Latest News

The Upper Cumberland Development District could soon use a new business loan program as early as next month. Megan Choate serves as the UCDD’s Director of Lending and Economic Development. She said a growing economy has allowed the agency to focus on helping new and small businesses through its MicroLoan Program. “The traditional loan program we have has had less ... Read More »

The Cookeville Planning Commission approved a residential rezoning along Broadway Avenue Monday. Interim Planning Director Jon Ward said developers plan to create a new subdivision off West Broad Street near Petite Drive. “It’s a higher-density, single-family detached zoning district,” Ward said. “The developers have proposed dividing the property into 50 lots on this first phase that could be continued into ... Read More »

A grand jury on Monday indicted a Cumberland County Commissioner and long-time educator for charges of sexual battery by an authority figure and providing alcohol to a minor. Authorities arrested Michael E. Speich Monday afternoon. According to a press release from the office of District Attorney Bryant Dunaway, law enforcement began investigating June 6 after receiving an allegation that a ... Read More »

The successful creation of Cookeville’s East 8th Street Historic District has the city’s historic commission wanting more. City Historic Commission member Susan Vandergriff assisted in creating the new overlay late last year. She said establishing the overlays will help draw more people to Cookeville. “Protecting the beauty of the past by historic district overlay zoning I think is one of ... Read More »

The Upper Cumberland Development District hopes to open its new central office this summer. Mark Farley is the executive director of the UCDD. “Everything is progressing. We’re already putting the base coats of paint on and they were running the rods to hang the drop ceiling,” Farley said. “We’re looking at taking possession at the end of July and start ... Read More »

A total of three homes in Jackson County will receive repairs through the state’s HOME Rehab Program. County Mayor Randy Heady said an application process determined which families would benefit from the program. “These are people who do not have money in the bank to do these restorations, and they probably don’t have the ability to get a home loan ... Read More »

The Van Buren County Fair will still go on as officials look to raise money to provide a carnival during the event. Fair President Lisa Bouldin said the fair would need approximately $10,000 by Aug. 10 to fulfill vendor contracts. “I think it’s important to everybody,” Bouldin said. “I know by saying we won’t have a fair, in some people’s ... Read More »

Upper Cumberland Habitat for Humanity wants to construct new homes in Overton County. Community Outreach Coordinator Trent Carter said the organization is seeking available lots to build houses for families in need. “We’ve been trying to get established up there for about two years and it’s come time for us to start building in Overton County,” Carter said. “We’ve just ... Read More »