A major change in Cookeville Regional’s new fiscal year budget comes from a desire to decrease contract labor expenses. That’s according to the hospital’s CFO Tommye Rena Wells. “Because that contract labor expense, as everyone knows across the nation, has risen dramatically,” Wells said. “It has in the facility as well. So that is going to be one of our ... Read More »

Cookeville City Council has entered into a right of first refusal agreement for some 70 acres of land off of Lee Seminary Road. City Manager James Mills said that the agreement would allow the city “first dibs” should the landowner decide to sell. He said that the city and county’s intention would be to have more industrial-type development there. “This ... Read More »

Theatre and history lovers have the opportunity to see an original play about Cookeville starting Thursday night. Cookeville Museums Manager Beth Thompson said that “Round Trip” is set in town one week after the events of Pearl Harbor. She said that the show features a mixture of real people and fictional characters. “It’s so cool because when you’re hearing the ... Read More »

Gainesboro Elementary School has named its new principal. Sonja Smallwood has over 28 years of experience in the Jackson County School System, with the last 12 years as an assistant principal. Smallwood takes over the position from long-time principal Tina Cassetty, who decided to retire this year after serving in the system for more than 30 years. Read More »

Memorial Day Weekend marks the return of the summer boating season for many in the Upper Cumberland. TWRA Wildlife Sergeant Dustin Buttram said that before you take to the waters, you should have a plan in place to avoid one of the biggest boating dangers: alcohol impairment. “That’s one of the leading causes of accidents, is alcohol-related incidents,” Buttram said. ... Read More »

Changes in leadership at Putnam County Schools have the system wanting to plan ahead. Director of Schools Corby King said that it’s important to have a robust pool of candidates who are eager to fill leadership roles. He said that the system currently has a principal and leadership pipeline through a “learn-to-lead” program. “The principals nominate,” King said. “Teachers will ... Read More »

Jackson County Chamber of Commerce will partner with the Small Business Development Center to help small businesses learn more about funding opportunities. Tyler Asher is the Small Business Development Center Director. He said that the seminar Thursday morning at 11 will help small businesses more efficiently apply for loans, and explore other lending avenues. “There are local banks that we ... Read More »

Progress on Cane Creek’s shoreline stabilization project has led to the need for more trail closures. Leisure Services Director Rick Woods said that while in the midst of the project, they decided to do some additional work that would better the trails. “And that is removing some trees that were taken down by storms,” Woods said. “And we need to ... Read More »

Cumberland County is one of 12 counties in the state to receive a clean audit report for fiscal year 2021. Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury Jason Mumpower called it a “significant accomplishment.” The annual audits for these counties were completed without any findings. Audit findings are used to report on weaknesses, deficiencies, or areas of noncompliance within government operations. The ... Read More »

DeKalb County Commission has allocated some $350,000 in ARP money for a new Liberty/Dowelltown fire hall. County Fire Chief Donny Green said that the idea originally came about because of a need for more space at the Liberty Fire Hall. He said that the project has since grown to include space for a fire truck, a tankard, and a space ... Read More »