Latest News

Burn permits are again being issued in the Upper Cumberland, with the exception of DeKalb County, after the rain of the last 24 hours. Burn restrictions for most counties in the region were lifted Tuesday after as much as 1.4 inches of rain fell in parts of the region. A burn ban was issued for DeKalb County last Thursday. Fire ... Read More »

Cookeville’s former Claude Darwin Housing Units have been rezoned, allowing the remaking of that property to go forward. The Cookeville Planning Commission unanimously approved the rezoning. Concerns raised about the complex continuing with on-street parking only. Community Development Director Jon Ward said there was not much that could be done. “Being as this has existed the way it has for ... Read More »

The Cookeville Planning Commission removed three amendments from an ordinance Monday night concerning RVs in mobile home parks and sent the rule back to City Council. The ordinance would cover existing mobile home parks across the city, not governed by current zoning. Council made suggestions about changes to the rules and sent the ordinance back to the planning commission for ... Read More »

Putnam County Commissioners voted Monday night to put the county’s new School bus Garage and County Transportation Facility on hold. Bids came in almost three times higher than expected. Only two bidders brought proposals to the county with the low bid at $15.7 million. Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter said the project budget stood at around $5 million. “I think ... Read More »

The Pickett County Commissioners expressed concern Monday night about the state of traffic safety along Highway 111, with the need for additional turning lanes discussed. Multiple officials shared the need for more turning lanes during the meeting, citing intersections that have had dangerous or even fatal accidents in the area. County Executive Stephen Bilbrey said he met with T-DOT about ... Read More »

The demand for high-quality food continues to increase, even for basics like the Thanksgiving turkey. Heavenly Acres Farm increased turkey production some 25 percent this year. Co-owner Nicole Espinoza said they are looking to at least double production next year despite higher prices. She said the sharp rise in feed costs is the main cause. “You know, it trickles down,” ... Read More »

The White County Museum will use a new grant to make the building more handicapped accessible. The $30,500 grant will be used to make changes to the entrance and bathrooms to grant access to those with walkers and wheelchairs. Co-director Peggy Hurteau said the doors are too narrow and there is a bump at the bottom of the door frame ... Read More »

For the first time in a decade the USDA updated its Plant Hardiness Map and it shows most of the Upper Cumberland has warmed up. Putnam County in particular went from a 7a zone to a 7b zone. This means the county’s average lowest temperatures over the last 30 years has raised from a 0-5 degree average to a 5-10 ... Read More »

Tennessee Heart Cookeville broke ground Monday on an expansion project that will double its capacity. Cardiologist Stacy Brewington said the Tennessee Heart facility is currently at capacity. Brewington said the project will enhance patient services and help Cookeville Regional keep pace with larger medical centers around the country. “It seemed like the right time to move forward and we were ... Read More »

The Overton County Sheriff’s Toy Drive is underway to collect toys for children of families in need. Toy Drive Organizer Tonia Butler said the community helps greatly with the toy drive every year. Butler said the drive is typically able to help 40 to 50 children by providing basic toys for them to enjoy. “I love doing it,” Butler said. ... Read More »