Smart devices are causing a consistent increase in accidental 911 calls across the Upper Cumberland. Van Buren 911 Director Julie Dodson said the number of accidental 911 calls has been rising steadily ever since people started getting their own smartphones. She said people keep their phones unlocked in their pockets, which can often lead to an accidental call. “But over ... Read More »

Radon testing is vital for everyone to make sure your family avoids the risk of lung cancer. Governor Bill Lee proclaimed January as Radon Action Month. Tennessee Radon Program Program Officer Lexi Brown said radon is a naturally-occurring gas that can get into homes as uranium breaks down in the soil underneath them. Brown said testing is important because radon ... Read More »

Cookeville Regional’s Pet Buddy Program is looking for volunteers to help expand its services and better support patients. Volunteer Service Coordinator Cyndi Maxwell said they are searching for people who are willing to volunteer their dogs to be used as pet therapy animals. Maxwell said they are looking to expand because they currently have only eight dogs providing the service ... Read More »

Van Buren County Schools Director Jared Copeland said bids on three school upgrade projects should arrive within a month. The project list includes new boiler equipment for Spencer Elementary. Copeland said the old boiler has been patched at least ten times due to performance issues. “What they’re going to replace it with are three smaller units that are redundant,” Copeland ... Read More »

The most important way to support a stalking victim is to believe them. Avalon Center Sexual Assault Advocate Stage Ward said if a person is being stalked it is important that they find someone else who can support them. January is National Stalking Awareness Month. Ward said stalking can affect all kinds of people in a number of different ways. ... Read More »

A new agreement between the Van Buren County Board of Education and the Election Commission ensures future elections will continue to be held in the auxiliary high school gym. The board approved the agreement Wednesday. Director of Schools Jared Copeland said the new agreement contains adjustments and clarifications to ensure the building is properly maintained during elections. “This is the ... Read More »

The Fentress County Fair takes home a state champion title from the Tennessee Association of Fairs. Fentress County Fair Secretary-Treasurer Cindy Smith said the single-A division award a result of recently-added features including new events, a stage, and a pavilion. Smith said the award is a large boost of morale for the whole Fentress community. “Our community gets behind our ... Read More »

The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area kicked off its ninth annual Go Big Challenge to encourage people to enjoy and learn about the park. Chief of Interpretation and Education Chris Derman said the categories for this year’s challenge are comprised of popular categories from past years. Derman said the activities will encourage people to investigate the human ... Read More »

The Overton County Agricultural Fair received first runner-up honors from the Tennessee Association Of Fairs among small fairs. Secretary Bob Matthews said the competition judges fairs on appearance, events offered, cleanliness, and the improvements each fair makes throughout the year. Matthews said the award will encourage people in the county to take more pride in their fair and work to ... Read More »

The Jackson County Board of Education will apply for the system’s first electric bus through a new grant. Director of Schools Jason Hardy said the application would essentially enter them into a lottery for the grant. “We’re going to put our name in the hat and we may not even get picked,” Hardy said. “But if we don’t at least ... Read More »