Smithville city officials have decided to close Airport Park along Allen’s Chapel Road. Municipal Airport Manager Joe Johnson said the decision was made due to safety concerns with incoming plane traffic. “They come over the park at about a couple hundred feet,” Johnson said, “and we’ve had concerns and so has the FAA and the state if something were to ... Read More »

The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office has no plans on creating a brand-new jail facility any time soon. Sheriff Eddie Farris said an upcoming geotechnical study looking into expanding the current jail will also include the potential cost of building a new facility. “I think that cost is going to be way, way out of the area, out of the ballpark, ... Read More »

A single-car crash injured at least four people in DeKalb County Monday night. The Tennessee Highway Patrol reports 31-year-old Eric Adcock of Smithville was traveling on Big Rock Road when the accident occurred. 28-year-old Dakota Adcock, of Smithville, and two juveniles were also in the vehicle. The crash report states Adcock’s 2013 Nissan Juke traveled off the right side of ... Read More »

The city of Cookeville’s new spending plan includes funding for a new public information officer. City Manager Mike Davidson said city has considered adding the new position for several years. “We want to be able to share information in a timely fashion with the public and the folks that are visiting Cookeville,” Davidson said. “Whether it’s in some type an ... Read More »

Cookeville residents have requested the city look into improving and adding more pickleball courts. Local resident Paula Lilly said the current number of courts doesn’t meet the growing demand of pickleball players. “Presently, Leisure Services offers us three morning play slots and a drop-in play on one evening. But now, unfortunately, we can’t do that in the summer or the ... Read More »

Cumberland County has updated its definition of what a dilapidated structure is. Mayor Allen Foster said the updated definition gives the county a better understanding in how to deal with vacant, unused buildings. “There are some places in the area that maybe need some attention, some vacant homes that might need some work,” Foster said. “Until now, the [health and ... Read More »

The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office aims keep crime rates low after the TBI released its annual crime report. The report indicates PCSO made nearly three times more arrests for Class A offenses than any other Upper Cumberland sheriff’s department. Class A offenses include but are not limited to aggravated and sexual assaults, kidnapping, and murder. Putnam County Sheriff Eddie Farris ... Read More »

Putnam County’s Randy Porter will now officially be known as ‘county mayor.’ The change comes after the county’s planning committee voted earlier this year to approve the change from ‘county executive’. Porter explained the process of how the title was changed during the county commission’s meeting Monday. “We got the private act back from the secretary of state. It was ... Read More »

The first brick-and-mortar liquor store in Livingston has officially opened. Volunteer Wine & Spirits first opened its doors this week after receiving inventory earlier this month. Livingston residents voted in favor of a referendum last June to allow liquor stores within city limits. City officials started accepting applications from prospective entrepreneurs last fall. Volunteer Wine & Spirits is located along ... Read More »