Latest News

The Cookeville Public Works Department had a new position focusing on the city’s street signs. Public Works Director Blake Mayo said the department hired Kirk Frisco once the new budget made the position available. Mayo said Frisco will be tasked with building and maintaining all of Cookeville and Putnam County’s street signs. “We also do all the graphics on all ... Read More »

The UT Promise Scholarship application deadline is Friday and more students may qualify now thanks to an income threshold increase. UT Promise is similar to Tennessee Promise. However, it covers a four-year program at a UT campus. New this year, UT Promise increased its income threshold for those who qualify to $75,000. White County High School Advisor Suzanne Rushing said ... Read More »

Warren County Utility District Chairman Glenn Mitchell said a $9.5 million grant from the state will not move forward unless Spencer and the District can come to terms on an acquisition. The Warren County Utility District received the grant this week to replace Spencer water infrastructure, to prepare for an acquisition by the district. Mitchell said the funding is for ... Read More »

The Cookeville/Putnam County Animal Shelter is making pet adoption more affordable this week in the final push before Christmas. Shelter Director Jennifer Tracy said the “Home for the Holidays” promotion aims to get pets into new homes as quickly as possible. Adoption fees are nearly cut in half across the board with puppies for $100 and kittens for $75 through ... Read More »

Overton County Executive Steven Barlow said his mileage reimbursement should not be an issue, and the controversy surrounding it is getting in the way of county business. The County’s Policy Committee and the Budget Committee have already passed his request for $4,500 in an annual reimbursement. But the County Commission voted 8-5 Monday night to table paying Barlow’s mileage until ... Read More »

The Overton County School Board unanimously voted to terminate tenured teacher Elizabeth Maxwell Tuesday night. Director Donnie Holman had suspended teacher Maxwell in October for erratic behavior. That same month the school board voted to send a letter to Maxwell informing her of the investigation into termination and inviting her to speak before the board. She did not respond to ... Read More »

Online utility and property tax payments will be easier and more cost-efficient after the Algood City Council approved a proposal to update the city’s payment software Tuesday night. City Administrator Keith Morrison said the city expects this to save residents money when they pay online or through credit card. “This is a service that will be provided through the software, ... Read More »

Several Overton County Commissioners expressed concern with $4,500 in mileage expenses filed by the County Executive. Questions arose about why Steven Barlow used his own vehicle instead of a car owned by the county. Barlow said he previously used a Dodge Durango owned by the county but it broke down. Barlow said he was too large to comfortably fit in ... Read More »

If you feel like a lot of people are sick right now, you are right; a Cookeville Regional expert said the Upper Cumberland is dealing with elevated numbers of seasonal respiratory viruses. CRMC Infection Prevention Manager Stephanie Etter said COVID-19, flu, and RSV, Respiratory Syncytial Virus, are the three major illnesses impacting the region. Etter said with the holidays coming ... Read More »

The Commander of Spencer’s American Legion Post leading the construction of four buildings to house homeless veterans. Hansel Moore said the exterior of the buildings are complete and the work is moving into the interior. He said he is seeking volunteers to help him with electricity, plumbing, drywall and painting. Moore said there are homeless veterans in every community that ... Read More »