Latest News

Cookeville High School’s average ACT score is increasing, meaning more grant and scholarship opportunities for students. Executive Principal Max Petett said the number increased because of the several tools they provide students with to prep for the test, including ACT prep courses and after-school learning programs. Petett said they do their best to have their students succeed in standardized tests. ... Read More »

Dams operated by the Army Corps of Engineers prevented an estimated $1.8 billion of flood damages in the Cumberland River Basin during the March flood event. Hydraulic Engineer Robert Dillingham said dams at Dale Hollow Lake and Center Hill Lake played a role in the flood mitigation. “Had Center Hill and Dale Hollow never been built, you certainly would have ... Read More »

McMinnville’s Magness Library has started a new book club focused on books for adults. Assistant Director Merissa Chapman said she came up with the idea after wanting to create a group to independent of other book clubs. “I have like three different book clubs on Facebook that I follow, and I just, I love it,” Chapman said. “We didn’t really ... Read More »

Byrdstown employees will receive a dollar raise next fiscal year as a part of the town’s new budget. The Board of Aldermen unanimously approved the first reading of the proposed $1.2 million budget Monday. Mayor Sam Gibson said other than the pay raise, the spending plan is similar to last year. “The budgets look good,” Gibson said. “We have our ... Read More »

The Pickett County Board of Education unanimously rejected the sole bid opened Monday for the construction of a solar pavilion. The school system was awarded a $100,000 grant through TVA to fund the project, but, the total price tag for the work came in at $358,000. Director of Schools Diane Elder said the price was too high to cover. “I ... Read More »

The Cookeville City Council will consider revising an ordinance to prohibit blowing grass clippings onto roadways. The revision would classify grass clippings as a form of litter. Planning Department Director Jon Ward said that are multiple issues that come with grass clippings in the roadways. “It’s a safety hazard,” Ward said. It causes a hazard for motorcyclists and cyclists, it ... Read More »

A group of three researchers is conducting surveys and interviews with middle Tennessee residents about tornado preparedness and aftermaths. The data will help the team gauge the community’s experience with tornadoes, and how it can be used to benefit them in the future. Anthropologist and University of Findlay Associate Professor Dr. Jaymeelee Kim said the work could help communities better ... Read More »

Helping Hands of Putnam County is officially seeing in-person clients again. The group helps individuals in need by providing food, utilities assistance and rent assistance among others. Director Debbie Handlson said they hope the decision will allow the group to expand the work they do for the community. “You know they say ‘We need food, or I need help with ... Read More »

Sparta’s American Legion Post 99 is asking all veterans to consider sharing their story with the public. The post will host a Veteran Story Day on Saturday from 9:00 AM-1:00 PM. Post Commander Ronald Lapierre said this Saturday will be an opportunity to give civilians insight into military life. Lapierre said this prevents history from being lost and gives veterans ... Read More »

Baxter residents can expect to see some new homes erected at the Crossroads Subdivision within the next month. City Building Inspector Bob Lane said water and sewer for the some 86 house subdivision nears completion, so paving should begin sometime this week. “They’re going to build a model house first,” Lane said. “I talked to the developers and builder. They ... Read More »