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This weekend makes a good time to kick off holiday shopping not only with Black Friday, but with Small Business Saturday. That’s according to Melanie Graham, the Office Manager of the Crossville-Cumberland County Chamber of Commerce. Graham said that the idea behind Small Business Saturday is to drive more people to shop locally. “We have so many energetic and talented ... Read More »

Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park the recipient of a $3,900 Tennessee Arts Commission grant for the 5th year in a row. Park Manager Monique Johnson said the funding helps cover the cost of folk arts events that the park hosts throughout the year. She said those events include classes that teach people traditional crafts of the area from the 19th ... Read More »

Best Friends Animal Sanctuary seeking help with resources as the non-profit continue to care for animals in Fentress County. President Sharon Cravens said the County Commission recently approved $400 a month to help with electric bills. She said while they are grateful for the aid, it’s not enough. “I know they have their budget they have to go by and ... Read More »

Cookeville Utility Departments will now be able to spend up to $25,000 with a vendor without putting the item out for competitive bid. City Manager James Mills said the state recently allowed governing bodies to increase their thresholds as a result of inflation and rising costs. “It can actually speed the process up for getting things done,” Mills said. “If ... Read More »

On Thanksgiving, a traditional meal will have turkey, stuffing, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce. But how has the traditional meal changed over time? Tennessee Tech History Instructor Laura Smith said that the main difference comes from the creation of convenience foods. She said canning companies began to print recipes on their products as a marketing strategy. “These companies really ... Read More »

Cookeville Fire Department hoping to get folks in the holiday spirit this season with some festive fire truck visits. Chief Benton Young said the plan is to decorate one of the department’s reserve fire trucks with Christmas lights and drive around to neighborhoods, senior homes, and the hospital. “It’s a great opportunity for us as first responders to connect with ... Read More »

A TDOT bridge construction project on Highway 127 in Fentress County about a third of the way completed. TDOT Community Relations Officer Rae-Anne Bradley said a 1,425-foot bridge is being constructed over Clear Creek. “This project is scheduled to be completed on time or before June 30th of 2025,” Bradley said. “There is another project to widen state route 28, U.S. ... Read More »

If you’re interested in a live Christmas tree, you can purchase it this week. But, what do you look for? Lyna Pennycuff is one of the family founders of Sycamore Springs Farm in Jamestown. She said the needles are the first indication of a good tree. “For a live tree, they will last if you choose wisely,” Pennycuff said. “You ... Read More »

Local educators seeing an increase in students having issues with regulating their emotions. Sheila Barker is the Putnam County School System Social Wellness Coordinator. She said an increase in anxiety and inability to figure out how to cope has had many students, particularly kindergarteners, struggling. “Knowing where they are and what they’re doing and being able to handle the changes ... Read More »

Jackson County School Board approved a $1.7 million bid for roof upgrades at Dodson Branch and Gainesboro Elementary Schools. Director of Schools Kristy Brown said they’ve worked diligently to find cost savings. After exploring saving avenues, she said they saved about $16,000 of work at Dodson Branch. However, she said they found an additional $165,000 of work at Gainesboro Elementary. ... Read More »