McMinnville Housing Initiative Aims To Help Homeless
A McMinnville organization launching an initiative to address chronic homelessness by prioritizing rapid placement into permanent supportive housing. McMinnville Action to Create Housing (MATCH) Founder Brad Durham said the organization aims to help ten homeless neighbors secure permanent housing over the next year. Durham said the initiative requires securing rental subsidies because the homeless population […]
Low Voter Participation Among Young People Continues
Voter participation among residents aged 18 to 25 remain as the lowest of any registered age group in Putnam County. Administrator of Elections Jennifer Murphy said the lack of engagement among young people is a long-standing trend that likely mirrors turnout levels from 10 or 20 years ago. Murphy said the presence of Tennessee Tech […]
Not Expected To Be A Great Autumn Foliage Color Season
This weekend’s rainfall may be a key factor in whether the region’s autumn foliage can recover from a dry summer that has already pushed many trees to turn brown prematurely. Megan Carpenter works as Forestry Communications and Outreach Unit Leader with the Tennessee Division of Forestry. She said the lack of precipitation over the last […]
Heat Risk Map a Primary Tool For Cookeville Tree Plantings
Cookeville integrating a new heat risk assessment map into its urban planning to identify thermal hotspots and prioritize tree canopy expansion in vulnerable neighborhoods. Public Works Director Mary Beth Elrod said once a tree reaches maturity and provides shade over a building or a house, that helps reduce energy costs to keep that structure cooled. […]
Clay Commissioners Request Share Of Investment Earnings
The Clay County Commission wants the Tennessee General Assembly distribute 25 percent of positive net investment earnings from the state reserve for revenue fluctuation to economically distressed counties. Mayor Greg Brannon said the proposal seeks to utilize the state pooled investment fund to provide financial support to counties currently classified as distressed. Brannon said two […]
Lithium Ion, Overcharging Issue; Fire Prevention Week
As Fire Prevention Week comes to a close, Sparta Fire Chief Kevin Powers said lithium ion batteries pose a fire risk for residents. Powers said the “Charge into Safety” campaign focuses on the rechargeable batteries found in common household items like power tools, e-bikes, and children’s toys. “We just want to take it off the […]
Scott’s Gulf Upgrades Continue; Balance Conservation
Scott’s Gulf Wilderness State Park prioritizing the protection of its natural resources and historical sites while preparing for facility upgrades. Park Manager Stuart Carroll said the park currently maintains nine parking lots and several scenic overlooks like Welch’s Point and Yellow Bluff. Carroll said the core of the park remains Virgin Falls. “It is a […]
White County Proposes New Commercial Building Standards
White County considering the creation of a commercial building codes department to establish construction standards and oversight for new businesses in unincorporated areas. White County Executive Kyle Goff said the county currently has little involvement in the construction process when a new business locates in those areas. The proposal would build upon the county’s residential […]
Baby Copperheads Out Across UC, Tail Tips Give Away
Snake experts advising Upper Cumberland residents to maintain clear yards as the birthing season for copperheads and timber rattlesnakes concludes. Emeritus Professor of Biology Danny Bryan said birthing for these species typically occurs between August and October. Hibernation begins within the next three weeks as the snakes move underground for the season. “Just remember this, […]
