The Van Buren County Commission will weigh its options after residents voted down a proposed wheel tax last week. County Mayor Greg Wilson said money generated from the wheel tax would have covered new correctional officer positions at the county jail. “The thing about that was, with the wheel tax, we were looking to offset the cost for the new ... Read More »

The Fentress County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in finding a missing teen. Authorities say 17-year-old Olivia Dowdy was last seen Feb. 5 near her residence off Pickett State Park Road. Dowdy is described as a white female with blonde hair, blue eyes, approximately 5-foot, 8-inches tall and 150 lbs. The Sheriff’s Office says Dowdy may have a ... Read More »

The Baxter Medical Clinic is looking for help from the city to help fix maintenance issues. Alderman Jeff Herald said the current lease agreement between the city and the medical clinic was modified under former mayor Jeff Wilhite. The update requires the clinic to perform all necessary maintenance themselves. “We had in there that all necessary repairs would be done ... Read More »

Baxter city officials are requesting the state upgrade the Elmore Town Road bridge project to high-priority status. City Engineer Tom Bennett said the city’s request would alleviate the city’s portion while having the state put more emphasis on the project. “Right now [the project is] 98 percent funded by TDOT with a two percent local match under the state aid ... Read More »

Livingston will receive grant funding to help improve sidewalks along Preston Street later this year. Downtown Revitalization Committee Chair Ray Evans said the funding stems from a Project Diabetes grant used to promote healthy living in the community. “We had actually done a new playground at the housing authority and we were looking at what else we could legitimately use ... Read More »

Van Buren County residents voted down a proposed wheel tax Thursday. The Van Buren Election Commission reports 513 citizens voted against the motion compared to 427 voting in favor. Had the proposal passed, the tax would have funded new correctional positions at the county jail. Residents petitioned against the wheel tax proposal after county commissioners approved an amended version last ... Read More »

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a complaint against two Celina pharmacies and owner Thomas Weir over allegations of unlawful opioid distribution. A federal judge issued restraining orders against Oakley Pharmacy, Inc., which includes Dale Hollow Pharmacy and Xpress Pharmacy of Clay County. A statement released by the DOJ indicates Weir and three pharmacists allegedly dispensed and improperly ... Read More »

Baxter will seek federal funding to help improve the city’s waste water treatment plant. City Engineer Tom Bennett said the project is much needed for the future growth of the community. “The City of Baxter commissioned a study of their waste water treatment facility about a year ago in response to lots of development and things that are going on ... Read More »