Leisure Services Revives Tap Dancing After Decades
Cookeville Leisure Services reviving its tap dancing program after several decades to expand the variety of recreational offerings available through the Cookeville School of Dance. Cultural Arts Superintendent Rex Bennett said the department received numerous requests from community members and finally secured an instructor. Bennett said the new classes will include options for both school-aged […]
Fentress Teacher Mentors Eighth-Grade Student Author
A Fentress County educator mentoring a local student author to help publish children’s books for fellow students across the Upper Cumberland. Reading Ambassador Belinda Payne said eighth-grade student Reese Smith began her writing journey in the fifth grade after receiving a hamburger-shaped toy. Payne said Smith used the toy as inspiration for her first published […]
Cumberland Container Expands, Revitalizes Historic Building
Cumberland Container expanding its operations into the historic Eli Walker building in downtown Monterey to accommodate new technology. Owner Mark Jared said the company is making the largest investment in its 57-year history to bring the first cold corrugator into the United States. Jared said the new technology requires additional space. “The Eli Walker building […]
$300K State Grant Modernizes Overton Emergency Fleet
Overton County modernizing its emergency fleet through a $305,400 state grant, funding the purchase of a new ambulance and specialized loading equipment. Overton County Ambulance Services Director Chris Masiongale said the funding originates from a federal grant being distributed by the state to some 88 counties. Masiongale said the grant is specifically designated for the […]
Putnam Maintains Two Fairgrounds Sites Amid Transition
Putnam County currently operating two fairground facilities, as transition to the new 160-acre site on Tennessee Avenue continues. County Mayor Randy Porter said maintenance costs for the two sites remain fairly limited. He said growing capital needs at the landlocked site off Jefferson led to the new facility. “We were having issues with the older […]
Putnam Schools Expand Labs At Avery Trace, Monterey
Putnam County Schools will expand career exploration opportunities, adding new college and career labs at Avery Trace Middle School and Monterey High School. CTE Supervisor Jackie Vester said the district is utilizing the Innovative School Models Grant from the state of Tennessee to fund the expansion. Vester said the grant provided $1 million for each […]
UC School Districts Trying To Buck Growing Teacher Loss
Upper Cumberland school districts working to retain teachers, hopeful of bucking the national trend of teachers leaving the profession. White County Director of Schools Kurt Dronebarger said the district maintains well above a 90 percent teacher retention rate through fostering an atmosphere of cohesion. “We try and support one another,” Dronebarger said. “We don’t differentiate […]
Hiccups Delay Crossville Model Railroad Club Groundbreaking
Construction delays appear to be nearing an end for the Crossville Model Railroad Club’s new 3,000-square-foot facility on West Avenue. Public Relations Spokesperson Ann Grogitsky said the organization expects to begin construction shortly after resolving several administrative requirements. Grogitsky said the club recently transitioned to a non-profit status to better facilitate community donations and business […]
