Latest News

The Putnam County Election Commission is considering the use of new voting machines. Election Commission Administrator Debbie Steidl said the board of elections discussed the meetings at its Tuesday meeting. “We’re going to look at our new machine from MicroVote,” Steidl said. “It’s basically the same machine we have right now except it’s going to add a VVPAT. That allows ... Read More »

Activities for local seniors will be curtailed for the time being as the Cookeville Senior Center closed Tuesday. Cookeville Senior Center Director Maxine Fraizer said the decision to close was not an easy. “It was a very difficult decision to make because our senior really count on the programs offered there,” Fraizer said. “We spoke with the local health department, ... Read More »

Rain Tuesday morning led to a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 40. The accident happened around 7:50am near mile marker 294. 19-year-old Kylie Lynn Thornton of Monterey was travelling west when her car began hydroplaning. Thornton struck a guard rail with her car spinning around. Thornton’s vehicle struck a 2020 Mack Tractor, driven by Glenn Cable of Monterey. Thornton was transported ... Read More »

Tuesday’s statistics again show no coronavirus cases in the Upper Cumberland with 73 cases reported statewide. The number of coronavirus cases continues to grow in Nashville. 42 of the state’s 73 patients reside in Davidson County. As of Tuesday, the number stands at 21 in Williamson County. Only two cases have been reported in Knox and Shelby counties. One case ... Read More »

The Cookeville Department of Leisure Services announced Tuesday that they are closing several facilities and cancelling activities for the immediate future. Leisure Services Director Rick Woods said the decision to close was made with input from many members of the community. “We consulted with the city manager and health officials in the community, including the Cookeville Regional Medical Center and ... Read More »

The Putnam County Schools should not have to extend the school year because of the coronavirus. Interim Director of Schools Corby King said the system plans to resume instruction April 1. That could be in classrooms or through the use of technology. “With the extended time that we’ve closed already, we know that we will ask and that we’ve already ... Read More »

A 25-year-old Crossville man faces multiple charges after assaulting a police officer. Police reports said Bryan Keith Beaty assaulted an EMS Worker as he was removed from an ambulance at Cumberland Medical Center. Beaty also tried twice to kick a police lieutenant in the groin. Beaty charged with aggravated burglary, theft under $1,000, resisting arrest and assault. The incident began ... Read More »

Cumberland County Commissioners approved several minor changes to the county’s personnel policy Monday night. The changes included definition of overtime, clarity on the county’s FMLA policy, and arrest notifications. In addition, the policy more clearly defined the procedures for random alcohol and drug testing. The Sheriffs Department may perform random drug screening on patrol officers, investigators, or correctional officers. Drug ... Read More »

The Cookeville Police Department is still awaiting new information in its investigation of skeletal remains found earlier this month. Cookeville Police Captain Bobby Anderson said the remains are with the county coroner’s office. He said the hope is that a positive identification can be made in the case. Anderson said any finding of foul play are not expected. Anderson said ... Read More »

Smoking affects your respiratory system, which can increase COVID 19 risks. Quit For Life Facilitator Randy Todd said smoking additionally affects your entire body. “Unfortunately we’ve only got one immune system per body. When you compromise your immune system by putting 7,000 chemical and chemical compounds, which is what cigarette and cigarette smoke contains, your immune system is overloaded. With ... Read More »