Cane Creek Park’s mountain bike trails will be closed for the next few weeks after recent storms downed trees across the pathways. Leisure Services Director Rick Woods said storms damaged roughly 70 to 80 trees throughout the park. “We have many trees down there and they’re large, mature trees,” Woods said. “It’s going to take us some time with our ... Read More »

The Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury’s Office released a report Wednesday regarding the actions of Smithville Mayor Jimmy Poss. According to the report, Poss created a part-time position for his son, Anthony, paying him $8,100 over a six-month period to work at the city golf course. The report goes on to say Mayor Poss did not comply with city policy, ... Read More »

A Cookeville man faces drug and child abuse charges following a vehicle search by the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office on July 15. According to arrest warrants, 38-year-old Roscoe Wadford had an outstanding capias against him on a failure-to-appear charge. Deputies searched Wadford and his vehicle, in which deputies found small amounts of methamphetamine and heroin as well as a syringe. ... Read More »

The Upper Cumberland Development District recently broke ground to build a new facility in Cookeville. UCDD Executive Director Mark Farley said he’s excited for construction to get underway. “Our current building, we’ve been in it since the mid 1970s,” Farley said. “It’s got quite a bit of wear and tear on it. Our biggest issue with where we’re currently located…is ... Read More »

The Highlands Economic Partnership has hired a new director of investor relations. Cookeville-native Justin Matheney was recently hired by the Highlands to serve as the primary connection between the organization and its investors. Matheney will also assist in bringing new investors to the organization. “This is an exciting time to enter the Highlands Economic Partnership,” Matheney said in a press release. ... Read More »

A TBI investigation has led to the indictment of Smithville Mayor Jimmy Poss and his son on theft charges. The charges come after Poss was accused of paying his son, Anthony, for work completed at the city’s golf course and swimming pool without approval from the Board of Aldermen. According to the TBI, the payments between Poss and his son ... Read More »

Arete Fine Chocolate is targeting a September opening following delays in renovating the Haston Block Building in Spencer. Founder David Senk said he hopes construction will be completed within the next couple weeks. “The construction’s moving a little more slowly,” Senk said. “Every time we peel the onion back another layer we find something else that needs to be fixed. ... Read More »

The Fairfield Glade Art Guild is set to host the ninth annual Judge and Jury Fine Arts Show on August 3. Event Chairman Claudia Kirkpatrick said she’s excited to see the artwork entered into this year’s contest. “My favorite part is actually the excitement of seeing who the awards are going to,” Kirkpatrick said. “It’s always an exciting time.” This ... Read More »

The Highlands Initiative looks to add more jobs in the information technology field as it continues with phase four of the organization’s five-year plan. Stephen Crook is the Vice President of Economic Development with the HEP. He said the region is currently behind in terms of available jobs in the IT industry. “Even after companies such as Digital Dream Forge, ... Read More »

Members of the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office put on their dancing shoes and participated in the national lip-sync challenge. Captain Jerry Jackson said everyone involved had fun while making the video. “The public had been on us to try to do [the challenge],” Jackson said. “We just tried to get the people in the department that wanted to participate and ... Read More »