Tech Nutrition Program Celebrates 50 Years Of Local Impact
Tennessee Tech celebrating 50 years of its nutrition and dietetics program, which provides accredited training for students pursuing careers as registered dietitians. Graduate Program Director Samantha Hutson said the nutrition program’s accreditation ensures students receive a standardized education that prepares them for national exams. Hutson said the curriculum is designed to protect students by providing […]
Highlands Business Inventory Decreasing, Interest High
The recent sale by Cookeville and Putnam County officials of a site inside the Highlands Business Park highlights the decreasing available inventory. Highlands Economic Partnership Vice President Adam Poe said the business park currently has six or seven remaining lots ranging from 4.7 acres to 24 acres. “The remaining pieces are a bit more undulating, […]
Putnam Schools Confident In Finding Budget-Gap Solution
Putnam County School Board Members stand optimistic regarding the district’s ability to resolve a $5 million budget gap following a joint session with the county commission. School Board Chariman Lynn McHenry said the school system maintains a healthy fund balance that can be utilized to offset a portion of the shortfall. McHenry said the district […]
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 […]
Wheaton Said Creativity Needed To Help Affordable Housing
Outgoing Cookeville Mayor Laurin Wheaton said leaders across the county want to explore “creative” ways to improve the housing affordability issues. A recent report from the Tennessee Housing Development Agency ranked Cookeville as one of the communities with the highest need for more affordable housing in the state, behind only Nashville and Knoxville. Wheaton said […]
Putnam Schools Upgrades Cookeville High Trash Compactor
Putnam County Schools investing $48,000 to replace the aging trash compactor at Cookeville High School to streamline waste management. Putnam County Schools Deputy Director Tim Martin said the current equipment has reached the end of its functional life after years of frequent repairs. Martin said the school system received professional advice that the unit can […]
Cookeville Council Advances Oak Avenue Railroad Crossing
The Cookeville City Council moved forward with plans for a new railroad crossing at Oak Avenue Thursday by authorizing a preliminary engineering and design contract with RJ Corman. City Manager James Mills said the Nashville Eastern Railroad Authority and RJ Corman previously approved the city’s request for the crossing to connect Oak Avenue as part […]
Cookeville Unveils Tennessee’s Largest New Splash Pad
Cookeville officials officially opened the city’s new splash pad and companion playground at Cane Creek Park during a Thursday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony. Leisure Services and Public Facilities Department Director Chad McDonald said the facility represents a significant investment in the local community and serves as a new hub for families. McDonald said the project required extensive […]
CHS Student-Built House Expands Independence Program
Putnam County School Officials joined community leaders Thursday for the ribbon cutting of the new Independence House, an expansion project for special education students. The house helps teach students with autism and other disabilities life skills, such as grocery shopping, cooking, and washing clothes. Supervisor of Special Education Sheri Roberson said the program helps move […]
Tech Robotics Teams Win Multiple Awards At World Championship
Tennessee Tech’s robotics teams earned two global awards during their third consecutive appearance at the 2026 VEX Robotics World Championship. Autonomous Robotics Club President Coby Smith said the organization sent two qualifying teams to the three-day international competition to compete in an engineering-based game. Smith said the club expanded to three teams this year to […]
