Broadband expansion in Putnam County is underway, with work in Monterey just about completed. Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter Twin Lakes was awarded a state grant last year to expand almost $33 million worth of telephone and high-speed internet to everyone in the county. He said they started in the Pfeiffer Mountain and Dry Valley area and continue working east. ... Read More »

Cookeville Regional Medical Center is closing out its week-long celebration for National Hospital Week. Interim CEO Buffy Key said they have spent the week celebrating employees and eating meals together. She said they had special luncheons celebrating long-term employees. “We’re just trying to reinvest and celebrate our employees and all of the hard work they do every day,” Key said.”And ... Read More »

White County Director of Schools Kurt Dronebarger received a 3.12 out of four on the school board’s yearly evaluation. School Board members answered over 50 questions on a wide range of topics such as test scores and graduation rates. Before the board approved the evaluation Thursday, Board Chair Bob Young said he would like the parameters reviewed. “I don’t think ... Read More »

Cookeville High School Girls Lacrosse team heads to state semifinals Friday. Lady Cavs Lacrosse head coach Resa Roberts said it has been a really strong season for her girls ending with an overall record of 14 and 1, and 4 and 0 in the district. She said her team built strength and momentum throughout the season but she does not ... Read More »

May is Foster Awareness Month and Youth Villages is shedding light on foster parenting. Foster Parent Trainer and Recruiter Calista Barberi said this month is a good time to have open conversations about what kids need and what kinds of people can be foster parents. “We’re not looking for the Orphan Annie story at all. But we are looking to ... Read More »

Some $3.3 billion is set to be dispersed among county highway departments as a result of the Transportation Modernization Act. Brett Howell is the leader of the Tennessee County Highway Officials Association. He explained the impact to local counties at the Dale Hollow RPO meeting Thursday morning. Howell said the act takes initial steps to address both short-term goals and ... Read More »

Teacher salary increases will likely be the focus of the Jackson County School budget. Director of Schools Kristy Brown said the board is already starting to work towards Governor Bill Lee’s new base teacher pay. The legislature recently passed a salary raise that requires school systems to have a base teacher salary of $50,000 by the 2026 school year. “I’m ... Read More »

Putnam County School System is preparing a potential new policy that will set rules for cell phone use at the middle and high schools. Board Chair Kim Cravens said cell phone use in school presents major distractions for students. She said when a phone is accessible during class time, there is no longer a focus on the teacher and what ... Read More »

Putnam County Schools’ School Emergency Response Team has made recommendations to help the system boost its school safety. The SERT team includes representatives from all first responder departments including police, fire, and EMS. The team helps the school system form an “All Hazards” safety plan. PCSS Deputy Director Tim Martin said one of the most important recommendations was to upgrade ... Read More »

Salvation Army and Genesis House starting the process to partner for transitional housing in Livingston. The organizations met Tuesday to discuss the next steps in making this project a reality. Outreach Coordinator Luke Eldridge said the first will be to raise funds and raise awareness. “Genesis House has nothing in Overton County so this might be a good little spot ... Read More »