Forty police dogs from across the country are in Cookeville this week as part of a K9 workshop. The North American Police Work Dog Association Workshop provides training the dogs need to get their annual K9 certification. The dogs are being certified in explosives, narcotics, patrol, therapy, and search and rescue. “It’s been a great turn out and a great ... Read More »

A Cookeville author will introduce her new book at a Friday release party, reflecting on the events of March 3, 2020. Dr. Lauren Farmer survived the March 3, 2020 tornado that killed 19 people. She chronicles her journey in the book “After The Storm.” “I really learned that a lot of people have not healed and have not confronted a ... Read More »

The Baxter Planning Commission is considering a ban on vacation rentals like air bnbs in subdivisions. Commission members said they did not know of any vacation rentals currently located in subdivisions, but wanted to get out ahead of a potential problem. Codes Director and Building Inspector Bob Lane said vacation rentals work fine. “Air BnBs sometimes work great,” Lane said. ... Read More »

McMinnville’s Milner Recreation Center is replacing its Kid Zone with a Core and Recovery Room. Beginning Sunday, the space will provide room for people to stretch and do core exercises. Facility Manager Michael Benusches said the Kid Zone was rarely used. “Our free weight area was pretty cramped, because that’s where people would go in to do some of their ... Read More »

The growth of garlic has become so popular in Fentress County, the county will be part of the 2024 Garlic Festival. Fentress County UT Agriculture Extension Agent John Gunter said there are several growers in the county. He said the rise of popularity in garlic over the last four years even surprised him. “I don’t mean this in bad terms, ... Read More »

Tennessee Tech’s Jeff Roberts has been selected to represent the Faculty Athletics Representatives Association on the Football Championship Subdivision Oversight Committee. The history professor said his priority on the board will be to make sure academics are not lost in college sports. He said looking after student athlete welfare also remains a priority. “There’s so much change going on in ... Read More »

Sparta trash pickup is on hold for the rest of the week after the city ran into several issues regarding its trucks. In an effort to alleviate trash issues, the City Transfer Station will extend its hours to 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Superintendent for the Sanitation Department Gideon McCurry said he hopes to have the trucks back on the ... Read More »

Putnam County Schools Director Corby King appointed to the Tennessee Department of Education’s School Letter Grades Working Group. The purpose of the group is to review publicly submitted comments and make recommendations on how the calculations for each letter grade for schools will be decided. Two meetings have already happened, the third is scheduled for Thursday. The last meeting is ... Read More »

Celina Aldermen approved the bid for the repaving of Mitchell Street and River Drive. The board unanimously approved the bid from Edmonds Paving & Sealcoating for a $129,725. There was a competing bid from Rogers Group. Mayor Luke Collins said Edmonds Paving & Sealcoating would start bringing equipment quickly to prepare for the job. Collins also said he hoped the ... Read More »

The Celina Board of Aldermen unanimously voted Tuesday night to restore the city’s portion of pay to its Veterans Service Officer. Aldermen voted last month voted to freeze their portion of the pay after a dispute with former officer Brad Halfacre on the proposed Veterans Memorial. The $20,000 annual salary is split between Clay County, Jackson County, Gainesboro, and Celina. ... Read More »