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While restaurants and retail stores can reopen as soon as Monday, tattoo parlors will have to remain closed. True Love Tattoo owner Josh Fracker said it is frustrating to be told one thing, and the next day told they cannot open. “I’ve procured masks and stuff to have for clients, I’ve ordered no touch thermometers to scan people’s foreheads and ... Read More »

A Fed-Ex tractor trailer crashed through an Interstate 40 guardrail Thursday night going down an embankment. The driver, 36-year-old Leonel Salce-Guzman, and a passenger in the truck was not injured in the accident. It happened around 8:45pm Thursday night near mile marker 295. According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the truck was pulling two trailers when the rear trailer began ... Read More »

Getting some of the 320,000 people employed in the restaurant and retail sector back to work….safely. That’s the goal of Governor Bill Lee in announcing specific guidelines for both sectors Friday to reopen next week. Restaurants can open Monday while retailers can reopen Wednesday. “Social distancing works and it absolutely must continue if we’re going to reopen our economy safely,” ... Read More »

Tennessee Senator Paul Bailey hosted a telephone town hall meeting Thursday answering constituents questions over education, unemployment, small business aid and reopening. Bailey was asked how Tennessee is preparing for a possible second wave once the state reopens. Bailey said there could be a possible second outbreak, but the state is prepared. “We have those in place today,” Bailey said. ... Read More »

March unemployment rates fell slightly across the Upper Cumberland as COVID-19 job losses did not show up. The heart of COVID-19 job losses did not begin until the final days of March as the government began shutting down parts of the economy. More than 16,000 unemployment claims have been filed across the Upper Cumberland over the last month. Clay County ... Read More »

White County Director Of Schools Kurt Dronebarger said education officials are considering a two-year plan to help students rebound from the two-month COVID-19 shutdown. “We can’t expect to make this all up in one fell swoop,” Dronebarger said Thursday. “It looks like it’s going to be a lengthy procedure.” That will likely included adjusted schedules for schools beginning this fall ... Read More »

Livingston businesses can reopen Monday according to Mayor Curtis Hayes. “Restaurants can reopen,” Hayes said, “Retail stores, hair salons, and barber shops can all reopen in Livingston.” Hayes said businesses should continue to maintain CDC guidelines for hygiene and social distancing. “Wash your hands with 70 percent alcohol for at least twenty seconds with hot water,” Hayes said. “Wear your ... Read More »

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 »