Improving bus safety could lead to changes on two Baxter roads following a discussion between Aldermen and School Officials. Putnam County Schools Transportation Supervisor Ron Chaffin addressed the Baxter Board of Aldermen on Thursday, expressing concerns about First Avenue, as well as Third Street at Buffalo Valley Road. “I’m really proud of the job that our drivers do and making ... Read More »

Cookeville City Council began preparations for winter last night, purchasing 500 tons of road salt. Public Works Director Blake Mayo said the city is currently two-thirds full on salt. The city salted just once last winter, during the Christmas Eve weather event. Pricing did not change from a year ago. Council also voted Thursday night to ask the Planning Commission ... Read More »

The potential need for better county planning will come before the Jackson County Commissioners this month, including the possible need for a planning commission. The Commission would make sure proper infrastructure is in place before projects move forward. Jackson County Mayor Randy Heady said the conversation started as people began buying up large acre tracks and then subdividing them for ... Read More »

Cookeville City Council agreed to sell an Old Sparta Road home Thursday night and have it removed from the property. City Manager James Mills said the city received just one bid to remove two houses from properties the city recently purchased along Old Sparta Road. Council members agreed to a $5428 bid to sell the home at 3775 Old Sparta ... Read More »

Spencer starting the process to find new city planner services as its current contract comes to a close. Spencer Planner David Starnes has served the city since 2011 but plans to retire soon. Mayor Alissa Farmer said the Board of Aldermen should consider utilizing UCDD to replace his services. “His name is Tommy Lee, and he is actually the planner ... Read More »

This week in the Upper Cumberland the Cookeville Planning Commission will discuss the addition of RV Parks to local commercial districts. The commission last month voted to further study the request. Currently, the city’s zoning codes only allow campgrounds under general commercial. Business starts at 5:30 p.m. The State Department of Economic and Community Development will host a regional meeting ... Read More »

The Livingston Board of Aldermen approved sending an automated reader meter project for TDEC’s consideration Monday. State approval is required as a formality in order to use federal COVID infrastructure money allocated to the city. Engineer Greg Davenport said the some $1.5 million project is possible through a partnership with Overton County. “The next steps are once TDEC approves the ... Read More »

Cookeville City Council heard more than an hour of comments Thursday night as the controversy over drag shows and subsequent protests continued. Multiple residents expressed concern that city and county leaders did not denounce the hate groups who marched on January 22 along Cedar Avenue. Resident Billy George: “Personally I do think that the silence is an invitation for a ... Read More »

Citizens concerned about drag shows in Cookeville have called for local lawmakers to adopt current state laws or create their own in hopes of preventing the shows–but the process is not so black and white. MTSU Pre-Law Program Director Dr. Robb McDaniels said there are current laws about things such as adult-oriented establishments and public indecency. He said most of ... Read More »

White County Steering Committee B will explore the county’s rules about property maintenance in the county. That after a new County Building Codes Inspector position confused community members with what responsibilities fall under his jurisdiction. Brett Nash said he is solely responsible for building inspections and permitting. “There’s no zoning in white County so there’s nothing saying that you can’t ... Read More »