Tag Archives: Putnam County

Three major Putnam County roofing project bids have come in roughly $1 million under projected costs. Mayor Randy Porter said roofing improvements will occur at the County Justice Center, Avery Trace Middle School and Cookeville High School. Porter said that in total this work will cost just under $2.7 million. “Kind of almost the opposite going on with roofing than ... Read More »

Upper Cumberland Ag Extension Offices are preparing to fully reopen on June 1. Putnam County UT Extension Director Michelle Parrott said telecommuting has been a challenge for an office overseeing many programs and groups. Parrott said extension offices are meant to be available to people whether it’s for 4-H or family and consumer sciences. “We are getting back to what ... Read More »

It’s grass-cutting season once more, but Tennessee officials advise against blowing cut grass into roadways. The clippings can pose a danger to motorcyclists and cyclists, roadways, and the environment. Cookeville Public Works Director Greg Brown said when cut grass gets into storm sewage systems, it can create issues for not only you but your neighbors as well. “It can wash ... Read More »

This year’s Upper Cumberland strawberry crop will be one of the best in recent years according to local farmers. Strawberry season typically runs from mid-April to mid-June, as strawberries thrive in warm, sunny environments. Though the Upper Cumberland has seen some cold snaps this spring, Edwards Orchard farmer and owner Bobby Edwards said it will only have minor effects on ... Read More »

A forum is set to help employers in need of employees see that citizens who’ve been in the criminal justice system could make the best hires. The forum is set for Monday from 1:00 PM-2:30 PM in Cookeville at 1000 England Drive Suite 201. Becky Hull is Executive Director of the Upper Cumberland Local Workforce Development Board and Bill Gibson ... Read More »

A lack of management oversight within the Cookeville Fire Department led to an alleged time sheet fraud according to a Tennessee Comptroller investigation. Retired Captain Marvin Montgomery and current Fire Captain Shawn Roberson would clock a 24 hour work day at the fire department. While also clocking an eight to nine hour shift at the Tennessee Fire and Codes Enforcement ... Read More »

The Cookeville-Putnam County NAACP is hitting the streets to celebrate the life of U.S. Representative John Lewis and the right to vote. President Thomas Savage said Cookeville will be joining 180 other U.S. cities on May 8 at 1:00 PM. He said participants will use their vehicles in a votercade across Cookeville, starting at the Leslie Town Centre. “Holding on ... Read More »

Putnam County is exploring a health insurance bridge program for county employees who are ready to retire, but not yet eligible for Medicare. Mayor Randy Porter said the cost isn’t too high–only $40,000 or $50,000 a year, and could actually end up saving the county money. “It’s a benefit to them, it rewards them, but also in the long run, ... Read More »

Putnam County Director of Schools Corby King said a $1.4 million increase in BEP funding is projected for the system. The system received its first of three BEP Funding estimates from the state on Tuesday. King said the increase from 2020 is exactly the news the system wanted. “Our funding is based on our average daily membership in the school ... Read More »

Putnam County’s drive-thru vaccination site at the fairgrounds is changing its hours. Starting this week, the South Walnut Avenue location will operate Monday through Wednesday 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Thursday noon to 6:30 p.m. and Friday 7:00 a.m. to noon. Antone 16 and older is eligible to be vaccinated in Putnam County. No pre-registration is necessary to receive either the ... Read More »