Tag Archives: Van Buren County

The 20-year blueprint to increase connectivity for cyclists and pedestrians in Spencer is nearing completion. Liesel Goethert with KCI Technologies has been surveying the community to see what can be improved for residents. Goethert said that roadway crossings, lighting and the distance to destinations were identified as issues. “Some of the major destinations that folks identified in this community was ... Read More »

Commercial haulers of solid waste will be charged 3 cents per pound at Van Buren County convenience centers. This was approved by county commissioners during Tuesday night’s commission meeting. Commissioner Henry Seamons responded to Commissioner Bill Mosley’s question about whether this meant they could remove a $7 charge on resident’s utility bill. “Me personally, I don’t know how you could ... Read More »

Two new Commissioner seats will be added in Van Buren County, bringing the future total to 12. Commissioners approved forming a redistricting committee Tuesday night including five appointments from Mayor Greg Wilson. Wilson said the county’s population now stands near 6,000. “I’ve talked extensively with Mr. Wayne Simons, also about the redistricting,” Wilson said. “And in that it also has… ... Read More »

Van Buren County’s Dylan Simmons has won first place at the 4-H Central Region Public Speaking Contest. This makes for Simmons third straight regional title. “It’s an incredible honor to be able to participate in the Central Region Public Speaking Contest,” Simmons said. “Especially, with everything over the last year with COVID-19. To be able to participate in this and ... Read More »

Starting Wednesday, May 12th, the federal government will subsidize up to $50 of internet cost for some households through the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program. Ben Lomand Connect Marketing and Public Relations Manager Bryan Kell said the program will aid families who qualify by providing more affordable costs for internet use. “I think any time you can receive help on any ... Read More »

Potential uses for state and federal funding in Van Buren County were discussed during Tuesday’s Committee A meeting. Mayor Greg Wilson said that $700,000 in federal and $276,000 from the state will all come in before July 31. Wilson said that in order to find non-recurring expenses to fund the county could use the money towards grant matches. “It might ... Read More »

Van Buren County is hosting a community yard sale at the Van Buren Co. Farmer’s Market on Saturday, May 1st. Burritt Memorial Library director Amy Carter said the funds will benefit both the vendor and the library. “The money that’s paid for reserving for their booth will go to the library and they’ll keep the money from the sales. What ... Read More »

The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program has opened signups to provide Upper Cumberland farmers aid. Chad Huddleston is County Executive Director for the USDA Farm Service Agency. Huddleston said up to $250,000 is available based on a farmers crops and the number of animals they own. “All input costs are going up,” Huddleston said. “Fuel, fertilizer, materials, everything seems to be ... Read More »

The Van Buren County School System has been awarded a $400,000 TVA Uplift Grant and Solar Pavilion. Director of Schools Cheryl Cole said this grant will address lighting at Spencer Elementary and Van Buren County High School. Cole said a preliminary location of the solar pavilion has been determined. “It’s an outdoor classroom and they came and looked at the best ... Read More »

The enrollment window for Putnam County Schools opens Tuesday for new and returning students. Attendance Supervisor Chris Pierce said this registration welcome window is vital for families with pre-K and kindergarten students. Pierce said that students already in Putnam County pre-K should have a simple registration process if they are attending the school they’re zoned for. “For brand new families ... Read More »