Latest News

An air conditioner leak at Doyle Elementary could put home basketball games in jeopardy. Director of Schools Kurt Dronebarger said that only a portion of the gym floor was damaged, so gym class can still go on. Dronebarger said that luckily there are other gyms available within the system that can be used while repairs are done. “We had a ... Read More »

Some 140 Putnam County teachers underwent extensive training on improving elementary school reading skills. Curriculum Supervisor Jill Ramsey said teachers underwent three weeks of training to emphasizing a sounds-first approach in early literacy teaching. Ramsey said the state has been encouraging districts to move to that learning approach. “We’ve been doing that in Putnam County for the last three to ... Read More »

New public Wi-Fi installed in McMinnville’s downtown area. Community Planner Katie Kemezis said that it’s an amenity the town hopes will both attract more visitors to downtown, as well as service those in the community who need it. “So we also learned along the way that almost 30 percent of Warren Countians,” said Kemezis. “And another 10 percent only get ... Read More »

Overton County, like many Upper Cumberland Counties are struggling to find and retain employees. County Executive Ben Danner said there was a time when the benefits included with a county job were viewed highly. However, with the push to raise wages in the private sector even falling flat in some industries, it is difficult to bring people in for emergency ... Read More »

The search continue in Fentress County for one of two inmates that escaped Monday. According to county dispatch, law enforcement is looking for 35-year-old Charles Kennedy in the area of Round Mountain Road and Commerce Drive Thursday. Kennedy stands at 6’4″, weighs 145 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. Officials ask residents to not approach the inmate and contact ... Read More »

The city of Cookeville is encouraging residents to give to charities instead of panhandlers, but where would your money go? Cookeville Rescue Mission Executive Director Bruce Bailey said for them, donations keep the doors open 24/7 and get people off the street. “Whether it is walk-ins or by law enforcement may bring them by at 1,2 or 3 o’clock in ... Read More »

The Fall Creek Falls area is making multiple attempts to raise money for its community center. The community center is hosting a car show Saturday, and has an online store set up selling Fall Creek Falls memorabilia. Community Group Vice President Leon Deweese said the efforts are due to the aftermath of the pandemic. “A lot of people cancelled that ... Read More »

Community for Heroes is a Cookeville organization with the mission of bringing homeless veterans off the street. Founder Josh Pack said 100 percent of donations go towards purchases that provide veterans with a hand up. “The end goal is to not just give them food for today, but set them up for success for tomorrow and the days to come,” ... Read More »

Four groups of travel writers are set to visit Crossville Thursday and Friday to highlight the tourist attractions in the area. The state coordinates these press visits to promote tourist hot spots. Crossville Chamber of Commerce President Ethan Hadley said the journalists involved have publications in major magazines like the “Smithsonian” and “Garden and Gun.” “The travel writers will further ... Read More »

Local business leaders will have the opportunity to meet the administration teams for Burks Elementary and Monterey High School. New Burks Elementary Principal Heather Tinch said it’s an opportunity for businesses and schools to look at potential partnerships and for ways to support one another. “It’s not about financial support,” Tinch said. “It’s just knowing who I am, what our ... Read More »