The City of Celina has a few thousand dollars to use before the fiscal year ends for downtown improvements. Three Star Director Doug Young said three new projects are expected to begin with money still leftover. “We don’t have many businesses left that we haven’t been able to do something for,” Young said. “This is our third round of grants, ... Read More »

While restaurants and retail stores can reopen as soon as Monday, tattoo parlors will have to remain closed. True Love Tattoo owner Josh Fracker said it is frustrating to be told one thing, and the next day told they cannot open. “I’ve procured masks and stuff to have for clients, I’ve ordered no touch thermometers to scan people’s foreheads and ... Read More »

The Cookeville TBI is searching for a new facility in an effort to meet growing needs. The current 4,000 square foot facility has become too small for the expanding office. Department of General Services Director Of Communications David Roberson said the TBI is looking for a 15,000 square foot facility. “The request for proposal calls for potential vendors to get ... Read More »

Over 450 tornado survivors submitted relief applications for Cookeville/Putnam County Tornado Relief Fund before Tuesday’s midnight deadline. Economic and Community Development Coordinator Melinda Keifer said it’s not too late for other survivors to apply. “We have had tremendous outreach to the survivors to complete the needs assessment and get that turned into us,” Keifer said. “Obviously, we’re not going to ... Read More »

Countless industries have found workarounds during the pandemic. The salon industry has not had that ability. Cookeville stylist Debbie Fletcher said the future doesn’t look promising. “It’s gone to absolutely zero,” Fletcher said. “[We’re a] thriving business, hitting all kind of goals with 16 employees and nobody has any income. We did try to do the social distancing for a ... Read More »

Fewer fundraisers. Fewer funds. That’s the way it works for the men and women who protect homes across the Upper Cumberland as members of volunteer fire departments. Right now, they are managing. Clay County’s East 52 Chief James King said the station had to cancel their largest fundraising event this year. “Our county government gives us $2,500 a year to ... Read More »

The White County and Putnam County YMCAs will offer free childcare for essential workers during the next several weeks. Beginning Monday, school age children from 4-12 years of age can be left at the YMCA as part of a state plan initiated Friday. White County CEO Kyle Goff said their center will be open for childcare from 6:30 a.m. to ... Read More »

About 100 protesters gathered at the Putnam County Courthouse Sunday to protest Governor Bill Lee’s stay-at-home mandates. The Freedom and Prayer Rally included county and religious leaders who spoke against the social and business restrictions. Event organizer Jennifer Greene said rights and decisions should be in the hands of the individual. “These rights cannot be taken away by any government, ... Read More »

As a Crossville church group prepared to go help tornado victims in Chattanooga, they discovered about $5,000 worth of equipment has been stolen from their work trailers. Power equipment from the Cumberland Plateau Baptist Association went missing Tuesday morning before members embarked to Chattanooga. Director of Missions Kirk Casey said members used their personal equipment instead for the relief effort. ... Read More »

Governor Bill Lee signed an executive order Friday making sure the COVID-19 patient information shared with first responders and law enforcement personnel would be protected by an emergency order. It’s something that had worried Putnam County Sheriff Eddie Farris. He said the data actually began flowing more regularly earlier this week. “Make no mistake about it when we receive medical ... Read More »