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Vol State classes will transition to online formats for the remainder of the semester beginning today. Coordinator of Marketing and Communication Eric Melcher said the decision came from following state and federal recommendations. “We certainly have a lot of experience with online classes to do this in such a short time,” Melcher said. “It is going to be extremely challenging, ... Read More »

While Dogwood Park remains open, Cookeville’s Heart Of The City Playground remains closed because of COVID-19. Cookeville Mayor Ricky Shelton said some residents have chosen to scale the fence of the locked playground to use the facility. Because the playground cannot be sanitized, Shelton said that increases the risk of spreading germs. Shelton said citizens should stay off the playground ... Read More »

Tennessee Tech’s 3-D printers spent the weekend helping to add to the state’s supply of facemasks. Under the eye of Michael Aikens, Director for the Tennessee Center for Rural Innovation, and Hunter Hinshaw, a Masters student in Mechanical Engineering, the printers worked all weekend creating headbands for the masks. “If you think about a facemask that you would wear, maybe ... Read More »

Since the hours immediately after the March 3 tornado, Upper Cumberland residents have donated more than 50,700 volunteer hours to assist in the cleanup. County Mayor Randy Porter said more than 65-hundred volunteers have worked serving those affected. “That is an amazing community that we live in,” Porter said. “And I want to thank you from the bottom of our ... Read More »

Meal service for any young person under 18 in Overton County will begin Monday morning. Schools will be open from 8:00am-8:45am Monday and Tuesday for grab and go meals. Parents and students should remain in the vehicle. Director Of Schools Mark Winningham said the schools will make food as well as instructional packets available to students on Wednesday at various ... Read More »

While Nashville shut down non-essential businesses Sunday, Cookeville Mayor Ricky Shelton said that cannot happen here. “Our city charter does not allow us to shut down businesses, only the governor can do that,” Shelton said. “Those that have some metro forms of government. Some are home rule form. Ours is private act charter.” Governor Bill Lee did issue an executive ... Read More »

The number of Upper Cumberland coronavirus cases grew Sunday by one with an additional case in Putnam County. Putnam County now reports six cases. Cumberland County reported two cases. Statewide, 505 people have tested positive for the coronavirus. That’s up from 371 Saturday. Just four counties have reported double digit cases: Davidson, Williamson, Shelby and Sumner. 167 people in Davidson ... Read More »

Governor Bill Lee ordered all restaurants and bars statewide to limit their services to takeout, drive-thru and delivery services only. “Our goal is to keep the public, especially vulnerable populations, safe while doing everything possible to keep Tennesseans in a financially stable position,” Lee said in a statement. The order goes into effect at midnight and lasts through April 6. ... Read More »

The FEMA Disaster Recovery Center will close temporarily Sunday as officials work to ensure coronavirus safety measures. The Putnam County office at Hyder Burks Pavilion will close at 6pm Sunday. Assistance to tornado survivors will still be available through the FEMA Helpline, 7am-10pm central, at (800) 621-3362. FEMA Officials said the move is being made to protect workers and disaster ... Read More »

Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter reminded local citizens concerned about COVID-19 symptoms to contact their primary care physician first. “Don’t just show up, call them first,” Porter said. The CDC has repeatedly asked citizens to heed this warning to keep emergency rooms, medical facilities and doctor’s office free from the virus. A call to your health provider will allow him/her ... Read More »