Latest News

When the school year finishes, the Summer Feeding program begins. Putnam County Schools’ School Nutrition Program Supervisor Kathlyn Walter said the program makes sure that children don’t go hungry during the summer months. “We have groups in daycares and camps that might be better supported with our programs as well. We feed at multiple camps and recreation centers and enrichment ... Read More »

Friday, Jackson County Sheriff Marty Hinson announced his office had phone calls regarding threats to Jackson County High School. His written statement said no violence occurred and the school was never locked down. Monday, Jackson County Director of Schools Joe Barlow said a potential threat caused the sheriff’s appearance, but it’s all been resolved. “A couple students maybe saw a video ... Read More »

A weekend search for a missing kayaker on Dale Hollow Lake was unsuccessful. Clay County Emergency Management Agency Director Natalie Boone said search crews were unable to locate Christina Esparza despite having help from statewide agencies and out-of-state agencies. Esparza went missing over a week ago when her inflatable kayak flipped upside down about 100 yards off the shoreline of ... Read More »

Putnam County authorities arrested a Baxter man Saturday on a number of alcohol related charges. 28-year-old Jonathan Trent Maxwell is charged with a second offense DUI, implied consent, driving on a revoked license and open container. According to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, Maxwell crashed his vehicle into a utility pole on Plunk Whitson Road at Charlton Square. When officers ... Read More »

The Gainesboro Dollar General will be relocating this weekend. Saturday the store will be moving from Dodson Branch Road to North Grundy Quarles Highway, which is the former location of Foodtown grocery store. The new store features a fresh layout, designed to make shopping easier and simpler for customers. Some of the store’s new features include seasonal products featured in ... Read More »

A Saturday morning fire has displaced a White County resident. The blaze broke out on Camp Bell Air Road around 8:30 a.m. Multiple fire units responded to the scene and found the mobile home fully involved. Officials with the BonDeCroft Volunteer Fire Department said the fire threatened several downed power lines and even damaged a gas meter. Firefighters determined the ... Read More »

A free clinic for victims of abuse will be held Tuesday. The Upper Cumberland Family Justice Center will host the event. Director Amy Stockwell said the Legal Aid Society sponsors the event and volunteers from the Putnam County Bar will be there as well. “If you’re a victim of domestic violence or sexual assault or elder abuse, then you’re welcome ... Read More »

Sparta Police Chief Jeff Guth said his department’s drug take back event was a success. Drug take back events were held across the Upper Cumberland the last Saturday in April. In Sparta, some 66 pounds of drugs were collected. “People just came and dropped off their unused prescriptions and their expired prescriptions and it was a good day,” Guth said. ... Read More »

The Putnam County Board of Education approved the first draft of the upcoming year’s budget. The budget lists $89.7 million in needs, from raises for certified and non-certified personnel, to buses and equipment. But the BOE’s revenues won’t be able to cover that amount. Director of Schools Jerry Boyd said the budget has a $4.5 million gap. “The gap between ... Read More »

Kentucky State Police extradited a murder suspect from Putnam County Thursday. Authorities have charged 66-year-old Arthur A. Long with murder and theft of a vehicle. The Tennessee Highway Patrol arrested long last December following an Interstate 40 high speed pursuit. Upon his arrest, authorities learned that Long was wanted for questioning in the death of his 68-year-old sister who died ... Read More »