Getting some of the 320,000 people employed in the restaurant and retail sector back to work….safely. That’s the goal of Governor Bill Lee in announcing specific guidelines for both sectors Friday to reopen next week. Restaurants can open Monday while retailers can reopen Wednesday. “Social distancing works and it absolutely must continue if we’re going to reopen our economy safely,” ... Read More »

March unemployment rates fell slightly across the Upper Cumberland as COVID-19 job losses did not show up. The heart of COVID-19 job losses did not begin until the final days of March as the government began shutting down parts of the economy. More than 16,000 unemployment claims have been filed across the Upper Cumberland over the last month. Clay County ... Read More »

White County Director Of Schools Kurt Dronebarger said education officials are considering a two-year plan to help students rebound from the two-month COVID-19 shutdown. “We can’t expect to make this all up in one fell swoop,” Dronebarger said Thursday. “It looks like it’s going to be a lengthy procedure.” That will likely included adjusted schedules for schools beginning this fall ... Read More »

The need for more truck climbing lanes dominated Thursday night’s discussion on the future of the Interstate 40 corridor. Phase one of a 20-year plan for the roadway included comments from Putnam and Cumberland County residents Thursday night. The study will examine the current and future needs of the interstate. WSP USA serves as T-DOT’s consultant on the project. WSP’s ... Read More »

Cookeville Regional will restart elective procedures at the hospital May 1. CEO Paul Korth said the rollout will be slow and measured. “We will start gradually reopening the medical center to start doing elective procedures and elective surgeries,” Korth said. “Let me reassure you that we will be doing these in a safe manner, not only for the patients, but ... Read More »

Cummins Falls State Park will be one of three state parks not to reopen Friday. Park Ranger Ray Kutcher said the park saw an inordinate number of out-of-state visitors prior to Governor Bill Lee’s shutdown. The large number of non-local visitors was a major reason state parks were closed statewide. In addition, Kuthcer said the park only offers one trail ... Read More »

The state paid out two weeks of unemployment benefits to some 225,000 individuals during this week. State Department of Labor Commissioner Jeff McCord said that equates to nearly 98 percent of those who have applied for benefits over the last 21 days. “We know there’s frustration and worry and we understand that,” McCord said. “But we’re working as hard as ... Read More »

Restaurants across the state who heed guidelines about social distancing will be allowed to open Monday, according to Governor Bill Lee. Lee said Thursday that restaurants must operate at 50 percent capacity. Retailers who follow the same guidelines will be allowed to reopen Wednesday. Lee said the state will provide further guidance to restaurants and retail business owners during a ... Read More »

Nearly 3,400 Upper Cumberland residents filed new unemployment claims in the week ending April 18. That brings the total to more than 16,500 since the COVID-19 outbreak began. The Nashville area of northern middle Tennessee continues to be the hardest hit area of the state. First time claims totaled over 29,000 last week in that region. State officials hope the ... Read More »

The Putnam County Health Department will host COVID-19 drive-thru testing event Sunday. The event will be held Sunday Noon to 4pm at the Health Department off Willow Avenue. This is part of the state’s expanded COVID-19 targeted testing plan to get more weekend access to residents. “Anyone with health concerns, or who has concerns about the health of a family ... Read More »