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Competitive swimming facilities among the top priorities of Cookeville residents during a Tuesday night public meeting. Community members had the opportunity to vote on features for the facility such as indoor vs. outdoor, lazy rivers, and hot tubs among others. Aquatics Facility Steering Committee Member Laurie Smith said residents asked about both indoor and outdoor competitive pools. “Lane pools that ... Read More »

An amendment to Livingston’s Hotel Motel Tax Ordinance could be on the way after a Tuesday town hall with local short-term rental owners. The meeting served as an open discussion over the 4 percent city tax due on the 20th of each month. Property Owner Cody Campbell said the city should explore filing with Airbnb to improve the payment process. ... Read More »

Jackson County Commission appropriated some $90,000 to the Sheriff’s Department to purchase vehicles. Mayor Randy Heady said that the money will cover the cost of six vehicles purchased from a government surplus in Missouri. “We have some vehicles that have a lot of miles on them,” Heady said. “They’re starting to, the maintenance side of it, is starting to eat ... Read More »

Tickets for the Tennessee Tech College of Business Women’s Leadership Conference go on sale this week. Dean’s Office Director Cheryl Montgomery said that the conference started four years ago to provide a forum for students and alumni and discuss areas of concern for women in the workforce. “The theme for this year’s conference is ‘Fostering a Lifetime of Purpose,'” Montgomery ... Read More »

The Cumberland County Fair Association has won state fair of the year for the AAA Division. Board Member Julie Thompson said the award shows that the association’s year-long work to plan the fair was recognized. “You just have to have the support of everyone around you to put on a successful fair,” Thompson said. “It can’t be just one part. ... Read More »

The State Health Department has approached White County with a grant opportunity that could bring the community a new health department. County Executive Denny Wayne Robinson said the state evaluated the current department. Robinson said the county met the criteria for a grant up to $5 million. “They went around and just determined what the state of the health department ... Read More »

T-DOT has completed the right-of-way plan for the Portobello project in Baxter. Community Relations Officer Rae Anne Bradley said the final plan will need local funding before being shared with Baxter. “Once we have that approval, the right-of-way acquisition process and utility coordination process can begin,” Bradley said. “The acquisition process for this project involves 11 different tracts and should ... Read More »

One Putnam County resident has been giving a parent’s perspective as the state finalizes a new funding formula for public schools. Baxter Primary PTO Vice-President Wendy Jarvis has served on the Parents Choice and Voice Subcommittee since October. Jarvis said she worked with a wide variety of political leaders, school officials and other parents. “I’m kind of new to the ... Read More »

The Granville Volunteer Fire Department is in the process of reorganizing. Chief Scott Nicholas said that they wanted to have more community involvement and input with the organization. He said that’s why they’re moving to a community-based board of directors. “They’re a diverse base,” Nicholas said. “We have some business owners, we have community members, and we try to represent ... Read More »

A Fentress County fugitive was found dead in Mexico months after escaping custody from the Fentress Jail. 35-year-old Charles Kennedy was on the TBI’s most wanted list and has remained at large since July. Kennedy as well as 22-year-old Casey Ridenour reportedly escaped the Fentress County Jail and stole a correctional officer’s vehicle. A pursuit ensued on Highway 127 bypass. ... Read More »