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Overton County Commission approved the closure of some 160 feet at the end of the county’s Virgil Murphy Lane. The process had been several years in the making. County Attorney Lillie Sells said the approval comes recommended by the planning commission, the road superintendent, and herself. “It’s been a very troublesome spot and the Davies came in here and bought ... Read More »

Potential plans for a bridge to connect businesses in Rock Island to Rock Island State Park drew community concern from Warren County residents. County Executive Terry Bell said from his understanding, conversations to make such plans occurred before he was elected between then-executive Jimmy Haley, Friends of Historic Rock Island Founder Beth Campbell, and a commissioner. “This was only a ... Read More »

Power of Putnam working to spread education and awareness through a new Drug Endangered Children (DEC) grant. Coordinator Mateo Huerta said a drug-endangered child is defined as one who lives in or is exposed to an environment where drugs are present for any number of reasons, including trafficking and manufacturing. He said at least one in eight children across the ... Read More »

Distracted driving contributing to the recent increase in fatal car crashes across the state. McMinnville Police Department’s Mark Mara said they see the most issues with speeding and with cellphone use while driving. He said believes that trend is increasing because it has become a bad habit. “When we first had cellphones, when they first came about, people didn’t realize ... Read More »

Overton County Commission has replaced the chair of its Budget Committee with County Executive Steven Barlow. That, after Barlow and CTAS Representative Ben Rodgers made a discovery in the county’s by-laws. Rodgers said Overton County is one of some 15 counties in the state operating under the County Budgeting Law of 1957. Rodgers said if adopted by the county, that ... Read More »

Highlands Economic officials said they are optimistic about the region’s industrial prospects after a recent visit from state development officials. President and CEO Amy New said they try to bring in industrial partners and project managers annually to the area. The recent visit included representatives from the state department of Economic and Community Development and TVA. New said familiarity with ... Read More »

City of Smithville in need of additional lifeguards to open its municipal swimming pool for the summer season. Manager Jeania Cawthorn said she is looking to hire 10 more lifeguards. She said they do not get the number of guards they need, the pool might not open for the summer for the first time ever. “That means that there’s not ... Read More »

Investigation continues in White County after a man shot his neighbor, then went into his home and shot himself. The District Attorney’s office identified Ray Phillips as the man who allegedly shot his neighbor George Nikkel. Then, Phillips went inside his Country Club Road home and shot himself. White County Sheriffs’ Deputies arrived at the home around 7 a.m. Sunday ... Read More »

The proposed Tennessee Tech budget includes a three percent merit pay pool for faculty and staff. Tech President Phil Oldham said it is part of the five percent salary raise pool that is part of Governor Lee’s proposed budget. The raises would be based on performance evaluations with a minimum award of one percent and a maximum of seven percent. ... Read More »

Tennessee Department of Revenue partnering with Tennessee Tech to host a rapid hire job fair. Communications Director Kelly Cortesi said the department has a long-standing relationship with Tennessee Tech through traditional job fair and alumni on staff. She said they will be interviewing for several auditor positions. During the event, applicants complete an application, and interview, and are considered for ... Read More »