Cookeville High School’s average ACT score is increasing, meaning more grant and scholarship opportunities for students. Executive Principal Max Petett said the number increased because of the several tools they provide students with to prep for the test, including ACT prep courses and after-school learning programs. Petett said they do their best to have their students succeed in standardized tests. ... Read More »

McMinnville’s Magness Library has started a new book club focused on books for adults. Assistant Director Merissa Chapman said she came up with the idea after wanting to create a group to independent of other book clubs. “I have like three different book clubs on Facebook that I follow, and I just, I love it,” Chapman said. “We didn’t really ... Read More »

The Cookeville City Council will consider revising an ordinance to prohibit blowing grass clippings onto roadways. The revision would classify grass clippings as a form of litter. Planning Department Director Jon Ward said that are multiple issues that come with grass clippings in the roadways. “It’s a safety hazard,” Ward said. It causes a hazard for motorcyclists and cyclists, it ... Read More »

A group of three researchers is conducting surveys and interviews with middle Tennessee residents about tornado preparedness and aftermaths. The data will help the team gauge the community’s experience with tornadoes, and how it can be used to benefit them in the future. Anthropologist and University of Findlay Associate Professor Dr. Jaymeelee Kim said the work could help communities better ... Read More »

Helping Hands of Putnam County is officially seeing in-person clients again. The group helps individuals in need by providing food, utilities assistance and rent assistance among others. Director Debbie Handlson said they hope the decision will allow the group to expand the work they do for the community. “You know they say ‘We need food, or I need help with ... Read More »

Kids in Van Buren County are invited to join the Van Buren County 4-H program for a multitude of summer day camp opportunities. Van Buren County UT Extension County Director Chris Binkley said campers can expect several fun-filled days with crafts, activities, and field trips. “We’re going to go to Camp Clements here in Van Buren County, and they have ... Read More »

Editors Note: This is Mens Health Week. We explore ways men can live longer and take care of themselves through tests, screenings and prevention. When it comes to lung cancer, early screening is key in saving lives. Of the four deadliest cancers for Americans, lung cancer ranks number one according to medical experts. Huff said there are between 130 and ... Read More »

Wedding venues are beginning to see a return to normalcy as COVID restrictions continue to ease. Duck Pond Manor Owner Terra Ballinger said that after a tough year, she’s excited to promote love again by helping couples start their lives together. “When you have to tell them ‘We can’t have your wedding,’ it not only hurts them it hurts you ... Read More »

The Cookeville Leisure Services Department will potentially relocate to the bottom of the Cookeville Performing Arts Center going forward. City Manager James Mills said the move would make sense logistically for the department’s business. “To put them with CPAC, where they have a lot of different activities, so that makes sense,” Mills said. “Some of the other personnel are already ... Read More »

Summer learning programs continues this week at schools across the Upper Cumberland, and educators say the students are both learning and having fun. Putnam County Pre-K through 4th grade Supervisor Jill Ramsey said the state-mandated programs help close the summer learning gap they see in students. Ramsey said the program will also help with gaps in learning from COVID. “We ... Read More »