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A Jackson County Commission meeting got contentious Monday night after commissioners tabled the proposal to retire two Sheriff’s K9 Deputies. Sheriff Marty Hinson said that one K9 Deputy is almost seven-years-old and one is nine years old. Commissioner Chris Carter, who is also running for Sheriff, said that with the election just 10 days away, this is should be put ... Read More »

Putnam County will conduct a comprehensive wage study this fiscal year after a last minute amendment to its budget made Monday night. A one-time up to $50,000 allotment was approved by the county commission. Commissioner Jonathan Williams proposed the amendment saying the county needs to stay ahead. “I think it would be wise for this body to spend the money ... Read More »

The State Building Commission has approved a design firm to lead Tennessee Tech’s Tucker Stadium project. Athletic Director Mark Wilson said it is the same designer of the Marc L. Burnett Student Recreation Center. “The next step is that we need to formally get into a contract with Wold|HFR, and then once a contract is fully executed, then they will ... Read More »

The rising number of COVID cases across the Upper Cumberland is a reason for some to bring back personal precautions. Dr. Brent Staton is the Upper Cumberland Medical Society President. He said for the last six weeks, the region has seen very few cases. Staton said a spike has recently occurred. “The significance of this spike from a medical standpoint ... Read More »

A Hilham man has pled guilty to six counts of child rape and one count of continuous sexual abuse. 34-year-old Adam Jereco Haney appeared in the Putnam County Criminal Court Monday. Haney was arrested in 2019 after allegedly raping three of his stepchildren. Haney was sentenced for 30 years that will be 100 percent served, according to a release from ... Read More »

Algood Middle School welcomes Rusty Darley as its new principal. Darley served for five years as the Assistant Principal at Cookeville High School, and previously as a teacher and athletic trainer in other school districts. “I have a different perspective of Algood Middle in that my first perspective is as a parent,” Darley said. “Of course, my children came through ... Read More »

The Putnam County Budget passed Monday night receiving little opposition from commissioners. Commissioner Ben Rodgers outlined each fund before voting. The spending plan maintains the current tax rate and includes over 10 new positions. A $5,000 raise for emergency workers and $3,000 for the others also moves forward. After commissioners voted for each individual budget, Commissioner Theresa Tayes expressed her ... Read More »

Cookeville Planning Commission denied a reclassification request Monday night that would have reclassified land near Food City to Planned Commercial Development. The lot on North Old Kentucky Road and East 10th Street is currently deemed appropriate for Low-Density residential development in Cookeville’s 2030 Plan. The commission heard almost an hour of public comment citing concerns about utilities, traffic, and commercial ... Read More »

A new organization has formed in hopes of establishing an animal shelter in Jackson County. Friends For Jackson County Animal Shelter presented plans to the County Commission for the first time Monday night. Director Mark Pack said the group hopes to address an epidemic of animal dumping in the county. “It is pitiful to see the animals come starving to ... Read More »

In a report to the Putnam County Commission Monday night, Director of Schools Corby King said the system’s new K-8 school cannot move forward under the current bond. The county commission approved a $44.7 million bond to fund the project last year. King said the project cost is now estimated at about $61 million. “We can’t build a K-8 with ... Read More »