The Jackson County Board of Education met with potential architects for its newest project Monday night. The Board voted to move forward with AEI Engineering for the CTE Learning Programs building project at the special called meeting. Director of Schools Kristy Brown said this is a very important project for the future of the school system. “We’re in the process ... Read More »

The City Of Baxter got good news Thursday in its efforts to upgrade water and sewer services. “Baxter was awarded a $500,000 grant with the Appalachian Regional Commission,” City Engineer Tom Bennett said. “So, that is for a project to continue sewer rehabilitation and sewer improvements within the City of Baxter.” Thursday night’s board meeting included the acceptance of the ... Read More »

The population decline of wild turkeys within Tennessee has been recently visible due to hunting and reproduction issues. TWRA’s Wild Turkey Program Coordinator Roger Shields said the main cause of the decline seems to be a lack of reproduction among the species. “That’s what drives turkey populations by large, is their ability to successfully reproduce,” Shields said. “When they do ... Read More »

Leadership Tennessee recently announced its latest class of leaders who will meet for discussions about the state’s most important issues. The group includes 45 executives from rural and urban communities. Les Dolente is the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Deputy Commissioner and now serves as Leadership Tennessee’s Putnam County Representative. “It’s a true honor, and it’s very humbling,” ... Read More »

Sparta welcomed special Olympian, and gold medalist, Jordan Casey back home after competing at the most recent games. Casey, a four-time gold medalist and “Team Tennessee” power-lifter returned home Tuesday for photos and autographs at the YMCA. Casey said he’s always had an interest in weight lifting. “It’s always been interesting, and it’s been a challenge trying to always pick ... Read More »

Jackson County Schools will partner with Macon County Schools to repair the Tri-County TCAT building roof. The Jackson School Board voted Thursday to split the cost. Director of Schools Kristy Brown said the district will pay some $64,000 of the estimated $130,000 price. “It needs to be done if our kids are going to keep… it’s a need,” Brown said. ... Read More »

Cookeville Planning Commission approved the preliminary plat for Timberwalk Subdivision at its meeting Monday night. The Timberwalk Subdivision, located on Lovelady Road consists of approximately 292 building lots, and 17 community lots. Nine streets will be constructed. Two streets will connect to Lovelady Road. Planning Director Jon Ward said commission members expressed concern during a work session about Timberwalk Trail, ... Read More »

Volunteer State Community College held a ribbon-cutting Thursday for the new laboratory renovations on the Livingston Regional Hospital campus. Dean of Nursing Cassie Koester said the lab has been completely renovated to better meet the needs of the growing nursing program. “The previous lab that was here was an old doctor’s office, so it was hard for the instructor to ... Read More »

The Overton County School Board explored options to increase school safety during a Tuesday night work session. The work session included a review of procedures, training, and committee meetings as well as school resource officer contracts, duties, and training procedures.  Director of Schools Donnie Holman said he spoke with a consultant regarding the issue earlier Tuesday afternoon. “I feel like ... Read More »

Federal, state and local offices observed the Juneteenth holiday Monday. Cookeville NAACP Branch President Tom Savage said the day is meant to remember the freedom of the slaves who were emancipated in 1863. “Well, our trials make us strong, and our history means so much, and it should not be forgotten,” Savage said. “As people of color, especially African Americans, ... Read More »