The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) warns consumers that scammers could be trying to offer fake services. Assistant Director of Communications Baylie Scott said the increase spring projects leads to more chances for scammers. “The arrival of warm weather means that scammers have the opportunity to present service-based scams more,” Scott said. “Common home improvement scams that are ... Read More »

The UCHRA’s new substance abuse coordinator looks to help combat the region’s opioid crisis. Coordinator Glen Sayes said his duties will include analyzing how the region currently addresses the issue and finding ways to improve. “First of all is identifying the assets of the Upper Cumberland region, visit all the counties, and find out what is already in place, what ... Read More »

UCHRA and UCCDD Performance Evaluation Committee members have given their executive and financial directors positive reviews. Executive Director Mark Farley addressed the evaluations during last week’s committee meeting. “We’re always an open book. If you ever have questions or you have comments on how [Financial Director Ginger Stout] or myself can do things better, if we can improve in any ... Read More »

Authorities and search crews have found the body of Dr. James Smith in rural Overton County. The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office reports Smith’s body was located not far from his truck near Copeland Cove Road south of Livingston. The 83-year-old Smith was first reported missing from his Cookeville residence by his wife Wednesday afternoon. Authorities reported Saturday that Smith had ... Read More »

The Upper Cumberland Development District issued several individualized reports to community leaders highlighting areas for potential improvement. Executive Director Mark Farley said one of the largest overlying problems across the region is the need for a larger workforce. “We’re almost to that point where we need to start recruiting our young people to stay local, not to move off to ... Read More »

The Tennesee Department of Transportation has named a construction start date to widen Highway 127 in Cumberland and Fentress Counties. Governor Bill Lee and TDOT Commissioner Clay Bright listed the project in their annual three-year report with construction anticipated for 2021. Fentress County Executive Jimmy Johnson said the county has anticipated the project for several years. “It’s just a great ... Read More »

Putnam and Overton County authorities continue their search for 83-year-old Dr. James Smith. Putnam County Sheriff Eddie Farris said Saturday Smith was last seen leaving his Cookeville home Wednesday afternoon. “Dr. Smith’s wife reported him to have left his residence at approximately 2 p.m. traveling to Overton County, where he owns several parcels of land… including a business his grandson ... Read More »

Cookeville City Council voted Thursday to approve two new benches for the downtown area. The benches will be designed by local artists and will be located near the West Broad Street and North Cedar Avenue intersections. City Manager Mike Davidson reported during the meeting that the Westside Business Association donated funds to the artists to have the benches constructed. Davidson ... Read More »

Upper Cumberland officials are asking for the public’s help in searching for a missing eldery Cookeville man. Overton/Pickett EMA reports 83-year-old Dr. James Smith has not been found as of Friday evening. Volunteers interested in helping find Smith can visit the command post on Copeland Cove Road off Highway 84 Saturday morning at 9 a.m. Officials will have search teams ... Read More »