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Livingston Fire Chief Rocky Dial said he recommends checking a home’s smoke alarm when daylight saving time ends Saturday night. Dial said replacing the batteries and testing is important, as well as replacing the alarm itself if it’s over 10 years old. Dial said he sees the results of not checking smoke alarms first hand when responding to emergencies. “We ... Read More »

The 3rd annual Dale Holloween is still taking place across from town hall this year in Byrdstown on Halloween Night. Byrdstown Mayor Sam Gibson said kids have been cooped up this year and he’s happy the city is moving forward with the event. However, Gibson said there will be requirements to keep the event safe. “We will put a few ... Read More »

The Van Buren School System has been awarded a state grant aimed towards funding after school programs. Director of Schools Cheryl Cole said since the county does not have a daycare system, the grant helps parents that work on school nights. “Seventy-four thousand two hundred and fifty dollars is what we received,” Cole said. “Majority of it will be in ... Read More »

A local Cookeville women’s group is holding a Words on Wheels book drive to promote literacy in the community on Halloween day. Cookeville Junior Woman’s Club Education Chair Shannon O’Donnell said that Saturday’s book drive will help kids without educational support at home. “The WOW bus goes to different locations throughout the school year, different schools, different festivals and delivers ... Read More »

With Halloween falling on a Saturday this year, local law enforcement is advising people to remain cautious of drinking and driving. Cookeville Police Captain Bobby Anderson said if you go to a party and plan on drinking, to make sure you have a plan to get home. “Make sure you have a designated driver if you plan on drinking any ... Read More »

A state comptroller audit of Tennessee Tech released Friday revealed two findings including improper bank reconciliations and inadequate internal controls. The university’s Business Office was performing reports of operating and payroll bank accounts up to 230 days late. Comptroller Director of Communications John Dunn said bank reconciliations should be performed within 30 days after the end of the month. “If ... Read More »

Van Buren’s annual trunk or treat will take place this Saturday in the parking lot of the county’s administration building. Sheriff Eddie Carter said people handing out candy need to leave a parking space between you and the next car. “The area is lit very well. I will be there patrolling,” Carter said. “The best part of the safety plan ... Read More »

Cookeville’s Stevens Street Baptist Church project is over half-way done with only minor delays. Pastor Scott Parkinson said since breaking ground in January, the only issue construction crews have faced is bad weather in the spring. “The building is a tool of ministry,” Parkinson said. “Its not so much the brick and the mortar and the space that we’re excited ... Read More »

Two COVID-positive patients died at Cookeville Regional Medical Center overnight bringing the pandemic death toll to 53. Cookeville Regional Public Relations Director Melahn Finley reports both of those deceased are from Putnam County. As of Friday morning, 52 patients are being treated for COVID at CRMC, down from more than 70 at the end of last week. Some 579 patients ... Read More »

October 30 is National Weatherization Day as the cold weather months begin. UCHRA Weatherization Assistance Program Manager Tommy Simcox said this day is about boosting participation for this program. Simcox said low-income residents in the Upper Cumberland deserve the comfort this program brings. “It’s to highlight the importance of the program that saves homes energy and improves the health and ... Read More »