Putnam Narcotics Seizure Leads To Federal Charges
A year-long investigation into a drug trafficking organization with ties to the Sinaloa Cartel resulted in federal charges for 24 individuals and the seizure of hundreds of kilograms of narcotics across Middle Tennessee and Putnam County. Putnam County Sheriff Eddie Farris said the investigation began in 2025 after the office was made aware of a […]
Seniors Face Critical Monday Tennessee Promise Deadline
Upper Cumberland high school seniors face a Monday deadline to complete the Tennessee Promise application. Ayres Foundation Regional Support Specialist Vanessa Farris works with college access counselors across six Upper Cumberland-area school systems. Farris said students who wait until after the deadline will limit their future options “If you don’t apply by the deadline, there […]
Fall Creek Falls Event Teaches Ancestral Wilderness Knowledge
Fall Creek Falls State Park hosting its annual Wild Food Days this weekend to provide hands-on instruction in ancestral survival and foraging techniques. Park Ranger Matthew Brown said the event focuses on utilizing resources found in nature such as wild meats, plants, nuts, and berries. Brown said the gathering has been a park tradition for […]
Pickett Leverages TISA For English, Language Arts Improvement
Pickett County Schools using TISA funding to target math and reading, after students posted gains in several academic areas and K-8 attendance during the past year. Director of Schools Melissa Robbins said the district’s newly approved annual TISA accountability plan sets goals for student performance. The plan identifies how the district directs state funding toward […]
Deputies Still Increase Patrols, Halloween Mischief Declines
Overton County deputies will increased Halloween patrols, though traditional holiday mischief has declined in recent years. Sheriff John Garrett said the calmer trend does not change the Sheriff’s Office preparations for October 31. “It has shifted over the years and it is definitely not as wild as what it once was with the mischief,” Garrett […]
Warren County Relocates Adult Recovery Court Program
Warren County relocating its Adult Recovery Court to the former health department facility following a unanimous vote by the county commission. Warren County Finance Director Justin Cotten said the transition directly resolves compliance issues and accessibility limitations that impacted the previous multi-use setup. He said shift makes sense. “It’ll give them more room,” Cotten said. […]
New Funding Restores Damaged White County Fire Fleet
A $150,000 budget allocation from the White County Commision will purchase a replacement engine and rescue equipment for the North End Volunteer Fire Department. Fire Department Chief Will Brown said the funding will help the crew recover from a major operational setback. A vehicle crash sidelined their response fleet. Brown said the incoming four-door vehicle […]
Red Ribbon Week Promotes Drug Prevention For Students
Power of Putnam utilizing Red Ribbon Week to engage middle school students across the county in drug and alcohol prevention. Youth Engagement Director Morgan Tate said the national observance gives the organization an opportunity to reach adolescents before substance experimentation begins. “We have gone into the middle schools with pledge banners and we talk to […]
Training Sharpens Overton EMS Stroke Response Skills
Overton County EMS sharpened its stroke response this week through specialized training with Cookeville Regional Medical Center nurses. The training focused on faster recognition, treatment decisions and hospital handoffs. Critical Care Paramedic and Shift Supervisor Shaun Hale II said local crews encounter suspected strokes frequently. “The quicker you realize what’s going on and you can […]
Tori Permenter Orchestrates Upperman Volleyball Turnaround
Upperman Volleyball Coach Tori Permenter transformed the Lady Bees into a consistent postseason contender during her first two seasons leading the program. Upperman captured back-to-back district and region championships under Permenter while compiling a 60-16 overall record and a 22-1 district mark. The Lady Bees finished 8-14 the season before Permenter took over. “Our culture […]
