Latest News

The Upper Cumberland Veterans Cemetery project on hold as the state Veterans Office waits for federal funding. Public Information Officer David Solon said the department is eligible for Veterans Affair grant funding. Recipients will be named in October. “If we are to get awarded the grant and we are very optimistic that we will be, once that happens the VA ... Read More »

Putnam County has seen a spike in homicides, suicides and overdoses in recent months. County Coroner Tommy Copeland said additional money to fund autopsies, investigations and death certificates has been requested twice. Copeland said it had been several years since deaths had increased to a level where more funding was required. “I’m with law enforcement and fire department that does ... Read More »

Smithville anticipates the city’s new Police Department Building to be completed in mid-August. Mayor Josh Miller said police officers will greatly benefit from the much needed space. “They have about 800 square feet to work in right now, and they are about to move in to a 12,000 square foot facility,” Miller said. “A lot safer and a lot more ... Read More »

Full performances on the main stage in front of a large audience….it’s happening again at Cumberland County Playhouse. The new production “Godspell” has opened. Director Bryce McDonald said it is indescribable to see a full orchestra and full crowd again. McDonald said Godspell fit the bill for the right cast size and right message with lingering unknowns about the pandemic. ... Read More »

Putnam County has been awarded $20,000 through Tennessee’s ThreeStar program. Yvonne Pickering is the Economic and Community Development Coordinator for The Highlands Economic Partnership. Pickering said of the county’s three goals, the workforce initiative was approved. “We’re able to use the money towards doing that which is a great help,” Pickering said. “Because a lot of times when you have ... Read More »

From the day he was born, to his days as a class clown, Sparta comedian Derik Zoo has made a career out of making people laugh. Zoo was recently nominated for the Best of Branson award in the comedian category for his work with Dolly’s Stampede. After winning the award the past two years, Zoo said that it means so ... Read More »

Cookeville’s Pacesetters Inc. searching for a new Executive Director. Beverly Matthews will retire at the end of July after three years in the position. Board President Freddie Nelson said the non-profit has opened for applications. “We deal with people with physical and mental handicaps, so they need to have some experience in that field, and they also need to have ... Read More »

A Cookeville tax preparer is recommending people not take part in the federal Advanced Child Tax Credit program unless absolutely necessary. Jamie Sims of Nelson/Sims and Associates said while it could be beneficial to some, it could hurt others when it comes to tax time. “If you’re already making over the $45,000, and you are fine paying your bills the ... Read More »

A Tennessee Tech professor says that the stock market up 14 percent since the start of last year is indicative of a comeback in money flow after COVID. Dean of Tennessee Tech’s College of Business Thomas Payne said that this is due to consumerism driving the economy. “Folks are spending again that’s coming back,” Payne said. “Also it is a ... Read More »

This week in the Upper Cumberland a new commissioner and school board member will be appointed in Overton County. The county commission on Monday at 5:00 p.m. will consider applicants. The District Three School Board seat left vacant by the late Larry Looper. The District One Commissioner seat also empty due to the resignation of Jean Moore. Fentress County will ... Read More »