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Local experience and knowledge of rural economies sent Amy New to the front of the Cookeville Chamber’s search committee recommendations. New named the new President/CEO Monday. The Monterey native and Tennessee Tech alum will take over the role May 11. “She’s a hard worker, she comes from a family of hard workers,” Committee Chairman Phillip Baker said. “We are certain ... Read More »

Cookeville Regional revenue will be down some $15 million by the end of April, according to Cookeville Mayor Ricky Shelton. The elimination of elective procedures led to an $11 million decline in net revenue this month alone. CRMC lost $4 million in revenue in March. The number of beds used at Cookeville Regional usually stands in the low 200s on ... Read More »

The Cookeville/Putnam County Animal Shelter says adoptions have been steady during COVID-19 even with limited access to the facility. “Intakes have not been as high as they normally would, and our overall shelter population is pretty comfortable,” Shelter Director Jennifer Hutchinson-Tracy. Many worried that pet surrenders would increase because of economic issues for many families. Tracy said that has not ... Read More »

Governor Bill Lee said the state will plan to reopen Tennessee’s economy in May with a “phased reboot” plan. “We need Tennesseans to go back to work,” Lee said. Lee said his stay at home order will be extended until April 30. Lee said an announcement about schools will be made Wednesday. Currently, April 24 stands as the possible return ... Read More »

Van Buren County’s first confirmed COVID-19 case case Monday brought the Upper Cumberland total to 213. Six counties across the region now report double-digit positive cases led by Putnam County’s 87 and Cumberland County’s 43. Macon, Cannon, Dekalb and Smith Counties each have at least ten cases. Van Buren’s first case leaves only Pickett County without a case among Upper ... Read More »

A 29-year old Crossville man faces aggravated assault charges after stabbing a man with a pocket knife. Michael Adam Howard found at the Genesis Road Shell station with blood on his knife’s blade Sunday. Howard told Crossville Police he had taken a ride with two men, including the stabbing victim Brandon Scott McDonald, so he could buy Suboxone. Howard said ... Read More »

Crossville Police arrested a Smithville man Sunday night wanted on multiple arrest warrants. Police discovered that 41-year-old Randy Lee Meeks would be in Crossville, using a work truck so that he would not be noticed by law enforcement. Officers staked out the Braddock Street neighborhood until Meeks arrived around 10:00pm. Police surrounded the vehicle at gunpoint, concerned that Meeks often ... Read More »

The storms on Easter Sunday caused up to 8,000 power outages in Fentress County. County Executive Jimmy Johnson said the main issue was fallen trees and limbs on power lines. “We mostly had a lot of tree damage,” Johnson said. “There were trees blown down all over the county. The hardest probably hit this time was right around the city ... Read More »

Avoid weight gain from boredom or emotional eating through mindful meal planning. Break Thru Nutrition Dietitian Kelsey Higgins, who offers telemedicine services to the Upper Cumberland, said be mindful with your meals. “Taking slow bites, sitting at the table, trying not to eat on the couch or in front of the television, and try to be as present as you ... Read More »

Amy New has been selected as the new President/CEO of the Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce. “I am honored to take on this role and thrilled to bring my family back to the place I’ve always been proud to call home,” New said. “Opportunity in Putnam County and the region is boundless, and I’m excited to lead an exceptional team ... Read More »