Latest News

Record overdose numbers in the Upper Cumberland indicate a greater need for awareness of the dangers of addiction and overdose. That’s according to Regional Overdose Prevention Specialist Suzanne Angel. Tuesday is International Overdose Awareness Day, and Angel said that the key to bringing awareness to the issue comes from talking. “I think we need to talk about our mental health,” ... Read More »

Putnam EMA Director Tyler Smith says possible flooded roads are his biggest concern with remnants of Hurricane Ida. The heaviest of rain is expected to fall overnight, into Tuesday morning. Smith said that the best protocol for drivers in the next 24 hours is to “turn around, don’t drown.” “We get so many people that take a chance,” Smith said. ... Read More »

The Overton County Health Department announced Monday that a third dose of the COVID vaccine is available for eligible people. Director Andy Langford said that the number of new daily cases have returned to levels seen last winter. Langford said there are 317 active cases currently in Overton County. “We have people in our population who need to be protected ... Read More »

The Jackson County School System has closed Monday and Tuesday as COVID cases and absences spread around the district. Director of Schools Kristy Brown said Jackson County High School had over 200 students absent, with absentee rates higher than 20 percent at all other schools. Brown said returning Wednesday will come down to the data. “The known positive cases any ... Read More »

The Cookeville Regional Medical Center will temporary close its Cardiac Rehab center and the Sleep Center to assist staffing shortages. A memo sent to CRMC employees states that staffing at those two centers will be placed in other areas of the hospital as COVID patient numbers are expected to rise through the week. The hospitals current COVID inpatient total sits ... Read More »

Van Buren County saw more than 11 percent growth over the last decade, the highest by percentage in the Upper Cumberland. Mayor Greg Wilson said that number was not a surprise, based on the number of new residents moving in outside of Spencer. Wilson said the Piney, Cedar Grove and Cummingsville communities have seen the largest uptick. Wilson said this ... Read More »

The cutting of some 340 acres in White County’s Bridgestone Wilderness Area is aimed at saving the declining quail species. TWRA plans to begin cutting at Bridgestone-Firestone Centennial Wilderness this fall. Region Three Wildlife Management Area Coordinator Aubrey Deck said the project will also help strengthen turkey and deer numbers. “Doing projects like this should increase the amount of forage ... Read More »

The Overton County School System has asked for waiver from the state to allow remote learning. Overton County Director of Schools Donnie Holman said the state has opened short term waivers for remote learning, which would only close specific classes and grades. Holman said the district submitted a waiver this morning because of hot spot schools. “We’ve got three areas ... Read More »

Overton County Health and Rehab has put a pause on new admissions into the facility due to county COVID numbers. Public Relations Director Scott Stevens said this policy will be addressed on a day to day basis. Stevens said that in-person visitations will also stop, returning to virtual visitation. Stevens said the exception will be compassionate care situations like hospice. ... Read More »

One Putnam County 7th grader is encouraging his community to honor 9/11 victims through acts of kindness. Jacob Cookson attends Prescott South Middle School and learned about the, “Pay it Forward 9/11,” campaign. Cookson said the movement calls others to collect good deeds in remembrance of 9/11, and he wants help fulfilling 500 actions by September 11th. “It doesn’t have ... Read More »