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Laurin Wheaton was the top vote-getter in the Cookeville City Council elections, making her the prospective mayor. However, that does not make it official. Attorney Lane Moore said the top vote-earner becoming mayor is simply tradition. “That’s the way it’s been for a long time, but it’s not necessarily written into law that tradition,” Moore said. “So it would be ... Read More »

One of the biggest fundraiser events for the Clay County History Museum returns to Celina this weekend. The Clay County Museum of History Festival happening this Saturday in downtown Celina. President Beverley Hollifield said it will be a family fun day that includes live entertainment, vendors and food. “This is the one event that the Clay County Museum has as ... Read More »

The best way to not over spend while school shopping is to simply follow supply lists provided by teachers. Local Elementary School teacher Carrie Roberson has taught for 14 years. She said often times, a Board of Education approves supplies before the school year begins. “Each grade level at each school then takes that approved lists, and they’ll either delete ... Read More »

Cookeville City Council approved a new UCHRA and Substance Abuse Solutions contract, adding $5,000 to its fund. The program provides social services to individuals in need located in the city, including housing support, counseling, and medical and mental health care. Police Chief Randy Evans told council members the contract provided the department with a service it never had before. “We ... Read More »

Whether you’re a winner and loser after Thursday’s Election night, they all have something in common: the removal of campaign signs. Most cities and counties have similar guidelines. Baxter and Algood Codes Official Bob Lane said his jurisdictions have 10 days to claim signage. “We try to be fair,” Lane said. “That gives you a weekend to pick them up. ... Read More »

The Putnam County School Board will meet in joint session with the County Commission Monday night. The meeting is set for 5:30 p.m. at the Cookeville Higher Education Campus. School Board Chair Lynn McHenry said it will serve as an informative session around student enrollment and future school projects. “We’re going to talk about the Park View School that we ... Read More »

The new State Economic and Community Development Commissioner stopped by Cookeville Friday as a part of his regional tour. Stuart McWhorter took over the position just four weeks ago. He replaced former commissioner Bob Rolfe. McWhorter said one thing he wanted to do early on was visit local partners across the state. “Certainly what’s going on here in this region ... Read More »

It’s Election Day across the Upper Cumberland, with most polls opening at 9 a.m. and closing at 7 p.m. Cookeville voters will be paying close attention to the City Council race, with 11 candidates vying for 5 seats. The top vote-getter will be the Mayor-Elect. Van Buren County voters will see new leadership in its County Mayor. Incumbent Greg Wilson ... Read More »

The Putnam County School Board approved its 2023-2026 school calendars Thursday night with minimal changes. Attendance Supervisor Chris Pierce said a calendar committee created the package based on community feedback. “The committee decided to use the format and keep the format with a two week fall break, the one week spring break, taking Easter Monday in addition to Good Friday ... Read More »

Cookeville City Council approved an allocation of some $20,000 for Leadership Putnam’s sculpture honoring victims of the 2020 tornado. The sculpture’s committee had raised over $85,000 for the project, but an increase in the cost of materials required additional funds. The sculpture will be set at Dogwood Park. In other business, Council also approved an emergency repair for a water ... Read More »