Latest News

A considered expansion of the Putnam Schools Student Service Building has some wondering what happens at the facility. Student Service Supervisor Trey Upchurch said the program has seven personnel that focus on student health, family resources and providing necessities. “We offer a mental health liaison,” Upchurch said. “That is for students and faculty. Our nursing coordinator is housed out of ... Read More »

Jackson County Schools will be closed Monday and Tuesday due to the system’s rising COVID numbers. According to the district, 453 absences were reported Friday with some missed days not related to COVID. That is an increase from Wednesday, which saw 325 absences. The future of COVID protocols for the school system are being reviewed over the closure. Changes will ... Read More »

The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and Upper Cumberland Workforce are trying to get employers in touch with what employees want. A special meeting on the topic will be held Monday at 10:00 AM at the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce Board Room. Executive Director Hope Vargas said times have changed when it comes to motivating potential employees. “Employees might be ... Read More »

Putnam County has gotten the money from the $98 million bond paying for the jail expansion and new school project. Mayor Randy Porter said the money will be repaid over 25 years coming out to about $5 million a year. ‘I wanted to get the bond issued as soon as I could, very concerned about the inflation that’s going on ... Read More »

Cummins Falls State Park has been named park of the year by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. Park Manager Ray Cutcher said park staff have worked hard to better protect park goers while also expanding learning opportunities. “We’re very proud,” Cutcher said. “I’m very proud of our staff and very proud that our department has chosen to recognize ... Read More »

A TBI Investigation of a fatal shooting involving two Overton County Deputies has found the officers’ action as justified. On June 4th, 43-year-old Jerry Henley was shot and killed after resisting arrest. District Attorney Bryant Dunaway said non-lethal options were used, but Henley fled to his vehicle, brandished a firearm and threatened law enforcement. “In defense of themselves, they returned ... Read More »

The city of McMinnville will begin a series of new COVID guidelines starting Monday. Mayor Ryle Chastain has ordered the closure of public access to walk-in services and lobbies. This includes city hall, fire halls and the police department. Face coverings will be required on city property for all people that do not have an exemption. Municipal Court will move ... Read More »

The city of Cookeville cautioning the public of a social media account claiming to be the official Instagram of the city. The account “thecityofcookeville” has made controversial posts regarding COVID. City Manager James Mills said the city has a good idea who owns the account. “We’ve had an issue with this same person in the past,” Mills said. “Other organizations ... Read More »

The adult open basketball league is making its return to Cane Creek Gymnasium this fall. Athletic Coordinator Lori Medlin said that it’s the first league back post-pandemic, and that teams are looking forward to their return to the court. “It’s usually pretty popular,” Medlin said. “We’re accepting up to eight teams. We’ve got two so far, so we’ve got room ... Read More »

The Warren County Sanitation Department is holding a hazardous waste take back event Saturday. Director Josh Roberts said now is the time to check the basement, garage and under the sink for chemicals and cleaners. Roberts said it does not matter how much hazardous waste you need to get rid of, the county can take it. “You look, you find ... Read More »