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Jessica Clark fell victim to the Cookeville tornado this week. Clark was the city hall receptionist for over six years. City Manager James Mills said she was a dedicated worker. “We’re brokenhearted, I’m brokenhearted when I first heard the news. It’s crushed the City Hall, she was well liked and well respected,” Mills said. “She had recently been promoted to ... Read More »

Cookeville Mayor Ricky Shelton announced at a press conference Tuesday night that a relief fund is planned to assist people affected by Tuesday morning’s tornados. “We are in the process of establishing a fund that people can donate to,” Shelton said. “It will be called the Cookeville/Putnam County Tornado Relief Fund.” The fund has not been established at this time, ... Read More »

Up to 250 local law enforcement officers worked throughout Tuesday searching the area affected by the early morning storms. According to Putnam County Sheriff Eddie Farris, all standing structures have been cleared and over half of the destroyed structures searched. “Currently we have been able to go door-to-door on all standing structures including houses that are not demolished,” Farris said. ... Read More »

Putnam County officials confirmed at least 18 deaths after a tornado tore through the area. Officials say 77 residents are unconfirmed and possibly still buried in debris or trapped in basements. Sheriff Ferris believes the majority of these residents sought protection with family and friends. Putnam County Sheriff’s Department released a list of the 77 residents and encourages people to ... Read More »

In response to the state of emergency, Officials received confirmation tonight President Donald Trump plans to visit Putnam County. The exact date is unknown, but officials spoke with the White House earlier today regarding his arrival. -Benjamin Armstrong   Read More »

Members of around fifteen different agencies are currently assisting in efforts to assist residents affected by Tuesday morning’s tornadoes. According to Putnam County Sheriff Eddie Farris, efforts will continue as long as possible, with plans being made for tomorrow’s efforts when that is no longer possible. “Sixty percent of houses in the area are still standing, and we went through ... Read More »

The Tennessee National Guard is actively ready to engage the recovery effort following Tuesday morning’s storms. Thirty National Guard troops were on the ground by Tuesday afternoon with thirty more troops on the way. The National Guard troops can help with debris removal and search and rescue operations. In addition to the boots already on the ground, the National Guard ... Read More »

County Mayor Randy Porter urges the community to assist in the search for 50 unconfirmed residents off the Highway 70 Corridor. “If you called in today and gave us a name of a person and that person has been found and located, please call us back to take the person off the list,” Porter said. Volunteers and emergency personnel continue ... Read More »

The American Red Cross responded quickly after the early morning storms that tore through Putnam County early Tuesday. According to Red Cross official Tara Stone, a fully stocked shelter is open at Cookeville First Baptist Church. “We’re very fortunate to have volunteers from all over Middle Tennessee,” Stone said. Blankets and cots are set up, and local restaurants will help ... Read More »

The number of deaths from Tuesday morning tornadoes in Putnam County has increased to at least sixteen. Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter reports that at least 65 people have received treatment at Cookeville Regional Medical Center. “That number could change,” Porter said. “We’re still doing search and rescue when it comes to all the damaged homes.” The twisters touched down ... Read More »