2025 Marks 30 Years For UC Habitat, Efforts In Four Counties
Upper Cumberland Habitat for Humanity is celebrating 30 years of building houses for local families in need. UC Habitat Executive Director Jeremy Byrd said many Habitat for Humanity affiliates that are volunteer-led struggle to remain active in their communities. Byrd said reaching 30 years as an affiliate is quite the accomplishment. “Just seeing how god […]
127 Yard Sale Originated In Fentress, Begins Thursday
The 127 Yard Sale, the world’s longest yard sale, returns for its 29th year this week. Fentress County Chamber Executive Director Jacob Rosenbaum said the 695 mile yard sale is headquartered in Fentress County. Rosenbaum said the idea came from a former County Mayor in the mid 90’s. “Fentress County Executive Mike Walker got together […]
National Night Out Tuesday Helps Build Bond With Residents
Cookeville Police Chief Scott Winfree said Tuesday’s National Night Out serves as a way to build relationships between police and the community. Winfree said he also wants the community to respect police officers for more than just someone who pulls you over when you do something wrong. “People need to see us not just as […]
Realtors Say Local Housing Market Currently Balanced
The consensus opinion among local realtors is that the Upper Cumberland housing market stands balanced as the national market cools. Local Real Estate Agent Ashley Martin said there is an uptick in the number of houses that are now listed on the market. Martin said that with more houses for sale, the market has become […]
New Budget Means New Funding Mechanism For Schools
The Putnam County Commission’s decision to use a percentage of sales tax revenue to fund schools a welcome revenue boost, according to School Board Member Kerry Ledbetter. The new county budget passed last week includes the change to a formula of 50 percent of sales tax revenue. Ledbetter said the change back will not only […]
Putnam Buses Ready To Take On Year, More Than 4K Riders
Putnam County Schools Transportation Director Ron Chaffin said that the school system’s buses are ready to take on the new school year. Chaffin said that before the previous school year ended, he began evaluating which buses would need the most maintenance over the summer. Chaffin said it takes the whole summer to complete maintenance on […]
Tick Related ER Visits Up Nationwide, More People Bitten
Tick bites have been a bigger problem than usual this year for emergency rooms nationwide and a Putnam County Ag Extension Agent said the weather may be a factor locally. Ag Extension Agent Wayne Key said the wet spring allowed ticks to populate, and they have acclimated well to the heat this summer. Key said […]
Chamber To Discuss Homelessness And Substance Abuse
The Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce will examine the issues of homelessness and substance abuse during a special meeting Thursday. Chamber Director of Membership Karlyn Reel said after having discussions with community members and business leaders, the chamber has learned that homelessness and substance abuse are impacting local businesses, churches, and non-profits. Reel said the […]
