The City of Cookeville Water is projecting a record of $16.17 million in capital expenditures during the new fiscal year. The largest item in the proposed budget is the $4.32 million expansion of the Cookeville Water Plant. Director Ronnie Kelly said that with plans almost complete, he hopes to get the projected funded and started soon. “We’re adding 7.5 million ... Read More »

The Dogwood Park Fountain will get an upgrade on its light system and water jet system. Leisure Services Director Rick Woods said the department originally feared the repairs could cost up to $150,000. The City Council approved the $63,000 budgeted updates at their meeting Thursday. After fixing the fountain’s operational issues from last year, Woods said these will be the ... Read More »

Cookeville has been named a 2020 Tree City USA, marking its 31st year in the program. Tree City USA is a program by the Arbor Day Foundation geared towards helping communities manage and expand their public trees. Cookeville Urban Forester Jaime Nunan said the re-admittance to the Tree City USA program means Cookeville’s urban forest is in good shape. “We’re ... Read More »

Cookeville Regional’s budget presentation to the Cookeville City Council Wednesday turned into another discussion of how much the council controls the medical center. Council Member Eric Walker said he feels a responsibility when he approves the city budget. When it comes to CRMC, Walker said he wondered if the council or the board of trustees had the authority. “It’s a ... Read More »

The Cookeville Chapter of the National Day of Prayer organization is taking part in this year’s Day of Prayer: “Lord pour out your love, life and liberty.” The National Day of Prayer was established in 1952 by Congress as a day for Christians across the United States to come together in prayer. Cookeville Chapter President Karla McKinney said it’s an ... Read More »

Cookeville Electric will propose no rate increase in the new budget year. During Wednesday’s meeting with city council members, Electric Department Director Carl Haney projected revenues of $54.18 million. One of the major infrastructure programs would be a pilot program to bury power lines in some city subdivisions. Haney said the department wants to start at Sherwood Forest. “A lot ... Read More »

Putnam County is exploring a health insurance bridge program for county employees who are ready to retire, but not yet eligible for Medicare. Mayor Randy Porter said the cost isn’t too high–only $40,000 or $50,000 a year, and could actually end up saving the county money. “It’s a benefit to them, it rewards them, but also in the long run, ... Read More »

Warren Arts Foundation is excited for audience members to come see their production of “James and the Giant Peach Jr.” a musical adaptation of the book by Roald Dahl. Chairman Chad McGee said audience members can expect to be impressed by the costumes, set, singing and dancing in this fun and family-friendly show. “It was put together expertly by a ... Read More »

Cookeville wants to spend some $31.4 million in the new fiscal year, an increase of some 7.54 percent. The expenses include some $28.6 million in operating expenses with $1.8 million in capital expenditures. Mayor Ricky Shelton said he feels good about where the city is with its budget plans. “We’re blessed in the city of Cookeville–we’re in very good financial ... Read More »

The new Cookeville Police Department will feature a fallen officer memorial near the front entrance. Cookeville Police Chief Randy Evans said Putnam County artist Cindy Billingsley created the sculpture design which will be mounted on the granite wall. “She actually did a sculpture for Brentwood Police Department, so that’s how we came to know her,” Evans said. “We met with ... Read More »