Monday marked the start of EMS week. The week honors those who are a part of Emergency Medical Services nationwide. In Putnam County, the day was an early one for EMS Director Tommy Copeland and Assistant Director Darren Ford. The two got up at 4 a.m. Monday to make breakfast for all EMS employees. Copeland said it’s important to honor ... Read More »

Part of Cookeville’s Buffalo Valley Road was closed down for the day. Cookeville Public Works Director Greg Brown said the closure allowed contractors to install storm drains on the road. Workers started at 8 a.m. Monday and were set to complete that afternoon. Brown said it’s part of the Bennett Road construction. Storm drains are important because they keep excess ... Read More »

Upper Cumberland EMS Directors want residents to be more aware of human trafficking. They’re hosting a training Wednesday and Thursday at Hyder Burkes Pavilion. Putnam County EMS Director Tommy Copeland said the training is perfect for anyone who comes into contact with the public. He said human trafficking can happen anywhere. “There’s some of that pretty widely across the state ... Read More »

Blood Assurance Donor Recruiter Trudy Cody said donating blood is a great way to honor America’s veterans during the Memorial Day holiday. Cody said a Blood Assurance has scheduled a community drive from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Memorial Day. It will take place in the Jefferson Avenue Church of Christ parking lot. “Anytime you give, it’s going to ... Read More »

Students across the region are learning science and math in new ways thanks to STEM Education techniques. STEM values the how and why of learning more than the rote memorization and recall of facts.   At Tennessee Tech, the work goes on to educate future teachers about the value of STEM in their classrooms. Many of these students have already ... Read More »

The White County Commission will consider a sewer agreement with the city of Sparta when it reconvenes its meeting Monday. The agreement would allow city workers to inspect and maintain the county’s sewer pump station at Airport Industrial Park. It’s already been approved by the Sparta Board of Mayor and Aldermen. The meeting officially began last Monday, but was recessed ... Read More »

Starting July 1, state vehicle owners can choose a license plate stating “In God We Trust.” The bill was approved by the state legislature during this year’s regular session. Gov. Bill Haslam signed it last week. Sponsored by Sen. Paul Bailey, the bill offers residents the option. The license plates will look like the standard state plate, with the words ... Read More »

Sparta is looking for a few good employees. The Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved motions allowing the police department and the public works department to advertise two positions. Police Chief Jeff Guth said one officer had moved on, leaving one position open on the Sparta police force. Mayor Jeff Young said the pubic works position is for a water ... Read More »

Hawkins Crawford Road and Mine Lick Creek Road should be open for traffic again Monday, TDOT said. Spokeswoman Jennifer Flynn said the new traffic alignment should be complete. Construction in the area is not complete. There will be rolling roadblocks in that area beginning May 30. Flynn said the contractor will be placing new bridge beams. Read More »

As summer heat and humidity arrives in the Upper Cumberland, it’s time to consider how important suntan lotion, hats, and an overall sun blocking procedure can be to your overall health. We provide expertise on sun protection and how skin cancer continues to grow as a problem nationwide. Dr. Lisa Whiteaker is a noted Upper Cumberland Dermatologist – and she’s ... Read More »