Latest News

Volunteer Behavioral Health was the recipient of a $900,000 state grant to expand mental health services in schools. Senior VP of Operations Sejal West said the expansion will cover new child development specialists for its Behavioral Health Liaison and Project BASIC programs. “And they will work closely with the teachers in the school and with the children,” West said. “So ... Read More »

Clay County has taken the next step in building a new jail by submitting project plans for state approval. Sheriff Brandon Boone said if the Tennessee Corrections Institute and Fire Marshal’s Office gives the okay, construction could go out for bid in February. “I think it is like 60 days it stays out to bid, and then we’ll go from ... Read More »

Tennessee Tech will be competing for a special round of state funding to demolish Foster Hall. Capital Projects Director Jim Cobb said the Tennessee Higher Education Commission has put together a package of buildings statewide that institutions have on its demolition list. “Demolition is treated similar to new construction,” Cobb said. “It’s a different type of funding that the state ... Read More »

Those driving to Sparta on Highway 111 will notice progress on new welcome signs while entering the city limits. City Administrator Brad Hennessee said even though the lettering is up on the gateway monuments, a few parts of the project remain. “The only thing that we are lacking now are the lights and the concrete pedestal mounts for the lights,” ... Read More »

Too much snacking on holiday treats can lead to some unwanted extra pounds. That’s according to Van Buren Family and Consumer Science Extension Agent Paula May. She said that the best way to go about enjoying the various goodies around the holidays is to find a balance. “Just keep moving outside especially if it’s pretty and go for walk or ... Read More »

The Monterey Depot Historical Society is accepting new members to be a part of the preservation history. Cultural Administrator Rafferty Cleary said if you are a history or train enthusiasts, then this organization is for you. “First and foremost, the main role is to make sure that we are preserving our local and regional history, so that we can educate ... Read More »

The Tennessee Fireman’s Association has taken over the Shady Brady Tennessee Fallen Firefighter Memorial Ride. The late Sparta Firefighter Barry Brady started the motorcycle ride in 2015. His wife Dawn Brady said a larger organization taking over will allow the event to grow and carry on Barry’s legacy. “I think Barry would have been so happy about this,” Brady said. ... Read More »

Putnam EMS is raising its rates for the first time since 2015 to keep up with Medicare rate increases. EMS Chief Tommy Copeland said that the law states a local EMS is not allowed to charge anyone less than what the Medicare rate is. “And our rates were so low for these things,” Copeland said. “That on a non-emergency trip ... Read More »

The City of Cookeville will receive at least $25,000 in state grant money to complete due diligence studies at the Lemon-Farris Industrial Site off Highway 111. The city is one of 12 recipients of state grant monies that total more than $8 million for site development. Economic Development Coordinator Melinda Keifer said that while it’s not the full amount the ... Read More »

Volunteer Energy Cooperative President Rody Blevins said he is disappointed in a federal ruling continuing limited utility access to TVA’s transmission system. Blevins said Volunteer Energy is still looking at the option to build its own transmission system. “We felt like we had a very good case with FERC, and actually the FERC commissioners in some of their narrative agreed ... Read More »