Bradford Pears Have Beautiful Blooms, But Have Better Alternatives
The blooming of the first Bradford pear trees marks the return of spring to the Upper Cumberland. However, Overton Extension Agent Jason Garrett said that Bradford pears are not his first choice of tree to get a spring bloom. “A pear tree, one might have noticed, they’re a really soft bark,” Garrett said. “they contain […]
Legalizing Fentanyl Testing Strips Could Save Lives From Overdoses Or Exposure
A new bill being considered in the legislature could make fentanyl testing strips legal in the state of Tennessee. Cumberland County Drug Prevention Coalition Director Bob Valerio said the bill is just another harm reduction tool that can be used to combat the opioid crisis. He said that fentanyl testing strips are illegal currently because […]
Van Buren Schools Approve $120K Paving Project Through State Grant
Van Buren School Board will invest some $120,000 in paving work at the system’s schools. Director Cheryl Cole said that paving and striping are a massive need for the system. She said that they’ve just been resurfacing the lots as needed until this point. “The striping is in bad shape, people don’t know where to […]
TTU Approves New Agricultural Technology Innovation Center
Tennessee Tech will get a new $1 million Agricultural Technology Innovation Center as one of the approved projects for the fiscal year. Dean of the School of Agriculture and Ecology Dr. Darron Smith said that he calls the new facility a “student success center.” He said it will serve as a place where students can […]
Fewer Than 70 COVID Cases Reported Across UC This Week
Fewer than 70 COVID cases have been reported across the Upper Cumberland in the week ending Saturday. The state collects and reports COVID data weekly based on reports shared with the health departments. Positive cases have decreased some 78 percent over the last four weeks. Cumberland County tallied a region-high 21 positive cases over last […]
Great American Cleanup Begins Keeping Putnam Communities And Environment Beautiful
The Great American Cleanup begins this Tuesday encouraging community members to do their part against litter. The Cookeville-Putnam County Clean Commission is an affiliate of the organizer Keep America Beautiful. Chapter President Lisa Luck said you can participate in your own neighborhood or join a scheduled cleanup. It doesn’t matter as long as you are […]
WCTE Annual Dinner Celebrating Viewers, Tickets Available Now
Buy your tickets now to attend WCTE’s annual dinner. The event takes place Tuesday March 22nd at the Leslie Town Centre. General Manager Avery Hutchins said the dinner returns in-person for the first time since 2019. “They can expect to have a nice dinner,” Hutchins said. “We’re going to be recognizing several award recipients both […]
Van Buren Schools Purchasing Two Health Science Simulators
Van Buren School Board approved the purchase of two simulators for their CTE students Wednesday night. Director of Schools Cheryl Cole said Alex Pro Patient Simulator and the Ambulance Simulator will total some $86,000 from the system’s $124,000 Supporting Access in Rural Counties Grant (SPARC). “The ambulance simulator, I have actually seen it in action,” […]
