Latest News

Putnam County’s 911 service urges people not to call for non-emergencies over the 4th of July Weekend. Assistant Director Josh Womack said there is often an uptick in non-emergency 911 calls around the holiday. He said people often call 911 just to ask questions and get information about local celebrations. “We get several calls ranging from what time do the ... Read More »

TWRA is working to rebuild the Hellbenders population in the Upper Cumberland and across the state. Hellbenders are the largest salamander in North America growing to lengths of 30 inches. Hellbenders have been found in Upper Cumberland Streams. TWRA Biodiversity Coordinator Mallory Tate said hellbender populations have been decreasing due to environmental impacts including silt and pollutants. She said the ... Read More »

The Putnam County Fairgrounds will host the 9th annual Red, White, and Boom Tuesday. Better Cookeville founder Ricky Shelton said the celebration is the second-largest fireworks show in Tennessee with over 50,000 annual visitors. He said the celebration is important as a show of patriotism and respect. “We have to celebrate Independence, it’s about our liberty, it’s about our freedom,” ... Read More »

A new outdoor recreation rental facility at Meadow Creek Park the latest part of Monterey’s efforts to fulfill its master plan. Cultural Administrator Rafferty Cleary said some seven miles of mountain biking trails are completed, with 13 miles planned for the future. He said the most important part of the master plan is the connectivity of the park, including the ... Read More »

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is cracking down on impaired boating this weekend. Sargeant Dustin Buttram said a lot of people fail to recognize the danger of boating under the influence. He said this compounded with the increased drinking on hot days leads to an increase in impaired boating incidents over the 4th of July weekend. “Without having those lines ... Read More »

A detrimental impact short-term, but there is still a way forward to enhance diversity in higher ed. Those are the personal views of Tennessee Tech Chief Diversity Officer Rob Owens. He said the Supreme Court’s decision on affirmative action was not unexpected. “I believe, and I would suggest many of my colleagues in a similar workspace would suggest it could ... Read More »

Algood will celebrate the 4th of July with its annual fireworks show Saturday. Parks and Recreation Director Roy Phipps said the fireworks cap off the event at 9 pm, but there will be activities beginning at 5. He said the event is by far the biggest of the year for both the local government and the community. “For us, it’s ... Read More »

Putnam County Library Cookeville Branch is putting together plans for parking lot expansion. Director Kathryn Wisinger said the building and parking lot are 50 years old. She said they are in need of upgrades and in need of more space. “So we’re excited about that,” Wisinger said. “We back up to Dogwood Park as a lot of people know so ... Read More »

Construction on Cookeville Regional’s 4W/5W project set to begin Wednesday, increasing the hospital’s bed capacity. The project is set to cost some $16.4 million. Marketing and Communications Director Hannah Davis said it will add 40 additional beds as well as a six-unit dialysis center. “This is going to better meet the needs of patients in our community and we have ... Read More »

The first real hot weather of summer comes on the 4th of July Weekend. Jackson County EMS Public Information Officer Derek Woolbright said an unexpected heatwave can feel worse when it hasn’t been very warm in the lead-up. He said over a holiday weekend this can lead to an increase in heat-related emergencies. “We have so much water in our ... Read More »