UC Seeing Impact From Record Tennessee Tourism Numbers
Upper Cumberland Tourism officials in the Smokies Tuesday as Governor Bill Lee announced Tennessee visitor spending reached a record-breaking $32 billion. Cookeville-Putnam County Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director of Tourism Shan Stout said the economic impact has resulted in a tax savings of approximately $569 per household for Putnam County residents. “We have watched […]
Governor Lee Makes 250 Celebration Stop In Spencer
Governor Bill Lee and First Lady Maria Lee visited Spencer Monday as part of America’s 250th Celebration. The governor stopped at the Ag Learning Center and UT Extension Building. Lee visited with local officials and talked about the county’s programs. Lee is visiting every county in the state as part of the nation’s birthday.
State Funding Fuels Major Livingston Airport Expansion
Livingston Airport launching a major expansion project to construct a parallel taxiway and develop new hangar space following a $4 million state funding earmark. Airport Board Chairman Jason Duke said the project serves as the first phase of a larger $8.3 million plan to complete the taxiway for the full length of the runway. Duke […]
Lee Visits Sparta, Crossville On Tennessee 250 Tour
Governor Bill Lee visited Sparta and Crossville Wednesday as part of his Tennessee 250 Tour, celebrating America’s independence and reflecting on his tenure as governor. Lee said he and First Lady Maria Lee intend to visit every county in the state during the tour to mark the national milestone. Lee said the tour was inspired […]
Tech To Receive $3 Million From State For Next-Gen Academies
Tennessee Tech University could receive $3 million in proposed state funding from Governor Bill Lee to expand its Next-Gen Academies, with a focus on nuclear and cybersecurity technologies. Tennessee Tech Chief of Government Affairs Dr. Terry Saltsman said state leaders have been discussing for the past few years how the nuclear industry can advance while […]
TBR Asking State Legislators For TCAT Operating Funding
As Tennessee’s legislative session is underway, the Tennessee Board of Regents top priority is to secure state appropriations to cover TCAT operating expenses. TBR Communications Director Rick Locker said funding to cover operating expenses is usually the top priority each legislative session. He said state appropriations make up about 70 percent of TCATs’ operating budgets. […]
Local TEA Rep Worried About State Double Down On Choice
A local Tennessee Educators Association Representative says he is worried about the state’s decision to double down on school choice. Governor Bill Lee announced that he plans to double the number of Freedom Education Scholarships to 40,000 for the 2026–2027 school year, following an estimated $155 million allocation in this year’s state budget. Overton County […]
Plans On Hold To Convert Three-Star Mall Into Expo Center
Warren County’s efforts to convert a section of the Three-Star Mall into an Agriculture Expo Center have been shelved for now. Warren County Executive Terry Bell said the county will need to receive state funding for the project. Bell said the county is not in a position to take on the estimated $35 million to […]
Colvard Appointed As DA For Van Buren, Warren Counties
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has appointed Matt Colvard as the new 31st District Attorney, serving Van Buren and Warren Counties. Colvard has served as the interim district attorney since late October, following the resignation of former District Attorney Chris Stanford. Colvard was born and raised in the area and has spent 15 years as an […]
Governor Will Appoint New DA For Warren, Van Buren
District Attorney Bryant Dunaway said the Governor would appoint a new district attorney for Van Buren and Warren Counties since the position will become vacant mid-term. This comes on the heels of 31st District Attorney Christopher Stanford resigning Friday. Dunaway said the bare minimum requirements to be eligible are that you must be a licensed […]
