Latest News

The Backpack Assist Ministry will host its 10th annual Back-to-School celebration. Coordinator Carleen Benson said that each year the organization takes donations and puts the money towards providing resources to students in White and Van Buren Counties. “It is an awesome event,” Benson said. “And it’s a community event where everybody gets together and we provide backpacks, school supplies, we ... Read More »

By a 23-1 vote Monday night, Putnam County Commissioners approved a $98 million bond proposal to fund jail expansion and a new K-8 school. Commissioners spent very little time debating the proposals Monday night, which have been discussed for several years. Only District Four Commissioner Theresa Tayes voted no. Commissioner Cindy Adams cited a concern with maxing out the bond ... Read More »

The Cookeville Planning Commission approved preliminary plans for a 41-lot subdivision on the corner of Buffalo Valley Road and Holladay Road. City Planning Director Jon Ward said Kensington Subdivision will be located on 10 acres, subdivided among the plats. “One new, looped interior street is proposed named Kensington Circle that will connect to Buffalo Valley Road to provide ingress and ... Read More »

The Fentress County Commission approved a $2.1 million dollar capital outlay note for the new agriculture pavilion Monday night. The note did not include money for the highway department. Road Supervisor Joey Reagan asked for $1.5 million to upgrade county roads. Reagan was unwilling to budge on that number during the meeting. “I believe he made the suggestion that he ... Read More »

Putnam County Commissioners approved its 2021-2022 fiscal year budget Monday night, but not without some concern about the 10 cent increase in property taxes. The proposed increase raises the recommended tax rate from 237.2 to 247.2. Commissioner AJ Donadio said that before commissioners voted no on the tax levy, he asked for alternatives for how to pay for the increasing ... Read More »

Warren County Animal Control reporting a record number of animals at its facility with 23 in one day last week. The shelter was built to hold 15 dogs and 20 cats, a total of 35 animals. As of Friday, the shelter population includes 36 cats and kittens. Director Sherri Bradley said the reason comes from a reluctance to spay or ... Read More »

The White County High School Marching Band received an invitation to perform at the Outback Bowl in Tampa Bay this winter. Director Roger Mills said that he hopes the performance is an opportunity for his students to make lasting memories. “Just remembering being in school I just remember so many moments,” Mills said. “And I just hope this is one ... Read More »

Highlands Residential Services has been awarded a $899,000 grant to assist in the construction of Cookeville’s Hickory Valley. Director of Operations Chris Cassetty said the funding saves local money and helps the housing authority prepare financially for future developments. “Our grant actually scored 65,” Cassetty said. “65 was the lowest score that got funded, so we were right on the ... Read More »

Jackson County Schools are now taking applications for its Pre-K programs. Director of Schools Kristy Brown said it’s an opportunity for students to get ahead in their education before they begin kindergarten. “I know that our teachers work a lot on students making friends and getting used to coming to school,” Brown said. “Especially if they’ve been home and not ... Read More »

Putnam County Schools will not require masks when classes return in-person early next week. According to Director of Schools Corby King, schools will also no longer conduct COVID screenings or temperature checks. However, the districts COVID dashboard that reports the number of cases will stay operational. King said in an email that the system will continue to monitor local COVID ... Read More »