Cumberland Chair: Board Work Needed On Direction
Cumberland County School Board Chair Chris King said he’s unsure yet what the School Board will be looking for in a new Director Of Schools. The board voted 5-4 not to renew Billy Stepp’s contract. Steep’s current contract runs through June 30. “We’ve got a little time to talk about it of course I need […]
Warren Schools To Testify On Cell Phone Restrictions
The Warren County Board of Education and Director of Schools Grant Swallows will testify in front of the General Assembly on the system’s cell phone restrictions. Swallows said since the school board implemented the policy to increase restrictions on electronic devices, disciplinary rates have decreased from the previous year. Swallows said he and the school […]
Sparta Declines Donating To Local Non-Profit
The City of Sparta will not donate to a local non-profit’s cat spay and neuter program. Sparta Mayor Jerry Lowery said the county had discussions about making a donation to the program and matching whatever the city donates without consulting the city. Lowery said a resident approached the city and was willing to donate $5,000 […]
Nursing Apprenticeships Coming To UC
The state taking steps to address nursing shortages as the Tennessee Board of Nursing has approved LPN and RN apprenticeship programs. The Board of Regents Center for Workforce Development will work with TCAT schools, community colleges, and healthcare partners to implement the programs. TCAT McMinnville Nursing Director Kim Matheson said the apprenticeship programs are a […]
Private Leaders Support Choice, Concerns About Vouchers
Local Private School Leaders said they are not sure the impact of Tennessee’s new Voucher System. New Colossus Academy Headmaster Daniel Bailey said the voucher system would not affect the school as the school is a church-related category four school which the bill excludes. Bailey said he supports the idea of choice. “I think they […]
Crossville Connector Project Awaiting Next Step
Crossville’s Northside Drive/State Route 462 connector project awaiting funding, with plans complete and right-of-ways purchased. Regional Communications Officer Rae Anne Bradley said the next step is T-DOT’s annual selections for its Statewide Partnership Program. Bradley said Crossville applied last year. “There have been several changes to regulatory requirements since the plans were ready for construction,” […]
McMinnville Coach Program Focused On Family
McMinnville Rec Center has partnered with Vanderbilt University Medical Center to launch a new “Coach” Program. Wellness and Aquatics Coordinator Katie Smartt said the program focuses on providing knowledge to help people achieve healthier lifestyles. She said the program is unique as it addresses a specific need within the community: brining families together, encouraging them […]
Putnam To Replace Austin Bottom Station
Putnam County waiting on a variance from the state to move forward with replacing the fire station in the Austin Bottom area. Fire Chief Jeff Hicks said the new facility would house a full-sized tanker instead of the class A mini pumper currently there. Hicks said the station will remain unmanned but it would include […]
Headsets Arrive For Workforce Training
A $1.48 million grant will bring 46 virtual reality headsets to the Upper Cumberland for workforce development. UC Workforce Board Executive Director Becky Hull said the headsets will encourage career growth through training. Hull said the initiative aims to focus on rural futures. “We know that we have some really brilliant minds in the Upper […]
2 Local Farmers Selected For New Ag Program
Two Upper Cumberland farmers will learn more about new opportunities in agriculture and help grow the local Ag community through the state’s Agriculture and Forestry Leadership Program. Jim Bledsoe and Andy Davis will join some 50 people statewide in the program. Davis said he aims to bring valuable knowledge to the farm to bring new […]
