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Overton County Commission approved the designs on its Ambulance Service Building Monday night. The project had been on hold until COVID funding for the facility could be approved. County Executive Ben Danner said this will add more training space, sleeping quarters and clear the garage for vehicle usage. “We could add on later if we needed to down the road,” ... Read More »

Cookeville City Council will consider approving a preliminary engineer and design agreement for the new aquatics center Thursday night. Leisure Services Director Rick Woods said that the agreement will help the city through the process of determining what type of facility should be built, a location and a cost structure. “We received seven proposals which were reviewed and scored by ... Read More »

The Putnam County Commission approved employee stipends Monday to all full-time and part-time employees that qualify. Mayor Randy Porter recommended first responders to receive $2,000 and other full-time workers $1,200 through the counties American Rescue Plan funding. After several motions, amendments and lengthy discussion during Monday’s meeting, Commissioner Darren Wilson made the motion to increase the one-time bonus. “If this ... Read More »

One local charity is asking for a big turnout for their final event of the year following two years of major fundraiser cancellations. Cumberland House of Hospice Auxillary Volunteer Sherry Koch said that their Masquerade Jewelry Sale Wednesday at Fairfield Glade will feature high-quality goods for $5 each, ranging from jewelry to scarves to closet organizers. “Because of the pandemic ... Read More »

The Upper Cumberland Regional Airport is ready to clear an old farmhouse off the property, avoiding safety hazards. Airport Manager Dean Selby said the board took demolition bids previously, but wanted to assure the remaining building materials were disposed of properly. Selby said that long-term, clearing the area opens up more room for ramp expansion. “That house is very close ... Read More »

A Smithville man faces charges after a two-day undercover human trafficking operation in Murfreesboro. 20-Year-Old Michael Lee Sovern, one of 12 men arrested and accused of seeking illicit sex from minors. Authorities placed several decoy advertisements on websites known to be linked to prostitution and commercial sex cases. The focus was to identify individuals seeking to engage in commercial sex ... Read More »

UCHRA-UCDD network is extending its hand to find new partners for the Opportunity Pilot Initiative. Executive Director Mark Farley said they are looking for non-profits who specialize in poverty and under served populations. Farley said connecting with these groups can be the missing piece to remaking the Upper Cumberland’s social services network. “A lot of the non-profit groups that are ... Read More »

Animal Abuse prevention in Warren County could get a boost from two resolutions at Monday night’s county commission meeting. Health and Welfare Chairman Blaine Wilcher said this will address long standing issues of inadequate housing and improper tethering.  Wilcher said the need has been amplified by concerned citizens and what animal control is seeing on calls. “Animals being froze to ... Read More »

Putnam County School Resource Officers underwent training over fall break to ensure their skills are up to date when it comes to protecting the county’s students, faculty and staff. Sheriff Eddie Farris said that the system’s 21 SROs are always preparing for emergency situations, including last week’s tactical training. He said the SROs can never be too prepared. “You know ... Read More »

Law Enforcement Agencies across the Upper Cumberland are partnering with the state Highway Safety Department to promote, “Slow Down Tennessee.” Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department among those increasing patrols and education opportunities. Sheriff Casey Cox said it seems today that drivers are traveling faster than ever. “Since January 1st of 2021, there’s been 46 traffic related incidents where speed was determined ... Read More »