WCTE Great TV Auction Starts Online Tuesday
For the first time in its 38-year history, WCTE’s Great TV Auction will be both online and over the air. With 128 volunteers nightly, the public television station could not go as normal with this year’s auction. WCTE’s Event and Engagement Coordinator Sam Gray said people can begin bidding online on Tuesday. “Everyone can register […]
Expanded Balloting Suit Supported by NAACP
The local chapter of the NAACP supports a federal lawsuit that would allow expanded balloting in the remaining 2020 Tennessee elections. Executive Board Member Anne Austin said the action to expand absentee balloting benefits all voters. “The NAACP strongly supports access to the ballot to everyone,” Austin said. “It’s an American right, and it’s democracy. […]
State Expanding COVID Testing
The director of Community Options said she welcomes the state expanding COVID testing for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Jeanette Preece said the order will help better serve that community. “I think the expansion, in itself, will make sure that those we support do not have the COVID virus,” Preece said, “If they do, […]
Overton Planning to End School Year
Overton County Schools will end its school year a week earlier than planned. Director of Schools Mark Winningham said that final week is used to complete tasks that won’t be necessary due to the shutdown. “The last day of student work is going to be May 15,” Winningham said. “The last day, I think, was […]
Perdue Taking Precautions
As a number of food processing facilities across the nation have closed, the Monterey’s Perdue Farms plant remains safe. Diana Souder is a spokesperson for Perdue. “All of our facilities at Perdue are fully cleaned and sanitized every single day from top to bottom. Before we can even start running the plant for the day, […]
Elective Procedures Statewide Can Begin Again Friday
The state will allow elective procedures to resume at hospitals across the state Friday. The Tennessee Hospitals Association Board of Directors unanimously approved guidelines to the phased-approach that will begin Friday. CEO Wendy Long said the timing and approach to restarting elective procedures will be determined at each hospital. “Hospitals will be cleared to begin […]
Restaurant Patrons Seek New Normal
Upper Cumberland restaurants began to welcome back customers on Monday morning. Elaine Heinz of Baxter said she hoped to find a sense of normalcy by going to lunch. “It feels really good,” Heinz said. “It’s a little bit more of a routine, and it’s nice to be out of the house. At some point, you […]
Barber Shops Remain Closed
Governor Bill Lee’s order to begin reopening Tennessee’s economy did not include barber shops or beauty salons. Jonathan A.D. Williams owns Veterans Barber Shop in Cookeville. “I am certainly disappointed that barber shops and hair salons can’t reopen,” Williams said. “I am a barber, and this directs me personally. I don’t envy the governor’s position. […]
CRMC Reduces Workforce
Cookeville Regional Medical Center is laying off 400 employees due to a decrease in patient volume. CRMC CEO Paul Korth said the reduction in the hospital’s workforce is necessary to ensure its long-term financial health. “The furloughing of the staff is a must if,” Korth said. “It’s something we must do at the medical center […]
Van Buren County Prepares For Student Absence
The Van Buren County School System returns to school Monday in the virtual way. School Director Cheryl Cole said internet classes on Google Classroom and Zoom are being prepared. “It’s just totally different than what we’re used to. We’d like to go back to what we consider the norm and being in school and things. […]
