Latest News

New unemployment claims across the Upper Cumberland fell to more typical levels last week for the first time since the COVID-19 outbreak began. 681 people filed for unemployment last week across the region, the lowest since the week ending March 21. Upper Cumberland new claims ranked lowest among the nine state workforce development areas. Statewide, the number declined as well ... Read More »

Cookeville High School is adding a storefront glass wall to increase security measures to their main entrance by next school year. Director of Facilities John Magura said the wall will be installed to direct any person entering the building to the main office. Currently, visitors can access the main corridor straight from the entrance. “What we are trying to do ... Read More »

Job counselors often say do not accept positions below your skill set. That may not be an option during the current COVID-19 outbreak. But Tennessee Tech Career Development Director Russ Coughenour said a high demand skill set will almost always ensure employment. “You can cast a wider net now than maybe what you could before because you just don’t know ... Read More »

A new permit system will limit access to the Cummins Falls gorge area beginning Friday. Permit carriers will be the only visitors allowed to hike to the gorge. The new safety measures come as a response to three deaths in the park from 2017 to 2019. Park manager Ray Cutcher said the permit is not necessary to access other trails. ... Read More »

If you’re in the market for a new home, Cookeville High School is selling a 1500 Square Foot, 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom house. The home was built on school grounds by its carpentry class. Teacher Randy Mansell said the structure was constructed by his students. “The students do 100 percent of the work,” Mansell said. “They do all aspects of residential carpentry, ... Read More »

Cookeville Public Works is currently awaiting approval for a T-DOT Surface Transportation Block Grant to install sidewalks on Interstate Drive. Public Works Director Jeff Brown said the new sidewalk will stretch from Willow Avenue to the west side of Jefferson between Interstate Drive and Walnut Avenue. “There is a lot of pedestrian traffic through that area,” Brown said. “We are ... Read More »

Cookeville City Government will begin a phased reopening of City Hall next Tuesday. City Manager James Mills said the number of visitors entering the building will be limited. Guests will be encouraged to wear masks. Officials also urge residents to continue using alternative methods to conduct city business, such as continuing to use mail or online resources to pay bills. ... Read More »

The Cumberland County Playhouse is preparing to announce a new summer schedule next week with two outdoor performances. The Playhouse has been in close contact with local and state officials to discuss reopening options. CEO Bryce McDonald said at this time, their best option for social distancing is performing outdoors. “The sad truth of it is no one truly knows ... Read More »

It could take as long as five years for Cookeville Regional Medical Center to fill three urologist positions. CEO Paul Korth said the country’s limited urology program means fewer graduates. “There is only 344 urologists that are coming out of a trained program and graduating this year and being available to start work somewhere,” Korth said. “So the number throughout ... Read More »

Despite easing social distancing requirements, the Sparta Drive-IN is struggling with revenue. Sparta Drive-In Owner William Brown said one of the reasons is they have to replay old movies. “Well people like Disney, like the Disney corporation, they’re not releasing nothing,” Brown said. “There’s no new movies coming out till maybe the end of July or August. It’s the movie ... Read More »