School Board Approves Cafeteria Budget Despite Deficit
White County School Board members concerned about the long-term health of its School Nutrition program, with increased commodity costs taking a bite. The fiscal year 2027 cafeteria budget includes a projected one percent deficit. Spending will increase some 4.5 percent next year. Finance Director Chad Marcum said the district has been drawing down on the […]
Fans Secure All Luxury Suites At Tennessee Tech Stadium
Tennessee Tech fans have secured all luxury suites at the new Tucker Stadium for the 2026 football season. The reserved club-level seating remains available, though midfield seats are almost gone. Tennessee Tech Athletic Director Casey Fox said the university is preparing for the stadium’s grand opening on August 29 against Monmouth. Fox said the facility […]
Putnam Schools Close Year Academically On The Rise
The books closed, the technology off as the Putnam County Schools wrapped up the school year Friday. Communications and Marketing Supervisor Buddy Pearson said the district earned more reward school designations and higher school letter grades during the 2025-2026 term than in previous years. Pearson said the school year ended with issues the system wish […]
Splash Pad Highly Attended During Cookeville’s Week One
A successful opening week for Cane Creek’s new splash pad, despite a lot of rain and some safety concerns. Vice Mayor Luke Eldridge said the facility has been overwhelmingly well-received by the community. Eldridge said the city is coordinating with installers to evaluate the slide run-out area and determine if additional bumpers or extensions are […]
Park, Van Buren Schools To Develop Little Falls Property
Van Buren County Schools will partner with Fall Creek Falls State Park to transform the district-owned Little Falls property into an outdoor classroom and community space. Director of Schools Katina Simmons said the initiative began when Assistant Park Manager Devin Simmons approached the district about utilizing the land for educational and public use. Simmons said […]
City Evaluates Topography Of Church Land For Connector
Cookeville is conducting geotechnical studies on property near the River Community Church to determine the feasibility of a new east-west connector road between South Willow Avenue and Bunker Hill Road. City Manager James Mills said the exploration of the proposed route will eventually help the city create a connection that extends to South Jefferson Avenue. […]
White County Board Passes $42 Million School Budget
The White County School Board will send a $42 million general purpose school budget to County Commissioners for final approval. Board of Education Chair Bob Young said the approved budget includes a deficit of approximately $4 million. Officials expect to offset that once federal program funding is released in the fall. Young said the board […]
Reward Offered For Armed Pickett County Murder Suspect
The TBI added a suspect in a fatal Pickett County shooting to the state’s Most Wanted List. 38-year-old Jesse Wayne Phillips wanted for second-degree murder in connection to an incident that occurred Wednesday on the 1000 block of Parker Road. A $2,500 reward being offered for information leading to Phillips’ arrest. Phillips reportedly driving a […]
ICE Operating In Cumberland, Putnam, Warren And White
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducting operations across the Upper Cumberland over the last two days, including arrests in Cookeville, Crossville and McMinnville. Putnam County Sheriff Eddie Farris said agents want to locate and arrest specific individuals who are both undocumented and possess significant criminal backgrounds.Farris said the agency is not conducting broad sweeps of […]
