Cookeville’s Gondola’s Pizza House Closes
Cookeville’s Gondola’s Pizza House has closed after being in business since 1968. Lambros and Helen Lainos have operated the Italian restaurant for the past five years. Helen Lainos said COVID did play a role, but the deciding factor was changes to the Jefferson Avenue location. “There is a road being widened. We are going to […]
Child Advocacy Days Event Begins In Tennessee
The 30th annual Child Advocacy Days begin Tuesday to renew, refresh and refocus following 2020. Krisi Paling is the Upper Cumberland Regional Coordinator for the Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth. Paling said this event helps build connections and offer education to support the network of advocates around the state. “All those interested can really […]
Sparta Hopes For New Transformer Fall 2021
Sparta is moving forward to replace its spare transformer to secure its backup power plan. The transformer is shared with Caney Fork Electric Cooperative. Utilities Manager Belva Bess said Sparta is responsible for 45 percent of the cost on the $795,000 equipment. “We went ahead and contacted the low bidder, we had to send all […]
Warren School System Keeps Four-Day In-Person Schedule
The Warren County School System will not return to a 5-day in-person schedule. Director of Schools Grant Swallows said he anticipates finishing the year with schools in-person four days a week. Swallows said this is not the preferred method for learning but the system still have roughly 800 students fully virtual. “Many of our teachers […]
Obed River Park Closed Tuesday For Controlled Burn
Cumberland County’s Obed River Park will be closed Tuesday for a controlled burn of the grassland area. Parks and Recreation Director Donnie Moody said residents nearby are advised to keep there windows closed and limit outdoor activities. “This will be between Highway 70 and Highway 127 kind of behind Lowe’s and around Charleston Plantation Apartments,” […]
Late Winter Sees Increase In Coyote Activity
This time of year Upper Cumberland communities could be seeing higher numbers of coyotes. McMinnville being the most recent with officials approving the search for outside removal services for the population. TWRA Information & Education Officer Mime Barnes said coyotes are very common, but a late winter mating season makes the canine species more active. […]
McMinnville Preparing For Busy Spring At Dog Park
The McMinnville Dog Park has been opened for over six months and owners and dogs alike are enjoying the open space. Parks and Recreation Assistant Director Justin Scott said usage during the winter was good, but the city is preparing for a busier spring. “I got maintenance guys that are there checking on it five […]
Putnam Co. COVID Clinics Moving Locations Wednesday
Putnam County COVID clinics will operate at new locations and times starting Wednesday. Health Department Director Lisa Bumbalough said COVID vaccinations are moving back to the Putnam County Fairgrounds for the 1-C phase. “Folks will enter on Walnut Avenue just as they have in the past,” Bumbalough said. “It will continue to be a drive […]
Williams Introduces Bill Based On Cookeville Panhandling History
State Representative Ryan Williams has introduced a bill to answer safety concerns for panhandlers in the Cookeville area. Williams said he communicated with Putnam County Sheriff Eddie Farris and Cookeville Police Chief Randy Evans while drafting it. “So the goal of this bill is just to give law enforcement the ability to be able to […]
White Schools Expanding Computer Science Options Next Fall
The White County School System is introducing more after school computer science programs starting next fall. Director of Schools Kurt Dronebarger said the goal is to prepare students for a successful career in the post secondary education world. “Basically, we are going to be doing after school activities to expand student’s interest in computer science,” […]
