UC Head Start Officials Worry About Federal Budget Cuts
LBJ&C Head Start officials said funding for this year is set, but federal spending cuts are a long-term concern. The federally-funded program provides free early childhood education services to low income families. LBJ&C Director Penny Meadows said Head Start needs funding to stay the same or increase so it can continue to help people across […]
More Money, Better Funding Plan Coming For Centers
Putnam County Commissioners will vote later this month on increased funding for local senior center, then the county will get to work on a more systemized approach to budgeting. Centers in Baxter, Monterey, and Algood have been receiving $15,000 annually, with $40,000 allocated to Cookeville last year. Commissioners grew uncomfortable during the budget process when […]
Sexton: State Working To Get All On TISA Same Page
While some school officials are frustrated with changes surrounding the state’s TISA funding model, House Speaker Cameron Sexton said he believes the plan has been clearly explained. Sexton said with some 130 districts in the state, getting everyone on the same page can be a challenge. Several Upper Cumberland Directors have voiced frustration or confusion […]
Robinson: Annual Railroad Funding Needed From State
No railroad funding in the new state budget a concern to White County Executive Denny Wayne Robinson. Robinson chairs the Tri-County Railroad Authority. He said funding for railroad maintenance has become hard to come by. Robinson said Governor Bill Lee gave $85 million for railroads in 2019, but that funding is set to run out […]
Heady And Other UC Mayors Asked Bill Lee For Recurring Funding
Jackson County Mayor Randy Heady among six Upper Cumberland Mayors who met with Governor Bill Lee to request recurring county funding. Heady said state government has always been open to offering the Upper Cumberland funding when available. He said he appreciates Lee advocating for rural communities, and long-term revenue commitment is another way for him […]
Fentress Senior Center Named AAAD Provider Of The Year, Goals Remain
The Fentress County Senior Citizens Center has been named the UCHRA’s Area Agency of Aging and Disabilities Provider of the Year. Senior Center Director Kelly Young said this award was one of her biggest goals when she took over. She said she attributes the award to her outstanding staff and immense community support. “Some people […]
UC Veterans Cemetery Ranks Low In Federal Funding, State Resubmitting Funding Request
The Upper Cumberland Veterans Cemetery rejected for federal funding for a second straight year by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Patrick Rice is the State Department of Veteran Services Cemetery Operations Assistant Commissioner. He said the location of the proposed project impacted the application. “The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs determines funding allocations based on […]
Celina Mayor Discusses Federal Hospital Designation With Senator Blackburn
Senator Marcia Blackburn supportive of Celina’s efforts to reopen Cumberland River Hospital. That is according to Celina Mayor Luke Collins who spoke with Blackburn Monday about a federal COVID program that could be used to help fund the closed facility. “She definitely supports rural hospitals and is definitely interested in helping us get our hospital […]
Putnam Commission Approves Special Called Meeting To Consider Park View School Funding
The Putnam County Commission will hold a special called meeting sometime in December to consider funding the 5-8th grade wing of the new Park View School. During a Fiscal Review Committee meeting Monday night, Director of Schools Corby King presented a quote that would require an additional $16.5 million. Commission Chair Ben Rodgers said the […]
Clay Commission Votes Down Incentive For Cumberland River Hospital Company
The Clay County Commission voted against a financial incentive for the company wanting to reopen the Cumberland River Hospital Monday night. Commissioners voted 6 to 3 against providing $250,000 to Boa Vida. The money would have matched a similar incentive approved by the city of Celina. Commissioner Winton Young voted in favor of the incentive. […]
