Tag Archives: corona virus outbreak

Meal deliveries to seniors across the Upper Cumberland have increased by almost 50 percent since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Director of the Area Agency on Aging Holly Williams said the Upper Cumberland Development District can handle the increase demand with extra funding from the federal government. “We have received some additional funding through the Families First Act,” Williams said. “That ... Read More »

For the first time in its 38-year history, WCTE’s Great TV Auction will be both online and over the air. With 128 volunteers nightly, the public television station could not go as normal with this year’s auction. WCTE’s Event and Engagement Coordinator Sam Gray said people can begin bidding online on Tuesday. “Everyone can register and start bidding on items ... Read More »

The local chapter of the NAACP supports a federal lawsuit that would allow expanded balloting in the remaining 2020 Tennessee elections. Executive Board Member Anne Austin said the action to expand absentee balloting benefits all voters. “The NAACP strongly supports access to the ballot to everyone,” Austin said. “It’s an American right, and it’s democracy. Without everyone having a full ... Read More »

Cumberland County’s sales tax revenues are still up over last year even with a slow month of collections in April. Director of Finance Nathan Brock said despite being down by almost $11,000 dollars last month, the county is still ahead of expectations. “Through April, we were at $58,000 dollars ahead of budget,” Brock said. “So, we hope that those numbers ... Read More »

The director of Community Options said she welcomes the state expanding COVID testing for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Jeanette Preece said the order will help better serve that community. “I think the expansion, in itself, will make sure that those we support do not have the COVID virus,” Preece said, “If they do, we can take extra precautions ... Read More »

The world’s reaction to COVID-19 could have a lasting impact on society, much like the effect of World War II or the great depression on previous generations. Middle Tennessee State University Sociology Professor Ashleigh McKinzie said she sees many similarities with other major events that defined a generation. But McKinzie said unique economic problems may also be defining. “A lot ... Read More »

The community’s need for masks led a local company to design and manufacture a new $1 washable face mask. Cassemco of Cookeville manufactures foam and plastics, operating here since 1975. Cassemco Plant Manager Jimmy Mansell said the idea came as community partners struggled to find materials for medical grade masks. “We turned our efforts to what else we could do ... Read More »

White County Director of Schools Kurt Dronebarger said school leaders want to learn from the COVID-19 shutdown. He siad one of the biggest challenges the school system has faced has been a lack of internet connections. Dronebarger said even if the district had a device to give every student during the shutdown, many would not be able to use them. ... Read More »

Livingston Regional Hospital continues to add new elective procedures each week after a smooth reopening. Marketing Director David Cox said the hospital has a phase-in plan in place. “We’re phasing back in through a three-phase process,” Cox said. “Some elective procedures like colonoscopies and things of that nature are phasing back in right now. We’ll continue to approve more-and-more services ... Read More »

Overton County Schools will end its school year a week earlier than planned. Director of Schools Mark Winningham said that final week is used to complete tasks that won’t be necessary due to the shutdown. “The last day of student work is going to be May 15,” Winningham said. “The last day, I think, was going to be May 22, ... Read More »