Cookeville City Manager James Mills said he is disappointed to hear there are delays in the Jefferson Avenue widening project. However, Mills said this is to be expected with a major project like this. Mills said that with project pushed 2022, he will be happy just to see work begin. “The planning process started more than 20 years ago,” Mills ... Read More »

Commercial haulers of solid waste will be charged 3 cents per pound at Van Buren County convenience centers. This was approved by county commissioners during Tuesday night’s commission meeting. Commissioner Henry Seamons responded to Commissioner Bill Mosley’s question about whether this meant they could remove a $7 charge on resident’s utility bill. “Me personally, I don’t know how you could ... Read More »

A $100,000 technology grant has been awarded to Putnam County’s Justice Center to modernize the legal process. Circuit Court Clerk Jennifer Wilkerson said it became clear during the pandemic that technology to limit contact was needed. Wilkerson said the new equipment will provide video monitors, telestrators, and new lines of communication to benefit both parties in a court case. “This ... Read More »

Two new Commissioner seats will be added in Van Buren County, bringing the future total to 12. Commissioners approved forming a redistricting committee Tuesday night including five appointments from Mayor Greg Wilson. Wilson said the county’s population now stands near 6,000. “I’ve talked extensively with Mr. Wayne Simons, also about the redistricting,” Wilson said. “And in that it also has… ... Read More »

The Pickett County Welcome Center will get a new look after getting county commissioner approval Monday night. A $45,000 paving bid from Gaddie Shamrock was approved to replace the gravel driveway and parking lot. County Executive Carey Garner said it is another step to improve visitors first impression of the county. “We’ve built a new monument out there for the ... Read More »

The Stephens Center has expanded its Healthy Families Program into five new Upper Cumberland counties. Healthy Families Program Manager Lisa McAfee said home visits are now available for new parents in Pickett, Clay, Overton, Jackson and Smith Counties. McAfee said new and expecting parents can get information, assessments and almost any need served right in their own home. “We would ... Read More »

Insurance money for flood damage at the Jackson County EMS and 911 building has come in. Mayor Randy Heady said the county received roughly $50,000 for the damages and the department is back to work in the building. Heady said the county is in an assessment to see if flood mitigation is possible but ultimately any solution needs to prevent ... Read More »

The Cookeville City Council will take a closer look at CRMC’s budget during a work session Tuesday. City Manager James Mills said there is a desire from council members to go further into hospital operations. Mills said he does not know if this will be the only meeting about the hospital budget. “I don’t really have an opinion, I couldn’t ... Read More »

The Pickett County Commission approved giving commissioners raises for both regular and committee meetings Monday night. The raises are an extra $100 for regular meetings and $50 for committee meetings. Commissioner Joey Harden made the motion after stating he had been on the commission for 10 years on the same pay. The raises were approved in a 9-3 vote. Commissioners ... Read More »

Celina has filled its five member Recreational Advisory Board after four community members stepped up to the task. Mayor Tonya Spears said now work can begin to create recreational programs and focus on Donaldson Park improvements. Spears said the number one priority is a splash pad and possibly a pool. “There is a very large area in front of where ... Read More »