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Live music has returned to the Upper Cumberland and local musicians are glad. Homecooked Meal and Faraway Dogs lead singer and guitarist David Preston said business was picking up before the pandemic started. “We were playing out four or five nights a week usually, and [the pandemic] just put a screeching halt to it,” Preston said. “It definitely took it’s ... Read More »

The Monterey splash pad has been open to visitors for more than a month, and it’s so far been a success. Putnam County Parks and Recreation Director John Albertson said over 20 people visit the water feature a day. He said this figure shows residents are seriously considering social distancing. “There’s not as many people, I don’t think, that have ... Read More »

As the heat returns this week. the Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency has funds to help you pay your utility bill. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program provides an one time yearly payment averaging $325. UCHRA Putnam County Coordinator Judy Sanchez said a person can make up to $1,900 a month and still qualify. “Do not think it is there ... Read More »

The Van Buren County Volunteer Fire Department purchased new turnout gear thanks to a grant. Mayor Greg Wilson said receiving the grant was a big help financially for the volunteers. “If we did not seek that grant, that would have been a cost the volunteer fire departments were going to have to bear,” Wilson said. “Again, they are volunteers, so ... Read More »

Avoid letting your surplus of summer produce spoil by experiencing a southern tradition: canning. White County Ag Extension Agent Tracey Hackett said canning is one of the most popular ways to preserve food in the south. “Generations will learn canning techniques from previous generations,” Hackett said. “You will also find people that maybe grew up and cities and suburban areas ... Read More »

Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter said he hopes to see the Tennessee Central Heritage Rail Trail become a tourist destination like similar trails in other communities. Porter said that has been the goal of leaders since the trail was proposed in the mid-2000’s. “I think the goal is, in the future, is to make it a real big tourist attraction,” ... Read More »

Applications for reduced priced meals for Overton County Schools can now be completed online. Overton County School Nutrition Director Patty Dale said the electronic application can be processed daily while paper applications take weeks. “The parents can actually go online to Lunchapplication.com, and fill out the application,” Dale said. “The application does straight to me, and I can have it ... Read More »

Members of Tennessee Tech University’s Cabinet will be returning to the classroom this fall. President Phil Oldham made the request in June. Vice President of University Advancement Kevin Braswell will be teaching a sophomore-level communications class. He said it will be his first time teaching since he arrived at the school over six years ago. “There’s a little bit of ... Read More »

The Cookeville City Council wants to continue the dialogue on race during August. Councilman Eric Walker said he hopes the council will continue these discussions for months to come. “I just certainly don’t want to quickly address the topic and it just be words,” Walker said. “I do want to see that the city is doing all it can to ... Read More »

The official logo and slogan for the city of Sparta will be used for the two gateway monuments coming this fall. The two welcome signs will be erected on the north and south city limits on Highway 111. Mayor Jeff Young said the sign will be the first of its kind in Tennessee. “T-DOT safety guidelines basically up to this ... Read More »