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The Fentress County School Board approved a revised calendar Monday night that will begin Monday August 10. Because of the cancellation of the Fentress County Fair, Schools Director Mike Jones said the system had an extra day that could be put to use in training teachers. “We really need some extra time to do some virtual training,” Jones said. Students ... Read More »

The new director of Cookeville’s Art Prowl said she’s excited to see what the future holds for Cookeville’s art scene. Jen Luna took the job this spring. She said she believes Cookeville’s art scene is vibrant for a small town. “Really, there’s so many talented people here that I think a lot of people don’t even know about,” Luna said. ... Read More »

Putnam County Manager of Accounts and Budgets Debby Francis has put here final budget in the books. Putnam County Commissioners approved the new fiscal year budget Monday night. Francis said since the budget was status-quo because of COVID-19 with no big adjustments, she did not play a big part as years in the past. “I really enjoyed working with the ... Read More »

Putnam County School’s In-service day will take place virtually Tuesday. Although teachers across the county will be separated, they will be together in learning how best to handle upcoming COVID-19 situations. School Director Corby King said this is the first step for the school year. “All of the teachers will be in their individual schools where they can socially distance, ... Read More »

The new director for the Clay County Chamber of Commerce is a familiar volunteer. Three-Star Director Doug Young has volunteered for the chamber for over 10 years. He said it was important for him to step in to continue the county’s strategic plan. “Right now times are hard and I’ve thought ‘I’m going to be here anyway, I can just ... Read More »

The Cookeville Planning Commission voted to delay a vote on new residential parking districts Monday night. The districts are designed to limit street-side parking by non-residents. Commission members said they had questions about the specific language of the regulations. Planning Director Jon Ward said his department will compile answers for consideration at the August meeting. The Planning Department crafted the ... Read More »

Putnam County Commissioners unanimously approved a water improvement plan for Green Mountain residents Monday. The county will join forces with the town of Algood to run water lines and install pumps. The county will pay $150,000 of the $270,000 price tag with the town of Algood footing the rest. “I think it’s a very good project and these people have ... Read More »

Putnam County Commissioners approved the new fiscal year budget Monday night with a plan that keeps spending below last year’s levels. “Remember we had budgeted conservatively on revenue, so if everything is better than we think, actually any better than we think, we’re going to be in great shape,” County Commissioner Chair Ben Rodgers said. The budget includes no property ... Read More »

The Americans with Disabilities Act turned 30 this month. President George H.W. Bush signed the bill into law on July 26, 1990. Holly Williams is the Director of Area Agency on Aging and Disability with the UCDD. She said the law has been a game changer. “The impact that the Americans with Disabilities Act has had,” Williams said, “has made ... Read More »

Four Upper Cumberland counties are listed as Abnormally Dry. According to the National Drought Monitor, parts of Putnam, Overton, Fentress and most of Cumberland County are listed as a D0 category drought. Nashville National Weather Service Meteorologist Brendan Schater said the drought category should drop after expected rainfall this week. “The map covers intensity of drought from either none all ... Read More »