Tag Archives: Upper Cumberland

The golf capital of Tennessee cracks the top 20 counties for Tourism in 2019. Cumberland County raked in $130,000,000 in direct tourism spending and generated over 1,000 jobs. Crossville/Cumberland County Chamber of Commerce President Ethan Hadley said he could not put his finger on just one industry that is stimulating tourism. “The industries that have grown, I would say are ... Read More »

Restaurants across the Upper Cumberland are slowly returning to normal numbers since reopening in May. Cookeville’s 37 Cedar Restaurant is serving about the same amount of customers compared to before the pandemic. Co-Owner Kevin Maxwell said the restaurants outdoor seating helped keep customers returning. “You try to do the right thing,” Maxwell said. “You are trying to stay safe, but ... Read More »

The UCHRA will not reopen its lobby to the public Monday but services continue. The agency shut down last week after multiple employees tested positive for COVID-19. Executive Director Mark Farley said you should still contact your local office around the Upper Cumberland for your needs. “Based on what the program is it’s best just to call into the office ... Read More »

Upper Cumberland small businesses can take advantage of relief money being offered by Governor Bill Lee and the Tennessee Department of Revenue. Some $100 million has already been distributed to 13,000 businesses across the state. But Department of Revenue Communications Director Kelly Cortesi said more than 8,200 middle Tennessee small businesses have yet to respond. “There actually isn’t an application ... Read More »

Anyone in the Upper Cumberland in need of emotional support can contact the Tennessee Recovery Project. This FEMA sponsored program provides resources for individuals suffering with COVID-19 emotional distress. Program Manager Donna Vize said helping these individuals is challenging because everyone is affected. “We can’t go out in the community and put together support groups and talk to people one ... Read More »

Four Upper Cumberland counties reported double-digit unemployment rates with Dekalb and Warren Counties among the highest rates statewide. Warren County’s unemployment rate stands at 12.7 percent, down from 17 percent in May. Last June, Warren County’s unemployment rate stood at just five percent. In Dekalb County, June unemployment stood at 11.6 percent. Jackson and Van Buren counties also reported unemployment ... Read More »

Thirty-five members of the Upper Cumberland Medical Society have signed a resolution encouraging residents to wear masks. Medical society member Dr. Jim Batson said high infection rates and available hospital space is the society’s biggest fear. “Our numbers are rising just like everybody else in the country,” Batson said. “We are a regional hub of the entire 14 counties of ... Read More »

Wal-Mart, Kroger and Sam’s Club are among a growing list of retailers requiring shoppers to wear masks. Mike Dorey of Rickman headed to Walmart Thursday. He questions the usefulness of wearing a mask but will follow Wal-Mart’s request. “I do not really know the size of the macrons of the germs and what the mask does and how effective it ... Read More »

With several major home fires occurring across the Upper Cumberland over the last two weeks, fire safety is not to be taken for granted. Sparta Fire Chief Kirk Young said families should practice an escape plan every other month to prepare for a home fire. “When you get a plan, everybody that lives there knows what is going on if ... Read More »

Hemlock tress in Monterey’s Meadow Creek Woods struggle to survive due to a deadly invasive species of beetles. The hemlock woolly adelgid was accidentally introduced to Northeast America from Japan in the 1950’s. The beetle sucks the nutrients from the tree killing it in 5 years or less. Meadow Creek Woods Representative Robert Lee said if nothing is done, the ... Read More »