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Countless industries have found workarounds during the pandemic. The salon industry has not had that ability. Cookeville stylist Debbie Fletcher said the future doesn’t look promising. “It’s gone to absolutely zero,” Fletcher said. “[We’re a] thriving business, hitting all kind of goals with 16 employees and nobody has any income. We did try to do the social distancing for a ... Read More »

Governor Bill Lee wants to reopen some Tennessee businesses as soon as Monday. “For the good of our state, social distancing must continue,” Lee said. “But our economic shutdown cannot. While we continue to emphasize social distancing for Tennesseans, I will not extend the safer at home order past April 30th, and moreover, we are working around the clock to ... Read More »

The trial for an Upper Cumberland doctor facing federal drug charges has been moved to September. Gilbert Ross Ghearing of Livingston faces charges for violation of the Controlled Substances Act. He allegedly prescribed Schedule II and IV drugs outside the usual course of practice. Ghearing’s age and pre-existing health conditions make him vulnerable to COVID-19, according to a court filing. ... Read More »

Fewer fundraisers. Fewer funds. That’s the way it works for the men and women who protect homes across the Upper Cumberland as members of volunteer fire departments. Right now, they are managing. Clay County’s East 52 Chief James King said the station had to cancel their largest fundraising event this year. “Our county government gives us $2,500 a year to ... Read More »

The state tested 164 residents in Van Buren County Saturday and 149 people in Pickett County Sunday. The drive-thru testing was part of a targeted-state approach to increase COVID-19 testing across the state. Both sessions last three hours. Results will take several days. Van Buren County had one positive case as of Sunday’s report. Pickett County is one of just ... Read More »

Expect delays on I-40 in Cumberland County this week as T-DOT crews conduct paving and milling around mile marker 326. The work will reduce interstate traffic down to one lane during the daytime through Thursday. Westbound lanes will be the Monday and Tuesday focus, where some temporary closures may be necessary. Work will switch to the eastbound lanes Wednesday and ... Read More »

The Gainesboro Downtown Committee is accepting grant applications for the revitalization of the town’s historic downtown district. Committee Chair Jordan Hunter said it’s about more than the aesthetics of the buildings. “Our main goal with that is obviously to bring a little bit of new life to the buildings, but also hopefully encourage people to invest in their buildings with ... Read More »

Filling in the gaps. That’s what officials in Clay County are attempting to do when it comes to educating their workforce. Jayne Donaldson is the College Career and Technical Director for Clay County Schools. “What we’re trying to do is bring in all the people to the table, including industry, the various stakeholders in the community, and higher education,” Donaldson ... Read More »

The City of Sparta is seeking a grant through the TVA to develop a new industrial park inside the city. Mayor Jeff Young said the $500,000 dollar grant will fund the initial phase in a multi-year project. “It’s basically for site prep,” Young said. “It will allow us the opportunity to go in, do grade work, level the site down, ... Read More »

The White County and Putnam County YMCAs will offer free childcare for essential workers during the next several weeks. Beginning Monday, school age children from 4-12 years of age can be left at the YMCA as part of a state plan initiated Friday. White County CEO Kyle Goff said their center will be open for childcare from 6:30 a.m. to ... Read More »