Cookeville residents will likely see an increase in their sewer and water rates later this spring. Cookeville City Council passed a resolution Thursday increasing rates in intervals over the next five years. Water and Sewer Department Director Ronnie Kelly explained earlier this month the rate adjustments will help cover upcoming project expenses. “We need a sustainable revenue to meet the ... Read More »

Authorities have charged a White County teen for allegedly assaulting a fellow student at White County Middle School. Sheriff Steve Page said the incident occurred last week following a dispute between the students. “One had accused the other one of stealing something out of his locker,” Page said. “From what I understand they were in the lunchroom and one kid ... Read More »

A Cookeville man faces charges after allegedly driving under the influence with a one-year-old child in his vehicle Saturday. The Tennessee Highway Patrol arrested 38-year-old Jason Steward for reckless endangerment as well. Arrest warrants state Steward had red watery eyes, an odor of alcohol, and was unsteady on his feet during a traffic stop. Steward admitted to the trooper he ... Read More »

Tennessee Tech has moved one step closer to implementing new masters programs in agriculture and nutrition. TTU’s Board of Trustees voted Thursday to approve approved letters that will go to the Tennessee Higher Education Commission to develop the sustainable agriculture and community health and nutrition programs. According to a press release from the University, the Masters in Community Health and ... Read More »

A new grant through the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development will help Twin Lakes continue broadband expansion in Smith County. County Mayor Jeff Mason said expanding broadband services benefits all residents of the area. “Our farmers need it, our students need it to do their homework and their classwork, we have several people who work from home and ... Read More »

Tennessee Tech currently has nearly 65,000 email accounts despite having just over 11,000 active students and faculty members. Board of Trustees Chair Tom Jones said many of the accounts are inactive and once belonged to former students and employees at the university. “It just became aware to us that Tennessee Tech is hosting an extremely large number of emails well ... Read More »

The Upper Cumberland Human Resources Agency (UCHRA) could move away from providing hot meals through its nutrition program. Executive Director Mark Farley said the situation isn’t ideal but would help save the program financially. “This has been an ongoing issue dealing with the nutrition program here in the Upper Cumberland region. We’ve really been losing money for the last three ... Read More »

The Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS) partners with state law enforcement agencies to help investigate SNAP fraud. Press Secretary Sky Arnold said the department has agreements in place with three Upper Cumberland law enforcement agencies to assist in fraud investigations when needed. “Essentially, these agreements allow us to provide actual EBT cards to use in undercover investigations, or we ... Read More »

The Upper Cumberland Regional Airport looks to continue its growth as it sees more traffic and new businesses. Airport Manager Dean Selby said the airport has seen a progressive increase in use over the last several months. “That’s kind of a two-way street. It’s partly us bringing business in, partly the area growing and bringing business to us,” Selby said. ... Read More »