Latest News

Putnam County Commission approved moving forward with a new developer to option the old Putnam County Fairgrounds Monday night. E2L Real Estate Solutions is set to spend the first 120 days of the option performing due diligence such as surveying and core drilling. President and Partner Mark Hefferin said they have started drafting concepts for the master plan, and believe ... Read More »

Cookeville City Council will consider approving transitioning the city from self-insured health insurance to having it fully insured by a third party. City Manager James Mills said that means the city will utilize an outside firm to operate the city’s health insurance. He said the city has been self-insured since 1998, but rising costs have forced the city to make ... Read More »

Highlands Residential Services Hickory Valley residential complex will soon take applications. The newest complex near Cane Creek Elementary will have 48 units available, including one, two- and some three-bedroom homes. Director of Operations Chris Cassetty said the housing is geared toward individuals and families of low to moderate income. “Part of the reason that we’re building additional units is we ... Read More »

Putnam County Schools working to convert an old school bus that will serve as a traveling CTE hub for students. Director of Schools Corby King said the project was made possible through the Innovative School Models grant. He said the goal of the grant is to provide career exploration opportunities to younger students in the system. “Providing career clusters where ... Read More »

Cumberland County High School went into a hard lockdown Thursday after it was discovered that a student brought an unloaded gun to school. Director of Schools William Stepp said this serves as an example of why the district is continually looking for ways to improve school safety. Stepp said one school in particular he would like to explore improving safety ... Read More »

Pickett County Executive Stephen Bilbrey pleased with the county’s most recent audit from the state Comptroller’s Office. Bilbrey said the only finding in the County Executive’s office was due to a deficit in the solid waste disposal fund. He said this has been a recurring finding for several years as the county works to close its landfill. “The county had ... Read More »

State Senator Paul Bailey pushing bill that will aid victims’ rights in the event of a dog causing damages to another person. Bailey said as introduced, it will require a judge to order payment of restitution by a dog owner who is convicted of allowing their dog to run loose and the dog causes bodily injury or death to another ... Read More »

White County High School Quarterback Club pursuing a new video board for the football stadium. The White County School Board approved the club to start raising funds for the board through advertisement sales Thursday night. Volunteer Coach and Athlete Parent Jacob Sparkman said the board would be similar to the one recently installed in the gym for the basketball team. ... Read More »

Three entities in Clay County are partnering under an Appalachian Regional Commission grant for sewer improvements. Clay County Mayor Dale Reagan said the city has had sewer problems for some time and have working to improve them. He said the Industrial Development Board had an opportunity to apply for a grant to help the city upgrade a sewer line. “It’s ... Read More »

The Putnam County Animal Shelter approved raising puppy and kitten adoption fees as well as spay and neuter fees in the new fiscal year. Shelter Director Jennifer Tracy spoke with the Animal Control Board Thursday regarding escalating operational costs. The shelter’s proposed budget shows a $5,800 deficit. Tracy said the shelter faces increasing costs for everything from medicine and general ... Read More »