Overton County Executive Steven Barlow asked county commissioners Monday night to keep backdoor politics out of county business. The tension showed during a discussion of new board appointments for the new fiscal year. Barlow outlined his committee plans, noting he had moved commissioners around to expose them to other parts of county government. He said he had not received any ... Read More »

Tennessee Tech student enrollment has exceeded 10,000 students for the first time in three years, an increase of some 200 students from last year. Total enrollment stands at some 10,117 approaching the fourth week of the fall semester. The freshman class ranks as the fourth largest in the school’s history with increases in transfer students as well. Tech reports strong ... Read More »

The Cumberland County Sheriffs Department investigating the death of two Cumberland County residents Sunday afternoon. 56-year old Tamara Clark and 54-year old Del Clark were found in a residence on Deep Draw Road, in the eastern section of the county. Deputies responded to call of two deceased individuals around 4:20pm Sunday afternoon. There was no signs of foul play. Both ... Read More »

Cumberland County students can show off their artistic skills and their knowledge of how water impacts our everyday lives. The Cumberland County Soil and Water Conservation District presents its annual poster contest, open to students in K-12. District Office Manager Lynn Carey said this year’s theme is “One Water” “The importance of water, where it comes from, hoping that they ... Read More »

White County High School students wearing new badges to start the school year as a way to increase safety. School System Communications Director Candice Allen said this is the first year students have worn the identification, something that has been in the works for sometime. “So with the size of the school’s campus and an increasing student body and staff ... Read More »

Burks Elementary students will soon have access to cutting edge technology thanks to the school’s assistant principal. Diana Cook participated in a national panel on literacy. She met representatives from a firm that wanted to help students with practice on phonics. Diana Wood is Putnam County’s Elementary Instructional Supervisor. She said kindergarteners in the after-school program will be using new ... Read More »

T-DOT will close a portion of State Route 1 through Crossville for a 13-month span beginning Monday morning. Contractors will demolish the old bridge over the Obed River, completing a new bridge by next November. Northside Drive will be used as a detour during the time period. Left turns from Sparta Drive onto Miller Avenue will also be closed. Work ... Read More »

Baxter City Council set its sewer capacity fee to $1,000 per unit, but members agree discussion is needed on the future of sewer capacity. Alderman Willie Allison voted against the plan, arguing developers should pay more. He said many residents are concerned what happens five to ten years from now as more development enters the area. “They’re worried that we’re ... Read More »

Grinder pumps will not be allowed in connection to the Sparta sewer system after the Board of Aldermen passed a second reading of an updated ordinance. Mayor Jerry Lowery said the city needs to do everything it can to continue its progress with the state in terms of the sewer system. Sparta continues under a sewer moratorium. Using grinder pumps ... Read More »

Work has slowed on the Upperman High School expansion project because of brick. Upland Design Group Consultant Kim Chamberlin said the facility will now likely not be delivered before the end of the year. “We are under roof, so they’re inside doing mechanical systems, sprinkler, piping, electrical work,” Chamberlin said. “Those things are progressing. But not having the brick there ... Read More »