Proposed Bill Allows Cities To Ban Smoking At Public Parks, Playgrounds
A proposed bill in the state legislature would give local governments authority to ban smoking at parks and playgrounds they own and operate. Cookeville may have helped spearhead interest in the bill after city council asked lawmakers to exempt Dogwood Park in 2017. That according to Power of Putnam Anti-Drug Coalition Executive Director Bill Gibson. […]
CRMC, Putnam EMS See Improvements in Sepsis Treatment
Cookeville Regional Medical Center (CRMC) and Putnam County EMS are seeing improvements after partnering to treat patients with sepsis. EMS Deputy Chief Darren Ford said first-responders have seen an increase in quality care given to patients with the disease. “Our crews have worked really hard at identifying these patients early in their assessments and starting […]
DHS Increases Reimbursement Rates for Child Care Providers
The Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS) will raise weekly reimbursements rates next month for participants of the state’s Child Care Certification Program. Department Commissioner Danielle Barnes said the increase provides additional support for child care providers and the parents they serve. “One thing we know for sure is that our partners in the field […]
Baxter Man Charged With Third DUI
The Tennessee Highway Patrol charged a Baxter man Tuesday with his third driving under the influence offense. 38-year-old Dominic L. Raby also faces charges of resisting arrest and driving on a revoked license. A state trooper arrested Raby following a traffic stop on Highway 70 in Putnam County. Arrest warrants indicate that Raby was failing […]
Algood Officials Continue Discussion on Emergency Dispatch
Algood city officials have resumed discussions on creating their own emergency dispatching system. Police Chief Dale Armour said Tuesday the biggest hurdle for the city will be obtaining the necessary resources to provide the service. “We have a radio system frequency already assigned to the city we could use,” Armour said. “Personnel’s going to be […]
Vets Recommend Vaccines After Increase In Equine Flu Cases
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture warns horse owners to take precautions after receiving an increase in equine flu cases. Clay County Animal Hospital’s Dr. Dawn Lindsey said vaccinating horses twice a year can help prevent spreading the flu virus. “Vaccination’s the only way, and ideally, horses should be vaccinated before the upcoming show season,” Lindsey […]
Warren County High School Hires New Football Coach
Warren County High School (WCHS) announced Monday Matt Turner will take over as the head football coach beginning in 2019. A press release from WCHS states Turner was chosen based on his ability to motivate and encourage student-athletes as well as his commitment to the community. Turner has served as the Pioneers’ assistant head coach […]
Putnam Commission To Consider Additional Life Insurance
Putnam County may increase the life insurance it provides to full-time law enforcement and emergency personnel. County Mayor Randy Porter said his proposal comes after the recent deaths of police officers and paramedics in Tennessee. “It’s devastating for those families to lose someone like,” Porter said. “I think it’s a small amount for us (county) […]
CRI Recommends Adjustments Following Algood Audit
Financial firm Carr, Riggs, & Ingram (CRI) presented Algood City officials with a clean audit report during Monday’s Council work session. Auditor Carlie Ezzle said the firm did find some minor mistakes typically found with smaller communities, including issues involving cash disbursement. “We tested 25 and there was one where the general ledger system… the […]
Porter Proposes Self-Funded Medical Insurance
Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter would like county commissioners to consider self-funded medical insurance for the county. Porter said the county has three options as it braces for an estimated 10-percent increase in insurance this year. “One is stay where we’re at with Blue Cross and continue on with whatever increase that they have,” Porter […]
