Hunters across the state are preparing for the first hunting opportunity of the season this weekend as Tennessee opens its first-ever velvet buck hunt. Brian McLerran is the TWRA District 3 Commissioner covering the Upper Cumberland. He said the event gives hunters an early opportunity to fill a tag. “It was started in an effort to let some people have ... Read More »

The Highlands Economic Partnership looks to help communities overcome hurdles in helping attract businesses to the region. For Jackson County, HEP Vice President of Economic Development Steven Crooks said the biggest challenge is infrastructure. “Historically, you see a lot of companies start their search with trying to be as close in proximity to an interstate highway as possible, and at ... Read More »

A potential ordinance in Livingston allowing the creation of liquor stores within city limits could go into effect as early as October 1. Tennessee Alcohol Beverage Commission Counselor Josh Stepp said the city must issue a certificate of compliance to applicants who meet the city’s set specifications. “We will not proceed with any application for a retail package store without ... Read More »

A Cookeville man faces charges after being arrested Saturday near Jere Whitson Elementary School for public indecency and public intoxication. Cookeville Police Captain Bobby Anderson said 39-year-old Tomas Mendez was arrested on Jere Whitson Road. “He had urinated off the front porch of the residence while in front of a minor child and the mother,” Anderson said. “He was found ... Read More »

The Putnam County Commission will vote Monday to decide whether to purchase land to create new fire stations for the Putnam County Fire Department. County Executive Randy Porter said some of the land being considered will be used to build two stations in Monterey. “We’re moving the fire station in Monterey out of the city limits and building one on ... Read More »

A Cookeville man will appear in court next month after being arrested twice in a four-day period. Christopher Cunningham, 33, faces several charges including reckless endangerment, burglary, domestic assault, and vandalism. His court date is set for Sept. 17. According to arrest warrants filed Friday, the charges stem from two separate incidents. The first incident occurred Aug. 7, in which ... Read More »

Tennessee Tech University is looking to assist in the growth of the information technology field in the Upper Cumberland. TTU President Phillip Oldham said the region first needs to build on existing elements to grow the IT field in the area. “Creating programs that continue to produce more and more IT-related graduates and connecting them with employers,” Oldham said, “and ... Read More »

Parents and leaders of the Cookeville Youth Football program conducted an emergency meeting to discuss the Middle Tennessee Youth Football Conference banning them from the league. Kristi Sweat is a former commissioner of the program and is currently an advisory board member. She said several parents were concerned over the future of the program during Thursday’s meeting. “We had some ... Read More »

Schools across the Upper Cumberland are using new standards this school year to better equip guidance counselors who come across students with mental health issues. Jennifer Murphy is a counselor at White County High School and a School Counselor Coach for the State of Tennessee. She said the new policies implemented will allow counselors across the region to identify signs ... Read More »