Tag Archives: Overton County

Vol State is looking to return to some sense of normalcy with more in-person classes available this fall. Public Relations Coordinator Eric Melcher said the school has been primarily online for a year now. Melcher said the fall will be about meeting student needs while keeping them safe on campus. “We know that there’s some students that they just work ... Read More »

The Highlands Economic Partnership is preparing to add construction to its Pathways Program. Director of Workforce Development and Education Kaitlin Salyer said a committee will be formed to connect education partners and employers. Salyer said this ensures that curriculum being taught lines up with in-demand skills. “We’d been hearing quite a bit and I’ll use the example, we had the ... Read More »

The Livingston Academy “Spirit of the Wildcats” Marching Band is still in dire need of funding. Band Booster President Jenny Story said they tried to hold a fundraiser in December but had to cancel due to COVID. Story said the band needs $8,000-$9,000 for instrument repairs alone, and additional money to counter uniform costs. “A lot of them are very ... Read More »

In the aftermath of severe weather events like February’s ice storm, needs for emergency services can become apparent. Overton County EMA Director Chris Masiongale said that UTV’s to access tower sites became an apparent need. Masiongale said he does have a long-term goal for the county to handle emergencies in the future. “We don’t have the tax base to have ... Read More »

The Overton-Pickett County E911 Board met for the first time since the February ice storm. Overton EMA Director Chris Masiongale reflected on the efforts during and after the storm to help the county. Masiongale said that throughout this time he never asked for assistance that someone was not willing to provide at a moments notice. Masiongale remembered one instance while ... Read More »

Overton County EMA Director Chris Masiongale said FEMA has accepted Overton County’s ice storm damage costs of $1.8 million. During Thursday night’s Overton-Pickett County E911 Board Meeting Masiongale said that FEMA was on the ground in Overton assessing the damages earlier this month. Masiongale said the damages could be roughly $13 million in Tennessee. Masiongale said that is not a ... Read More »

The first Upper Cumberland Habitat for Humanity home in Overton County is nearing construction. Executive Director Pam Ealey said walls will be built April 17 for the Thomas Road home. Ealey said it takes volunteers and community engagement to make this home a reality for the buyer. “All we’re doing is giving families an opportunity to change their lives,” Ealey ... Read More »

The Overton County Sheriff’s Department is applying for six grants to help with community and deputy safety. Sheriff John Garrett said he hopes to add five to seven bulletproof vests. In addition, the grants would provide extra funding for drug enforcement operations. Garrett said the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Grant allows the county to call in extra resources when ... Read More »

TCAT Livingston will be showing off its campus and programs for its Week of Welcome. That begins Monday, with an open house on Tuesday. TCAT Student Services Counselor Morgan Sims said the open house will have a scholarship drawing, and staff available to help with financial aid and applications. “It’s really a week for potential students to get to know ... Read More »

Most Upper Cumberland property taxes have been paid despite the pandemic. Putnam, White and Overton County Trustees said they’ve met or exceeded their payment percentage from last year. Overton County Trustee Peggy Clark Smith said that with less than one percent unpaid, people are taking advantage of online payment options. “Our numbers have been better this year, I compared it ... Read More »