School Board Extends Director Dronebarger’s Contract
The White County School Board approved a new four-year contract for Director of Schools Kurt Dronebarger Thursday, extending his leadership through June, 2030. Board Chairman Bob Young said the decision serves as a gesture of goodwill to recognize the district’s high performance on state testing over the past several years. Young said the school system […]
New Clay High Principal Pushes ACT Growth, Attendance
Clay County High School Principal Carl Ledbetter told the School Board Thursday he is pushing to improve student outcomes by focusing on increasing ACT scores and student attendance rates. Ledbetter said he officially began his tenure as principal in May. Ledbetter said achieving this will require a culture of high expectations for every student regardless […]
Twenty-Two Arrested In Major Putnam Narcotics Sweep
The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office arrested 22 individuals Thursday in a countywide drug enforcement operation titled “Protecting Putnam County.” Months of investigations conducted by the agency’s narcotics division. Several types of illegal narcotics and firearms were seized during the investigations. The charges against the 22 individuals include the manufacture, delivery, and sale of methamphetamine, fentanyl, […]
UC Airport Greenlights Wildlife Fencing To Protect Facility
The Upper Cumberland Regional Airport Board will move forward with wildlife fencing for the facility to protect aircraft. Airport manager Dean Selby said grant funding will cover the initial design fee of $71,000 and the additional environmental study, which will costs some $43,000. Selby said the federal estimate for the entire cost of the wildlife […]
Annual Faith Gathering To Strengthen White County Community
White County residents will gather at the courthouse this Saturday for an annual day of prayer and fasting intended to unify the community and seek divine guidance for the state. White County Pray for Tennessee coordinator Miranda Sherrell said the local assembly is part of a larger statewide initiative that began with a 2024 General […]
Edgar Evins State Park To Reopen Following Storm Cleanup
Edgar Evins State Park will reopen Friday after a microburst storm last week caused significant damage. Park Manager 2 Brad Halfacre said crews have successfully restored water and power services to the park and the marina. Halfacre said the roadway is now clear and passable, though visitors will still see evidence of the cleanup as […]
McBride Named Interim Manager Following Selby Resignation
The Upper Cumberland Regional Airport Board named Heather McBride as interim airport manager following the resignation of Dean Selby. Selby said he accepted a chief officer position at a commercial service airport after receiving an unexpected call. Selby said the new role is out of state and represents an opportunity for professional growth that he […]
Spencer Water Infrastructure Improvements Near Completion
A $13 million infrastructure investment to bring the Spencer water system into full regulatory compliance nearing completion. Warren County Utility District General Manager Anthony Pelham said some 80 percent of the county currently meets all Stage 2 disinfection byproduct standards following recent system improvements. “We’re continuing to work on it every day and as I […]
Heavy Rainfall A Threat Across UC, Flooding A Concern
Emergency management officials warning residents across the Upper Cumberland to prepare for heavy rainfall and potential flash flooding during the next 48 hours. A weather system moving through the region threatens to drop up to four inches of rain through Sunday. Putnam County Deputy Director of Emergency Management Tyler Smith said the primary concern involves […]
