Latest News

With the risk of strong thunderstorms Thursday, the Putnam County Library will open as a shelter beginning at 5pm. The Library basement, located at 50 East Broad Street downtown, will be open until the severe storms pass. Weather forecasters said the threat for strong winds, tornadoes, and hail exists beginning mid afternoon. The worst of the weather expected from 7-10pm ... Read More »

Twelve years and over 53,000 surgeries after being told it wasn’t necessary, the Putnam County Humane Society’s Spay/Neuter Clinic is still going strong. This year its annual fundraiser is Thursday night from 5 to 8 p.m. at Fazoli’s in Cookeville. Jeremy Richter, Companion Animal Team Leader for Putnam County’s Disaster Animal Response Team, said the clinic’s event is important this ... Read More »

Overton County Health and Rehab is asking visitors and family members to not visit the facility until further notice. The move comes as the World Health Organization called the coronavirus a pandemic Wednesday, citing the spread of the virus. “We are asking non-essential visitors, including family members, contractors and volunteers to avoid visiting our facility for the time being,” a ... Read More »

A rezoning ordinance of a piece of property in Algood failed after the city’s Planning Commission gave it a negative recommendation. Algood City Administer Keith Morrison said the item on Tuesday’s agenda failed to receive a motion to even consider it. “The planning commission on a rezoning ordinance either recommends for or against, and then it goes to the council,” ... Read More »

House Speaker Cameron Sexton of Crossville said he had no intention of adjourning the legislature because of coronavirus. Nashville Representative John Ray Clemmons asked for the temporary adjournment in a letter Wednesday. Clemmons said the legislature should lead by example. “If we take responsible steps toward mitigation, such as temporarily adjourning the legislative session, we have an opportunity to potentially ... Read More »

Cookeville Regional Infection Prevention Physician Dr. Mark Pierce said we should be concerned but not panicked by the coronavirus. The World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic Wednesday concerned about the spread and severity of the outbreak. “There’s so much panic over it, I don’t think that’s necessary, but I think we should be concerned,” Pierce said. “We ... Read More »

The Putnam County tornado response no longer needs donations of supplies. Putnam County Emergency Management issued a statement Wednesday that all needs are met, both currently and going forward. “Our distribution center is fully stocked, our warehouse has sufficient backstock, and area churches are filled with donations as well,” Spokesperson Molly Brown said. For those who may have already collected ... Read More »

Displaced residents looking for short term housing have 204 options in the Putnam County market. There is a good supply of residential units available, but the price might not be right Upper Cumberland Association of Realtors President Kathy Dunn said affordability may be an issue. “It’s going to be tight,” Dunn said. “There’s no doubt about it. We’ll pull together ... Read More »

The county bid to remove debris and continue the cleanup from Tuesday’s tornado will be opened Wednesday afternoon at 2pm. “Our goal is to have that bid awarded Thursday morning,” County Mayor Randy Porter said. Porter said the work should begin with 24 hours. Read More »

The director of the Overton County Schools will reconsider Leslie Riddle’s termination as Livingston Academy girls basketball coach. Dr. Mark Winningham said he would consider reinstatement as he addressed parents, former players, and community members who gathered Tuesday night at the monthly school board member. “What you all have shared tonight, I promise you I will consider it,” Winningham said. ... Read More »