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Jackson County Commission approved two resolutions Monday that would bring in more money to the county general fund. One being increasing litigation taxes, and the other levying an additional litigation tax. County Mayor Randy Heady said that the idea behind the move stems from finding a revenue stream the county didn’t previously have, that also doesn’t burden the average taxpayer. ... Read More »

The Gilley Pool at McMinnville’s Milner Recreation Center was drained for deep cleaning for the first time in at least eight years. Assistant Director Justin Scott said until the pool was drained, it is hard to imagine just how much surface area needed work. Scott said the nearly 800,000 gallon pool will have a fresh look after patching, caulking and ... Read More »

2020 suicide rates across the Upper Cumberland region mirror those reported statewide: steady. Hotline calls rose dramatically because of COVID last year. Michael Anderson directs the Upper Cumberland’s Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network office. He said that there was concern about a potential rise in the number. He said the numbers remained steady compared to 2019. “Everyone was holding their breath ... Read More »

Putnam County EMS is projecting a seven percent usage increase since the start of the fiscal year. Director Tommy Copeland said the increased usage is continuing to wear down his existing staff, more so than vehicles and equipment. Copeland said that asking for higher worker pay is already on his radar for the next budget season. Copeland said higher pay ... Read More »

The Upper Cumberland fall foliage is set to reach its peak over the next two weeks. Urban Forester Jaime Nunan said that while it has taken time for the transition, a tree’s fall colors are actually in the tree year-round. “The green color that we see during the summer is the chlorophyll that’s being produced by the tree,” Nunan said. ... Read More »

Revenue is down at least some 55 percent for the Leslie Town Centre because of COVID cancellations. Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce CEO Amy New said that the lack of events has impacted the bottom line. “A good reference would be that in the 4th quarter of last year, fiscal year 20, we only had six events in the entire ... Read More »

Gainesboro will observe Halloween on Saturday. The holiday falls on a Sunday this year. Mayor Lloyd Williams said as always, trick-or-treating begins at dusk. “Me and the aldermen got together, and we decided to do it on a Saturday,” Williams said. “I’ve got young kids, and it gives parents a better opportunity to spend more time with their kids. Not ... Read More »

The auditorium at Cookeville High School is getting a new look and new sound this school year. Deputy Schools Director Tim Martin said the time had come to replace the aging light and sound control system. Martin said that so much great work gets done at that stage and students deserve a venue to be proud of. “It is kind ... Read More »

Get your cars ready and costumes prepared for Saturday’s trunk-or-treat held by the Friends of the Baxter Depot. Friends Member Jeanie Lee said the fun begins at 5:00 p.m. at the Baxter Depot. “You can park and walk to the depot, and there will be cars lined up in the parking lot and also on Broad Street in front of ... Read More »

Jackson County Director of Schools Kristy Brown has been selected for one of the subcommittees reviewing school funding. Brown said she plans to go into the review well prepared to represent Jackson County. “We’re going to meet a couple of times a month,” Brown said. “Maybe some online, they’ve asked for a commitment of about five hours or so a ... Read More »