Tag Archives: Chattanooga

Sparta Mayor Jerry Lowery has secured a state pledge to help fund the purchase of 120 acres of riverfront property for a new public park. Next, Lowery wants Aldermen to consider the $1.8 million purchase. Lowery said an opportunity to strike a deal like this inside Sparta city limits is unheard of. “This will be a destination spot for generations ... Read More »

With lawn work increasing, fire officials remind all residents of the region that burn permits are still required through May 15. Jackson And Putnam County Area Forester Jeff Thompson said permits have been required since October 15 when leaves began to fall. He said many people like to use the early spring for a brush burn. “Sometimes, in the late ... Read More »

The TSSAA would consider the possibility of bringing the high school football championships back to Cookeville upon the completion of Tucker Stadium renovations. TSSAA Assistant Executive Director Matthew Gillespie said a return has been discussed. Cookeville lost the State Championships in 2021. He said the TSSAA has maintained a strong relationship with Cookeville and Putnam County in the years since. ... Read More »

The Upper Cumberland received a record-breaking $45 million in grant money this year. UCHRA Executive Director Mark Farley said that number does not include grants through private consultants, so the total amount is even higher. He said looking into the future to anticipate needs before they happen, has been key. “We sit between three metropolitan areas, Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga, ... Read More »

Those looking to burn some Thanksgiving dinner calories can take part in a guided hike to Burgess Falls Friday. Park Manager Nathaniel Garrison said in the past five years, the Day After Thanksgiving Hike has become one of the signature hikes for all Tennessee State Parks. Garrison said that as things become more and more expensive, this hike provides people ... Read More »

The end of Cookeville’s BlueCross Bowl streak, but what about the future? Cookeville-Putnam County Visitor’s Bureau Executive Director Molly Brown said there is a real possibility the city competes for the next TSSAA contract. “I definitely see that as an opportunity for our community,” Brown said. ” That is something that obviously we will approach together just like we have ... Read More »

The BlueCross Bowl will not return to Cookeville next season. The TSSAA Board of Control voted 11-1 following a marathon session to select Chattanooga as host of the 2021 and 2022 high school football championships. Chattanooga bid some $3,000 less in guaranteed revenue to the TSSAA. Cookeville’s obligation to TSSAA would have been $253,000 under the two-year term. “Very disappointed ... Read More »

Cookeville is competing against Chattanooga to host the next two years of the TSSAA Blue Cross Bowl. Assistant Executive Director Matthew Gillespie said TSSAA usually conducts exploratory visits with potential hosts. But, Gillespie said the organization is comfortable with what Tennessee Tech has to offer. “Obviously, we were there as recent as December for the football championships,” Gillespie said. “That’s ... Read More »