Livingston Academy is taking its rising juniors and seniors across the state for college exploration. Gear Up Coordinator Vanessa Farris said that starting June 1, students will get a chance to visit ETSU, UT-Knoxville, MTSU and private colleges. Farris said these visits have not happened during the pandemic but now campuses are opening up. “Whenever they can eat in the ... Read More »

The 2021 Putnam County Fair has announced its first draft covering over 10 days of entertainment. President John Allen said rodeos, monster trucks, demolition derbies and classic fair fun will return. Allen said the addition of Jake Hoot and expanding Grand Ma’s Barnyard top the list of exciting new things this year. “Last year was such a disastrous year and ... Read More »

Someone is sexually assaulted every 73 seconds. April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Project AWAKEN Coordinator at Tennessee Tech Jac Ewasyshyn said the 18 to 24 year-old age range are impacted too often. “Perpetrators may try to get someone purposefully intoxicated, so they can take advantage of them,” Ewasyshyn said. “Perpetrators may take advantage of the fact that folks might ... Read More »

Two national youth fishing tournaments have been announced for Cookeville, expanding on the 2021 U.S. Kayak Open. Molly Brown leads the Cookeville-Putnam County Visitors Bureau Executive Director. She said local high school students can compete in the Kayak Bass Fishing High School Open and the Youth U.S. Kayak Open Fishing Championship. Brown said this is another piece to boosting tourism ... Read More »

The Putnam County School System is looking for SAC Activity Instructor candidates to help with kids during the summer. School Age Care Program Coordinator Krista Hamilton said many kids need this care while their parents work during school vacation. Hamilton said that candidates will oversee crafts, games and more over each week of the summer. “Anyone that enjoys being around ... Read More »

Steve Gwilt, a long-time proponent of the arts in Cookeville has stepped down as cultural arts coordinator. Gwilt said he made his way to Cookeville in 1982 and was surprised to find a place like the Cookeville Dramatic Arts Center. Gwilt said that at the time he did not anticipate finding an art community like the one here when he ... Read More »

Cumberland County UCHRA will begin moving into its new location on Wednesday. Coordinator Jamie Edwards said the new 1720 West Avenue address provides better visibility to the community. Edwards said letting people know a plethora of services are available in the county is the top priority. “A lot of people just thought that the Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency wasn’t ... Read More »

The need for transitional housing and employment has grown over the last year in Cookeville. UCHRA Substance Abuse Solutions Director Glen Sayes said his office sees 10 to 15 people a week who are in need of emergency or transitional housing. Sayes said the pandemic and a lack of affordable housing has made recovery a struggle for many people. “You ... Read More »

Putnam County 911 will look to increase its department by adding two full-time dispatchers. Director Penny Foister said if the employees are included in the county budget this would bring the dispatch staff to 14. Foister said that calls are increasing across the board and funds are finally available to add staff. “We get money from the surcharges that you ... Read More »

East Spring Street between Jefferson Avenue and Washington Avenue will be closed for water repairs in Cookeville. Read More »