Overton Schools Boost Pay To Ensure Substitute Coverage
The Overton County School Board discussed Tuesday night plans to increase substitute teacher pay for the upcoming school year. The move will help the system remain competitive with neighboring districts and ensure consistent classroom coverage.Board member William Abston said the district previously struggled with no-call, no-shows when neighboring Putnam County offered higher rates. “It came […]
Warren Schools Expand Sports Access For Private Students
The Warren County Board of Education approved a policy revision Tuesday allowing private school students to participate in public school sports if their current school does not offer the program. Director of Schools Grant Swallows said the change aligns local policy with a new state law regarding interscholastic athletics. Swallows said the access applies specifically […]
McMinnville Ends Free Facility Rentals For Nonprofits
The McMinnville Parks and Recreation Committee voted Tuesday night to eliminate free facility rentals for non-profit organizations and governmental agencies. Parks and Recreation Director Justin Scott said the department previously hosted five major events for free last year that resulted in a combined financial loss of nearly $13,000. Scott said the new policy implements a […]
Tennessee Native Gardening Bolsters Pollinator Populations
Local residents have a chance to play their own part in the pollination process this week during National Pollinator Week. Putnam County UT Agriculture Extension Agent Wayne Key said pollinators serve as the foundation for seed and fruit production. Key said creating habitats for native bees and butterflies in home landscapes directly impacts the food […]
Warren Commission Passes Data Center Moratorium
The Warren County Commission the latest local entity to pass a 12-month moratorium on data centers to allow officials time to research the potential impact of the facilities. Economic and Agriculture Committee Chairman Brad Hillis said the committee heard from 12 residents regarding their feelings on the issue. Hillis said the committee recommended the moratorium […]
Planning Commission Streamlines Subdivision Plat Approvals
Certain minor subdivision plats can now move forward in Cookeville without requiring a formal Planning Commission hearing. Community Development Director Jon Ward said the change aligns local regulations with Tennessee state law to speed up the development process for smaller projects. Ward said the amendment specifically applies to plats involving no more than 25 lots […]
Crossville Wildlife Photographer Secures TWRA Selection
A Crossville wildlife photographer secured a repeat selection for TWRA’s annual calendar after submitting a photograph of a black bear mother and her cub. Bill Gelsleichter said the winning image was captured just outside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. “I enjoy the wildlife in Tennessee and pretty much anywhere, and it’s just when somebody looks […]
DeKalb Commission Passes Budget Despite Delay Attempt
The DeKalb County Commission approved the 2027 budget and tax levy after a motion to delay the vote for further public review failed. Commissioner Beth Pafford said she wanted to remove the first six items from the agenda to allow more time for the public and commissioners to review the completed budget documents. Pafford said […]
CRMC Leaders Share Importance Of 340B Program Nationally
Cookeville Regional reinvesting some $16.9 million in annual savings from a federal drug pricing program to maintain critical healthcare services. CEO Buffy Key said the 340B program requires drug manufacturers to provide discounted pricing to eligible public hospitals that serve uninsured and low-income populations. Key said the medical center provides approximately $34 million in uncompensated […]
Putnam Republicans Back Conservative Cookeville Candidates
The Putnam County Republican Party endorsing a slate of five conservative candidates for the Cookeville City Council to promote shared values in the upcoming nonpartisan election. Putnam County Republican Party Chair Charlotte Sanders said the organization is promoting Ali Bagci, Luke Eldridge, Chad Gilbert, Mason Harville and Kelly Parkison as its chosen candidates. Sanders said […]
