Latest News

Overton County’s Soil and Water Conservation District is providing landowners with a way to improve their land through environmental improvements. District Conservationist Robert Halfacre said the district is a county organization that helps landowners design and fund projects that will have a positive environmental impact on the land. Halfacre said the program is a strong advocate for agriculture. “We are ... Read More »

Tennessee Tech is emphasizing feedback from students and their families following campus visits as they look for ways to attract more students. Enrollment and Communication Vice President Karen Lykins said the university stands out in its ability to provide “VIP Tours” where families are assigned their own tour guide. She said survey responses from these families allow Tennessee Tech to ... Read More »

It is National Poison Prevention Week, medical experts say awareness from parents and extra care from pharmaceutical companies are cutting down the number of cases. White County EMS Director Mike Kerr said poisoning deaths and hospitalizations most commonly result from children ingesting dangerous substances that they mistake for candy. He said parents must be careful to keep pill bottles securely ... Read More »

The Sparta Electric Department is nearing the completion of a project to install brighter LED streetlights on Bockman Way. Electric Utility Manager Belva Bess said the project came from necessity as manufacturers are no longer producing the old incandescent lights. She said the project started at the eastern city limits and has reached the intersection of Bockman Way and Moore ... Read More »

Overton County Director of Schools Donnie Holman said sticking to the planned curriculum all year long better prepares students for testing than ramping up right before the testing window. Students across the Upper Cumberland are preparing for April testing. Holman said he has stressed to teachers that they must make every moment count, starting in August. He said cramming right ... Read More »

Farmers and gardeners beware as temperatures are set to plummet and a hard freeze expected across the Upper Cumberland overnight and into Tuesday morning. Putnam County Agriculture Extension Agent Wayne Key said with a possible freeze looming, people should cover plants and gardens with light sheets if possible. He said any potted plants should be moved inside or undercover to ... Read More »

The Cookeville Regional Charitable Foundation donated new equipment to the Putnam County School System to assist students with disabilities. Foundation Director John Bell said the adaptive tablets meant to assist students with communication. Bell said the tablets would be given to the families of the students, allowing them to use these tools outside of school hours. “They are similar to ... Read More »

The York Country Store in Jamestown recovering after the 22nd annual World Championship for an Upper Cumberland-native card game called “Pig.” Pall Mall resident Jim Buck puts on the event every year to celebrate the heritage of Pickett and Fentress County. He said he and his wife were in Las Vegas, Nevada where they were inspired to begin hosting the ... Read More »

The Milner Recreation Center in McMinnville is now selling pool passes for this summer’s Gilley Pool season. Wellness and Aquatics Coordinator Katie Smartt said the 800,000 gallon pool will be open from May 25 to September 2. Smartt said individual passes are $85 per person and family passes are $265. “For you to be under a family pass it’s you, ... Read More »

After coming close to shutting down two years ago, The Spay Neuter Incentive Program of Overton County (SNIP-OC) continues to advocate for spaying and neutering as the best solution to the local animal population. President Norman Osburn said SNIP-OC is a program that helps people access veterinarians and pay for the procedures to get their pets spayed and neutered. Osburn ... Read More »