Jackson County Schools will begin formulating a plan to replace the leaky roof atop Jackson County Middle School. Director of Schools Jason Hardy said the existing roof is some 20 years old and has outlived its lifespan. He said with recent severe weather, maintenance crews have had to do significant patchwork to restrict leakage. He said the time is coming ... Read More »

The Cookeville Fire Department has secured a grant of some $62,000 for new turnout gear and upgraded rescue squad equipment. Fire Chief Benton Young said several years ago, Cookeville City Council bought lightweight turnout gear for each department employee, but employees have left and been replaced by people who cannot fit that gear. He said the department also requested swiftwater ... Read More »

Recruiting a Cumberland Plateau Water Authority General Manager has emerged as the next priority in the area’s water utility regionalization process. Cumberland Plateau Water Authority Board Chair Greg Hanson said he hopes to have the position filled in the next 90 days. He said the process will move more smoothly and quickly with someone who has this process as their ... Read More »

The Livingston Police Department is searching for more officers after being shorthanded for months due to officers leaving for other divisions and departments. Livingston Police Chief Ray Smith said the department likes to have three officers on duty at all times but does not have the manpower to support that number right now. He said even with officers working extra ... Read More »

Roane State Cumberland County’s new Health Science Education wing is set to open this fall, a year ahead of schedule. Campus Director Dewayne McGhee said the facility is expected to produce some 20 nurses every year. He said the project began as a means of combatting the critical nursing shortage nationally and in the Upper Cumberland. “We’re going to be ... Read More »

Overton County Schools working on the replacement of the gym floor at Allons Elementary School after years of flooding issues. Director of Schools Donnie Holman said during periods of heavy rainfall, moisture rises from the ground and dampens the gym floor. He said the school has had to cancel basketball games and physical education classes because of the conditions. “We ... Read More »

Monterey will raise the starting pay for police officers to $18 per hour to help attract and retain more officers. Police Chief Bill Randolph said retaining officers was never a problem in the past. However, in the last several years, the pool of certified officers looking for work has thinned out. He said the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy has ... Read More »

The city of Sparta considering potential properties for a park, greenway trail, and kayak dock. Mayor Jerry Lowery said while it is far too early to know what exactly a new space would look like, he is excited about the new possibility. Lowery said he is specifically interested examining one property that he believes might be a good fit. “There’s ... Read More »

As Cookeville continues to grow, it becomes even more important to consider how to best provide city services most efficiently. Mayor Laurin Wheaton cited the consolidation of the Planning and Codes departments into the Department of Economic and Community Development, and the merging of the Gas and Electric Departments. She said the council, along with City Manager James Mills, are ... Read More »

Cookeville will gradually implement a new city logo after using the former logo for the past 20 years. City Manager James Mills said the council wanted to ensure the new city seal was included in the logo. The logo includes the seal and reads “City of Cookeville Tennessee” in bold, red lettering. Police, Fire, and the Department of Energy will ... Read More »