Latest News

Bruce Curtis has been named the new principal of Dekalb County High School. Curtis replaces Randy Jennings, who stepped down from the position last month. Director of Schools Patrick Cripps said Curtis’s experience in the Metro Nashville school system impressed leadership. “He had been an assistant principal for Antioch High School and talking to him and his references, they talked ... Read More »

The Gainesboro Water Department has requested the town’s Board of Aldermen to consider raising the price for meter and sewer tap installations. The Water Department’s John Pigg said the current price of $675 has not changed for over 10 year and needs to be reevaluated. “The way parts and everything has gone up, we’re actually losing money at that,” Pigg ... Read More »

Resurfacing will begin this week on I-40 through Cookeville. Paving from mile marker 281 to 287 beginning Sunday. The work will require temporary lane closures from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Sunday through Thursday. Motorists are advised to be prepared and alert for slower traffic and personnel entering and exiting the work area. Read More »

LBJ & C Head Start is accepting applications for all 21 locations across 12 counties. Director Penny Meadows said children that are between the ages three to five by August 15th are eligible. “We don’t just do child  development,” Meadows said. “We also provide services as nutrition, health screenings, dental, disability services. We look at the children’s outcomes and teach ... Read More »

Composting, a hobby that goes hand and hand with gardening while also helping the environment. Putnam County Solid Waste Program Manager Lisa Luck said it is something that anybody can take up with the right supplies. “You can make your own composting bin yourself,” Luck said. “The one I like the most is pallets. Just lash four pallets together in ... Read More »

Cookeville City Council approved the first reading of its new fiscal year budget Thursday night. The budget features $29.9 million in revenues with some $29.45 million in expenses. Expenses increased some seven percent. Finance Director Brenda Imel said the city will focus on increasing pay for city employees starting with an adjustment to the city’s pay grades. “This will be ... Read More »

Sparta has approved paving bids to address 25 percent of the city’s streets in the next fiscal year The aldermen awarded McMinnville’s Tinsley Asphalt the contract for all street paving during Thursday’s Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting. Public Works Director Dillard Quick said with prices coming in lower than last year, the city could pave more than anticipated. “We ... Read More »

Members of the Clay County American Legion Post have requested a pay increase for the area Veterans Service Officer position. The officer serves Clay and Jackson Counties. The counties join Celina and Gainesboro in contributing to the position’s $16,000 salary. Post member Jed Donaldson approached the Gainesboro Board of Aldermen Thursday and requested a $600 yearly increase. “And I am ... Read More »

A Cookeville City Council resolution that would have required the Cookeville Regional Board of Trustees to provide salary information on every CRMC employee failed Thursday night. The latest in the soap opera surrounding CRMC’s budget and the Ricky Shelton hiring came with Council Member Charles Womack’s surprise resolution requiring the Trustees to submit salary information quarterly. Womack did not discuss ... Read More »

Center Hill Lake has made its primitive campsite booking available 24/7, with more sites available. Park Ranger Ashley Webster said patrons used to be required to call the park’s resource office but now can visit recreation.gov for bookings. Webster said 11 camping sites in seven areas will be available in 2021. “I know there’s nothing like packing your bag, packing ... Read More »