Latest News

Spencer Alderman discussed increasing their focus on tourism Thursday night following Governor Bill Lee’s recent Conference on Tourism and Hospitality. Spencer Mayor Alisa Farmer said the governor recognized Van Buren County’s increase in tourism. Farmer said the county ranks 44th out of 95 counties in the state for tourism, and number four in the Upper Cumberland. Farmer said Spencer needs ... Read More »

The Jackson County School Board should have designs plans for a new career and technical education building in the coming days. Jackson County Director of Schools Jason Hardy told the school board on Thursday an architect will be getting plans to him for the new high school facility. The building will have four shops for classrooms. “There’s just two different ... Read More »

The Algood Planning Commission delayed a decision on the final site plan for a new instant oil change facility Thursday night. The proposed facility would be located at 584 West Main Street. City Administrator Keith Morrison said new details emerged Thursday about changes to the stormwater plan. The revised plan involves an underground stormwater detention and those changes must be ... Read More »

Upper Cumberland Habitat for Humanity is hosting its 27th annual Cooking on the Square event Friday to continue its building efforts for families in need. Habitat for Humanity hopes to raise $125,000 through Friday’s event. Director of Development Ashley Smith said residents can help deserving homeowners begin the process to home ownership. “We are super excited,” Smith said. “We hear ... Read More »

Lorrie Morgan has canceled her Americanaville Livingston concert for the holidays after overbooking her schedule. Larry Gatlin of the Gatlin Brothers will replace Morgan. Americanaville’s Tena Rogers said Morgan booked 15 shows straight. She said she’s disappointed the country star will not be here for the holidays, but she understands the music business. “Instead of you know wallowing in it, ... Read More »

The Cumberland Prevention Coalition rolling out its annual celebration of Red Ribbon Week to schools across Cumberland County. Red Ribbon Week is a nationwide alcohol, tobacco, smoking, and drug prevention awareness campaign. Cumberland Prevention Coalition Program Coordinator Samantha Walker said her organization mainly focuses on preventing first-time use. “Kids at a certain age at some point in their life are ... Read More »

The Van Buren County School Board considering plan to allow faculty to share sick days. The system conducted a survey of faculty to see how they felt about two different donation plans. Director of Schools Jared Copeland said one plan included had a sick day bank where sick days would be approved by a committee. The second plan would allow ... Read More »

Wingstop is coming to Cookeville’s Shoppes At Eagle Point. Community Development Director Jon Ward said it is the last spot in the shopping center. Ward said a building permit has been issued, so Wingstop is now free to remodel the space. Ward said businesses contact the city daily about locating here. Finding a space can be an issue. “We just ... Read More »

Outdoor burning right now is a risk, to yourself, your property and the community. That according to Overton County Fire Chief Association Chairman Scott Ray. Ray said current weather conditions are especially dry and windy, even for a typically dry month of October. Ray said that with these conditions, it can be especially difficult to stop a fire if it ... Read More »

The Van Buren Board of Education approved its new statewide accountability report Wednesday night. The report is a part of the TISA formula that requires the board to create a five-year plan for the county’s schools. Director Jared Copeland said the report allows the school board to show how taxpayer dollars are going to student achievement. “So it’s really just ... Read More »