Tennessee Tech’s Elinor Ross Children’s Defense Fund Freedom School is sending 40 kids in need home with a new bike. Executive Director Janet Isbell said the school is a six week summer literacy and enrichment program for K-4 aged kids on free and reduced lunch. Isbell said community support made this idea a reality. “I just got to thinking, what ... Read More »

Baxter and Tennessee Tech are getting the chance to celebrate their 105th birthday, after the event was cancelled last year. Baxter Beautification Chair Jeanie Lee said on July 1 that leaders for the school and city will speak about history and the current community. Lee said this is a time for pride and reflection on what makes Baxter a special ... Read More »

Tennessee Tech’s new clock tower cupola on Derryberry Hall has been delayed until September. The new cupola was set to be delivered on Monday. Vice President for Facilities and Business Services Chuck Roberts said materials measurements were delayed due to weather. Roberts said a lift was unable to be used to get on the roof with a two-week stretch of ... Read More »

Upper Cumberland campers planning vacations outside the southeast need to be vigilant about Lyme Disease. Smith County UT Ag Extension Director Chris Hicks said deer ticks carrying Lyme Disease are uncommon in Tennessee, but can occasionally be found. Hicks said if you get a tick bite, there are signs to monitor for Lyme Disease. “Things like fevers, headaches, severe muscle aches,” ... Read More »

Cummins Falls State Park is giving students a chance to volunteer and build their TN Promise service hours. Parks across the Upper Cumberland are offering students this opportunity on June 26. Park Ranger Lauren Fagin said the park has a specific project for students, removing invasive plant species. “So we are targeting two different invasive species,” Fagin said. “Specifically, ailanthus ... Read More »

The Cumberland County Election Office’s move to a new location began Friday. Election Administrator Jill Davis said the need has been there for years, dating back to prior administrators. Davis said the new location gives them more room to operate. “Just the space, we went from three locations to one,” Davis said. “Just combining everything we have in one location. ... Read More »

The Byrdstown-Pickett County Chamber of Commerce and Welcome Center driveway will be closed to traffic until Monday. Executive Director Billy Robbins said the paving was complete on Thursday and needs three days to cure. Robbins said once it reopens, the paving adds a great new look to the building. “Oh it’s great, it’s going to take out a lot of ... Read More »

A Baxter Fire Lieutenant and Investigator has been elected to the Board of Directors for the Tennessee Advisory Committee on Arson. Investigator Zachary Womack said TACA uses a lot of effort to provide low cost arson training for volunteer fire departments in rural areas. Womack said the lack of resources in the community can lead to arson. “You can see ... Read More »

The Clay County Anti-Drug Coalition has given a pajama theme to its annual walk to support sobriety. This Saturday, all residents have a chance to take part and promote healthy choices for Clay County’s youth. Coordinator Daniel Roberts said the driving message of this event is to show young men and women they have to power to say no to ... Read More »

All Jackson County School students will get free breakfast and lunch for the next four years. Director of Schools Kristy Brown said the school system reapplied for the Community Eligibility Provision program. Brown said it is important for the system to go after every program that can help families in Jackson County. “Families have not had to budget that for ... Read More »