The license plate for Tennesseans with disabilities will have a new look that matches the new blue design. Putnam County Clerk Wayne Nabors said the previous license plates for those with disabilities were white with black lettering. The new design is consistent with legislation that calls for the design of license plates issued to people who are disabled or confined ... Read More »

City of Baxter trying to purchase its own weather station for the city. Fire Chief Matthew White said the station will allow the city to track more direct and up-to-date information when it comes to severe weather. “Plans are that the Putnam County EMA will purchase several of these and put them in different locations also,” White said. “We’re just ... Read More »

City of Cookeville awarded some $5.3 million from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation for the water treatment plant project. Cookeville was one of three Upper Cumberland cities to receive the funding, including Byrdstown and McMinnville. Cookeville Water Quality Control Director Barry Turner said the funding will help cover the increase in the project’s price since it was originally ... Read More »

Three White County law enforcement vehicles were severely damaged and two deputies injured after a Wednesday incident involving a vehicle pursuit. Officers were originally dispatched to the area of Iris Drive and Camp Drive in reference to a male subject later identified as Jesse D. Dotson wearing a mask possibly trying to break into a residence. Dispatch advised that Dotson ... Read More »

TWRA’s first regional winter trout stocking program completed over the last two days at Cumberland Mountain State Park in Crossville. Region 3 Fisheries Program Manager Travis Scott said the stocking takes place sporadically throughout the state all year. He said they want to provide ample opportunities for winter fishing. “People love to fish for trout and they appreciate having that ... Read More »

City of Baxter will address its trash pick-up issues through the purchase of a new garbage truck. Mayor John Martin said their current truck is several years old and breaks down frequently. “I know a lot of our customers, we’ve had to delay picking up,” Martin said. “I know Monterey has been gracious enough to loan theirs in cases of ... Read More »

Gainesboro Board of Aldermen voted to accept the resignation of Alderman Eric Bartholomew Thursday night effective immediately. Bartholomew was elected to the position in August. Mayor Lloyd Williams said he believes the job was not exactly what Bartholomew had expected, and thanked him for serving. He said the next step will be to find someone to fill the vacancy. “We’re ... Read More »

Upper Cumberland Development District continuing to offer support and housing assistance to relative caregivers. Program Director Vickie Durham said a relative caregiver is any family member entrusted with the care of children to keep them out of the system. “What we hear from them is that without that relative caregiver they would’ve had to send the child back to state ... Read More »

One local childcare facility says parents are putting their child on the waitlist as soon as they find out they’re pregnant. Danielle Preston is the Co-Director of Little Sprouts Mother’s Day Out in Cookeville. She said the long waitlist is in response to working parents struggling to find childcare facilities. A recent state report revealed that more than 80 percent ... Read More »

42nd District State Representative Ryan Williams says he has several priorities for the upcoming general assembly. Williams said one topic he expects to be discussed is the recently-formed Flood Ready Tennessee coalition. He said Governor Bill Lee had started to lead this movement with discussions on funding for schools built in existing flood plains. “So his staff, as well as ... Read More »