Putnam Mayoral Candidates Discuss Growth And Infrastructure
Candidates for Putnam County Mayor discussed the challenges of rapid population growth and the resulting strain on local infrastructure during Wednesday night’s candidate forum. Incumbent Mayor Randy Porter said the county experienced an unexpected surge in residents following the 2020 tornado and the COVID-19 pandemic. Porter said while the county was growing at a steady […]
Cookeville Upgrades Downtown Look With Taller Poles
Cookeville will phase out the remaining 12-foot decorative street poles in its downtown area to complete a transition to taller 14-foot models to improve the cityscape. Cookeville Energy Department Director Carl Haney said the city started using decorative poles roughly 30 years ago before switching the standard height to 14 feet 10 years later. Haney […]
Free Storyfest Features National Headliner, Local Talent
National Storytelling favorite Andy Offutt Irwin headlines Saturday’s annual Storyfest at Cookeville’s Dogwood Park. Cookeville Museums Manager Beth Thompson said the event is moving to the main stage of the performance pavilion to better utilize the downtown resource. Thompson said the festival has been a community tradition in Cookeville since 2014 and remains free to […]
Livingston Academy Gym Primed For $1.4 Million Upgrade
Overton County Schools awarded a bid to modernize the Livingston Academy gym, the first major upgrade since its 1976 construction. Director of Schools Kim Dillon said work from Midstate Construction on the $1.4 million-project is scheduled to begin on May 18 following the conclusion of graduation and awards ceremonies. “The gym floor we’ve had issue after […]
Upgrades, Prevention Plans Reviewed By Airport Board
Upper Cumberland Regional Airport set to undertake several infrastructure upgrades, including foundation repairs to Hangar Row A. Airport Director Dean Selby said work on the hangar row is expected to start within the next two weeks and be finished in 60 days. “We’ve still got some issues to work through, it’s a work in progress,” […]
Warren County Bus Services Transition To Ecco Ride
Following a competitive bidding process, Warren County Schools transitioning its student transportation services to a new firm. Director of Schools Grant Swallows said the new contract with Ecco Ride begins July 1 after the company provided the low bid. It came during a required five-year review of transportation services. Swallows said the transition involves a […]
Butler Proud Of Data Center Reform, Wants More For Bridges
State Representative Ed Butler said a 10-year extension for courthouse revitalization funding and new legislation on data centers among his highlights in the just-completed legislative session. Butler said the costs for new power lines or substations to build out data centers are too often being passed on to rate payers nationwide. “It’s kind of a […]
Lee Visits Sparta, Crossville On Tennessee 250 Tour
Governor Bill Lee visited Sparta and Crossville Wednesday as part of his Tennessee 250 Tour, celebrating America’s independence and reflecting on his tenure as governor. Lee said he and First Lady Maria Lee intend to visit every county in the state during the tour to mark the national milestone. Lee said the tour was inspired […]
Cookeville Burn Ban Remains, No Significant Rainfall
Cookeville Fire Officials said the rain of the last two days not enough as a burn ban remains in effect. No open burning allowed in the city limits. Officials said the ban will help reduce wildfire risk. Fire officials said last week it would take two or three days of extended rain to relieve the […]
Riddle’s Presence, Team Mindset Fuel Clay County Tennis
At Clay County High School, tennis player Martina Riddle has spent four years quietly building consistency, leadership, and energy. Riddle’s path into the sport started close to home. Her sister played first, and that was all it took. From there, Riddle said she grew into a dependable piece of Clay County’s lineup, developing not just […]
