Tag Archives: Cookeville

Wednesday marks the 50th anniversary of the nation’s second-largest tornado outbreak on record, storms that took the lives of 27 Upper Cumberland residents. At least 11 different tornadoes touched down across the Upper Cumberland from April 3, 1974 into April 4. Storms struck every county but Clay and Van Buren. 275 homes were damaged and three people died in Overton ... Read More »

The Cookeville Depot Museum’s steam engine restoration project is complete thanks to a lot of helping hands. Museums Manager Beth Thompson said the finished product looks wonderful. She said Tennessee Tech graduate and locomotive expert Caleb Leach handled a lot of the machine’s cosmetic restoration. She said Machines classes from Tech stopped by to help out and a local ironsmith ... Read More »

Cookeville City Council is reviewing a request for the annexation of a five-acre track on North Nelson Avenue, off Highway 70 west of town, currently suffering from septic failure. Community Development Director Jon Ward said the owner of the property has requested that the property be annexed to receive sewer services from the city. He said adding sewer capacity to ... 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 »

Cookeville City Council will vote Thursday on a request from Tennessee Tech to commit an additional $3 million for the school’s Tucker Stadium renovation project. City Manager James Mills said the city has paid some $400,000 thus far on a $1 million agreement the city made in 2022. He said the money will be paid from hotel/motel tax revenue at ... Read More »

Some $1 million worth of parts are in and work on the Jefferson Avenue water line replacement project is expected to start mid-April. Water and Sewer Department Director Barry Turner said the parts took time to secure, but materials arrived quickly compared to some other post-pandemic projects. He said contractors plan to replace lines from the courthouse to the interstate ... Read More »

March 27 marks Tennessee Tech Charter Day, a chance to remember the 109th anniversary of the school’s establishment and its struggle for state recognition. University Archivist Megan Atkinson said the school began as Dixie University. She said as the University of Dixie struggled to get off the ground, the state stepped in and the school became the Tennessee Polytechnic Institute. ... Read More »

The Cookeville Camera Club will hold its annual photography exhibition at the Cookeville Arts Studio beginning next week. Secretary Stan McReynolds said the show will include over 100 pictures from some 15 members of the club. He said many of the photographers have the skills to produce professional-level work. “First of all, it gives them the opportunity to sell their ... Read More »

Cookeville has received final approval to install gateway monument signs at the Interstate 40 exits on Willow Avenue and Jefferson Avenue. Community Development Director Jon Ward said the signs will read “Cookeville, Home of Tennessee Tech.” He said the project is part of T-DOT’s Gateway Monument program. Ward said TDOT has a significant list of reviews and requirements required for ... Read More »

The city of Cookeville has hired Haley Smith to serve as the city’s first-ever Communication and Marking Manager. Smith’s role with the city will be focused on keeping residents more informed and engaged. She accepted the job effective immediately and will report directly to City Manager James Mills. Smith has five years of professional experience, most recently in Cookeville’s Leisure ... Read More »