Latest News

The southern portion of the Upper Cumberland remains in an extreme drought, but two chances at rain the next several days could make a significant impact. National Weather Service Nashville Meteorologist-in-Charge Krissy Hurley said it will take time to get beyond a very dry summer and fall. “It would probably take a good, you know, four to six inches total ... Read More »

COVID cases are on the rise across the Upper Cumberland and the flu is starting its annual increase. Donald Grisham is the Upper Cumberland Regional Director for the Tennessee Department of Health. He said it is hard to tell if RSV, COVID or the flu is hitting the Upper Cumberland hardest right now. “If you’re a family practiced doctor, you ... Read More »

With the start of the new year, the newly-formed Cumberland County Codes Department has officially taken over county building codes responsibility from Crossville. County Codes Director Joshua Selby said Crossville was a big help in the transition. “The city they uphold the codes really well, and they’ve done a good job of that,” Selby said. “So, our contractors are used ... Read More »

White County High School students can get free breakfast and lunch after the state changed eligibility requirements. Schools Nutrition Supervisor Tonya Savage said the White County middle and elementary schools have been eligible for years. She said the state now requires just 25 percent of the student body to be economically disadvantaged for a school to participate. The state gave ... Read More »

The Putnam County Planning Commission approved an amendment to its by-laws Tuesday night regarding how public comments are handled during its meetings. The new plan will allow for three people to speak for two minutes about each item on the agenda. Commissioner Phil Wilbourn said he thought the speakers should have more time. “We got situations here where there are ... Read More »

State Representative Paul Sherrell said he expects there will be healthy debate concerning public education funding over vouchers when the new legislative session begins next Tuesday. Sherrell said he understands Governor Bill Lee’s interest in helping people pay private school tuition. Sherrell said many of the people who have come to him to discuss the issue have said that they ... Read More »

Monterey High School will be getting new scoreboards for its baseball and softball fields, with installation planned before the season. The new scoreboards will be purple and outlined in white with decorative toppers representing the two sports. Athletic Director Ben Novak said the high school received funding from the Putnam County School System to improve its athletic facilities. “The scoreboards ... Read More »

Community Options will expand employment opportunities for Cookeville residents with disabilities thanks to a grant from the NBA Foundation. Executive Director Kristine Shirley said the funds will help people with disabilities manage the responsibilities of having a job. She said she hopes the money funds technology to help people get rides to work and pays for more staff to help ... Read More »

The Pickett County Chamber of Commerce working on a three-pronged project to restore a historic cabin to house a museum. Pickett County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Bill Robbins said the land was donated to the county with the promise of building a Welcome Center, restoring the cabin and make a living-history village on the property. The county has completed ... Read More »

Increased water rates now in effect as the new year begins for the Jackson County Utility District. Residential water bills will now be a minimum of 23.95 a month for 800 gallons and $15.10 for anything over 1,000 gallons. Commercial prices range from $24.95 to $36.95 minimum with the same charge as residential for anything over 1,000 gallons. General Manager ... Read More »