White County is expecting to receive a new ambulance, automated CPR devices, a portable ventilator and power cots to boost emergency services. These pieces of equipment were ordered before the pandemic and White County Mayor Denny Wayne Robinson said he’s expecting them anytime now. Robinson said the CPR devices allow ambulance workers to get more work done during an emergency. ... Read More »

UC Habitat for Humanity is looking for eligible seniors to apply for their Aging In Place program. Executive Director Pam Ealy said they are lacking the referrals they usually have and want to line up 20 to 30 repair projects over the Winter and Spring. Ealy said the Aging In Place program, or “Neighbor to Neighbor” is about addressing accessibility ... Read More »

Cookeville is preparing to begin an assessment on the sewer system on Jefferson Avenue. Cookeville Water and Sewer Director Ronnie Kelly said the department has taken bids to begin video monitoring the sewer to check the condition. Kelly said the sewer video will be reviewed by city engineers to determine the scope of the project. “Our in-house engineers will review ... Read More »

The Baxter planning commission approved changing the way the city paves subdivision roads. Baxter Building Inspector and Codes Officer Bob Lane said the slightly more expensive way to pave will benefit tax payers in the long run. Lane said these roads can last up to 25 years, and helps Baxter stay up to date for new development standards. “We was ... Read More »

Every Thursday in October the Sparta-White County YMCA will be giving out 30 pound boxes of fresh food. This food distribution comes from $1 billion in funding for the Farmers to Families Food Box Program. Sparta-White County YMCA Board of Directors Secretary Topher Wiles said the YMCA was contacted at a critical time to be a distribution site. “We have ... Read More »

The Putnam County Fairgrounds will host a lost and found event from Friday to Sunday for Tornado survivors. Friday from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the women’s building residents can drop off items found after the tornado. Randy Adams is Deputy Director of the Putnam County Volunteer Organization. Adams said survivors can come to claim items on Saturday and ... Read More »

Cookeville city officials have neighborhood feedback on West End Park, and will begin planning and pricing the ideas. Leisure Services Director Rick Woods said he was pleased with the input and interest he heard Tuesday night. One of the ideas multiple people expressed is rebuilding the community center. Woods said the neighborhood is not the only one to express interest ... Read More »

West End Neighborhood residents want to see park additions that benefit the next generation of the neighborhood. Cookeville Officials held an open meeting Tuesday night to see what developments neighborhood residents wanted. Multiple residents, including Natalie Okorji, spoke out that the community center has never been replaced. “That facility that we had growing up, we had numerous activities, from arts ... Read More »

The Smithville Fire Department is adding its first full time firefighter to assist the fire chief. Smithville Alderman approved the hiring of Dalton Roberts Monday night. Smithville Fire Chief Charles Parker said he hopes adding a full time firefighter will help decrease response time and increase safety. He said there are already plans for how they will be used. “We’ll ... Read More »

Jamestown’s over $100,000 facade grant is being put to use, but COVID has put a pause on the downtown street improvements. Jamestown Mayor Lyndon Baines said four or five businesses have begun improvements to their store fronts. Baines said he expects the storefront renovations to wrap up by the end of November. “A lot of them wanted new awnings put ... Read More »