The White County School Board approved a $130,000 renovation project for White County High School’s bathroom Thursday night. Director of Schools Kurt Dronebarger said the school was built in the 1960s and though the bathrooms have been worked on since, they need repairs. He said new fixtures, countertops, and composite flooring will be added. Maintenance Supervisor Randy Alley said a ... Read More »

The Cookeville Energy Department plans to install advanced metering infrastructure for utilities during the upcoming fiscal year. Cookeville Energy Department Director Carl Haney told city council he has budgeted some $900,000 for electric and gas meters. He said he plans to have some 7,200 meters installed this fiscal year. He said gas meters are easier to get on hand, and ... Read More »

The Overton County Cruise-in entertaining greater numbers after moving from the Livingston Square to the TCAT Livingston campus. Cruise-In President Josh Johnson said the event had an unusually large turnout in its first installment at the new location in April. He said some 135 vintage cars were parked in the lot and attendees had space to spread out and enjoy ... Read More »

Widespread flooding is affecting Upper Cumberland communities after Wednesday’s storms passed through. EMA Directors reported minimal damage to structures but advised caution for drivers. Jackson County EMA Director Derek Woolbright said any roads in the county near water are flooded and many are impassable. He said people should treat this like winter weather: if you do not have to be ... Read More »

Cookeville’s proposed budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year includes no change to property taxes and raises for all city employees. City Council got its first look at the budget Wednesday during the first of two days of work sessions. The proposed budget keeps property tax at 92 cents. Cookeville City Manager James Mills said he estimates some $38 million in ... Read More »

The town of Gainesboro has upgraded its utility payment system to allow online and telephone payments for increased efficiency and convenience. Town Clerk Lisa Dodson said residents had to pay in person with cash or checks until now. She said the town has added an online portal that allows customers to pay water and sewer bills with debit and credit ... Read More »

The Overton County Budget Committee approved bids for two ambulances and the construction of the Monroe Community Center at its Tuesday meeting. Overton County Executive Steven Barlow said this meeting was designed to open bids for expensive projects to see if those projects are feasible before department heads present proposed budgets for the new fiscal year. He said the two ... Read More »

Cummins Falls State Park has officially opened its new 3,600 square-foot wheelchair-accessible overlook. Park Manager Ray Cutcher said this is a major change from the small outcropping that only one of people could get to at a time. He said rugged terrain with roots and loose rocks that led to the overlook made it nearly impossible for someone with mobility ... Read More »

The Fentress County Chamber of Commerce is launching a tourism rebrand with a new seal designed to update the visual appeal of the county’s marketing materials. Chamber Executive Director Jacob Rosenbaum said the county initiated the effort two years ago with the Tennessee Tech Center for Rural Innovation and the Tennessee Department of Tourism. He said the new seal includes ... Read More »

Putnam County Schools set to add new fencing on five campuses across the district. Deputy Schools Director Tim Martin said the hardware will add security to corners of campuses that typically do not have many eyes on them. The project will also add escape hardware for gates. Martin said the State Fire Marshall’s Office requires escape hardware that allows people ... Read More »