DeKalb County’s Adopt a Teacher Program allows the community to provide classroom supplies and other necessities for local students. Program Founder Shelly Barnes was ready to become a volunteer in her daughter’s classroom when the Pandemic put her plans on hold. Barnes learned about the Adopt a Teacher program from her sister. Barnes said bringing that program to DeKalb was ... Read More »

The Cumberland Plateau Water Authority Board will meet with the county’s five utilities Thursday to discuss combining resources. Authority Chair Greg Hanson said the benefits of the region’s five utilities joining the regional authority included state financial incentives, better water, and better customer rates. But Hanson also shared that some incentives are restrictive. “One of the things that was included ... Read More »

The Upper Cumberland Adult Abuse Coalition will hold its 13th annual summit Tuesday designed to educate the public on vulnerable adult abuse. Senior Medicare Patrol Project Manager Loni Hitchcock said education is the coalition’s primary mission. Hitchcock said the coalition advocates against the many ways perpetrators scam, exploit, and abuse the elderly. “So the best thing I can do is ... Read More »

The woodworking products of Van Buren County FFA are becoming known far and wide. Ag Teacher Lance Smith said the FFA has picnic tables and shooting benches now available to order. He said the pieces are heavy duty and well-made to the point that they are kept busy keeping the orders filled. “A couple of years ago we had a guy ... Read More »

Tennessee’s Tax Relief Program turns 50 this year with property tax relief for low-income elderly and disabled homeowners, as well as disabled veteran homeowners or their surviving spouses. Overton County Trustee Peggy Clark Smith said her county’s low-income elderly and disabled relief amount was $130.06 per household last year. She said the county is thankful for the program, which frees ... Read More »

WCTE celebrates 45 years of service in the Upper Cumberland with nostalgic footage and highlights on Monday, August 21, from 4-10 p.m. President and CEO Avery Hutchins said donations made during the 45th Anniversary Day of Giving will go towards an Education Endowment. “We called it an Education Endowment because it’s going to support the work that we’re doing through ... Read More »

JAKES Day returns to Mustard Seed Ranch on Saturday after a three year hiatus with outdoor activities for the whole family. Established in 1981, the JAKES program is dedicated to informing, educating and involving youth 17 and younger in wildlife conservation and the wise stewardship of our natural resources. Mustard Seed Ranch Executive Director Tammy Hogan said they are honored to ... Read More »

Tech’s early application process for Fall 2024  puts students in the best position for smooth enrollment and scholarship offerings. Director of Admission Frank Tittle said early applicants also receive ongoing campus communications guiding them through enrollment and inviting them to on-campus events. Tittle said those who apply early  escape the typical stress of a last minute application. “It’s coming down ... Read More »

Van Buren County Schools went into lockdown early Friday morning due to student reports of a gun on the bus. After investigation by Administration and Law Enforcement, a toy gun located in the back window of a vehicle in the school parking lot was identified as the gun in question. Younger students had heard portions of a conversation between older ... Read More »

McMinnville Magician Jordan Winton started doing magic tricks for his family as a child, recently becoming the youngest magician to receive international recognition with The Merlin Award. Winton said the 57,000 members of the International Magicians Society nominate members and vote on the annual award. Winton said he had been unaware of his nomination until he received a phone call ... Read More »