Discussions about building a new k-8 school in Putnam County are expected to come up as the budget process begins. County Commissioner Mike Atwood said the school system is the single largest part of the county’s budget. Atwood said commissioners are prepared to discuss the need for a new school, because this topic is not new for them. “When we ... Read More »

FEMA is in Overton County Tuesday to validate damages and debris from the February ice storm. EMA Director Chris Masiongale said FEMA is travelling the county with Livingston Mayor Curtis Hayes and County Executive Ben Danner. Masiongale said the county’s disaster damage threshold was $86,000 but damages are well over $1 million. “Once the numbers are validated then they’ll go ... Read More »

Overton County Commissioners approved setting a $50,000 minimum price for selling the Annex Building during Monday night’s meeting. County Executive Ben Danner said Narcotics and Alcoholics Anonymous are still using the space. Danner said he will give them another month in the building. Danner said the goal is to try and have the building auctioned by May or June. “I ... Read More »

Overton County is in holding pattern for funding the ice storm cleanup while it waits on a federal disaster declaration. County Executive Ben Danner said during his conversations with FEMA it is just a matter of President Biden giving the declaration. Danner said that getting the declaration will allow for a 90 percent cost reimbursement towards the cleanup. “In 2015 ... Read More »

The 30th annual Child Advocacy Days begin Tuesday to renew, refresh and refocus following 2020. Krisi Paling is the Upper Cumberland Regional Coordinator for the Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth. Paling said this event helps build connections and offer education to support the network of advocates around the state. “All those interested can really come together to really be ... Read More »

Sparta is moving forward to replace its spare transformer to secure its backup power plan. The transformer is shared with Caney Fork Electric Cooperative. Utilities Manager Belva Bess said Sparta is responsible for 45 percent of the cost on the $795,000 equipment. “We went ahead and contacted the low bidder, we had to send all that out for bids and ... Read More »

The Warren County School System will not return to a 5-day in-person schedule. Director of Schools Grant Swallows said he anticipates finishing the year with schools in-person four days a week. Swallows said this is not the preferred method for learning but the system still have roughly 800 students fully virtual. “Many of our teachers are teaching virtually and in-person,” ... Read More »

Putnam County families still have one week to respond to a school system survey gauging interest in virtual learning going forward. Sam Brooks is the Putnam County School System Supervisor for Personalized Learning. Brooks said this survey for VITAL is about getting the numbers together from students at each school so it can be staffed effectively. “Around April 15 when all ... Read More »

Hunting and Fishing licenses expired in February, and sportsmen need to renew for the Spring turkey season and fishing. TWRA Wildlife Information Specialist Mime Barnes said licenses can be renewed online or in-person. Barnes said that having a license supports wildlife efforts and keeps hunters and fishermen out of trouble. “If you think about how much public land we have ... Read More »

Monterey has received state approval to move forward with its waste water treatment plant. Mayor JJ Reels said the goal is to break ground in June and have bids in April 13. Reels said Water and Sewer Supervisor Duane Jarrett told him the new plant could increase capacity by about 50 percent. “It’s going to allow our growth to start ... Read More »