Latest News

Some seven and a half days after a tornado struck the Baxter-to-Cookeville corridor, US 70 reopened Tuesday night. Putnam County Sheriff Eddie Farris said the speed limit along the highway has been reduced to 30mph until further notice. He urged drivers to use “extreme caution” in the area. Periodic closures will still occur along Highway 70 as construction and cleanup ... Read More »

The number of homes damaged by last week’s tornado increased to 700 with 147 homes totally destroyed. County Mayor Randy Porter said the number continues to change as the assessment continues. 127 homes in the highway 70 corridor received major damage. 175 homes had moderate damage, according to the assessment. Porter said 32 businesses received damage from the storm with ... Read More »

FEMA will open a recovery center for victims of last week’s tornado Wednesday at Hyder Burks Pavilion on Gainesboro Grade. If you’ve not yet registered with FEMA, Public Affairs Specialist Cheria Brown says one-on-one assistance could be a help. “You’ll be able to register for assistance one-on-one with an applicant service specialist,” Brown said. “They’ll be able to take your ... Read More »

A two-vehicle crash on Highway 111 Tuesday morning caused minor injuries. 26-year-old Jose Felipe of Monterey transported to Cookeville Regional Medical Center. Felipe was crossing Highway 111 from South Maple Avenue when he pulled in front of 57-year old David Donald Eastes of Sparta. Eastes travelling north on highway 111. Felipe charged by the Tennessee Highway Patrol with driving without ... Read More »

You have the chance to sound off on the rezoning of property on McMinnville’s Yager Road Tuesday night. The Board of Mayor and Aldermen hold a public hearing in the community room of the McMinnville-Warren County Chamber of Commerce. A local developer wants to change the zoning to medium density residential. Meeting time set for 7:00pm Tuesday. Read More »

Two Bessemer, Alabama men arrested Monday after they were found in the Westhaven Drive-Locust Grove Road area with drugs. 41-year old Richard Dodson charged with the Meth Free Tennessee Drug act and possession of drug paraphernalia. Dodson’s bond set at $32,000. 52-year old Darrell Lee faces possession charges as well the manufacture/delivery/sale of controlled substance. Sheriffs deputies stopped the two ... Read More »

A county-wide burn ban remains in place in Putnam County since last week’s storm. Putnam County Fire Chief Tom Brown said the ban is in effect to help with tracking debris from the storm. “The debris needs to be cataloged, needs to be photographed, and we need to know where it’s at,” Brown said. “We will lift it in the ... Read More »

If you continue to deal with cell phone issues in the communities around highway 70, you are not alone. Emergency Management Director Tyler Smith said national cell phone providers have deployed numerous resources to assist in coverage and range while repairs are made in the area. “They’re working to rebuild that network and figure out what they need to do ... Read More »

A sense of relief for students. That’s how Interim Director of Putnam County Schools Corby King described today’s reopening. “I think the overall feeling was that students were happy to be back in to see their friends,” King said. “Teachers were happy to see students. There are some anxieties and fears that students are coming back with that are definitely ... Read More »

Tennessee Tech officials have suspended all international travel related to the University indefinitely. The move comes as the number of coronavirus cases worldwide topped 108 thousand Monday. Tech officials encouraged all campus community members to curtail personal international travel until further notice. Officials said everyone should be “mindful” of domestic travel. “We want students, parents and the campus community to ... Read More »