100-mile-per-hour winds blew through Smithville Monday evening as an EF-1 tornado left trees down and a handful of homes damaged. National Weather Service Lead Forecaster Sam Shamburger said tornadoes this size are fairly common in the Upper Cumberland. He said this one did not move very fast, traveling 3.3 miles in some 10 minutes. He said the storm pulsed, gaining ... Read More »

Monterey Aldermen gave four Tennessee Tech students the green light to turn their Proposed Educational Energy Park school project into reality Monday night. The proposed Whitaker Park renovation would add dozens of features that produce renewable energy. Student Michael Miner said the project would likely take years to complete, but would not cost the town a cent. Miner said items ... Read More »

At least a dozen homes damaged significantly, downed trees prominent after a tornado touched down in Dekalb County Monday afternoon. Dekalb County EMA Director Charlie Parker said the one injury occurred when a tree fell just a few feet in front of a driver. He said the woman sustained a minor injury after crashing into it. Parker said the houses ... Read More »

A pair of cyclists rode from Lake Park, Florida to Crossville to collect donations for Jonah’s Joy, a nonprofit designed to help sexually exploited adolescent girls. Executive Director Denise Weaver said Board Member Jim Higgins had the idea to visit the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in Florida, and collect donations on the ride back. She said in ... Read More »

The Clay County Chamber of Commerce is taking proposals for a Tourism Asset Assessment as well as a three-year strategic plan for the county. Chamber Executive Director Doug Young said he wants to rebrand Celina as a River Town. He said the aquatic activities at Dale Hollow Lake and Cordell Hull Lake have been underutilized. He said according to data ... Read More »

Students hoping to receive financial aid for college must complete their FAFSA paperwork by May 15. Livingston Academy College and Career Coordinator Teresa Johnson said the FAFSA is easier than ever this year. She said the form asks fewer questions and can be completed far more quickly by parents and students. Johnson said families who get stuck or have questions ... Read More »

Fall Creek Falls will hold an Open House Thursday to discuss its plans to restore the park’s scenic loop, damaged by storms last summer. TDEC Regional Director of External Affairs Robert Becker said when the storm hit, thousands of trees fell. That led to road closures and long-term hazards for visitors. He said with that many downed trees near the ... Read More »

McMinnville is looking for community input in preparation for a grant application to upgrade Rocket Park. Facilities Manager Michael Benusches said several of the park’s features need major renovations. He said he hopes to pave the gravel parking lot, renovate the sport court, and upgrade the park’s boat ramp. He said before finalizing plans, he wants to hear the opinions ... Read More »

Emergency Management personnel from White and Putnam Counties will be familiarizing themselves with aviation emergency protocols over the coming months. White County EMA Director Matt McBride said protecting aircraft passengers using the Upper Cumberland Regional Airport requires multiple agencies to operate on one accord. He said aviation emergency response requires specialized training beyond what many firefighters and first responders have ... Read More »

Tennessee Tech Trustee Barry Wilmore will represent the Golden Eagles as he launches into space Monday night. Tech President Phil Oldham said he can think of no one who better embodies Tennessee Tech’s values and graduates than Wilmore. He said Wilmore is helping to usher in a new era of exploration and discovery from which Tech students are sure to ... Read More »