Drive-thru flu shot clinics begin later this month at the Putnam County Health Department. Director Lisa Bumbalough said it’s an opportunity for residents to receive the vaccination while sitting inside their vehicle. “We’ve probably been doing this for eight or nine years. It’s a regular thing and we have a lot of folks that request this,” Bumbalough said. “It’s very ... Read More »

Monterey aldermen have voted to move forward with a flood mitigation plan that will cost an estimated $250,000. Engineers have recommended new piping and culverts to redirect water from East Commercial to the railroad tracks. Mayor Bill Wiggins said it’s a good start to a process that will take years to complete. “With the dimensions of the pipe, there will ... Read More »

A new traffic pattern will appear later this month at the intersection of Highway 111 and 293 in Overton County. Jennifer Flynn is the Community Relations Coordinator for the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT). She said the new J-turn will make it safer and easier for drivers turning left onto 111 from Highway 293. “It’s dangerous at some of these ... Read More »

The Putnam County School System has yet to find a buyer for the old Uffelman Elementary School. An online auction for the 3-acre property received no responses this summer. The board of education rejected a $75,000 offer after a round of bidding last October. Superintendant of Schools Jerry Boyd had encouraged the board to reject the lone offer, saying the ... Read More »

If you’re experiencing a stink bug invasion at your home or business, you aren’t alone. That according to Putnam County U.T. Extension Office agent Wayne Key. He said the brown marmorated stink bug hasn’t always been here, but it’s quickly become a nuisance. “They originated from Asia and were introduced here years ago. Since then, they’ve spread,” Key said. “They’re ... Read More »

Construction has started on country singer Aaron Tippin’s warbird restoration hangar. Upper Cumberland Regional Airport Manager Dean Selby said Chattanooga-based Cagle Development began the work a few weeks ago. “The site prep work is complete. They are digging the foundations now and should be pouring the foundations by the end of this week,” Selby said. “The steel for the building ... Read More »

A project to repair collapsed portions of Highway 85 remains on schedule in Overton and Fentress County. Jennifer Flynn is the Community Relations Coordinator for the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT). She said contractors have opened one lane of Highway 85 in Fentress County between mile maker 3 and 8. “That was one of our goals. We wanted to make ... Read More »

The Livingston Downtown Revitalization Committee has proposed a spending plan for the city’s $205,000 sales tax rebate. Committee Chairman Ray Evans said he’s hoping the city will use about $40,000 of the funding for some smaller projects. “The first being the replacement of safety rails on North Church Street. Its about to fall off the side of the sidewalk,” Evans ... Read More »

Monterey will be looking to improve security around town. Mayor Bill Wiggins said aldermen have voted to apply for a Property Conservation Grant to help with the endeavor. “What was recommended by the last Property Conservation Audit was that we camera the farmer’s market and those restrooms,” Wiggins said. “They are the target of a lot of abuse, to put ... Read More »

A Livingston man has recieved a 24-year prison sentence for a child rape conviction. 28-year-old Michael William Breeding admitted to raping the victim over a period of four years. He pleaded guilty this month to two counts of rape. Judge Wesley Bray has ordered Breeding to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison. A signed restraining order ... Read More »