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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 »

At least eight people have died after multiple tornadoes touched down in Putnam County early Tuesday morning. EMA Director Tyler Smith said crews are continuing to conduct rescue operations in the western portion of the county. “We are asking the public to stay away from the area,” Smith said. “There are utility crews out trying to get power restored to ... Read More »

Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter has declared a state of emergency after multiple tornadoes struck Putnam County Tuesday morning. Porter said at least three people died after the twisters touched down near Highway 70 between the city limits of Baxter and Cookeville. “When we have something large like this, that’s what we do inside of government,” Porter said. “It (state ... Read More »

At least three people have died after a tornado touched down in Putnam County early Tuesday morning. Sheriff Eddie Farris said the tornado struck between the city limits of Cookeville and Baxter. He confirmed at least three fatalities but said there could be more. The hardest hit areas appear to be Charleton Square, Plunk Whitson, Echo Valley, Prosperity Point, N. ... Read More »

The Safe Haven Puppy Sanctuary continues to see an overflow of unwanted puppies. Sanctuary Treasurer Janet Gregg said they rescued over 600 puppies last year. “There used to be a puppy season in the spring or summer when we would have so many calls for puppies,” Gregg said. “But now it’s just become year round, and there’s so many litters ... Read More »

The Clay County Library received nearly $7,000 from the Training Opportunities for the Public grant. Director Judith Cutright said the grant is the largest they have received. “I was very pleased for the citizens of the county. This grant is designed to allow us to get wi-fi hotspots, so that those without internet at home will be able to take ... Read More »

Monterey Aldermen have approved an ordinance preventing residents from keeping dogs chained up outside for more than 12 hours. After voting against the measure last month, Alderman JJ Reels reversed course on Monday and voted to approve the ordinance. Reels said he changed his mind because the ordinance wasn’t previously presented as an amendment. “We can’t just do an ordinance with ... Read More »

Putnam County experienced a slowdown with the number of building permits issued last month. The county issued 12 permits with 10 of those being for new single-family residential homes. County Mayor Randy Porter said February tends to be one of the worst months of the year for permits. “So 10 new homes is pretty good,” Porter said. “February of 2018, ... Read More »

An Algood man faces charges after he left the scene of a vehicle accident Sunday. Algood Police charged Christopher Burkett with DUI, reckless endangerment, and leaving the scene of an accident. An arrest report said Burkett was traveling South on Cooper Road when the accident occurred. The report said his Honda Civic struck a tree after striking a vehicle, which ... Read More »

If transportation is a hindrance for you to vote on Super Tuesday, local parties and volunteers are willing to help. The Republican and Democratic Parties are providing car rides to the polls. Democrat Chairman Amos Powers said it’s free and all you have to do is call. “This is for anyone who needs a ride to the polls. We want ... Read More »