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The Jackson County School Board voted Thursday night to allow its architect to engage negotiations with the lowest bidder for a system-wide secure school entrance project. That after the prices of work came in almost double than what was pre-approved. School Board Chair Mark Brown said the projects need to move forward considering the current entrances. “We’ve been looking at ... Read More »

A packed house celebrated the swearing-in of the members of the next Cookeville City Council Thursday night. Former Vice-Mayor Laurin Wheaton was the highest vote-getter in the August 4th election. Wheaton was officially voted into the role Thursday night, making her the second-ever female Mayor of Cookeville. The only other female mayor was Jean Davis, who served from 1994 to ... Read More »

Nine new Putnam County Commissioners will face a big decision out of the gates: what to do about the Park View School Project. The school board has indicated that an additional $15 million will be needed to construct the upper grade wing. Elected Commissioner Terry Randolph said the county needs the additional classrooms, but when to build is the main ... Read More »

The demolition process for the Bon De Croft Elementary School expansion is set to begin. Director of Schools Kurt Dronebarger said two portable classrooms have been installed to replace the classroom space being removed. Dronebarger said students should move in next week. “That will allow us to start doing some demolition on what we call the short building,” Dronebarger said. ... Read More »

Today was the first day of classes at Tennessee Tech University. Student Engagement Assistant Vice President Benjamin Stubbs said over 10,000 students began a new school year. “There’s a wonderful energy,” Stubbs said. “We have so many students on campus walking around and coming to the events and activities. Our residence halls are completely full. New students and returning students ... Read More »

Pickett County’s third district school board seat will be decided in a run off election in November. Incumbent Travis Parrott and Candidate Gary Stover tied with 193 votes in the August Election. Election Administrator Tim Clark said the county commission voted this week to add the race to the ballot. “This is the first time that I can recall it ... Read More »

Outgoing Cookeville City Council Member Charles Womack will participate in his last council meeting Thursday night. Womack first began his service to the city in 1998. He said what’s kept him running for office since then are the people. “It’s a joy to work with them, it’s a joy,” Womack said. “The city employees are of a high caliber and ... Read More »

Candidates for Gainesboro Aldermen have until the beginning of next week to challenge the certification of the August election after the state acknowledged human error in balloting. Voters in the Jackson County Utility District precinct receive either a city or county ballot depending on their address. Jackson County Election Administrator Drew McMillan said between 9 and 14 voters received a ... Read More »

After an initial pre-construction meeting, Monterey has a new utility plan for the Depot’s outdoor classroom project. Mayor Nathan Walker said instead of using a panel from the Depot, power will directly connect to the area. “That we we can have power for the train cars for the outdoor classroom and really the options will be unlimited at that point, ... Read More »

Van Buren School Board members tabled a decision after almost an hour of discussion regarding academic policies for student-athletes Wednesday. High School Basketball Coach and Athletic Director Dustin Sullivan brought the topic before the Board to ensure everyone was on the same page before Fall sports seasons begin. Currently, the School Board’s policy is a minimum grade average of 70  ... Read More »