Property taxes, garbage rates, and water rates will all likely be on the rise in the coming fiscal year as Monterey Aldermen work to balance the city’s budget. The board also agreed to no cost of living pay adjustment for city employees at Tuesday’s special-called meeting. Board Member Alex Garcia said city employees received a handsome pay adjustment last year. ... Read More »

The Cookeville Depot Museum’s steam engine restoration project is complete thanks to a lot of helping hands. Museums Manager Beth Thompson said the finished product looks wonderful. She said Tennessee Tech graduate and locomotive expert Caleb Leach handled a lot of the machine’s cosmetic restoration. She said Machines classes from Tech stopped by to help out and a local ironsmith ... Read More »

Cookeville City Council is reviewing a request for the annexation of a five-acre track on North Nelson Avenue, off Highway 70 west of town, currently suffering from septic failure. Community Development Director Jon Ward said the owner of the property has requested that the property be annexed to receive sewer services from the city. He said adding sewer capacity to ... Read More »

With lawn work increasing, fire officials remind all residents of the region that burn permits are still required through May 15. Jackson And Putnam County Area Forester Jeff Thompson said permits have been required since October 15 when leaves began to fall. He said many people like to use the early spring for a brush burn. “Sometimes, in the late ... Read More »

Livingston will install new automatic water readers to mitigate water loss issues. J.R. Wauford and Associates President Greg Davenport said the Monroe and Alpine areas have been identified to be the areas with the greatest need and will get the readers first. He said contractors will install zone readers that constantly listen for and identify leaks. “Livingston has leaks in ... Read More »

Cookeville City Council discussed the potential to allow private and parochial schools in Commercial Industrial zones as New Colossus Academy looks to build on the Mackie Farm. Community Development Director Jon Ward said public, technical, vocational, and K-12 schools are already permitted in CI zones. He said this would align private schools with the city’s other educational uses. Council Member ... Read More »

Livingston has been awarded a Traffic Signal Modernization Grant of some $150,000 to install pedestrian traffic signals downtown. Livingston Fire Chief and Traffic Control Supervisor Rocky Dial said with the downtown square becoming more popular, these signals will create a safer environment. He said the grant includes funds for a cabinet with a controller for the signals and signals at ... Read More »

Cookeville City Council will vote Thursday on a request from Tennessee Tech to commit an additional $3 million for the school’s Tucker Stadium renovation project. City Manager James Mills said the city has paid some $400,000 thus far on a $1 million agreement the city made in 2022. He said the money will be paid from hotel/motel tax revenue at ... Read More »

Twin Lakes celebrating the grand opening of its new Byrdstown facility. Mayor Sam Gibson called it a great day for Byrdstown and a great day for Twin Lakes. He said the people of Byrdstown have appreciated Twin Lakes’ service for years and are excited to see them moving into an improved facility. “It’ll just make the people appreciate more what ... Read More »

Dekalb County has introduced a new Safe Baby Court program designed to provide resources to children and families affected by abuse and neglect. General Sessions Court Judge Brandon Cox said the county received a $100,000 grant from the state based on the county’s need for the program. He said families with a child 36 months or younger in the home ... Read More »