State Senator Paul Bailey said his goal remains to introduce legislation to make Virgin Falls a state park. The plan to purchase 1,500 to 2,000 acres for $4 million was delayed earlier this year when COVID hit and the states budget was cut. However, Bailey said the plan is to try this purchase again after a year where the economic ... Read More »

It has been a busy year for technology departments in schools across the Upper Cumberland. It was up in the air about what to expect for the Fall as many school systems had to fill in technology gaps and get students and teachers prepared to learn in all new ways. Putnam County Technology Supervisor Johnny Sloan said getting the devices ... Read More »

Sunset Marina will continue its 10 year run as a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers certified Clean Marina, after being recognized by the Nashville District. Vice President and General Manager Tom Allen said his marina is judged on how it manages sewage, fuel and chemicals, all things that could cause damage to Dale Hollow Lake. Allen said it’s a tedious ... Read More »

2020 was the first year for SeedFork of the Highlands community garden on Jefferson Avenue and there are already plans for the Spring. SeedFork Chairman Rodney Laulo said the long term vision is continuing to build a partnership with Tennessee Tech Agriculture to bring transplant crops into the garden. Laulo said he wants to create an interactive education for kids, ... Read More »

The tradition of lighting the Cookeville Christmas tree will continue, but residents will have to watch online this year. Cookeville Mayor Ricky Shelton said it was not a decision he wanted to have to make, but knew it was the right thing to do for public health and safety. Shelton said those who tune in will get the traditions they ... Read More »

Van Buren County School Director Cheryl Cole said the school system has requested its part of a $200,000 payment designed to help Van Buren County. The money came from the state to help bridge the gap with the Fall Creek Falls Inn closed. Cole said she wants to make sure the school system gets its share from county commissioners. “Several ... Read More »

Local senior citizens experiencing isolation this Christmas can get a little holiday cheer from the community this year through the Be a Santa to a Senior program. Home Instead Senior Care will have trees with senior’s names and gift idea on trees at the Algood Walmart, Putnam County Library and even online this year. Program Coordinator Isabeau Strader said after ... Read More »

Extended hours for COVID testing in Putnam County will be available Monday and next Monday. Putnam County Health Department Director Lisa Bumbalough said this extension is happening because there will be no COVID testing on Thanksgiving and Black Friday. Bumbalough said testing at the Putnam Fairgrounds will run from 7:00 AM until 5:00 PM on November 23 and 30. “I ... Read More »

Young Men United held their annual roadblock fundraiser Saturday in McMinnville with a new goal this year. President Donald Crisp said Young Men United will be raising money to continue restoring the Bernard School in Warren County. Crisp said this is an important piece of history to local African Americans and sits across the street from where he grew up. ... Read More »

Thanksgiving is not the only holiday around the corner, hunters will be celebrating this Saturday as  gun hunting season for deer begins. TWRA Wildlife Information Specialist Míme Barnes said this is popular time in the Upper Cumberland as sportsmen and women head out to hunt. Barnes said before hunting check that your wearing enough safety orange, know your areas sunset ... Read More »