United States Congressman John Rose is co-sponsoring legislation that would help address safety concerns at concert venues. The SONG Act would give the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) the authority to restrict flights over concerts and music festival locations. “The FAA has had the authority with respect to sporting events to restrict flights over the airspace over major venues when there’s ... Read More »

Fentress County Executive Jimmy Johnson doesn’t expect the county’s property tax rate to change for the new fiscal year. Johnson said the county commission’s budget committee will meet next week to finalize the 2019-2020 spending plan. “We’re going to scratch and claw and keep [property taxes] as low as we can,” Johnson said. “Of course as each year goes, you ... Read More »

Local authorities are encouraging citizens to stay safe while driving as a new school year begins. Cookeville Police Captain Bobby Anderson said drivers should be aware of their surroundings as buses return to the roadways. “Also watch for the crossing guards. Last year we had a crossing guard struck by a vehicle and we want to keep our crossing guards ... Read More »

A Crossville teen and two Cumberland County Sheriff’s deputies suffered injuries during a Saturday crash. The Tennessee Highway Patrol reports the accident occurred on Highway 70 North when the 16-year-old turned in front of the deputies’ vehicle. According to a crash report, the teen’s 2004 Honda Accord spun around during the collision and came to a stop in the roadway. ... Read More »

The Cookeville Planning Commission rejected a motion Monday allowing images on electronic signage. Planning Director Jon Ward said the city only allows businesses to show text via on-premise message boards. “We have lots of people that have on-premise electronic signs that display signs and they’re in violation of the zoning code when they do that,” Ward said. “The city’s going ... Read More »

Two Tennessee Tech administrators have filed a motion to dismiss a lawsuit filed in May by a former university employee. The motion was filed Tuesday on behalf of Associate Vice President of Human Resources, Dr. Leslie Crickenberger, and Vice President of Enrollment Dr. Brandon Johnson. According to the motion, the defendants state the Courts “lack subject matter jurisdiction” over claims ... Read More »

The Tennessee Republican Caucus has nominated 25th District Representative Cameron Sexton as House Speaker. Sexton defeated 68th District Representative Curtis Johnson, of Clarksville, in the final round of voting Wednesday, receiving 41 of the 70 possible votes. Sexton said during his initial address the House Speaker should be a leader for all Tennesseans. “During this campaign I traveled to over ... Read More »

The Alexandria Fire Department wants to respond to medical and other emergencies outside of city limits. DeKalb County E-911 Director Brad Mullinax said AFD has requested to have its own response tone for emergencies in their area. “Basically what they’re doing is offering the service free of charge to the county residents as an automatic-aid type of response,” Mullinax said. ... Read More »

The Putnam County School System has launched a survey in regards to the 2020-2023 academic calendars. The survey comes after the Board of Education formed a 16-member committee earlier this month to better organize the upcoming school years for parents and faculty. Questions in the survey vary depending on the participant, including students, parents, faculty and staff, and community members. ... Read More »

The White County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) encourages residents to report cases of illegal dumping or littering. Sheriff Steve Page said trash along roadways has become an increasing problem across the county. “It’s beginning to be a huge issue here in White County,” Page said. “We’re seeing it more and more. We’re trying to address the issue before it gets any ... Read More »