Putnam School Principals Praise District’s Phone Ban
Putnam County school principals report significant improvements in student engagement and campus culture after one school year of a district-wide ban on cellular devices. Upperman High School Principal Justin Campbell said the policy has allowed students to communicate more effectively. Campbell said it provided providing teachers with more time for direct instruction without digital distractions. […]
New Bike Shelter Underway To Assist With Tech Parking
Work underway on a secure, locked bike shelter on the Tech campus to provide students with a safe storage option and easier access to the campus center. Planning and Finance Senior Vice President Claire Stinson said the project is scheduled for completion this October. Stinson said the facility will require a student ID card for […]
Cookeville Strengthens Enforcement Of Local Hotel Taxes
Cookeville enforcing stricter regulations on hotel and motel tax collections after increasing its authority to collect payments in a timely fashion. City Manager James Mills said the city updated its regulatory codes last year to address instances where certain businesses were not paying the required taxes on time. Mills said the city clerk monitors the […]
New Tech Biology PhD Strengthens Research Impact
Tennessee Tech is launching a new integrated biology PhD program to provide students with a terminal degree while expanding the university’s research footprint. Biology Professor and Department Chair Steve Hayslette said the university has seen dramatic increases in research funding for several years. Hayslette said the program is designed to train the next generation of […]
Fans Secure All Luxury Suites At Tennessee Tech Stadium
Tennessee Tech fans have secured all luxury suites at the new Tucker Stadium for the 2026 football season. The reserved club-level seating remains available, though midfield seats are almost gone. Tennessee Tech Athletic Director Casey Fox said the university is preparing for the stadium’s grand opening on August 29 against Monmouth. Fox said the facility […]
Putnam Schools Close Year Academically On The Rise
The books closed, the technology off as the Putnam County Schools wrapped up the school year Friday. Communications and Marketing Supervisor Buddy Pearson said the district earned more reward school designations and higher school letter grades during the 2025-2026 term than in previous years. Pearson said the school year ended with issues the system wish […]
Splash Pad Highly Attended During Cookeville’s Week One
A successful opening week for Cane Creek’s new splash pad, despite a lot of rain and some safety concerns. Vice Mayor Luke Eldridge said the facility has been overwhelmingly well-received by the community. Eldridge said the city is coordinating with installers to evaluate the slide run-out area and determine if additional bumpers or extensions are […]
City Evaluates Topography Of Church Land For Connector
Cookeville is conducting geotechnical studies on property near the River Community Church to determine the feasibility of a new east-west connector road between South Willow Avenue and Bunker Hill Road. City Manager James Mills said the exploration of the proposed route will eventually help the city create a connection that extends to South Jefferson Avenue. […]
ICE Operating In Cumberland, Putnam, Warren And White
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducting operations across the Upper Cumberland over the last two days, including arrests in Cookeville, Crossville and McMinnville. Putnam County Sheriff Eddie Farris said agents want to locate and arrest specific individuals who are both undocumented and possess significant criminal backgrounds.Farris said the agency is not conducting broad sweeps of […]
CRMC Earns National Robotic Surgery Epicenter Designation
Cookeville Regional named a national robotic surgery epicenter, establishing the facility as a regional hub for training surgeons on advanced robotic technology. Uro-gynecologist Dr. Bert Geer said the status a result of a rigorous year-long process to meet specific performance and volume requirements. Geer said the medical center is now the first hospital in Tennessee […]
