Sparta Non-Profit Supporting Mothers Through Motherhood
A local new non-profit called Sparta MomCo is making efforts to support local mothers who are going through motherhood. Sparta MomCo Child Care Coordinator Zekiya Roberts said the group originated from Cookeville’s Mothers of Preschoolers group. Roberts said Sparta MomCo provides inspiring speakers, faith-based encouragement, and practical tools to mothers as they navigate motherhood. “Being […]
Hay Season In Full Swing, Rain Both Positive And Negative
The abundance of rain this spring and summer has helped hay production, but hurt the harvesting process. Overton County Ag Extension Agent Jason Garrett said the rain delayed the spring crop harvest. Garrett said cool season grasses are better when harvested earlier because of their nutrients. “Everybody was behind,” Garrett said. “Which affected the quality […]
Vaccines Keep Kids Healthy, Some Required For School
Vaccinations need to be part of your back to school checklist. Putnam County Health Department Nursing Supervisor Heidi Corbeil said vaccines are especially important for school age children because of a heightened risk of disease exposure. Corbeil said parents should get their kids vaccinated so they can stay healthy enough to attend school. “At four […]
Declining Butterfly Population Could Impact Entire Ecosystem
A new Journal Science study said butterfly populations have dropped some 22 percent across 554 recorded species nationwide. Entomologist Karla Addesso said factors like urbanization, insecticide use, and climate shifts over time have contributed to the decline. Addesso said the decline could cause a trickle down effect to other species. “Every little animal out there […]
Sparta Exploring Development Of Historic Walking Tour
The city of Sparta has donated $2,500 to the city’s historical board to help with exploration of developing a historic walking tour. Sparta Mayor Jerry Lowery said he proposed the idea to the historical board two years ago. Lowery said the walking tour would be called a Banjo Walk and would tell the history of […]
DeKalb Chamber Launches New Tourism-Focused Website
The Smithville-DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce has launched a new website dedicated to tourism around Center Hill Lake. Chamber Executive Director Suzanne Williams said the website will show off the Chamber’s new branding and professional photos of what DeKalb County has to offer. Williams said a strong online presence is important to growing tourism. “Our […]
Putnam Phone Policy Draws Mixed Reviews From Families
Putnam County Director of Schools Corby King said parents have responded in different ways to the school system’s new mobile device policy. King said on one hand, parents appreciate the district’s efforts to protect instructional time. King said others are not as excited about the changes, citing safety and communication concerns. King said both of […]
Tech’s Male-Female Ratio Positive Considering STEM Focus
Some Tennessee Tech Trustees expressed concern about the mix of male and female students accepted to Tennessee Tech, but officials believe the University is performing well. Media and Communications Director Jonathan Frank said Tech is a STEM-infused institution. Although more men accepted to Tech actually enroll than women, Frank said the College of Engineering is […]
