Latest News

A 30 percent increase in household garbage over the past three years has caused Putnam County to start planning a transfer station expansion. Mayor Randy Porter said engineers have been at the South Jefferson Avenue location checking the feasibility of an on-site expansion. “The transfer station, it’s getting to the point it can’t handle the daily load, which almost is ... Read More »

The Cookeville Regional Charitable Foundation is hoping for a big turnout this year for its annual Double Donation Day matching challenge. Foundation Director John Bell said that there is up to $30,000 in match funding. He said that the money goes right to patients and healthcare heroes in the Upper Cumberland. “Those donations become medicine they become medical equipment or ... Read More »

A Baxter man died in a motorcycle collision Saturday morning along Baxter Road. The Tennessee Highway Patrol reports 66-year-old John Ridinger of Baxter was driving a 2018 Harley Davidson northbound on Baxter Road, when he tried to pass another uninvolved vehicle on a double yellow line road. Ridinger struck a 2007 Ford Edge, driven by 37-year-old Brady Wright and 31-year-old ... Read More »

Cookeville’s pilot program to install automated gas reader meters has once again been delayed. Gas Department Director Jeff Mills said the budgeted project remains without a start date. “Unfortunately because of the situation that you just mentioned with the tornado and the COVID situation also, we have pushed that pilot program back Mills said the project has been in the ... Read More »

Cookeville Regional Medical Center has launched a new campaign: “Catch-up On Your Check-ups.” The hospital hopes to emphasize the importance of getting regular check-ups, especially after having to forego them during the pandemic. Dr. Ernest Buchanan, family practice physician and CRMC board of trustees member, said that regular check-ups are an essential part of maintaining good health. “Our great goal ... Read More »

Jefferson Avenue Church of Christ celebrates 150 years of service and worship this year. Minister Andy Brewster said the church was first identified in 1871. The original members met in their homes before establishing a meeting place located near the Courthouse Square which is now known as Lowe Avenue. “It is truly an amazing story,” Brewster said. “I think there ... Read More »

This week in the Upper Cumberland the Byrdstown Board of Aldermen will hear a report from its engineers. Engineer Nathaniel Green will review sewer connection possibilities for the Industrial Park and feasible American Rescue Plan projects. The meeting at city hall begins at 5:00 p.m. Monday. Overton County Commission gathers Monday to fill the commissioner seat of District 1. Frank ... Read More »

Day light Saving Time is about to end, signaling time to once again check smoke alarms. Baxter Fire Chief Matthew White said homeowners might find they need new batteries or even a new alarm entirely. White said checking twice a year is a simple process with a huge impact. “The difference of not having one and actually having one in ... Read More »

Overton County Health and Rehab is reopening visitations due to the county’s COVID positivity rate. The Overton County Health Department reported a 3.4 percent positivity rate this week.  Public Relations Director Scott Stevens said offering visitations are important to keeping those in the facility connected with friends and family. “If you would like to visit us on a nice warm ... Read More »

Jackson County Chamber of Commerce said that the success of the first Cumberland River Musicfest exceeded expectations. Director Hope Vargas said that the festival served as a good learning experience for how to improve the operation for next year. “We learned a ton as we saw how things played out,” Vargas said. “Honestly the greatest need was that we needed ... Read More »