If You Give To Cookeville Rescue Mission, Where Does That Money Go?
The city of Cookeville is encouraging residents to give to charities instead of panhandlers, but where would your money go? Cookeville Rescue Mission Executive Director Bruce Bailey said for them, donations keep the doors open 24/7 and get people off the street. “Whether it is walk-ins or by law enforcement may bring them by at […]
Cookeville Installing Signs Discouraging Motorists From Giving Cash To Panhandlers
The city of Cookeville has begun installing signs that discourage motorists from giving cash to panhandlers. The signage located on popular intersections and roads such as the I-40 Highway 111 intersection. The metal signs state, “Say no to panhandling, contribute to the solution, give to charities.” Mayor Ricky Shelton said it is an attempt to […]
Williams Introduces Bill Based On Cookeville Panhandling History
State Representative Ryan Williams has introduced a bill to answer safety concerns for panhandlers in the Cookeville area. Williams said he communicated with Putnam County Sheriff Eddie Farris and Cookeville Police Chief Randy Evans while drafting it. “So the goal of this bill is just to give law enforcement the ability to be able to […]
Cookeville Will Not Pass Panhandling Ordinance
Saying state laws best protect local citizens, Cookeville City Council will not pass an ordinance concerning panhandling or other commerce on local right of ways. City Attorney Dan Rader said the ordinance appears to be too vague and not the best way to deal with the issue. “The ordinance, which was originally passed with very […]
Cookeville Postpones Final Panhandling Hearing
The Cookeville City Council postponed the final reading of its panhandling ordinance Thursday after a public hearing at the Cookeville Performing Arts Center. About 30 people participated in the public hearing prior to vote. The council heard concerns and suggestions from a mix of business owners, long time residents and religious leaders. After listening to […]
Cookevile Councilman Wants Both Sides of Panhandling Heard
A public hearing for Cookeville’s proposed panhandling ordinance will take place this Thursday. Cookeville City Councilman Charles Womack said his concern is not with the panhandling ordinance as it exists. City Councilmember Charles Womack said a lack of public comment was the reason for voting no during the first reading of the ordinance. “I think […]
Shelton: City Residents Asking For Solution
Cookeville Mayor Ricky Shelton said the city has an obligation to help the community’s homeless population as well as residents who have been impacted by panhandling. Shelton told council members Thursday night citizens are asking for a solution. Shelton said calls to law enforcement concerning panhandling have increased 350 percent in the first eight months […]
Public Hearing Set On Commerce/Panhandling Ordinance
Cookeville residents will get the chance to sound off on a proposed panhandling ordinance as Cookeville City Council approved a revised measure Thursday night. The ordinance passed 3-2 with council members Mark Miller and Charles Womack voting against the ordinance. Council will host a public hearing at the next meeting September 17 as the ordinance […]
UCHRA Program To Help Panhandlers Could Benefit Cookeville
The City of Cookeville wants to team with UCHRA’s Substance Abuse Solutions program to discuss resolving panhandling issues. SAS Resource Manager Luke Eldridge said since July, the program has over thirty clients across the Upper Cumberland. Some of these clients are panhandlers. “Being with this program, I’m hoping we’re going to really make a difference,” […]
Councilman Wants Social Services Funding for Cookeville Panhandling
Councilman Charles Womack said he feels rushing to criminalize panhandling in Cookeville is premature. Cookeville City Council did not vote on a panhandling ordinance on Thursday night. Womack said he hopes City Manager James Mills will negotiate a way to use social services, instead of law enforcement. “I’m hoping that Mr. Mills is able to […]
