Latest News

Celina Health and Rehab has donated land to Celina to create a new park. Mayor Luke Collins said the two acres are located near the center off of Highway 53 as you enter the city. “A great thought and a great gift to give to the community back like that,” Collins said. “To give property for a playground which would ... Read More »

The state’s Sons of American Revolution organization trying to identify and mark the graves of 12 Revolutionary War veterans buried in Putnam County. Graves and Landmarks Committee Chair Joel Davenport said the group has narrowed down their resting place to the county. Davenport said some do not even have a headstone. “It was said in Roman Culture that a man ... Read More »

Putnam County recognized the men and women who fought for our freedom in a Veterans Day ceremony held at the county courthouse Friday. Mayor Randy Porter said the community remembers those who made the ultimate sacrifice and the families that share their memories. “Even those families may have not been on the battlefields, they still suffered not knowing for days ... Read More »

After a dry start to the week, Sparta residents should be able to receive burn permits starting Monday. Sparta Fire Chief Kirk Young said Friday’s rain and the forecasted weekend rain should make conditions safer for outdoor burns. He said they use several avenues to inform the decision on whether or not to issue burn permits. “Get a call in ... Read More »

Cookeville Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance for parking lots at Highlands Residential Services’ old Claude Darwin property at Boatman and Darwin Streets. Community Development Director Jon Ward said the property is in the process of redevelopment by a third party. He said the current zoning code requires 1.25 parking spaces per bedroom for the first 50 units, and ... Read More »

Putnam County Court System has fully caught up on the backlog of cases caused by the pandemic. Early discussions indicated it could take years to catch up, due to requirements from the Tennessee Supreme Court slowing the process. Circuit Court Clerk Jennifer Wilkerson said the work of attorneys, judges, and court staff paired with new electronic capabilities made the catch-up ... Read More »

Sparta’s Veterans Day Parade and Program scheduled for Saturday has been cancelled due to forecasted inclement weather. Mayor Jerry Lowery said that includes the concert and meal prepared for the event. Lowery said a rescheduled time is not being considered at this time. Read More »

A local ag educator excited that two state departments have teamed up to boost Tennessee’s agricultural education programs through FFA. The State Department of Agriculture and the State Department of Education will work to increase FFA enrollment and opportunities for learning inside and outside the classroom. Van Buren FFA Instructor Lance Smith: “On a local level, I’m hopeful it will ... Read More »

Cookeville Police Department warning residents of another scam call posing as the department. This is the second instance of scam calls over the last month. PIO Lieutenant Anthony Leonard said this week they’ve received reports of at least two instances where callers demanded money for payments. “The Cookeville community has a lot of trust in the police department and unfortunately, ... Read More »

Tennessee Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson filed legislation that he says seeks to protect children from being exposed to sexually explicit drag shows. Senate Bill 3 filed Wednesday specifically bans adult cabaret performances, which include drag shows of a sexual nature, from being performed on public property. It also bans shows on private property if children will be present. Johnson ... Read More »