Putnam Begins Forming Budget For New Fiscal Year
Putnam County Commissioners heard a preliminary request for 17 new employees during the Budget Committee’s first meeting Monday night. Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter said he asked department heads for a first glance at needs for the new year, pulling together this first report. Several departments asked to increase expenditures. Porter said the first draft […]
Putnam Experiencing VA Delays On Old Fairgrounds
No word from the Veterans Administration on the possible location for a new Putnam County Center. Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter said many developers have submitted bids to the VA to purchase the Jefferson Avenue Fairgrounds property several months ago. Porter said the county nor the developers have yet heard anything back. “There’s about eight […]
Putnam Fair To Be Hosted At Jefferson Avenue Fairgrounds
The Putnam County Fair Board will host this summer’s fair at the old fairgrounds off South Jefferson Avenue. Fair Board President Brenda Gentry said while progress continues on the new facility, it does not have barns yet for cattle shows. “It would cost us so much money to rent panels to corral the cattle shows, […]
Local Economy Continues To Chug After Permit News
Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter said March’s record building permit number shows the local economy is succeeding. Porter said the record-breaking $16.3 million partly due to construction picking up in the spring. Though many areas nationwide experiencing economic concerns, Porter said the Upper Cumberland continues to buck the trend. “Our sales tax dollars have still […]
Putnam Down To Less Than 50 Homes Without Access
Putnam County is nearing completion of a broadband project that will provide broadband internet access to every house in Putnam County. Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter said the portion of the project that was covered under the grant received from the state has been completed. Porter said there are still areas spread throughout the county […]
Schools Celebrating Reading, Fun Of Books All Week
Local schools celebrating Reading Across America Week. Putnam County Schools Elementary Instructional Supervisor Diana Wood said the week promotes reading and encourages kids to become avid readers. Wood said they want to show children how fun reading can be. “It can take you on an adventure without even leaving where you are,” Wood said. “Sometimes […]
Cookeville Continues To Attract Businesses
Despite an uncertain national economy, business interest in locating in Putnam County has not waned. Local leaders said the calls are constant. Highlands Economic Partnership Vice President Adam Poe said all kinds of businesses are inquiring about Cookeville. Poe said he believes Cookeville is a top location because of increased housing, a broader workforce, and […]
Putnam Election Office In Need Of More Space
Putnam County officials exploring funding options to expand the County Elections Office. Mayor Randy Porter said the existing office was built in 2008. He said that with more people registered to vote in the county than ever, the facility is running short on space. The Putnam County Health Department recently opened its new addition and […]
Conversations About New Cookeville Hotel Heating Up
Talks of adding a hotel near the New Putnam County Fairgrounds have picked up over recent months as the convention center nears completion. Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter said the discussions began some three years ago. He said that for many developers, the construction of the convention center and expo center were the keys to […]
Putnam Commissioners To Consider Cost Of Living Raise
When the Putnam County Commissioners meet next Monday to potentially decide on a new budget, they will consider cost of living adjustments for employees. Commissioner Jonathan Williams asked to see what a two percent increase for full-time employees and four percent for police, fire, and EMS workers would cost the county. Putnam County Mayor Randy […]
