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Stone Memorial High School’s Theater II class is presenting a production of “Ghostchasers” by Tim Kelly. Theater Teacher and Director Eleni Fragopoulos said that the high school’s theater department teaches students from backstage skills in costumes and set-building to the history of theater. “”Kids are natural performers,” Fragopoulos said. “They don’t have the depth of the performance or where its ... Read More »

The Clay County School System expects to have its behavioral health liaison in place by November 10. Supervisor of Instruction Misty Strong said the full-time position is being provided by the state. Strong said behavioral health liason will help train staff to reach the districts identified goal of becoming a trauma-informed school. “Just those childhood experiences that impact their stress ... Read More »

Tennessee Tech has dropped its indoor mask requirement on campus. Chief Communication Officer Karen Lykins said the university still strongly encourages face coverings regardless of vaccination status. “Looking at our dashboard numbers, we’ve seen that our campus case numbers have remained consistently low, and we also know that the Tech health services team has worked tirelessly to protect the health ... Read More »

Cookeville Regional Medical Center project current COVID trends to remain steady over the next two to three months. CEO Paul Korth said that the hospital has seen a significant decrease in COVID patients that have been admitted to the facility. “Internally, we’re probably thinking that the numbers were currently at, which have hovered around 20 to 25 for a couple ... Read More »

The Putnam County Redistricting Committee has moved forward with two plans to present to the full commission next month. Seven district and 12 district plans were approved Tuesday with no recommendation from the committee. A work session has been scheduled for November 8th after Member Jonathan Williams said officials should have a week to digest the changes. “Something like this ... Read More »

The Cookeville Planning Commission approved a subdivision regulation amendment that could require sidewalks for new residential developments along existing streets. Planning Director Jon Ward said those new developments with access to public sewer and within 1,000 feet of an existing sidewalk qualify. “This is a big change in and of itself,” Ward said. “We’ve never required that, and we’ve left ... Read More »

An increase in deer activity for this time of year means motorists beware. Overton County Sheriff John Garrett said that hunting season and rutting season are driving deer from their normal routines. He said that motorists should take time to slow down and drive carefully. “The worst thing that they can do is panic,” Garrett said. “Slow down, stay on ... Read More »

Tennessee Tech’s dean of engineering calls the Memphis Ford Megasite a great opportunity for the state. Dean Joseph Slater said Tennessee stands as a hub of automotive with four big manufacturers now located here. “It is the place to be,” Slater said. “It’s going to cause other manufacturers to also look at Tennessee, because this will increase the depth and ... Read More »

Putnam County Solid Waste Director Doug Ashburn said the recently acquired land to expand the county’s landfill was a good deal. The county commission approved the purchase of 23.5 acres for some $155,000. Ashburn said the property expands the life of the landfill by 15-20 years. “That gives you the chance to use some of the soil off of it ... Read More »

Cookeville Lowe’s employees volunteered at Putnam County’s new Hope Park Tuesday working to bring the memorial one step closer to completion. Hope Park was selected as one of the company’s “100 Hometown,” projects to receive funding. Cookeville Lowe’s Assistant Manager Chelsea White said as a part of the program, local Lowe’s employees assist to show support. “We’re picking up trash ... Read More »