Latest News

COVID will likely decrease the some $4.5 million of proposed state funding for counties that lost property tax revenues from the March tornado outbreak. Representative Ryan Williams along with other state officials are working on a budget request for the relief. But, Williams said budget constraints have caused some uncertainty. “In regards to all the monies that are flowing around ... Read More »

Putnam County 911 will look to increase its department by adding two full-time dispatchers. Director Penny Foister said if the employees are included in the county budget this would bring the dispatch staff to 14. Foister said that calls are increasing across the board and funds are finally available to add staff. “We get money from the surcharges that you ... Read More »

The rebuilding process for Cookeville’s Echo Valley Market is nearing completion. Manager Aaron Patel said if construction continues as planned, the gas station and convenience store will open in about three weeks. “It feels great to be back in the community,” Patel said. “I know a lot of people have been really happy to see us back, and we are ... Read More »

The statewide population total from the census is expected to be released to the state in the next two weeks. That is according to House Speaker Cameron Sexton. Sexton said this number will determine any changes to districts. “In the middle portion of the state, you’ll probably see districts maybe get a little smaller in some areas due to the ... Read More »

Cookeville City Council Member Eric Walker said he hopes the council can move forward with other business after ceasing the investigation of Ricky Shelton’s hiring at CRMC. “We’ve cleared that and moved on,” Walker said. “I think that the attorney’s letter has shown that the council has no further role in this at all at this time. We need to ... Read More »

New sidewalks are on the way for downtown Celina. Mayor Tonya Spears said the ADA compliant walkway would stretch from College Avenue to Green Street. “It is very much needed,” Spears said. “That will be a start and hopefully, we can continue later on and get more sidewalks, pedestrian friendly and some bicycle access. Just to make our city a ... Read More »

UCDD Executive Director Mark Farley said legislation that would change the organization’s governing boards appears to be moving forward. Farley said the proposed bill would cut down the number of required city mayors that participate in meetings. “I would suppose in our situation is what we would do is just limit our board to just one city mayor from each ... Read More »

An Upper Cumberland curriculum supervisor thinks Governor Bill Lee’s proposed state funding for young readers will help the learning gap. Lee has proposed $2 million to provide four books and reading resources for students entering first grade across the state. Jackson County Schools Instruction Supervisor Tammy Woolbright said the time period after kindergarten is critical in developing reading skills. “These ... Read More »

The city of Livingston will be having Spring Cleanup Week starting Monday. Mayor Curtis Hayes said this event is a perfect way to get rid of their junk that’s cluttering up their spaces. “This is a good opportunity for folks to clean out their basement, their garage, or any discarded items they just don’t want anymore. City employees will come ... Read More »

A Tennesee Tech. professor says Biden’s plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions 50% by 2030 is a lofty goal, but a worthy one. Dr. Lauren Michel is a paleoclimatologist who teaches about weather, climate and geology. Her research specializes in giving context to climate change today. Michel said the Biden administration is creating policy driven by information from scientists. “We’re ... Read More »