Highway 127 Project Might Lead To More Attention On Similar Project In Nearby Corridor Between Celina And Baxter
With state and local officials hoping to put more money into the Highway 127 expansion through Cumberland and Fentress Counties, the region might turn its attention to another project to drive economic development. Just as a four-lane road between I-40 and Jamestown will open up new opportunities, some local leaders believe a widened corridor between […]
Juneteenth Scholarship Pageant Empowers and Highlights Youth of Color
This weekend’s Second Annual Juneteenth Scholarship Pageant offers educational funding and skill development for future leaders. Director Johnnie Wheeler said she was excited that the pageant was adding two more classes this year to give opportunities and experience to more young women. Wheeler said the scholarship pageant focuses more on character than appearance. “And to […]
Local Obstetrician Encouraged By Recent State Data On Birth Weights
New state data shows that several Upper Cumberland counties are decreasing the percentage of children born at a low birth weight. Clay County was previously ranked 60th, and has climbed to 35th statewide. Fentress County is currently ranked fifth, the highest of the Upper Cumberland counties. Diana Health Obstetrician Dr. Paige Gernt said the average […]
Overton Pickett Emergency Communication Department Updating Phone System
The Overton/Pickett Emergency Communication Department hopes to update its phone system in the upcoming fiscal year. Director Chris Massiongale said the new phone system is being added to the next fiscal year’s budget, which will be voted on Thursday night. He said Tennessee mandates 911 phone systems be updated every five to ten years. “These […]
Rising Costs Of Autopsies Effecting Putnam County EMS Budget
Rising costs of autopsies could have an effect on the Putnam County EMS budget. Putnam County Coroner and EMS Director Tommy Copeland said inflation is to blame. He said there has been about a 25 percent increase in the past year. “The folks that do our autopsies in Nashville have increased the cost to $2300 […]
Cookeville Hopeful To Finalize Land Agreement For 10th St. Phase II
Cookeville officials hope to have the final pieces of land in place for the next phase of 10th Street widening by the end of the month. Phase II will stretch from Old Kentucky Road to Fisk Road. City Manager James Mills said out of 29 parcels of land, the city still needs to obtain the […]
Canadian Wildfires Having An Impact On Air Quality In Upper Cumberland
Wildfires in Canada are having an effect on the skies over the Upper Cumberland. National Weather Service Nashville Meteorologist Brittney Whitehead said even with the fires being as far away as Canada, the haze in the air is showing its effect. “We actually have a pretty strong low-pressure system that has been circulating over the […]
Putnam School Board Members Reflect On Jerry Maynard’s Legacy
Long-time Putnam County educator and former school board member Jerry Maynard passed away Tuesday at the age of 80. Board Member Dawn Fry said she first came to know Maynard when she joined the board. She said Maynard will be remembered for his passion for education and his advocacy for employees of the school system. […]
External Defribillators More Common at Churches
You are more likely to see an External Defibrillator in your Upper Cumberland church. Mended Hearts Cookeville focuses on providing life-saving Automated External Defribillators at no cost to qualifying churches. President Blanche Smithers said any nonprofit may qualify by meeting guidelines such as a percentage of members certified to use the AED. “When they administer […]
Overton Food Pantry Opens Friday
Overton County’s Love Thy Neighbor Food Pantry begins food distribution Friday. Director Scott Smith said his pastor at First Baptist Church had the idea for a food pantry back in January. Smith said they did some research and found that there was an extreme need for food assistance in Overton County. “And I know to […]
