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Author Archives: Logan Weaver

Putnam Minister, County Clerk Named In State Marriage Lawsuit

A Putnam County Minister has joined the ULC Monastery in filing a lawsuit against the State of Tennessee and four county clerks for a new law banning online ministers from performing weddings (Stock Photo)

Four Tennessee county clerks are being sued over a new state law preventing online-ordained ministers from officiating weddings. The Universal Life Church Monastery Storehouse (ULC Monastery) filed a lawsuit last Friday on behalf of three of its Tennessee ministers. One of the ministers, Rev. James Welch of Putnam County, is named as a plaintiff, while Putnam County Clerk Wayne Nabors ... Read More »

Employees File Lawsuit Against JRMC, Rennova Health

Two former employees of Jamestown Regional Medical Center have filed a class-action lawsuit against the hospital. Joshua Slaughter and Karen Bilbrey Cooper are suing JRMC and its owner, Rennova Health Systems, for not notifying employees properly of the hospital’s closure. The lawsuit states employees were not notified of the hospital’s closure until the day-of on June 13. Tennessee’s Worker Adjustment ... Read More »

Cookeville Police Advise Citizens Be Mindful Around Fireworks

Firework celebrations may trigger military veterans suffering from combat-related Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, according to Putnam County Veterans Services (Photo: Logan Weaver)

The Cookeville Police Department wants residents to be safe and smart while using fireworks during Fourth of July celebrations. Captain Bobby Anderson said the celebration of America’s birthday comes with a few restrictions within city limits. “We want everyone to enjoy the Fourth of July and celebrate with fireworks, and our city ordinance gives us some guidance on what can ... Read More »

Tennessee Hands-Free Law Goes Into Effect Monday

The Tennessee Highway Patrol wants citizens to be aware of the state’s ‘Hands-Free Law’ that goes into effect next Monday. Cookeville Captain R.C. Christian said the law will provide a challenge to both residents and law enforcement. “It’s going to be… a pretty big transition for us when this Hands-Free Law goes into effect regarding using your cell phones while ... Read More »

New Sentencing Hearing Granted In Putnam Theft Case

A man convicted on burglary and theft charges in Putnam County has won his appeal and will be given a new hearing. The Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals said the trial court in the case of Matthew Norris failed to consider appropriate factors when issuing the sentence in 2018. The Appeals Court’s report states the trial court was incorrect when ... Read More »

UCDD Offering New MicroLoan Program For Area Businesses

The Upper Cumberland Development District could soon use a new business loan program as early as next month. Megan Choate serves as the UCDD’s Director of Lending and Economic Development. She said a growing economy has allowed the agency to focus on helping new and small businesses through its MicroLoan Program. “The traditional loan program we have has had less ... Read More »

Cookeville Planning Commission Approves Broadway Ave. Rezoning

The Cookeville Planning Commission approved a residential rezoning along Broadway Avenue Monday. Interim Planning Director Jon Ward said developers plan to create a new subdivision off West Broad Street near Petite Drive. “It’s a higher-density, single-family detached zoning district,” Ward said. “The developers have proposed dividing the property into 50 lots on this first phase that could be continued into ... Read More »

Cookeville Historic Commission Interested In More Overlays

The successful creation of Cookeville’s East 8th Street Historic District has the city’s historic commission wanting more. City Historic Commission member Susan Vandergriff assisted in creating the new overlay late last year. She said establishing the overlays will help draw more people to Cookeville. “Protecting the beauty of the past by historic district overlay zoning I think is one of ... Read More »

Van Buren Fair Hopes To Bring Carnival Vendors This Year

The Van Buren County Fair will still go on as officials look to raise money to provide a carnival during the event. Fair President Lisa Bouldin said the fair would need approximately $10,000 by Aug. 10 to fulfill vendor contracts. “I think it’s important to everybody,” Bouldin said. “I know by saying we won’t have a fair, in some people’s ... Read More »

UC Habitat For Humanity Looking For Overton County Lots

Upper Cumberland Habitat for Humanity wants to construct new homes in Overton County. Community Outreach Coordinator Trent Carter said the organization is seeking available lots to build houses for families in need. “We’ve been trying to get established up there for about two years and it’s come time for us to start building in Overton County,” Carter said. “We’ve just ... Read More »