Increased security measures have proven to be effective at the Putnam County Courthouse. Sheriff Eddie Farris said new X-ray machines and metal detectors may have saved some lives recently. “We’ve gotten anything from many types of knives to a sword, and many other potential weapons that have tried to be snuck through the system and into the courtroom area,” Farris ... Read More »

An amendment to the Putnam County anti-fraternization policy allows county officials to hire married or dating couples. County Mayor Randy Porter said the change allows such hires to be made only when department heads or elected officials experience a shortage of applicants for positions. “I like the way this is written because it still gives me the authority over all ... Read More »

An area near Dog Cove and Fall Creek Falls State Park will now be under state protection. TDEC and the State Land Trust added the Beecher Wallace Homestead to the state park system Wednesday. Stuart Carroll is a park manager who oversees Lost Creek, Dog Cove, and Virgin Falls State Natural area. He said the new addition will benefit the ... Read More »

Governor Bill Lee issued an executive order Wednesday directing all state agencies to find ways to better serve rural counties. Jackson County Mayor Randy Heady said the governor’s quick action provides some excitement for the next four years. “Governor Haslam and Commissioner Rolf had put some initiatives out on the table to help rural counties and I appreciate everything they ... Read More »

The Cookeville Rescue Mission will open a temporary warming shelter as it deals with an influx of people looking to escape the cold weather. Executive Director Bruce Bailey said the mission has hit max capacity with it’s bed spaces. “We were maxed out on our normal bed space and then we had nine additional people come in,” Bailey said, “so ... Read More »

A Cumberland County deputy is recovering at home after he was struck by a vehicle Tuesday afternoon. Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Gary Howard said Wednesday Deputy Scott Iles sustained injuries to his head which required over 200 stitches, a cracked sternum, and damage to his knee. “Scott is in good spirits and is missing his young friends ... Read More »

The Putnam County Commission won’t be seeing a pay increase after the government body rejected two proposals Tuesday night. The commission voted 14-8 to reject one proposal that would have put commissioner pay at 4.6 percent of County Mayor Randy Porter’s $104,444 salary. Commissioners currently make $400 a month. Cindy Adams said she doesn’t oppose a pay increase for commissioners, ... Read More »

The Tennessee Highway Patrol arrested a man Tuesday for charges related to a deadly weekend shooting in Cumberland County. Authorities have charged 35-year-old Kirk Douglas Clark of Clarkrange with one count of first degree murder. Clark was arrested during a traffic stop at the Travel Plaza on Interstate Drive. He’s facing additional charges of possession of a prohibited weapon, unlawful ... Read More »

The Putnam County Fire Department wants you to keep safety in mind when using portable heaters. Assistant Fire Chief Wayne Globerger said the department has responded to a number of heater-related calls over the past few days. “When we hit a cold snap, a majority of our calls are usually because of space heaters and other devices that people are ... Read More »

The town of Sparta hopes to improve it’s sewer system with Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grant funding. City Administrator Chris Dorsey said the potential grant monies would help upgrade the city’s lift station. “That lift station has been around for quite a while and basically needs to be replaced,” Dorsey said. “We’re hoping that the total cost on that will ... Read More »