Latest News

Pickett County Commissioners have received the first renderings for the proposed Bill Dance Signature Lakes program. That as part of the latest in the county’s feasibility study work. County Executive Stephen Bilbrey said they began surveying and exploring the property in early April to create preliminary drawings for the work. “So now we will kind of start going through some ... Read More »

A Wednesday motor vehicle accident on Garrison Road led to the arrest of a man with a local active warrant. The Putnam County Sheriff’s Department determined at the scene of the accident Dustin Grasty was intoxicated and had driven his vehicle through the fence. Grasty was found to be in possession of several bottles of pills, drug paraphernalia, several debit ... Read More »

Highlands Residential Services Board has agreed on a new proposed sale contract for the old Claude Darwin Property Thursday. The Board originally approved the 11.5 acres to sell at some $3 million. Board Attorney Jeff Jones said as the due diligence process has begun, the building’s age and environmental factors have led to a call to reevaluate. “If you’re using ... Read More »

External Relations representative Daniel Bratcher said the public can come in and meet with TCAT faculty, staff and instructors. Bratcher said you can check out 11 different programs. “In fact all of our instructors will be there,”Bratcher said. “In their classroom we’ll have faculty that will be there. That way if you come straight into the lobby through the front ... Read More »

Van Buren County’s School Board elected Jared Copeland as the new director of schools Wednesday night. Copeland was the only nominee from five original candidates. Barry Austin nominated Copeland for a two-year contract to be negotiated by Chairman Tim Hodges. Copeland originally taught in Cookeville. He has been with Van Buren Schools for 10 years moving from teaching to assistant ... Read More »

Cookeville Electric will begin an automated meter reading program in the new fiscal year. The city will also conduct a pilot program to test automated meters for gas and sewer as part of the rollout. The city has budgeted $250,000 in the new fiscal year budget for the test program as well as a first rollout. Cookeville Electric Director Carl ... Read More »

Several Cookeville City Council members want better accountability of the money provided for the Fourth Of July Fireworks. Better Cookeville, started by former Mayor Ricky Shelton, produces the fireworks show. City Manager James Mills said Better Cookeville has asked to increase funding to $20,000 in the new fiscal year. Council Member Eric Walker said the city requires financials of the ... Read More »

The Putnam County Register of Deeds office will implement a new $2 electronic filing fee designed to defray some of the overhead costs of the Register of Deeds office. Putnam County Commissioners approved a $2 electronic filing fee Monday night. Register John Sanders said the fee applies to documents such as land deeds or real estate transfers. “You can still ... Read More »

Putnam County School System is full of excitement as the year winds down and graduation ceremonies begin. Director of Schools Corby King said graduation is a huge milestone for all students, not just in Putnam County. He said students have worked for the past 10 to 12 years of their lives to get to this point. “It kind of signifies ... Read More »

The City of Cookeville will vote to aid Highlands Residential Services with its proposed housing project with a $250,000 contribution. Highlands Director of Operations Chris Cassetty said Redbud Village is projected to be a 20-unit development geared towards victims of domestic violence or those at risk of homelessness. He said the city’s contribution will supplement a state grant of $2.5 ... Read More »