The search for Cookeville’s new fire chief is underway. City Manager James Mills said the city plans on working with MTAS to find the right person for the job. “We’re looking for someone of course who is an experienced firefighter,” Mills said. “Energetic, teambuilder, and especially with exceptional leadership skills.” Mills said that they are conducting a statewide search to ... Read More »

Work has begun to move the L&N Caboose from Cookeville to Baxter. Cookeville City Council approved the donation of the caboose to the Friends of the Baxter Depot in May. Friends of the Baxter Depot President Glenn Jones said they plan on use a crane company to start the transportation. “We’re going to try to pick it up where it ... Read More »

From the day he was born, to his days as a class clown, Sparta comedian Derik Zoo has made a career out of making people laugh. Zoo was recently nominated for the Best of Branson award in the comedian category for his work with Dolly’s Stampede. After winning the award the past two years, Zoo said that it means so ... Read More »

A Cookeville tax preparer is recommending people not take part in the federal Advanced Child Tax Credit program unless absolutely necessary. Jamie Sims of Nelson/Sims and Associates said while it could be beneficial to some, it could hurt others when it comes to tax time. “If you’re already making over the $45,000, and you are fine paying your bills the ... Read More »

A Tennessee Tech professor says that the stock market up 14 percent since the start of last year is indicative of a comeback in money flow after COVID. Dean of Tennessee Tech’s College of Business Thomas Payne said that this is due to consumerism driving the economy. “Folks are spending again that’s coming back,” Payne said. “Also it is a ... Read More »

Cookeville Art Studio and Gallery celebrated its 60th anniversary with a celebration on Friday afternoon. Secretary Terri Ritter said it’s been special to have the organization serve the Upper Cumberland for six decades. “It’s such a blessing,” Ritter said. “Because the whole desire of this is to reach the community with culture and with art and to bring people in ... Read More »

Cookeville Fire Chief Daryl Blair has sent his notice of intent to retire effective next Friday. City Manager James Mills said that Cookeville will miss Blair’s dedication and knowledge having served as chief since 2017. “I have valued his friendship while working together, appreciate his sense of humor and am grateful for his dedication to the department, our citizens, and ... Read More »

Cookeville Electric is partnering with the Tennessee Valley Authority to provide free home energy evaluations across the region. Karen Brown with Cookeville Energy Services said the goal of the service is to help people save money where they can on their energy bill. “A utility bill is a huge part of our budget,” Brown said. “And if we can look ... Read More »

Governor Bill Lee said that he wants to ramp up the tourism industry both across the state and in the Upper Cumberland at his visit to Jackson County on Thursday afternoon. Lee said after tourism took a hit during the pandemic, the state has invested a lot into the industry. This includes the many state parks located in rural communities ... Read More »

The Veterans Wall at the Putnam County Courthouse will receive some updates for safety and accessibility. Mayor Randy Porter said the county plans on making a pathway that’s ADA-compliant to provide better access for veterans visiting. “We’re going to fix a place in the courthouse lawn,” Porter said. “Make a walkway that will come in behind the wall, as it ... Read More »