Latest News

An international company is establishing its first North American production facility in Red Boiling Springs French industry Babynov USA, a division of Global Baby, will provide 150 jobs for the county. The company makes organic baby food. “We remain committed to supporting job growth in rural Tennessee, and an investment like this from Babynov USA will spark economic activity in ... Read More »

The Cumberland County Sheriff Department feels more prepared for an active shooter incident. That’s according to Sergeant Gary Howard. During fall break this week deputies participated in an intense active shooter training at Homestead Elementary. He said high school students volunteered to take part in the training, creating a realistic experience. “It was a very important way of training so ... Read More »

Widespread frost is expected Friday night, but there is still time to add some edible crops. UT Ag Extension Agent Wayne Key said potted plants should be brought in, and flowering plants in a second bolt should be covered though. However, Key said the overnight frost will not damage cool season plants. “Say by Halloween what ever kind of plants ... Read More »

White County will be moving COVID testing back to the health department beginning next week from the Agriculture Building at the Sparta Fairgrounds. No appointment is needed to get tested and testing is available from 8:00 AM until 4:00 PM. The White County Health Department said the space at the Agriculture Building was needed to for its original use. The ... Read More »

The Upper Cumberland is averaging 45 positive virus cases a day. This makes it the highest average in the state. Upper Cumberland Medical Society Secretary Dr. James Gray said our region overall is not handling the virus well. “I think people were really were not, they did not take this seriously,” Gray said. “Right now we’re suffering the consequences of ... Read More »

A brief power outage affected over 1,200 Cookeville residents Friday morning. Electric Department Director Carl Haney said the possible cause was a tree limb. “Basically we lost power to one of our circuits at about 1:30 a.m., then we tested that circuit and then our crews went out and checked it to make sure there was any damage or anything ... Read More »

Gov. Bill Lee and Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn have called for legislation to suspend accountability measures for state student assessments. Clay County Director of Schools Matt Eldridge said this is a step in the right direction. “We are happy with that decision,” Eldridge said. “Because especially last spring happened so much, that was kind of thrust upon us all quickly. ... Read More »

Cookeville Regional Medical Center CEO Paul Korth has been voted chairman of the Tennessee Hospital Association Board Of Directors. The association was established in 1938 as a not-for-profit membership association, advocating for hospitals and healthcare systems. Korth is the only Upper Cumberland representative on the association’s board. Korth served as chief financial officer for 13 years at Cookeville Regional Medical ... Read More »

Local elections officials say they continue to need election day workers. Election administrators we spoke to said numerous workers have declined this year because of COVID. White County Elections Administrator Dorcas Marcum said she wants people to still apply and get training in case anyone gets sick. Marcum said word of mouth and the state’s portal is helping her keep ... Read More »

Sparta could soon have new small home rental spaces on North Church Street designed for tourists. The Board of Alderman Thursday approved a zoning change for roughly two acres to allow multiple dwellings on one parcel. Mayor Jeff Young said the homes will be marketed to visitors. “What the intention is behind that property is they want to build smaller ... Read More »