Fentress DA Said New Legislation Clarifies Deadly Force
Governor Bill Lee signed new legislation that clarifies the standards for using deadly force to protect property in Tennessee while maintaining requirements for imminent danger. Fentress County District Attorney Jared Effler said the Attorneys General Conference initially opposed the legislation before moving to a neutral position. Effler said the new law that takes effect on […]
NAACP Vows Voter Mobilization After Redistricting Ruling
The NAACP plans a statewide voter mobilization effort to counter a recent redistricting decision that leadership describes as a racially motivated attempt to disenfranchise people of color. Cookeville Branch President Thomas Savage said the organization has already filed a lawsuit challenging the new maps. Savage said the strategy moving forward requires building a diverse coalition […]
Local NAACP Branch Protests Congressional Redistricting
NAACP Branch President Tom Savage said a march on the legislature this week tried to make a statement about this week’s redistricting session. Tennessee’s 9th Congressional District covers Memphis and most of its suburbs, and is the only Democratic district in the state. The Cookeville Branch President Tom Savage said the redistricting is not among […]
Lee Requests Expedited Federal Aid For Clay, 22 Counties
Clay County is one of 23 Tennessee counties included in an expedited request for federal disaster aid Thursday. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee formally asked President Donald Trump to grant an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration following widespread damage from Winter Storm Fern. The request seeks both Federal Emergency Management Agency Public Assistance and Individual Assistance to […]
Recent State Investment Can Help UC Childcare Facilities
Governor Bill Lee announced Wednesday that the state will invest an additional estimated $7.2 million in the state’s WAGE$ Program, which could be beneficial to child care facilities in the region. The WAGE$ program was designed to help pay salaries for educators and early child care facilities across the state. The Governor’s recent investment will […]
Warren County Manufacturing Firm Expanding To Morrison
A Warren County manufacturing firm will create 58 new jobs by expanding its facility near Morrison. Governor Bill Lee announced PolyFlex Products will invest some $8.3 million in a new facility. The company works to create smarter packing and logistics solutions. “What happens in rural Tennessee matters to all Tennesseans, and I’m grateful to PolyFlex […]
Lee’s America 250 Tour Stops in Livingston Wednesday
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee shared a meal with Livingston residents at 1806 BBQ Wednesday as part of his America 250 tour. Lee said the tour is meant to celebrate Tennessee’s contributions to America as the nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of its independence next year. Lee said this tour is a chance to meet everyday […]
Governor’s Centennial Business Tour Stopping In Cookeville
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee will visit Cookeville’s Johnson Nursery and Garden Center Wednesday as part of his America 250 Tour of the state. Co-owner Sarah Johnson said her family has been growing plants for over 100 years. As a result, the Chamber of Commerce recognized Johnson Nursery as a centennial business. “We’re truly honored that […]
Talks Started About Using Part Of Three Star For Expo Center
Preliminary discussions underway about converting the McMinnville Roses at the Three Star Mall into an Agriculture Expo Center once the store’s lease ends. Warren County Executive Terry Bell said the county would need to renovate the 55,000 square foot building. Bell said the talks are just a discussion for now, but he wanted to hear […]
Statewide Prayer Month To Be Observed In Four UC Counties
For the second consecutive year, a Tennessee House Joint Resolution has made July a statewide month of prayer with services set Tuesday. The idea for a month of prayer was initially proposed in a 2024 joint resolution. Putnam County Coordinator Marcia Mullins said this year, a similar resolution was brought forward by Representative Monty Fritts […]
