A new outdoor recreation rental facility at Meadow Creek Park the latest part of Monterey’s efforts to fulfill its master plan. Cultural Administrator Rafferty Cleary said some seven miles of mountain biking trails are completed, with 13 miles planned for the future. He said the most important part of the master plan is the connectivity of the park, including the ... Read More »

A detrimental impact short-term, but there is still a way forward to enhance diversity in higher ed. Those are the personal views of Tennessee Tech Chief Diversity Officer Rob Owens. He said the Supreme Court’s decision on affirmative action was not unexpected. “I believe, and I would suggest many of my colleagues in a similar workspace would suggest it could ... Read More »

Putnam County Library Cookeville Branch is putting together plans for parking lot expansion. Director Kathryn Wisinger said the building and parking lot are 50 years old. She said they are in need of upgrades and in need of more space. “So we’re excited about that,” Wisinger said. “We back up to Dogwood Park as a lot of people know so ... Read More »

Construction on Cookeville Regional’s 4W/5W project set to begin Wednesday, increasing the hospital’s bed capacity. The project is set to cost some $16.4 million. Marketing and Communications Director Hannah Davis said it will add 40 additional beds as well as a six-unit dialysis center. “This is going to better meet the needs of patients in our community and we have ... Read More »

The Old Gainesboro Grade Utility District has awarded bids for upgrades to its water distribution system. Engineer Nathaniel Green said there are two projects involved with these upgrades, including water storage and a new water transmission main. He said a new water storage tank is a major need, and is something that has been noted by TDEC. “Currently they are ... Read More »

Fentress County’s 911 communications will see an improvement following the completion of a new tower in Pall Mall. County Executive Jimmy Johnson said the county contributed 60 percent, the E-911 Department 35 percent, and the school board covered the remaining. He said that now the equipment is upgraded and new pieces purchased, they have five communications towers in total across ... Read More »

Overton County Schools District’s Special Education program celebrating new achievement with its annual performance review. Supervisor Mechelle Nivens said that for the first time in six years, they have achieved “meeting requirements” for the federal government. She said the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) grades individual school districts across the country on 17 indicators, such as graduation and dropout ... Read More »

While there are no concrete plans to officially open the Cumberland River Hospital, a new medical personnel training program is set to launch at the facility through a partnership with Vol State. Hospital Owner Johnny Presley said in light of healthcare worker shortages, the two entities want to deliver healthcare and emergency medical service training. He said over the last ... Read More »

The Putnam County Budget Committee will not meet Thursday night after county officials confirmed the 18.6 cent property tax increase would meet the budgetary needs. The proposed budget including marketplace pay adjustments and 91 new employees, now goes to the County Commission on July 31 for approval. County Commission Chair Ben Rodgers said he believes the commission will move forward ... Read More »

Cumberland County Board of Education voted 6-3 Wednesday night to enter the Tennessee Middle School Athletic Association. TMSAA is an organization that administers middle school sporting events in Tennessee in conjunction with the TSSAA. 6th District Board Member Chris King said there certainly were pros to joining the organization. “There are many reasons I’ve heard that have been listed for ... Read More »