Commission Leaning Toward PCHS Renovation
The sentiment among Pickett County Commissioners Monday night favored renovating Pickett County High School rather than building a new facility. County Executive Stephen Bilbrey said that a consulting architect has inspected the building and that renovating would cost anywhere from $2 million to $10 million. Building a new school would cost anywhere from $20 million […]
Putnam Developing Deportation Program With ICE
The Putnam County Sheriff’s Department is working with Immigration and Customs Enforcement to create a new deportation program. Sheriff Eddie Farris told the county commission about the plan Monday night, saying the 287(g) program is designed to handle any illegal immigrants that commit violent crimes. Farris said the program would allow the county to apprehend […]
Fentress Commissioner Crabtree Resigns
Fentress County Fifth District Commissioner Mark Crabtree resigned Monday. County Commissioners approved the process to replace Crabtree Monday night, accepting applications from interested residents for the next 30 days. The candidate will meet with commissioners in a work session on January 21, with a vote scheduled later that night during the regular commission meeting. Crabtree […]
Interstate Drive Water Line Project Set For Design
Cookeville City Council will consider a contract Thursday to begin the design phase for a water line replacement on Interstate Drive. Water and Sewer Department Director Barry Turner told the council during Monday’s work session that the portion of the water line from Humble Drive to Walnut Avenue has had a number of issues in […]
Putting Items Together Can Bring Out Scrooge
Christmas is the season of joy, until you have to start putting your child’s gifts together. Local Handyman Jesse Barnes said most times people make mistakes when they do not use the right tools or have clear directions. Barnes said more people have problems with putting things together now, compared to several years ago. “They […]
Gainesboro Addressing Library Drainage
The Charles Ralph Holland Memorial Library is getting help from Gainesboro to handle some drainage issues. Public Works Supervisor Johnny Pigg said water is running off the roadway and collecting around the back of the library. Pigg said heavy rains have the chance to seep into the building and damage the interior. “We’re just in […]
Sparta Taking Bids To Demolish Two Buildings
Sparta currently taking bids to demolish two buildings on West Bockman Way and East Bronson Street. Mayor Jerry Lowery said the city acquired a building on Bockman Way across from South Carter Park with hopes of renovating it but costs were too high. Lowery said the city decided to go through with demolition because the […]
Jury Selection Moved Back To Justice Center
After a multi-month experiment, Putnam County jury selection has now been moved back to the Putnam County Justice Center. The county previously moved the process to the Cookeville Police Department in early May because of parking and space issues downtown. Putnam County Circuit Court Clerk Jennifer Wilkerson said the judges decided to move the jury […]
Warren, Van Buren DA Indicted After November Gunfire
31st District Attorney Chris Stanford indicted Monday on one count of reckless endangerment following a November incident in Smithville. The incident happened during the pursuit of fugitive from Warren County November 21. The TBI investigation found Stanford fired a gun several times on Bell Street in Smithville, striking a home occupied by a woman and […]
Tech Named Among Best Places To Work In TN
Tennessee Tech has been named to the list of 2025’s “Best Place to Work in Tennessee” by Best Companies Group and the Tennessee Society for Human Resource Management. The list based on factors including corporate culture, training and development opportunities, salary and benefits and overall employee satisfaction. Detailed employee surveys were also used to get […]
