The Baxter Harvest Festival is still seeking vendors for the event’s return on September 25. Festival Committee Member Jeanie Lee said it is exciting to be back after COVID cancelled things last year. Lee said it is an important year to return and hopes there are vendors who can highlight what makes Baxter special. “It’s Baxter’s birthday, it’s our university ... Read More »

Overton County beginning the process of appointing its fourth commissioner this term after the passing of Frank Martin. County Executive Ben Danner said the open seat is in District one, comprised of Livingston and areas near Hillham and Monroe. Danner said this is a large district but is unsure how many nominees will throw their name in for consideration. “So ... Read More »

Jackson County Schools returned Wednesday after a two-day closure, with a change in COVID protocol. Starting Wednesday, students who are considered a close contact to a positive COVID case at school will not be excluded from school if it is confirmed that both students were consistently and correctly wearing masks the entire time. Any positive case will still be required ... Read More »

Motlow State Community College is requiring face masks to be worn inside campus buildings. Motlow President Dr. Michael Torrence said in a released statement that wearing masks allows students, faculty and staff to be on campus in a safe environment. Torrence said to meet students needs, an on-ground presence is necessary. The mask requirement will apply to students, faculty, staff ... Read More »

Van Buren County Ag Extension will welcome new 4-H agent Shelby Boyer on September 1. Boyer said during her time working in Trousdale County, her goal was always to do this work back at home. Boyer said her passion for 4-H comes from opportunities kids get to be highlighted across the state. “Citizenship and the leadership and even the service ... Read More »

The only childcare licensed by The Department of Human Services in Pickett County has openings available. Head Start Director Penny Meadows said the program is for the most in-need Pickett County families. Meadows said everything is free, with acceptance being based on a point system ranking the child’s needs. “Especially in these rural areas, we may be the biggest thing ... Read More »

Army worms are in the Upper Cumberland and wreaking havoc on plants, yards and fields. Smith County UT Ag Extension Director Chris Hicks said in most years, zero calls come in about these insects. However, Hicks said that’s not the case this year. Hicks said there is not a clear answer on why more army worms are here, but said ... Read More »

The Overton County Health Department announced Monday that a third dose of the COVID vaccine is available for eligible people. Director Andy Langford said that the number of new daily cases have returned to levels seen last winter. Langford said there are 317 active cases currently in Overton County. “We have people in our population who need to be protected ... Read More »

The Jackson County School System has closed Monday and Tuesday as COVID cases and absences spread around the district. Director of Schools Kristy Brown said Jackson County High School had over 200 students absent, with absentee rates higher than 20 percent at all other schools. Brown said returning Wednesday will come down to the data. “The known positive cases any ... Read More »

The Cookeville Regional Medical Center will temporary close its Cardiac Rehab center and the Sleep Center to assist staffing shortages. A memo sent to CRMC employees states that staffing at those two centers will be placed in other areas of the hospital as COVID patient numbers are expected to rise through the week. The hospitals current COVID inpatient total sits ... Read More »