Smithville Christmas On Square Boosts Spending, Spirit

Saturday marks the 24th Annual Smithville Christmas on the Square, a chance to celebrate community and boost tourism. Smithville-DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Suzanne Williams said event is a labor of love, with county officials, volunteers and local businesses pitching in to produce the seasonal occasion. “Oh it’s a great benefit for small […]
Bike TN Program Launched For Rural Tourism

The Department of Tourist Development has launched a new program to encourage cyclists to explore the rural areas of the state. Rural Program Manager Silas Stoddart said the Bike Tennessee program is a statewide initiative that promotes scenic road cycling routes in rural areas. Stoddart said the goal of the program is to provide rural […]
Guard Ensures All Vets Receive Proper Honors

As we celebrate Memorial Day, The Veterans Honor Guard works daily to ensure that all veterans get the respect they deserve across the Upper Cumberland. Commander Jim McAfee said the Honor Guard is a non-profit organization comprised of veterans from all branches of the military that provides military honors for deceased veterans. McAfee said being […]
Algood Police Holding Retail Theft Seminar Wednesday

The Algood Police Department is holding a retail theft seminar Wednesday to train law enforcement, private security, and retail owners on identifying organized theft before it happens. Algood Police Chief Dale Armour said organized retail theft has become more common nationwide. He said the perpetrators may travel from city to city stealing hundreds of dollars […]
Homeless Veterans License Plate Program Needs Your Help

A specialty veterans license plate program designed to fund transitional housing for homeless veterans is falling short of its goal and running out of time. Cookeville native and U.S. Marine Veteran Patrick McClellan said the program requires 1,000 plates be preordered by June 20 for production and distribution of the plates to begin. He said […]
Lowery Asking For Vote On Riverside Park Project

Sparta Mayor Jerry Lowery has secured a state pledge to help fund the purchase of 120 acres of riverfront property for a new public park. Next, Lowery wants Aldermen to consider the $1.8 million purchase. Lowery said an opportunity to strike a deal like this inside Sparta city limits is unheard of. “This will be […]
Burn Permits Still Required Across UC Through May 15

With lawn work increasing, fire officials remind all residents of the region that burn permits are still required through May 15. Jackson And Putnam County Area Forester Jeff Thompson said permits have been required since October 15 when leaves began to fall. He said many people like to use the early spring for a brush […]
TSSAA: HS Football Championships At Tech A Possibility

The TSSAA would consider the possibility of bringing the high school football championships back to Cookeville upon the completion of Tucker Stadium renovations. TSSAA Assistant Executive Director Matthew Gillespie said a return has been discussed. Cookeville lost the State Championships in 2021. He said the TSSAA has maintained a strong relationship with Cookeville and Putnam […]
Upper Cumberland Surpassed $45 Million In Grants In 2023, All Time High

The Upper Cumberland received a record-breaking $45 million in grant money this year. UCHRA Executive Director Mark Farley said that number does not include grants through private consultants, so the total amount is even higher. He said looking into the future to anticipate needs before they happen, has been key. “We sit between three metropolitan […]
Day After Thanksgiving Hike At Burgess Falls, Other State Parks

Those looking to burn some Thanksgiving dinner calories can take part in a guided hike to Burgess Falls Friday. Park Manager Nathaniel Garrison said in the past five years, the Day After Thanksgiving Hike has become one of the signature hikes for all Tennessee State Parks. Garrison said that as things become more and more […]









