Budget Includes $74M In Capital Projects, Road Improvements
Cookeville will spend some $74 million on capital projects under a budget proposal unveiled Thursday. City Manager James Mills said that number is a slight reduction from the $80 million spent in this fiscal year. A new fire training center and two major road projects highlight the list. Mills said that includes the next step […]
$310K Paving Contract Awarded, Concern About Local Biz
The Clay County Board of Education awarded a $310,000 paving contract Thursday to resurface the parking lot at the Celina K-8 School. Chairman Benji Bailey said the board received five bids for the project. The board also considered whether to hire a civil engineer or a specialist to oversee the work. “We have several surfaces […]
UC Bear Sightings Reported, Very Common In Spring
A local wildlife expert said residents should remove outdoor food attractants following a series of bear sightings in the Upper Cumberland region. TWRA Wildlife Information Specialist Mime Barnes said it is common for young bears to be seen this time of year as they head out on their own for the first time to find […]
Leadership Putnam Now Accepting 2027 Class Applications
Leadership Putnam accepting applications for its class of 2027 as the community-based program prepares to train a new group of local leaders. Director Angie Wells said the program typically selects some 25 applicants for each cycle. Wells said the program can be eye-opening to Putnam County residents as the chamber and its members shed light […]
UC Vets Will Benefit From New State Resource Portal
Tennessee launching a new statewide portal to provide veterans and their families with streamlined access to resources including housing, food, and financial assistance. Putnam County Veteran Service Officer Mark Harris said the Veterans Connect portal allows users to search for specific services by zip code to find immediate help within their local communities. Harris said […]
Celina Students Explore Global Cultures in Annual Project
Clay County middle school students spending this week in an annual cultural project that explores the history and lifestyles of different countries. Principal David Maxfield said the school has conducted the Around the World Project for several years to allow students to work in groups and represent specific nations. Maxfield said the event typically involves […]
Vol State’s Brooks Said Many Don’t Know About TN Reconnect
A new state report shows participation in the Tennessee Reconnect program has dropped almost in half since its inception in 2018. Vol State Upper Cumberland Regional Director Sam Brooks said the primary obstacles preventing adults from returning to school are time constraints and existing family obligations. Brooks said the college is also navigating a fragmented […]
Cookeville “Safe” Budget: No Property Tax Rise, Salaries Up
Cookeville’s new budget includes no property tax increase and a “safe approach” based on unknowns in the economy. City Manager James Mills presented the budget to the City Council Thursday. The proposed $244 million budget includes a $2,000 market adjustment for all full-time employees and a merit raise of up to two percent based on […]
