Latest News

The Baxter Board of Mayor and Aldermen have approved bids for citywide garbage cans. Mayor John Martin said the 90-gallon cans will be picked up by a new side loader garbage truck. “We’re going to buy probably 1,000 cans and we’ve got probably 800 customers,” Martin said. “Each customer will get a can from the City of Baxter at no ... Read More »

A White County man faces possible jail time for a tax evasion charge. Special agents with the State Department of Revenue arrested 55-year-old Gary Dewayne Goodwin at his home last week. A grand jury handed down indictments charging Goodwin with a single Class E felony count of tax evasion. “The Department of Revenue promotes voluntary taxpayer compliance by educating taxpayers, ... Read More »

The city of Cookeville is pursuing funding to construct a new dog park at Cane Creek Park. Economic Development Coordinator Melinda Keifer said the city has entered for a chance to win $25,000 in grant funds through the Dog Park Dash. “Dog parks are just a great opportunity to get out to let your dog actually get out, run, and ... Read More »

Authorities are investigating the death of a Smyrna teen after his body was found in Smith County Sunday. TBI officials said the body of 19-year-old Cameron Wilson was found along Seabowisha Lane in Lancaster just west of the Smith-Putnam County line. A press release from the TBI states authorities are looking into Wilson’s death as a potential homicide. Preliminary information ... Read More »

Search crews recovered the body of a missing child at Cummins Falls State Park Monday. The boy went missing Sunday evening after a rush of water stranded more than 60 people visiting the park. The Jackson County Emergency Management Agency said crews located the boy at 7:12 a.m. Search efforts began at 6 a.m. after officials postponed efforts last night ... Read More »

Jackson County officials have postponed the search for a missing two year old at Cummins Falls State Park. The boy went missing Sunday evening after a rush of water stranded more than 60 people at the popular swimming area. “The search efforts have brought approximately 63 people to safety,” a Jackson County EMA press release said. “At this time, there ... Read More »

One person remains missing after a large rush of water left several people stranded at Cummins Falls Sunday. “There was probably 50-people or more that had to be assisted out of the park and were able to come out under their own power,” Jackson County Public Information Officer Derek Woolbright said. “We currently have one victim that is unaccounted for ... Read More »

Swiftwater rescues are being conducted at Cummins Falls State Park. The Putnam County swiftwater team has responded to the scene, according to a post on the Putnam County Rescue Squad’s Facebook page. Jackson County EMA PIO Derek Woolbright also confirmed the operation, but did not provide any specific details. Cummins Falls is a popular swimming destination in Jackson County and ... Read More »

The Putnam County Board of Education approved summer maintenance projects for several schools last week. Superintendent Jerry Boyd said a new cooling tower will be installed at Cornerstone Elementary. “We also had a pump that essentially circulates all of the water at Cookeville High School,” Boyd said. “That needed to be repaired or replaced and we opted to just replace ... Read More »