The Baxter Police Department is adding new, high-tech vehicles to its fleet. Chief Danny Holmes said that the two, 2021 fully-equipped Dodge Chargers have the ability to use voice commands through the vehicle. “You know we go to fires,” Holmes said. “And people are always wanting to get up close and these cars will tell them to ‘Stand back,’ and ... Read More »

The Tennessee Highway Safety Office awarded Warren County the award for Tennessee’s Child Passenger Safety Fitting Station of the Year. The work was a partnership between the Warren County Sheriff’s Department, McMinnville Police, and McMinnville Fire. Police Lieutenant Mark Mara said that they received the award for their commitment to child passenger safety during the pandemic. “What we had done ... Read More »

The adult open basketball league is making its return to Cane Creek Gymnasium this fall. Athletic Coordinator Lori Medlin said that it’s the first league back post-pandemic, and that teams are looking forward to their return to the court. “It’s usually pretty popular,” Medlin said. “We’re accepting up to eight teams. We’ve got two so far, so we’ve got room ... Read More »

The Putnam County Redistricting Committee will explore three possible options to bring before the county commission. One plan is to maintain the current 12 districts with two commissioners each. County Technical Assistance Service Consultant Ben Rodgers said that the other two options affect both county commission size and school board size. “Seven commission districts, three commissioners per district,” Rodgers said. “Which would ... Read More »

This week’s flooding in middle Tennessee serves as a reminder for flood insurance. Vice President of Operations for Swallows Insurance Agency Kelly Swallows said that flooding is not covered in most homeowners’ protection. Swallows said that when communities see floods like last weekend, it serves as a reminder that flood insurance policies don’t serve only those on flood plains. “I ... Read More »

Putnam County Emergency Services will explore adding another radio tower in the northern part of Cookeville by the Putnam County Soccer Complex. Putnam 911 Assistant Director Brandon Smith said that the new tower will enhance coverage for the Bangham, Hillham, Dodson Branch areas. Smith said that the new 180-foot tower would also fix paging issues for emergency responders. “That paging ... Read More »

Upper Cumberland School Leaders want the governor to allow a certain number of school COVID days to deal with possible closures. Representative Ryan Williams said that some school districts statewide are using their snow days while they navigate the rise of cases. UC School leaders asked Williams for help. Williams said that he and school leaders proposed an idea that ... Read More »

Cookeville Regional is looking to combat the national nursing shortage through international nurses. Chief Nursing Officer Scott Lethi said that Worldwide Health Solutions will hopefully add stability to decrease a high turnover rate in the profession. “The COVID surge for those that have been in nursing 20 to 30 years that can retire, some are seeking earlier retirement,” Lethi said. ... Read More »

Algood Police Chief Dale Armour was named the Tennessee Highway Safety Office’s 2021 Director’s Award winner. Armour said the award was for the department’s work addressing citizen traffic concerns. He said as a smaller agency, he went to the Highway Safety Office in search of additional resources. “They were able to provide us with a grant for some overtime so ... Read More »

Upper Cumberland Diversity Advocates is hosting an event highlighting cultures from around the world that live in the Upper Cumberland. UCDA President John McArthur said that the organization wanted to host the Multicultural Celebration at Fairfield Glade as a chance for the community to come together in both a fun and educational setting to celebrate differences. “That’s one of the ... Read More »