Workforce Development’s Biggest Challenge Is Lack Of In-Person Interactions
Upper Cumberland Workforce Development Executive Director Becky Hull said face to face interactions being restricted has been a challenge when helping workers find jobs. “When you are working with someone who is looking to go back to school or has some type of barrier to employment whether it is soft skills, job interviewing skills, whatever […]
Sparta Rotary Club Trying New Style of Christmas Parade
Sparta residents will have to change the way they imagine the Sparta Rotary Club’s 75th annual Christmas Parade. This year the parade will be stationary and residents will drive-thru the parade instead of standing and watching floats go by. Sparta Rotary Club President Terri Whited said medical professionals reached out and suggested trying something different […]
Good Nutrition Habits for Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving comfort foods can bring people to the table, but they also tend to bring calories along with them. Cumberland County UT-TSU Family-Consumer Science Agent Kelli Roberson said dishes like special casseroles are where people should focus on moderation and remember they can always take leftovers. Roberson said if someone wants to load up their […]
Van Buren Auctioning Property After Original Plan Falls Through
Van Buren County is looking to sell the BDS property, after Mayor Greg Wilson said the original plans fell through because of the pandemic. Wilson said the property has to go back to committee because the original vote by commissioners was to put the property in conjunction with the county’s solid waste bid. Wilson said […]
Baxter FD Use Grant For New Thermal Camera To Navigate Smoke
The Baxter Fire Department is purchasing a thermal imaging camera after being awarded a Foundation for Rural Services grant Tuesday. Fire Chief Matthew White said the $5,000 camera will give fire fighters an edge when entering smoke filled buildings. “It gives us a digital picture of what is in the room even though the room […]
Sparta Man Dies After Being Struck By Truck
A pedestrian died along Highway 55 in Warren County just before daybreak Wednesday when he was struck by a truck. According to a preliminary report from the Tennessee Highway Patrol, 53-year-old Bobby Baker of Sparta died when the Freightliner truck driven by Michael Bradford of Rossville, Georgia struck him. Baker was standing in the middle […]
Local Christmas Trees Make for Fresh Christmas Trees
Christmas tree shopping season is here, but there’s still over a month until Christmas Day. Hardluck Tree Farm’s Diane Savage said they are shaping trees about the same time large retailers are cutting theirs down for sale. Savage said that could lead to an unsatisfactory tree when December 25 rolls around. “The ones that you […]
Digital Sign, New Banners Planned for Putnam Library
The Putnam County Library is looking to upgrade its exterior with a new digital marquee and new banners. Library Director Phil Schaller said getting rid of the old signage will display more information about things taking place at the library. Schaller said the library actually wants people to judge a book by its cover in […]
The Do’s And Don’ts Of Frying A Turkey
For those considering frying your turkey this Thanksgiving, be mindful of the fire dangers involved. Turkey fryers commonly overheat and start grease fires without the right precautions. Putnam County Fire Chief Tom Brown said the first step to safely fry a turkey is thawing the meat. “You introduce a frozen turkey to super heated grease […]
UC Businesses Prepare For Weekend Shoppers To Stay Local
Small businesses across the Upper Cumberland are anticipating a busier shopping weekend with COVID keeping customers local. Sparta’s Fragrant Mushroom Owner Sherri McNeil said she expects her pottery and art sales to rival the big box stores. “We are not near as busy as some of the box stores, but I really think this year […]
