Latest News

With below-freezing temperatures in the forecast for later this week, local plumbers are advising homeowners to winterize their foundations. Putnam Plumbing Owner Garry Brown even new homes require winterization. He said forgoing certain precautions could result in an expensive problem. “If they’re gone and out visiting the family they could quite well come home to a complete disaster,” Brown said. ... Read More »

White County voters will decide if the sales tax rate within the county will increase next year. The county commission approved a referendum to bump the rate to 9.75 percent. County Executive Denny Wayne Robinson said if passed, the rate would match Sparta’s. “It makes it more fair for the people of White County, because most of the people in ... Read More »

Pets make for nice Christmas gifts, but they are not good surprises. That is according to Cookeville-Putnam County Animal Shelter Director Jennifer Hutchinson-Tracy. Hutchinson-Tracy said the owner should always be a part of the selection process. “When adopting for a child, there has to be a lot of thought,” Hutchinson-Tracy said. “You can only expect the child to take so much responsibility. ... Read More »

Livingston’s courthouse square could receive pedestrian signals in the near future. The city applying for a state grant up to $100,000 to install the button system at three of the four intersections. Capital Projects Coordinator Ray Evans said the project is a natural step forward considering the growth of the central business district. “It’s amazing over the last four, five, ... Read More »

Putnam County Commissioners agreed to the sell of the Old Bridge Road property Monday night that had once been used as an election precinct. The county will receive $85,000 for the purchase of the facility. The sale passed unanimously 24-0. Commissioners agreed several months ago to allow the property to be sold after some local residents expressed interest in the ... Read More »

Putnam County School System set to purchase new fencing for Jere Whitson Elementary and Cornerstone Elementary. Attendance and Enrollment Supervisor Chris Pierce said it will purchase chain link fences at both schools. He said the need was identified by SROs and Principals at the schools. “At Cornerstone, it will completely fence in and separate the playground from the back parking ... Read More »

The White County Commission meeting turned into a school board discussion Monday night following public concern over study materials. Tennessee Pastors Network President Dale Walker spoke to the commission on the behalf of a White County family. Walker said the family took offense when their student was assigned to read the book, “The Hatchet,” which includes violent moments and references ... Read More »

Tennessee Tech’s Counseling Center still seeing a large need for services from its students. Director Christina Mick said there was an influx during COVID, and the need is ongoing. “There is a mental health crisis on college campuses nationwide and it’s linked to COVID among other things,” Mick said.  “But the number one things colleges nationwide are seeing are an ... Read More »

Fentress County Senior Advisory Board set to host a special called meeting to create a fundraising committee this Wednesday. Senior Center Director Alice Kirby said the board has played a vital role in the Senior Center’s operations and helped to guide the direction of the center. She said the fundraising committee will help streamline the budgeting and financials. “This is ... Read More »

A new outdoor classroom facility has opened at Obed River Park in Cumberland County. Parks and Recreation Director Donnie Moody said the roofed area can accommodate 50 people. It includes eight stone benches and 12 large seating boulders. “This is a project that we have talked about for several years,” Moody said. “We’ve had interest with schools, TWRA and soil ... Read More »