Flu season is here and getting your flu vaccine is the best way to stay healthy. Cookeville Regional Medical Center Infection Prevention Manager Stephanie Etter said anyone six months or older can receive the vaccine and should unless they have a contrary indication. “We are just starting to see cases of flu,” Etter said. “So now is a great time ... Read More »

As basketball season begins at Upper Cumberland schools, a new state law enforces strict guidelines on school-sponsored events held on school grounds after hours. The law said an employee has to be present at whatever entrance is made available to guests in order to limit door access. The law also specifies that all other doors should be locked. Cookeville High ... Read More »

McMinnville’s Black History Museum is currently looking for volunteers to help in the facility’s growth. Founder and Curator Wayne Wolford Sr. said the extra help is needed as the museum has continued to grow fast. Wolford said the large amounts of detailed work needed to keep a museum running can take up a lot of his time. Wolford said the ... Read More »

Tennessee Tech showcased student writing projects Tuesday during its 20th Annual Festival of Student Writing. Founder and Lead Coordinator Tony Baker said students showcase a wide range of topics provided by their individual instructors. Baker said he got the idea to throw a festival like this while attending a conference. “The festival’s older than the students that will be presenting ... Read More »

Many families will be frying turkeys during the next 24 hours, but how can you make sure you’re doing it safely. Algood Fire Chief David Judd said cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires and injuries during the Thanksgiving Holiday. Judd said following basic fire and cooking safety tips can keep your family safe. “Frozen water will react ... Read More »

Christmas In The Country returns to Livingston Friday Night, complete with a visit from Santa and a Lighting of the city center Christmas tree. President and CEO Shannon Cantrell said the Livingston tradition has been going strong since the 1990s. Cantrell said the event brings in people from all over the Upper Cumberland and is a great boost for local ... Read More »

Volunteers in Dekalb County will be busier than most Thanksgiving Day with the annual food preparation and delivery for those in need. DeKalb Emergency Services Association will be preparing and delivering full Thanksgiving meals to families in need. Vice President Blake Cantrell said he feels the need for the service is large, as they typically deliver around 700 meals throughout ... Read More »

The Overton County Sheriff’s Toy Drive is underway to collect toys for children of families in need. Toy Drive Organizer Tonia Butler said the community helps greatly with the toy drive every year. Butler said the drive is typically able to help 40 to 50 children by providing basic toys for them to enjoy. “I love doing it,” Butler said. ... Read More »

Byrdstown’s Good Neighbors Theater has finished repairing its roof with an unexpected $35,000 price tag. Theater Board Member Tony Milsted said the 38-year-old roof has never been serviced, and the cost ended up being $20,000 more than expected. Milsted said the theater had been building up a nest egg over the last three years for various needed maintenance projects. Milsted ... Read More »

Retired teachers or those interested in helping students learn can join the Putnam County School System as a third or fourth grade tutor. Elementary Instructional Supervisor Dr. Diana Wood said the system hired tutors at the beginning of the year, but some have left. Wood said many of their previous tutors received full-time employment places outside of the elementary school. ... Read More »