Jackson set to cut the ribbon for a brand-new mural in downtown Gainesboro Saturday morning at 10:30. Chamber of Commerce Director Hope Vargas said that the chamber worked with Belmont University on the design. She said that they wanted to highlight the Chevrolet building because it is an interesting part of Gainesboro’s history. “The Gainesboro Chevrolet museum is actually the ... Read More »

Law enforcement set to be out on the waters in full force in hopes of enforcing safe boating over the Fourth of July weekend. TWRA Wildlife Officer Dustin Buttram said that the holiday is one of the busiest times for his department. He said officers will spend the weekend doing safety checks, particularly checking for any signs of boating under ... Read More »

Fireworks will be a major part of celebrations this weekend, but don’t let the celebrations turn into injuries. Cookeville Regional Emergency Physician Dr. Omar Hamada said one of the worst things people can do is mix alcohol and fireworks. He said on weekends like the Fourth of July the emergency room treats injuries that could have been prevented. “This weekend ... Read More »

Putnam County School Board has approved a change in its grading scales for grades three through 12. After a recent bill was passed in the Tennessee legislature, Putnam County Schools will now have a 10-point grading scale instead of a seven-point grading scale. For example, instead of an A sitting in the 93-100 range, it will be from 90 to ... Read More »

The Putnam County School System’s budget deficit down to $897, 395 as the School Board approved its third budget draft Thursday night. Director of Schools Corby King said the newest draft reflects the county’s budget committee’s decision to cover some $820,000 in school bus expenditures for the coming year. “(Chief Financial Office) Mark (McReynolds) feels pretty confident that we can ... Read More »

A new downtown bookstore on Cookeville’s Spring Street hopes to serve a community and literary hub. Plenty On Spring Co-Owner Lisa Uhrik said that her company Franklin Fixtures makes bookshelves for bookstores across the country. She said that local bookstores have been flourishing recently despite the pandemic, and they wanted to bring something to the heart of downtown Cookeville, her ... Read More »

A Tennessee Valley Authority fuel cost adjustment could have Upper Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation customers seeing an additional $20 on their monthly electric bills as early as this month. UCEMC General Manager Jennifer Brogdon said that the unusual spike is mostly due to geopolitical events causing the increase in gas prices. “Same situation with our wholesale power provider TVA,” Brogdon ... Read More »

Tennessee Tech’s College of Fine Arts hoping to roll out a new Bachelor of Science degree in its studio arts program. Dean Jennifer Shank said that the degree will allow a little more flexibility for those looking for a degree in arts. She said that the current degree offered is a bachelor of fine arts. “Which is a more specialized ... Read More »

Fentress County has approved its operating budget for the coming fiscal year. Part of this year’s budget process included partaking in a salary study. Finance Director Tyler Arms said the county has struggled with attracting and retaining employees, and that this will hopefully boost those rates. “Some of our employees who have received larger raises in the past, they were ... Read More »

Bonuses did not go through for DeKalb County employees as two commissioners voted no, and five were absent. DeKalb County Commissioner Bruce Malone was one of two “no” votes for county employee premium pay. Malone said that he has several reasons for his vote, including the decision being made too rashly and with disregard for the American Rescue Plan’s original ... Read More »