Jamestown Park Adds Sensory Friendly Playground Equipment
The Jamestown Rotary Club has added sensory-friendly playground equipment to Jamestown City Park. President April Conatser said sensory parks are designed to stimulate or soothe the five senses. Conatser said the club saw a need for space in the park where anyone could play, regardless of their ability. “Every element of the area was chosen […]
Downtown Cookeville Buildings Nearly Full, Called Accomplishment
Cookeville has a good problem: no vacancies in the downtown area. Few vacant commercial spaces available. CityScape Executive Director Ferran Kefauver said that due to growth, Cookeville is no longer the hidden gem it once was. Kefauver said having a fully occupied downtown says a lot about the people in Cookeville. “Most everyone has a […]
6 UC Private Schools Enroll In School Choice Voucher Program
Six Upper Cumberland Schools have signed up with the state to accept the new Education Freedom Scholrships, more commonly known as vouchers. Three schools in Warren County, two in Putnam and one in Cumberland registered. Debbie Baker serves as president of Heritage Academy in Monterey. She said the school enrolled so private education could be […]
Revision Delays Dodson Branch Annexation Public Hearing
Cookeville will get public input next month on a proposed annexation in the Dodson Branch Road-Shipley Road area. Community Development Director Jon Ward said the City Council had been contacted by other interested parties in the area who wanted to be included in the annexation. Ward said the latest revision added 13 parcels along Shipley […]
DeKalb Commissioners Approve Smith Road Site for Jail
After months of discussion, the DeKalb County Commissioners have committed to purchase property on Smith Road to construct a new jail. The commission will purchase an estimated 71.5 acres. The final cost will not exceed $1.8 million. Core drilling results are also pending. Jail Committee Chairman Larry Green said Smith Road was the best option. […]
Averitt Express Named To 2025 BWC Honor Roll
The Tennessee Bureau of Workers’ Compensation announced on Tuesday that Cookeville’s Averritt Express has been named to the 2025 REWARD Honor Roll. The state recognized Averitt for its exceptional return-to-work programs, which prioritize employee recovery and resilience after a workplace injury. This is the second straight year that Cookeville’s Averitt Express has been named to […]
Crossville Approves $36.1 Million Budget On Final Reading
Crossville City Council approved an estimated $36.1 million budget on final reading during a special-called meeting Tuesday afternoon. The budget does not feature a tax increase. Some Council Members did express concern that they did not hear more from department heads during the process about each department’s requests. Council Member Mark Fox said he feels […]
Residents Worried About Traffic, Density Smith Road Project
The Cookeville Planning Commission approved an increased density of 12 homes for property along Bill Smith Road Monday night. Residents voiced concerns including increased traffic and possible poor quality in the construction. James Loates lives about a block from the lot. He said photos presented at the meeting do not show how small it is. […]
Livingston Considering Water Rate Increase, For Repairs
Livingston Aldermen discussed looking at a potential water rate increase during a Monday night work session. Finance Officer Joel Parks said the city faces significant expenditures for repairs in the city’s water and sewer system. Parks said consideration of a water rate increase is necessary. “It may be determined that you don’t need one,” Parks […]
