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Extra security now in place thanks to upgraded entrances at Avery Trace Middle School and Algood Middle School. Putnam County Deputy Director of Schools Tim Martin said the projects include a secure vestibule screening access. “Now when you come up to the school you have to push the buzzer and get buzzed in for outside,” Martin said. “What this will ... Read More »

Clay County will be getting a new ambulance to replace an aging vehicle in the EMS fleet. County Mayor Dale Reagan said the grant funding allowing the purchase comes at a good time considering recent issues with vehicles. “A year and a half ago I guess it was we had an accident, and it took one of our older units ... Read More »

It’s time to pay your property taxes to avoid extra interest costs once February passes. Overton County Trustee Peggy Clark Smith said tax payers have several options to make payments. “You can pay cash or check when you come in, or you can mail it in with a check,” Smith said. “We also have the capability to go online and ... Read More »

Tennessee Tech President Phil Oldham called the Governor’s proposals for Tennessee Higher Education, “Historic.” In his state of the state address Monday night, Governor Bill Lee proposed $1.1 billion for capital improvements. The Governor also proposed a four percent salary pool increase for higher education employees. The plan also includes $90 million to fund a tuition formula based on student ... Read More »

Gainesboro Elementary was one of 14 schools identified in Governor Bill Lee’s State of the State Address that is severely susceptible to flood damage. Lee proposed some $200 million dollars in funding contributions for communities that wish to relocate public schools from flood plains. Jackson County Director of Schools Kristy Brown said that they have had experience with flooding at ... Read More »

A lack of documentation at both state and county levels led to asking Monterey to adopt its official voting district lines Monday night. Those lines had appeared on paper maps long used by the Election’s Office. The lines disappeared when the county moved to digital maps. Administrator Michele Honeycutt discovered the issue when reviewing maps last summer. “We used to ... Read More »

Sign-ups are live for the annual Cupid’s Chase 5K, set to be on February 12th at Tennessee Tech. Community Options Inc. hosts the 5K every year at over 30 locations across the country. Cookeville Branch’s Executive Director Kristine Shirley said that the event is to raise funds for those with mental and developmental disabilities. “Say someone needs OT therapy equipment, ... Read More »

Putnam County broke another building permit record in January, the highest on record for a traditionally slow month. The month saw 28 permits that totaled $8.5 million, with 20 of those being new single-family residential homes. County Mayor Randy Porter said that last year set a January record, with 21 permits for $6.2 million. In total for the 2022 fiscal ... Read More »

Monterey has officially drawn its voting ward lines after the Putnam County Election Office indicated it did not have record of the boundaries. Mayor JJ Reels said the matter was brought to his attention by Election Administrator Michele Honeycutt. “Just like Michele said the other night, this started with Brandon Smith because they don’t have anything at E-911 that separates ... Read More »

Cookeville City Council will look into a potential charter change to allow Cookeville property owners who live outside the city limits to vote in city elections. Mayor Ricky Shelton said it was an idea that had been discussed before, but no follow-through had occurred. Business Owner Amber Flynn-Jared said that she brought the idea back before the council because property ... Read More »