Putnam County Sheriff Eddie Farris says the department is moving to change the type of weapons his deputies use. “We went from a three fifty-seven round to a forty-five round, well at the time that was the thing to do because three fifty-seven rounds, the ammunition was so much more and it was high,” Farris said. “Plus it was a ... Read More »

The Tennessee Highway Safety Office will begin a new safety campaign involving Highway 70 later this month. ‘Safe on 70’ will start July 31 and will feature an increased presence of law enforcement across the state to ensure drivers are travelling safely. Law Enforcement Liaison Fred Sherrill said the campaign will operate similarly to the High Crash Area banners and ... Read More »

A Cookeville woman escaped injuries after her vehicle flipped several times in a Friday afternoon crash. The crash happened on Highway 70 East and West Gate Road. According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, 57-year-old Doris Roberts of Cookeville was driving east when her 2015 Toyota Highlander was struck by another vehicle driven by 76-year-old Ruby Holloway of Cookeville. State Troopers ... Read More »

Putnam County saw an increase in the number of construction permits issued for the 2017-2018 fiscal year. County Executive Randy Porter said 339 permits were issued in the last year, up 19 percent from the 2016-2017 fiscal year. Porter said a majority of those permits were for constructing new single-family residential homes, coming in at 209 permits, up from 176 ... Read More »

An audit conducted by the Tennessee Department of Transportation has revealed over $130,000 in questionable grant spending by the UCHRA. According to an independent auditor’s report, the UCHRA used TDOT grant funding for nutrition program salaries, agency vehicle maintenance, and travel expense reimbursement. Interim Executive Director Mark Farley said the agency will work with state officials to look into reducing ... Read More »

The police chief of Fairfield Glade has been placed on administrative following a domestic incident week between the chief and his brother. Chief Mike Williams will be on paid administrative leave pending a TBI investigation. According to Cumberland County Sheriff Casey Cox, Williams was off duty Monday night when he fired shots towards his brother’s vehicle. Crossville Police later arrested ... Read More »

Cookeville’s City Council unanimously approved an economic impact plan Thursday to help bring a hotel and convention center to town. Councilman Dwight Henry said the idea is a big deal for the city of Cookeville. “I think this will enhance and revive the historic downtown community,” Henry said. “I’m excited about being part of voting for it, and I’m excited ... Read More »

Putnam County saw significant savings in energy costs after four buildings switched to LED lighting last year. That according to County Executive Randy Porter. Porter said the biggest improvement came with the county’s Agriculture Center, which saw a 44 percent decrease in energy costs. “Not only did we change out the bulbs at that building, we replaced the roof and ... Read More »

A truck collided with a tractor trailer on Interstate 40 in Monterey Thursday. According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, 41-year-old Jerry Clark Jr. of Monterey was driving a 2005 Dodge 3500 truck and attempting to merge onto Interstate 40 at miler marker 301 westbound. A crash report said the truck’s left front wheel came off, causing the vehicle to veer ... Read More »