There are two dangerously venomous spiders that will be looking for warm hiding spots in the Upper Cumberland this Winter. Overton County Agriculture Extension Agent Jason Garrett said black widow spiders and brown recluse spiders are the biggest threats. However, Garrett said black widows are likely to be found in a garage or barn, brown recluse spiders can bite when ... Read More »

Thanksgiving has many meanings, but one consistent theme is food, and lots of it. Cookeville Leisure Services Special Programs Coordinator Jen Webb said working off a holiday meal can be as simple as carving out 30 minutes to be active. Webb said Thanksgiving is a great time to indulge and also get into motion, instead of regretting Thanksgiving meals. “It ... Read More »

McMinnville is looking to make education courses available to the community when the Milner Recreation Center opens in 2021. McMinnville Recreation Program Coordinator Kyle Clyde is beginning the work now to recruit locals to teach things like guitar, second-languages, photography and more. Clyde said the recreation center is looking for teachers who can provide a skill that’s missing in the ... Read More »

McMinnville City Administrator Nolan Ming said the Milner Recreation Center should be complete by mid-January, and open for use by the end of the January. Ming said subcontractors and their employees getting COVID has been the biggest thing slowing down the project. Ming said the $150,000 contingency fund has been exhausted on this project, but said the recreation center should ... Read More »

Sparta residents will have to change the way they imagine the Sparta Rotary Club’s 75th annual Christmas Parade. This year the parade will be stationary and residents will drive-thru the parade instead of standing and watching floats go by. Sparta Rotary Club President Terri Whited said medical professionals reached out and suggested trying something different this year to protect the ... Read More »

Thanksgiving comfort foods can bring people to the table, but they also tend to bring calories along with them. Cumberland County UT-TSU Family-Consumer Science Agent Kelli Roberson said dishes like special casseroles are where people should focus on moderation and remember they can always take leftovers. Roberson said if someone wants to load up their plate, things like white turkey ... Read More »

Van Buren County is looking to sell the BDS property, after Mayor Greg Wilson said the original plans fell through because of the pandemic. Wilson said the property has to go back to committee because the original vote by commissioners was to put the property in conjunction with the county’s solid waste bid. Wilson said the county purchased over 15 ... Read More »

Christmas tree shopping season is here, but there’s still over a month until Christmas Day. Hardluck Tree Farm’s Diane Savage said they are shaping trees about the same time large retailers are cutting theirs down for sale. Savage said that could lead to an unsatisfactory tree when December 25 rolls around. “The ones that you buy at the chain stores ... Read More »

The Putnam County Library is looking to upgrade its exterior with a new digital marquee and new banners. Library Director Phil Schaller said getting rid of the old signage will display more information about things taking place at the library. Schaller said the library actually wants people to judge a book by its cover in this instance, so they come ... Read More »

Putnam County Schools are struggling to fill openings in their Pre-K classes because of parents reluctance to send kids into schools during the pandemic. Pre-K-4th Curriculum and Instruction Supervisor Jill Ramsey said there are openings at three schools for four year old kids only. Ramsey said parents should know all COVID precautions that can be taken for preschool classes are ... Read More »