Latest News

Putnam County Commissioners renewing the county’s current health insurance for county employees at a two percent increase. Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter said he feels very good about the renewal. He said discussions began with an increase of some eight percent, but the county worked the increase down to two percent. He said with the employees hired last year, some ... Read More »

Clay County School Board passed a one-time bonus for all regular employees Thursday night, a total of some $204,000 across the system. School Board Chair Benji Bailey said the year’s revenue has played out better than expected. Bailey said the system’s building projects have only added to the load of school employees this year. The bonus will be pro-rated for ... Read More »

Jackson County Commissioners updated the County’s Flood Damage Prevention Resolution Monday night. County Mayor Randy Heady said FEMA and the Army Corp of Engineers updated Jackson County’s flood plain maps. Those maps show the areas of highest concern for flooding. “We have to pass this or we’re not eligible for floodplain insurance,” Heady said. “I’ll just be honest with you, ... Read More »

Cookeville City Council will vote Thursday night to appoint a new member of the Cookeville Regional Medical Center Board of Trustees. Cookeville Mayor Laurin Wheaton said Justin Cumby has agreed to serve. City Manager James Mills said Carl Owens has resigned from the board with two years remaining on his term. Mills said after serving the remaining two years of ... Read More »

After a work session and meetings with department heads, Monterey Aldermen approved a first draft of a new fiscal-year budget Monday night that Aldermen admit will not work. Board Member Alex Garcia said the draft was approved so that the town could have a second reading in May, a third in June, and be approved by July 1. The board ... Read More »

The Putnam County Jail expansion project is running some two months behind due to significant delays in equipment arrival. Putnam County Sheriff Eddie Farris told County Commissioners Monday night he had hoped the facility would have been completed the first week of May, with a June move-in date. Farris said Bell Construction’s request for a 57-day extension is purely based ... Read More »

The White County Commission approved the purchase of 20 acres surrounding the historic Rock House Monday night. Commissioners heard a presentation from the Tennessee Historical Commission explaining the importance of preserving the Rock House site and its surrounding area. Historic Sites Program Director Dan Brown said the area is valuable for its place in both local and state history. “And ... Read More »

Fentress County Commissioners approved the purchase of seven new heart monitors Monday night, at a total price tag of $281,467. Ambulance Services Director Daniel Coleman said the units will take about eight months to build out. Though the county currently has units in all of its ambulances, the current monitors are wearing out. “We are making do with what we ... Read More »

Double Springs Church of Christ the first church in middle Tennessee to join the new Community Safe Place program. The program provides community shelters when severe weather threatens the area. Church Elder Terry Coomer said the expeerience with the March 2020 tornado showed the church family the need for such facilities. Coomer said the 2020 tornado passed right behind the ... Read More »

Broods of cicadas are expected to emerge throughout the Upper Cumberland next month after spending 13 years underground. Jackson County Agriculture Extension Agent Dill Hughes said the two separate broods operate on 13 and 17-year cycles respectively. He said due to the Upper Cumberland’s location and climate, we often see the emergence of both. He said despite the bad rap, ... Read More »