Latest News

A mandate from management to see how UCHRA’s Public Transportation Program could help serve local residents dealing with substance abuse issues led to the Road To Recovery Program. Mobility Manager Ryan Henry said the program team decided to create care bags to help someone interested in recovery take the next step. The package includes a ready-to-eat meal, a blanket, a ... Read More »

Severe Weather Awareness Week offers residents the chance to stock up on a few necessary supplies and think about how to prepare during the leadup to a severe weather event. This week marks the annul communication event in Tennessee. White County Emergency Manager Matt McBride said he and other local directors met with officials from the National Weather Service earlier ... Read More »

January electric bills arriving and the numbers may surprise you. “We get those people call in and just want to check with us and make sure that what they’re seeing is correct,” Cookeville Energy Department Director Carl Haney said. Haney said energy usage goes up typically during times of cold or hot weather. But Haney said the January storm likely ... Read More »

Overton County’s new Arts Council aims to cultivate a community dedicated to exposure for artists and appreciation for the visual arts. Arts Council President Tim Richardson said the council has seven members and he plans to add two more. He said the council will create opportunities for people to gather, socialize, and create art for Overton County to enjoy. “We ... Read More »

Putnam County Middle and High Schools will roll out a nine-week Computer Science class next year. Curriculum Supervisor Bubba Winningham said state legislation, passed in 2021, made Computer Science a requirement starting in the ’24-’25 school year. Winningham said in today’s world, computer skills are not just for those pursuing tech or health care as future careers. “It doesn’t matter ... Read More »

The Doyle Fire Department is selling driveway markers to cut down on emergency response time in rural parts of White County. Fire Chief Jason Sparks said valuable seconds tick away when responders have to search for an address that is not clearly marked. He said while GPS  is sometimes accurate, it can take years before new addresses in rural counties ... Read More »

Upper Cumberland Habitat For Humanity has received a $20,000 grant to help with building new homes as well as repairing existing homes. The money part of a State Farm Neighborhood Assist grant. Low income families across Putnam and Overton County work with Habitat to assist in building homes, work through home ownership classes, and then secure a loan through Habitat. ... Read More »

Cumberland County Schools will move forward with two construction projects, including major renovations at South Cumberland Elementary. School board approved a $546,000 bid to begin upgrades to restrooms, the kitchen, the lobby, interior stairways and ramps as well as the locker rooms. A new ADA-compliant restroom will also be built near the gymnasium. Director of Schools Billy Stepp said the ... Read More »

The Jackson County Schools taking steps to improve emergency preparedness and better understand crisis prevention. Director of Schools Jason Hardy said Gainesboro Elementary School, Jackson County Middle School, and Dodson Branch School all attended the state’s Threat Assessment event in February. He said teachers and administrators learned how to assess the different levels of issues within a school and how ... Read More »

Three Dekalb County residents spoke Thursday night about interest in representing the sixth district on the Dekalb County Commission. Danny McGinnis, Andy Pack, and Bruce Parsley each spoke during a public meeting about their interest in the position and their qualifications. County Commissioners expected to make a decision on the open seat during the board’s Monday night meeting. Dekalb County ... Read More »