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. […]
Cumberland Co. Sales Tax Numbers Above Projections
Cumberland County’s sales tax revenues are still up over last year even with a slow month of collections in April. Director of Finance Nathan Brock said despite being down by almost $11,000 dollars last month, the county is still ahead of expectations. “Through April, we were at $58,000 dollars ahead of budget,” Brock said. “So, […]
Telehealth Coverage: New Trend In Insurance
The insurance world could see a new trend in coverage with telehealth becoming the new norm. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee started the trend by becoming the first insurance company in the state to permanently cover telehealth services last week. Monica Goolsby of Cookeville’s Swallows Insurance said since other providers across the state will […]
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, […]
CHS Selling House
If you’re in the market for a new home, Cookeville High School is selling a 1500 Square Foot, 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom house. The home was built on school grounds by its carpentry class. Teacher Randy Mansell said the structure was constructed by his students. “The students do 100 percent of the work,” Mansell said. “They do […]
Will COVID Be A Defining Generational Moment
The world’s reaction to COVID-19 could have a lasting impact on society, much like the effect of World War II or the great depression on previous generations. Middle Tennessee State University Sociology Professor Ashleigh McKinzie said she sees many similarities with other major events that defined a generation. But McKinzie said unique economic problems may […]
Cassemco Offering $1 Face Masks
The community’s need for masks led a local company to design and manufacture a new $1 washable face mask. Cassemco of Cookeville manufactures foam and plastics, operating here since 1975. Cassemco Plant Manager Jimmy Mansell said the idea came as community partners struggled to find materials for medical grade masks. “We turned our efforts to […]
Livingston Regional Phasing-In Elective Procedures
Livingston Regional Hospital continues to add new elective procedures each week after a smooth reopening. Marketing Director David Cox said the hospital has a phase-in plan in place. “We’re phasing back in through a three-phase process,” Cox said. “Some elective procedures like colonoscopies and things of that nature are phasing back in right now. We’ll […]
Be Kind to Animals Week This Week
Be Kind to Animals Week is an opportunity to highlight the importance of animal companionship during the pandemic shutdowns. Vicky Smith, President of the Animal Awareness Association of Overton County, said she has seen a recent increase in adoptions. “Cats and dogs are companions,” Smith said. “I’ve found out I’m adopting out more cats right […]
