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The Cumberland County Board of Education decided Thursday night to begin the interview process to select a new Director of Schools. Board Member Jim Inman said despite concerns over a change of leadership during the COVID-19 crisis, now is the time to make a decision. “I believe we have good candidates to choose from,” Inman said. “I believe we need ... Read More »

The need for more truck climbing lanes dominated Thursday night’s discussion on the future of the Interstate 40 corridor. Phase one of a 20-year plan for the roadway included comments from Putnam and Cumberland County residents Thursday night. The study will examine the current and future needs of the interstate. WSP USA serves as T-DOT’s consultant on the project. WSP’s ... Read More »

The Cookeville TBI is searching for a new facility in an effort to meet growing needs. The current 4,000 square foot facility has become too small for the expanding office. Department of General Services Director Of Communications David Roberson said the TBI is looking for a 15,000 square foot facility. “The request for proposal calls for potential vendors to get ... Read More »

The Biz Foundry found most Upper Cumberland businesses surveyed believe they can meet government standards for reopening. Some 140 businesses responded to the survey conducted this week on behalf of Governor Bill Lee. “We have a really good grasp on the rural areas since we serve the entire Upper Cumberland region,” Director of Operations Tiffany Anton. “We can really get ... Read More »

Even if tight limitations remain in place, local restaurant owners said they need to reopen dining rooms to customers. Governor Bill Lee announced Thursday that restaurants can reopen beginning Monday if they meet requirements and stay under 50 percent capacity. Drew Blalock is the owner of Crawdaddy’s West Side Grill in Cookeville. “We have $34,800 dollars in bills every month ... Read More »

Cookeville Regional will restart elective procedures at the hospital May 1. CEO Paul Korth said the rollout will be slow and measured. “We will start gradually reopening the medical center to start doing elective procedures and elective surgeries,” Korth said. “Let me reassure you that we will be doing these in a safe manner, not only for the patients, but ... Read More »

Cummins Falls State Park will be one of three state parks not to reopen Friday. Park Ranger Ray Kutcher said the park saw an inordinate number of out-of-state visitors prior to Governor Bill Lee’s shutdown. The large number of non-local visitors was a major reason state parks were closed statewide. In addition, Kuthcer said the park only offers one trail ... Read More »

The state paid out two weeks of unemployment benefits to some 225,000 individuals during this week. State Department of Labor Commissioner Jeff McCord said that equates to nearly 98 percent of those who have applied for benefits over the last 21 days. “We know there’s frustration and worry and we understand that,” McCord said. “But we’re working as hard as ... Read More »

Restaurants across the state who heed guidelines about social distancing will be allowed to open Monday, according to Governor Bill Lee. Lee said Thursday that restaurants must operate at 50 percent capacity. Retailers who follow the same guidelines will be allowed to reopen Wednesday. Lee said the state will provide further guidance to restaurants and retail business owners during a ... Read More »

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