A total of 4,052 new unemployment claims were filed by Upper Cumberland residents last week. That brings the COVID-19 region total to more than 13,116 claims across the region. That’s just over 8.5 percent unemployment for the region. The state total decreased last week from the 116,000 high during the week of April 4. A total of 74,772 claims were ... Read More »

Putnam County Schools will continue online instruction and packet distribution until May 15. “We know education is important in Putnam County, we know it’s valued in our community,” Director Of Schools Corby King said. “We’re going to continue to provide an education and educational services.” On Wednesday, Governor Bill Lee urged all schools to keep their buildings closed for the ... Read More »

Tornado victims who need help with applying for the Cookeville-Putnam County Tornado Relief Fund can get in-person assistance this week. Volunteers will be available at the Cookeville Community Center beginning Friday to assist those who may not have computer access or who many need help. Assistance will be offered Friday and Saturday from 10am-4pm, Sunday and Monday 1pm-4pm; and Tuesday ... Read More »

“If you think you need a test, we have a test for you.” State Health Commissioner Dr. Lisa Piercey said testing will expand across Tennessee during the next few weeks. Testing will no longer be restricted to the typical COVID-19 symptoms of fever, cough or shortness of breath. “We will test you if you’re confused about what the symptoms might ... Read More »

Governor Bill Lee recommended Wednesday that schools remain closed through the end of the school year. Lee said the state will work with each individual district to best provide education to students through the next several weeks. “We want to make sure that there is flexibility for districts all across the state as they have critical year-end activities that they ... Read More »

Pickett and Van Buren Counties will be home to drive-thru COVID-19 testing sites this weekend. The state will ramp up COVID-19 testing across the weekend in an effort to get more Tennesseans checked. A total of 33 testing sites will be open over the weekend to get anyone checked who wants to be tested. In Van Buren County, testing will ... Read More »

Upper Cumberland COVID-19 cases rose to 233 cases Wednesday with a third COVID-19 death in Macon County. Putnam County’s total stands at 93. Cumberland County reports 53 positive cases. Macon County has a total of 29 confirmed cases. Smith stands at 11 with Dekalb County at 10. Cannon and Overton Counties each have seven positive reports while Jackson County reports ... Read More »

The Jamestown City Council approved two rezoning requests along Rugby Avenue. The Planning Commission recommended the approval to rezone the property C-1, General Business. One parcel is located at 234 Rugby Avenue, the other at 709 Rugby Avenue. Both properties had been zoned high density residential. The Council approved the rezoning Monday night on final reading 4-0. Read More »

The Tennessee Court of Appeals denied the appeal of William Floyd Cartwright on his 2005 conviction for premeditated murder. A Putnam County jury convicted Cartwright for the death of Marvin Martin Jr. in 2004. Cartwright had challenged the conviction arguing he received ineffective assistance during the trial from his counsel. Specifically, Cartwright argued his trial counsel “failed to sufficiently develop ... Read More »

The Upper Cumberland’s 10 state parks will remain closed until further notice. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation announced the extension Tuesday. All 56 parks statewide are included in the order. “We want to make sure that when we do reopen, visitors and our park staff can feel confident in their safety,” Deputy Commissioner Jim Bryson said. “With health ... Read More »