Tag Archives: Upper Cumberland

A new tool in the fight against prescription drug abuse will be introduced this weekend. Power of Putnam Director of Prevention Amy Gibson said Deterra bags neutralize all prescription medicines. The bags are safe to throw away after use and help prevent drug use in the Upper Cumberland. “We totally understand there are times you have to get a prescription ... Read More »

Crime across the Upper Cumberland during the stay at home order significantly decreased compared to last year. Cookeville Police Department compared crime statistics from March through April from 2019 to 2020. Captain Bobby Anderson said overall, crime decreased by 39 percent. But some specific crimes increased. “Verbal domestics have increased by six percent, and we have had an increase in ... Read More »

The Highlands Economic Partnership will begin sending out surveys to Upper Cumberland businesses this week. Kaitlin Salyer is the Director of Workforce Development and Education for the Partnership. She said they are trying to find ways to assist local businesses. “We just want to make sure we are identifying they’re needs and we’re addressing them and helping them,” Salyer said. ... Read More »

While enjoying your day off, do not forget Memorial Day is more than picnics and barbecues. Commander of the Cookeville Honors Guard Jim McAfee served in the Army for six years across America and Germany. McAfee has served over 1,600 funerals for veterans since joining the Honors Guard in 2011. McAfee said Memorial Day to him and most veterans is ... Read More »

One of the great summer pastimes has been taken away by COVID-19. Youth baseball seasons across the Upper Cumberland were cancelled in the wake of the pandemic. Putnam County Youth Baseball Co-President Chris Westmooreland said he feels a loss without playing the games. “It’s been tough,” Westmooreland said. “Usually our springs are spent at the ball fields, and so it’s ... Read More »

During the pandemic, school and state officials have focused on student health safety. What about school security? State Senator Paul Bailey said school security has not been forgotten. “The focus is always on student safety from the Department of Education, and of course from the Department of Safety,” Bailey said. “The efforts are ongoing to make sure that our students ... Read More »

Clay County High School Principal Derick Upchurch is stepping down. School Director Matt Eldridge said Upchurch held the position for over three years. Eldridge said Upchurch stepped up to the position after the previous principal retired from 30 years of service. “I’ve asked him every way in the world if he’d wanted to stay, and he doesn’t,” Eldridge said. “The ... Read More »

Putnam County saw a 19 percent increase in COVID-19 cases Tuesday with 46 additional cases. The uptick could be a data reporting issue. Nashville’s Health Department reported Tuesday that one of the companies conducting COVID-19 tests could not report its results electronically this weekend. That caused a spike in Nashville’s numbers Tuesday. County Mayor Randy Porter said the increase could ... Read More »

The number of Upper Cumberland COVID-19 cases stands at 571 as of Monday’s reporting from the Tennessee Department of Health. That’s about 0.16 percent of the region’s population. Slight increases noted across the region including two additional cases in Van Buren County. Putnam County’s total increased by 26 over the last four days. Macon County’s number also rose by 16 ... Read More »

Spring is a time for wildlife to be on the move and that includes bears. Black bears move around this time of year to find and establish territory. Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Communications Coordinator Mimi Barnes said the bears also looking for food. “Our bears don’t always go into that deep hibernation that we see on TV,” Barnes said. “It ... Read More »