New Fentress Courthouse Renovations Showcase Historic Look
The Fentress County Courthouse is rounding the corner on completion after beginning work in October. County Executive Jimmy Johnson said that they are 85-90 percent complete on the project. Johnson said an emphasis has been put on keeping the historic feel to the building. “We’re losing so much history in the country nowadays,” Johnson said. […]
Pickett Schools Receiving Solar Pavilion And Energy Upgrades
Energy efficient facilities are coming to Pickett County Schools after receiving a $400,000 TVA grant. Director of Schools Diane Elder said as a part of the grant, a brand new solar powered pavilion will be constructed by the school ag learning center. “We’re thinking an outside room that is maybe an art class wants to […]
Gainesboro Takes First Step With CDBG Sewer Rehab Funds
Some $600,000 worth of sewer upgrades are coming to Gainesboro this year. The Board of Aldermen started the process of spending the awarded Community Development Block Grant. Engineer Nathaniel Green said the approved $76,000 contract is the first appropriations to find where rehab is needed. “We have to basically TV inside the lines and perform […]
Local Home School Program Expects More Students To Return To Public Education
The number of home schooled students is expected to decline as COVID numbers fall. That is according to the Daniel 1 Academy Assistant Principal Jackie Holman. Holman said its home school program did see an increase since the pandemic began, but some seem to be returning to public school. “They choose to home school for […]
Jackson Kayak Needing To Hire To Meet Continued Demand
Jackson Kayak is looking to hire 11 additional employees to try and meet its order demands. Human Resources Manager Jeff Leach said Jackson Kayak has been averaging 400-500 units per week, sometimes reaching 600 units a week. Leach said due to difficulties navigating the backlog he anticipates facility expansion. “Right now we are hiring 11 […]
Avoid Blowing Cut Grass into Roadways, Warn Officials
It’s grass-cutting season once more, but Tennessee officials advise against blowing cut grass into roadways. The clippings can pose a danger to motorcyclists and cyclists, roadways, and the environment. Cookeville Public Works Director Greg Brown said when cut grass gets into storm sewage systems, it can create issues for not only you but your neighbors […]
Gainesboro Alderman Wants Safety Equipment And Training For Line Workers
Gainesboro Alderman Travis Agee is recommending that the city gets up to date with OSHA requirements. Agee said he wants all water line workers to complete a 10 hour training program for trench and excavation safety. “We don’t have anything, and a lot of our lines are three foot or deeper,” Agee said. “We’re already […]
“Very Good” Strawberry Picking Season Begins
This year’s Upper Cumberland strawberry crop will be one of the best in recent years according to local farmers. Strawberry season typically runs from mid-April to mid-June, as strawberries thrive in warm, sunny environments. Though the Upper Cumberland has seen some cold snaps this spring, Edwards Orchard farmer and owner Bobby Edwards said it will […]
Van Buren High School FFA Team Takes 7th In State Competition
Van Buren County High School’s FFA Envirothon team took seventh place in the state this year. Agriculture Teacher Lance Smith said the team tested over five agriculture topics to win the Upper Cumberland region. Smith said when you get to state, his team had to take a real world problem for a land owner and […]
New Cumberland EMS Team For Faster Care In Hostile Situations
The Cumberland County EMS team wants to save more lives through the creation of the region’s first Tactical EMS team. The team will go with SWAT teams into tactical situations, like school shootings or hostage situations, to provide more immediate care. Paramedic Training Officer and Special Ops Unit Commander Daniel Coleman said the formation of […]
