Tag Archives: White County

Cases of the flu have significantly dropped so far this winter, and COVID precautions seem to be the reason why. That is according to Cookeville Physician Dr. James Batson. Batson said the United States is following the same trend that the southern hemisphere experienced. “During their winter, our summer, their flu season was the same,” Batson said. “It was very ... Read More »

Seeds of Hope in Sparta is raising money in hopes of securing a permanent location for its Coldest Nights Shelter. Someone can win a three-minute shopping spree at Sparta’s Save-A-Lot store. Executive Director Tina Lomax said the goal is $15,000. Lomax said getting a permanent location is about being able to offer more than a place to stay when temperatures ... Read More »

White County Executive Denny Wayne Robinson is asking for anyone 75 years or older to please contact the White County Health Department if they want the COVID vaccine. Robinson has the same message for anyone in group 1a1, 1a2 and 1b to please reach out to the health department because White County does not want to miss anyone in the ... Read More »

White County Special Education Teacher Nancy Benningfield has been selected as the Special Olympics USA Alpine Skiing Coach for the 2022 World Winter Games. Benningfield said going to Russia to coach is the biggest moment in her career, she has attended every state event in the last 15 years. Benningfield said everything she does is about the kids and showing ... Read More »

The possibility of Virgin Falls becoming a state park offers more than just natural beauty and recreational opportunity. Chamber of Commerce President Marvin Bullock said with the declaration, White County and Sparta will have a national draw for tourism. “It really does need to grow to a state park status,” Bullock said. “Get its own budget, and its own identity. ... Read More »

Residents of White County’s seventh district can now submit their name for nomination to become a county commissioner. During Monday’s commission meeting, the resignation of commissioner Bobby McCulley left the district with a vacant seat. County Executive Denny Wayne Robinson said residents can either reach out to his office or a county commissioner to be recommended. “County Commissioner Chairman will ... Read More »

District Attorney Bryant Dunaway cleared a White County Sheriff’s Deputy for the January 8 killing of a White County man. Dunaway said there is no evidence Deputy Cliff Altobelli used excessive force or committed a criminal offense in the shooting of 47-year-old Charlie Williams. Williams died as deputies tried to serve an arrest warrant at his Woodland Trail home in ... Read More »

White County will be surveying residents by phone as part of its grant application for two fire trucks. County Executive Denny Wayne Robinson said traditionally they would survey in-person for this roughly $500,000 grant. Robinson said residents will remain anonymous and their income will be the most invasive question asked. “That will help with fire protection, county wide and better ... Read More »

High school seniors are facing tough challenges in the pandemic world of college admissions and applications. Cookeville High School Counselor Stephanie Hardin said a lot of work has gone into trying to get information about applications and deadlines out to parents, when parent and senior meetings are cancelled. Hardin said the counseling team put together videos and packets, for families ... Read More »

The Upper Cumberland Regional Airport has been experiencing weather-related lighting outages. Airport Manager Dean Selby said with so many lights in the facility, maintaining them is an ongoing process. Selby said while the outages are not as serious as they have been in the past, the last one that happened was at the worst possible time. “We had one outage ... Read More »