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Putnam County students who speak Spanish will soon have more opportunities to read books in their language. The school system received a state grant that allowed hundreds of Spanish books to be added to the Words on Wheels program. Coordinator Dr. Mark Rodgers said the repurposed school bus travels to schools so students can take home a book. “We have ... Read More »

White County’s Bon De Croft Elementary School project is out for bid. The near 20,000 square foot addition would connect the old building with the gymnasium, create a new school entrance and add classroom space. Director of Schools Kurt Dronebarger said the question now is if bids will fit the some $6 million project budget. “We’re not sure if that’s ... Read More »

Celina Mayor Luke Collins confirmed Monday that he told city employees to place the sign regarding drug use on an affordable housing property. Collins said the sign was placed after two residents that live near the property voiced concern about drug use there. Collins said he made a promise to the residents to take action. “There’s some folks that said ... Read More »

IMPACT Cookeville has achieved its goal of reaching $100,000 for the Isaac and Amanda Bohanon Scholarship for Tennessee Tech students. IMPACT President Jasen Knight said the scholarship came about from a desire to honor two people who do so much in education, especially for Black students in Putnam County. He said the funds are extremely beneficial to not only the ... Read More »

Cookeville Police Department hoping to start bid process to receive a command trailer. Major Ken Sircy said the department is looking at a 31-foot-long trailer that will serve mainly as a command center during emergency events. He said the need for such a tool was made clear after the 2020 tornado. “This is something that will be designed from the ... Read More »

Middle Tennessee Natural Gas Utility District anticipates a seamless transition in service for Clay County residents. The provider will merge with the Clay Gas Utility District starting Thursday. Communications Director Clifford Swoape said operations moving forward would be under the new company’s name including bills. “The gas system as far as the operation of it is going to remain pretty ... Read More »

The Sparta Tree Board has the preliminary design prepared for a $30,000 landscaping project coming to the main off ramps on Highway 111. Board Member Donna Fare said the next step is to present the plans to TDOT for approval. “We would like to have everything finalized so that we can plant in the late fall and other plants in ... Read More »

The Overton County Family and Community Educators group has started the process to add a club for the community. The group operates through the Overton County Ag Extension Office. Director Christina Swallows said about 12 people met that wanted a day-time club. “They did decide that each of them would bring something they are working on and something they are ... Read More »

An unanimous donor has supplied the Empower UC initiative with a years worth of meals for its weekly meetings. The meetings are called circle meetings where families meet with their mentors to work on life goals and skills. Director Megan Spurgeon said several hundred meals are provided at the meetings each month. “We are thrilled about that,” Spurgeon said. “It’s ... Read More »

Cookeville’s Public Works Department budgeted for new school traffic light software. Director Blake Mayo said the department has to manually service each signal every time an adjustment needs to be made. He said this software streamlines that process. “So holidays, Daylight Saving Time, anything like ending and beginning of school, with just a push of a button,” Mayo said. “Rather ... Read More »