Gainesboro Secures Grant For Downtown Pocket Park
Gainesboro secured a $91,000 grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission to begin construction on a downtown pocket park. Roaring River Cultural Alliance’s Valerie Goetz told the Board of Aldermen Thursday the funding will not be enough to complete the park, but rather will complete the first phase. “We’re gonna need, there’s some, as we discovered […]
Sparta Board Maintains Tax Rate And Approves Budget
The Sparta Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved the first reading of the 2026-2027 fiscal year budget and maintained the property tax rate at $0.59. City Administrator Tonya Tindle said the tax rate remains the same from the previous fiscal year. Tindle said the budget ordinance establishes the spending levels for city departments through June […]
Cookeville City Council Approves Budget, Worker Raises
The Cookeville City Council approved a $244 million annual budget on first reading during its Thursday meeting. Finance Director Jenni Nisewander said the budget addresses priorities including capital infrastructure, equipment, and employee compensation. Nicewander said the spending plan includes a $2,000 market adjustment for all full-time employees and a merit raise of up to 2 […]
Baxter Board Approves Budget Addresses Rapid Growth
The Baxter Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved the first reading of the town’s 2026-2027 fiscal year budget Thursday night. Mayor Danny Holmes said the board spent significant time reviewing the financial plan for the general, special revenue, and water and sewer funds. Holmes said the process of balancing the budget is never easy, “I […]
Putnam County Schools Approve “Difficult” Budget Cuts
The Putnam County School Board approved a new budget Thursday that addresses a significant state funding shortfall while attempting to avoid a local tax increase. Director of Schools Corby King said the district is facing a $2.5 million decrease in expected state revenue compared to initial estimates provided earlier this year. “This has been the […]
Wine On The Plateau Benefits Cumberland County Charities
The Fairfield Glade Rotary Club hosts its annual Wine on the Plateau fundraiser Saturday assisting nonprofits throughout Cumberland County. Rotary International District 6780 Governor Deb Birdsall said the event typically raises between $18,000 and $20,000 each year to be distributed back into the community. Birdsall said the club has used previous proceeds to fund specific […]
Livingston To Commemorate Roberts’ Suffrage Legacy
Livingston is planning to install a new monument on the public square to commemorate the legacy of former Governor A.H. Roberts and his pivotal role in the Women’s Suffrage Movement. Livingston Main Street Commission Chairman Gene Gantt said the project is funded through a Celebrate America 250 grant intended to highlight contributions to American democracy. […]
School Officials Addressing Absences; Upper Grade Worst
Pickett County school officials implementing new strategies to reduce chronic absenteeism as nearly a quarter of the student population missed significant time last year. Director of Schools Melissa Robbins said absences become chronic when a student misses more than 18 days. . Robbins said the district identified the issue through state data and internal attendance […]
Yager, UC Leaders Building Rural Healthcare Grant Strategy
Senator Ken Yager coordinating with local mayors to prepare for a federal rural healthcare initiative that will provide Tennessee with approximately $1 billion over the next five years. Yager said the Rural Health Transformation Program provides $200 million annually to expand healthcare services exclusively within rural counties. Yager said the funding is intended for technology, […]
Appeals Window Open For Jackson Resident Appraisals
Jackson County residents can challenge new property tax appraisals through the Board of Equalization as the county undergoes its annual assessment review process beginning Monday. Jackson County Mayor Jim Morgan said property owners often seek appeals because they believe the assessed value of their land or home is incorrect. Morgan said the meetings allow individuals […]
