Candidates For Commission Seat Considered
Six Dekalb County residents are expected to be considered Monday night by County Commissioners to take over the third district seat. Susannah Cripps resigned in December. The term is set to expire August 31, 2026. The candidates who announced their intentions Thursday night include Stuart Colwell, Johnny Croom, Len Dickens, Brandon Donnell, Eden Nokes, and […]
Monterey Trail Idea Falls Through
Monterey’s idea to expand the rail trail from Monterey to Algood has hit a stop sign. Alderman Bill Wiggins said after receiving approval on the idea from the Nashville and Eastern Railway Authority the town did not hear back for several weeks. Wiggins said eventually the town received a notice that some of the people […]
Holiday Stress Leads To January Issues For Many
Many people experience mental health issues and depression in the weeks after the holidays. Mental Health Cooperative Supervisor Kayla Jackson said the uptick is largely driven by the pressures and expectations surrounding the holiday period. Jackson said misconceptions on social media about the ‘perfect family holiday’ are a challenge for many. Jackson said the longer, […]
Jackson Plans To Build First Animal Shelter
Friends Of Jackson County Animal Shelter plan to build the county’s first shelter, with construction to finish late 2026 or early 2027. Friends President Mark Pack said the organization received a property donation this past fall. Pack said the shelter is starting from the ground up and is currently in the first of four stages. […]
Speedway Zoning Variances May Signal Movement
Two decisions by the Cookeville Board of Zoning Appeals could signal the long-awaited Speedway Gas Station project will move forward on Jefferson Avenue. Board of Zoning Appeals Member Michael Detwiler said the variances requested included a grade to the parking lot to allow the parking areas to exceed five percent of the property. The board […]
King Said Many Concerned About Rural Impact Of Vouchers
As legislators begin discussions on vouchers Monday, Putnam County Director of Schools Corby King said rural Republican lawmakers are troubled over the bill’s impact on rural schools. King said rural districts face fewer educational options. Some fifty Tennessee counties do not offer a private school. With smaller student populations, the loss of any students could […]
Byrdstown Eyeing Generators For Water System
Byrdstown applying for a federal grant to purchase and install generators for the town’s water system. Mayor Sam Gibson said the project would involve installing generators at the water intake and the water plant facilities. Gibson said the town currently does not have any in place for the water system. “If we had something to […]
Count To Assess Region’s Homelessness Issue
Homeless Advocacy for Rural Tennessee will be performing its point-in-time homeless count Tuesday. Overton County Point-In-Time Count Captain Connie Garrett said HART helps 18 counties across the Upper Cumberland understand the depth of the homelessness problem. Garrett said HART performs count once every year as requested by the United States Department of Housing and Urban […]
Putnam Board Opposes Voucher Bill
Putnam County School Board passed a resolution Saturday opposing the state’s proposed voucher bill. With a special legislative session set to begin Monday on the topic, the board called a special meeting Saturday. Dr. Dawn Fry made the motion. The board approved the resolution unanimously. The resolution said school choice already exists using transfers, charter […]
PEP Foundation Opens Jere Whitson Food Pantry
The Putnam Education Partnership Foundation has opened a new food pantry at Jere Whitson Elementary School to fight food insecurity. PEP Foundation Executive Director Katelyn Steakley said the foundation noticed a hunger barrier at the school. “Jere Whitson has a unique situation,” Steakley said. “They have 206 children who are on our backpack program which […]
