A Jackson County man has been charged with one count of Arson for a December 2021 fire in the town of Celina. Michael Eugene Wallace was indicted and arrested following an investigation by special agent fire investigators with TBI for the incident that occurred at 419 Goolsby Lane. Wallace was also charged with one count of Vandalism between $10,000-$60,000. He ... Read More »

State law requires an election to be certified despite potentially inaccurate ballots cast, as recommended by the state. Julia Bruck is the Director of Communications at the Secretary of State’s office. She said by law, the Jackson County Election Commission had to certify the votes for Gainesboro Aldermen as they have been cast. Bruck said the election commission has no ... Read More »

A celebration was held for Putnam County’s oldest living native Friday afternoon. Jane Vailes turned 107 this week, and she said her life motto is “you rest, you rust.” “I stay busy and that means a whole lot to me,” Vailes said. “Because as long as I stay busy the longer I’m contended to stay on this earth.” Vailes graduated ... Read More »

Monkeypox has made its first Upper Cumberland appearance after a patient at CRMC was confirmed with the virus. CRMC Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Mark Pierce said monkeypox is closely related to the smallpox virus, but not as severe. “People that are exposed, we think the incubation period is like from five days to two weeks,” Pierce said. “And they’ll begin ... Read More »