Friday, March 29, 2024
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Author Archives: Logan Weaver

Two Putnam County Residents Die in Georgia Crash

Two Putnam County residents died in a fatal accident on I-75 Sunday near Marietta, Georgia. 58-year-old Donald Walker, of Cookeville, and 57-year-old Angela Joy Huddleston, of Baxter, were travelling southbound at the time of the accident. According to the Cobb County Police Department, the 2015 Cadillac Escalade drove into the center median, down an embankment, and struck two trees. Huddleston ... Read More »

Cookeville Woman Charged for Bringing Knife to Court

A Cookeville woman was charged after she brought a knife into the Putnam County Justice Center Thursday. According to a press release, 43-year-old Tina Sweat was taken into custody by Sheriff’s Deputies after she brought the weapon inside the courtroom. Sweat was charged with one count of weapons carry during judicial proceedings. Her bond was set at $200,000. Weapons are ... Read More »

TDOT Revokes $3 Million Grant from UCHRA

The Tennessee Department of Transportation revoked a $3 million grant Friday from the UCHRA to be used for a new transit hub. TDOT’s decision comes one week after an auditor’s report revealed over $130,000 in questionable grant spending by the agency. UCHRA Interim Director Mark Farley said the agency is not surprised by the decision. “From the very beginning, they ... Read More »

Baxter Mayor Addresses Development Concerns

Baxter Mayor John Martin addressed concerns and rumors surrounding development projects during Thursday’s Board of Aldermen and Mayor meeting. Martin said people have been concerned about what new businesses could mean for the city. “I guess people are kindly concerned and complain at times about growth,” Martin said. “But there’s not a lot of restaurants that want to come and ... Read More »

Baxter Mayor: J. Cumby Project to be Finalized Soon

The J. Cumby Project in Baxter will likely be finalized within the near future. That according to Baxter Mayor John Martin during Thursday’s Board of Aldermen and Mayor meeting. “Our attorney, Shawn Fry, is working with Double Springs’ attorney now as far as an agreement with the water, so I feel like in a couple weeks everything will be finalized ... Read More »

Austin Murder Case to Go Before Grand Jury

A grand jury will hear the murder case of Stacey Dwight Austin following an arraignment hearing in Crossville Thursday. Judge Larry Warner determined there was enough evidence in the case to send it to a grand jury for trial. The 37-year-old Austin was charged with voluntary manslaughter after the shooting death of his 55-year-old aunt, Teresa Faye Austin, last month. ... Read More »

Highlands Initiative’s Fourth Phase Surpasses $3 Million

The Highlands Economic Partnership surpassed its goal of $2.85 million raised in phase four of its five-year plan (Photo: Logan Weaver)

The Highlands Economic Partnership exceeded its funding goal as part of the fourth phase in the group’s five-year plan. Pledges gave over $3.25 million as part of the Highlands Initiative, which is designed to attract new businesses to Jackson, Overton, Putnam, and White Counties. The group’s initial goal was set at $2.85 million. George Halford is the President and CEO ... Read More »

‘Food to the Rescue’ Provides Meals to Those in Need

‘Food to the Rescue’ is a community program that offers meals to school-age children and teens throughout the summer. Katelyn Steakley is the assistant director of the program. She said serving kids in need around Putnam County is the group’s primary goal. “All of our food is easy to open. We want to make sure children can open it themselves ... Read More »

Gainesboro Library Closed Due to Flood Damage

The Charles Ralph Holland Memorial Library in Gainesboro is temporarily closed after floodwater made its way into the building. Library Director Catherine Huddleston said storms caused flooding to damage flooring throughout the library. “It flooded all the way to the very back of the library about a good standing three inches in some places… so we are getting a new ... Read More »