With state government approval in place, work will begin soon to expand the broadband blueprint across the Volunteer State. It’s an effort that has taken the hard work of numerous groups and state leaders to make happen. One of those groups….the Community Economic Development Network of East Tennessee. The network fights for access in all areas for all citizens of the region. ... Read More »

The Sparta Rescue Squad rescued a hiker stuck on a local trail in the early hours of Monday morning. Lt. Zachary Cunningham said they received the call about midnight Sunday. A hiker on Virgin Falls Trail had sprained her ankle. “She was about a mile, mile and a half down the trail, before it got too strenuous, we were able ... Read More »

Garbage service has been restored in Sparta. Public Works Director Dillard Quick said his department rented a truck and brought it back from Louisville Friday. “We started our normal routes today so most everything is probably still out at the curb but what I’ve told residents is if you have more trash than will fit in the containers to just ... Read More »

The Tennessee Tech Student Fishing Association hopes to get kids hooked on fishing this weekend. The group will host the 29th annual kids’ fishing derby Saturday at Cookeville’s Cane Creek Park at the lakeview shelter. Student Fishing Association Vice President Tyler Slagle said it will be a great time for all kids ages 15 and under. “Pretty much just bring ... Read More »

Smithville leaders may make fireworks legal in the city again with a vote Monday. The Smithville Aldermen approved a firework sales ordinance on first reading. The second and final reading is Monday. The city has banned firework sales since 1982. The new ordinance would allow sales from June 20 through July 9 and December 21 through January 5. Vendors would ... Read More »

Tennessee Promise students have an opportunity to get their volunteer hours and help state parks. Tennessee State Parks will hold a volunteer day Saturday, June 24. TN Promise students are required to do 8 hours of community service each term they’re enrolled. The deadline to complete volunteer hours for the fall term is July 1. All 56 Tennessee State Parks ... Read More »

The Middle Tennessee Better Business Bureau warns residents to beware online job scams this summer. The organization said a Clarksville veteran received a job offer from a Franklin business. The posting said the wage was $30.75 per hour for a home-based data entry position. The posting said applicants would be sent a $4,000 check for expenses, the applicant was to ... Read More »

About 258 Celina residents took advantage of the early voting period for the city’s election. Clay County Election Administrator Wanda Daniels said there are about 1,100 registered voters in the city of Celina. Also, those who own property in the city but don’t live in it have also submitted ballots by mail. Mayor Willie Kerr chose not to run for ... Read More »

Celina voters will choose their next leader Tuesday. Clay County Election Administrator Wanda Daniels said polls will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. for the Celina city election. “We just have one district, district 3 which is inside the city limits and we just have one polling place, it’ll be here at the community center,” Daniels said. Residents ... Read More »

TDOT approved a Sparta project to improve Bockman Way. Sparta City Administrator Chris Dorsey said the approval came in about an hour before the city’s Board of Mayor and Alderman met Thursday. The bid winner is Rogers Group. The project will cost nearly $1 million total, with more than $700,000 coming from a TDOT grant. The project will improve sidewalks, storm ... Read More »