A state representative is calling for clearer guidance to finish the school year. Representative John Mark Windle said legislators should contact parents to determine the next steps forward. “We’ve not been given clear guidance when the stay at home order is going to end,” Windle said. “We’ve certainly heard a lot of conversation about it, but parents, students, school systems, ... Read More »

Livingston’s American Legion Auxiliary Poppy Distribution has been cancelled this year. The poppy distribution is an annual fundraiser for veterans and their families in need. Auxiliary Unit 4 Poppy Representative Romanna Schnitcke said the legion cancelled due to being unable to social distance. “It’s a very personal thing,” Schnitcke said. “We approach people’s cars, or the people themselves, and have ... Read More »

A secondary entrance will be added to the Algood Walmart to make commuting easier for customers. City Administrator Keith Morrison said he hopes the project begins this summer. “I think it’s going to ease some of our traffic congestion there because a lot of the time folks that come back out of Big Mac Drive, if they try to make ... Read More »

The directors of both the Clay and White County School Systems agree with Governor Bill Lee’s recommendations to keep schools closed. Clay School Director Matt Eldridge said Wednesday’s announcement did not surprise him. “Well that’s what most of us thought would happen, and one reason is there not being a cure for this yet, it’d be hard for them to ... Read More »

Elementary students could fall behind if they do not learn every day during this COVID-19 shutdown. Tennessee Tech College of Education Assistant Dean Julie Baker said students who participate in daily educational practices will be able to maintain their grade level. “It’s easier to forget things like math is one of (those subjects) that if you’re not using it and ... Read More »

Construction for Baxter’s amphitheater at Seminary Park is on schedule. Mayor John Martin said the $82,000 project should finish by this June. “The county workers Parks and Recreation John Ross and his crew has done a tremendous job as far at their amphitheater,” Martin said. “Of course everything shut down with the virus. We’re building a new street building, we’re ... Read More »

Local experience and knowledge of rural economies sent Amy New to the front of the Cookeville Chamber’s search committee recommendations. New named the new President/CEO Monday. The Monterey native and Tennessee Tech alum will take over the role May 11. “She’s a hard worker, she comes from a family of hard workers,” Committee Chairman Phillip Baker said. “We are certain ... Read More »

Avoid weight gain from boredom or emotional eating through mindful meal planning. Break Thru Nutrition Dietitian Kelsey Higgins, who offers telemedicine services to the Upper Cumberland, said be mindful with your meals. “Taking slow bites, sitting at the table, trying not to eat on the couch or in front of the television, and try to be as present as you ... Read More »

Upper Cumberland museum members are still busy spreading the importance of history during the pandemic. Cookeville Museum Education Specialist Ashley McKee said part of learning about history is you can’t move forward if you don’t know where you’ve been. “This is definitely one of the first pandemics that we’ve had to encounter, but older people have had to go through ... Read More »

Despite the pandemic, a local honor guard has found safe ways to honor fallen veterans. Cookeville’s Veterans Honor Guard has postponed casket guards and escorting next of kin from their vehicle to the grave site. But Commander Jim McAfee said the guard has paid their respects at more than a dozen services since COVID-19 struck. “We all understand the patriotism, ... Read More »