John Rose Concedes Tennessee Governor Primary Race
John Rose conceded the Tennessee gubernatorial primary race Thursday night, pledging his support to the Republican nominee following a campaign that spanned over 500 days. Rose said he contacted Marsha Blackburn to offer his congratulations and commit his backing for the general election in November. Rose said that while the results did not favor his […]
Porter Prioritizes Infrastructure In Putnam County Victory
Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter is prioritizing infrastructure improvements and quality of life initiatives for local youth following his re-election victory. Porter said the county currently maintains a strong financial position despite national economic challenges such as inflation and rising gas prices. Porter said he remains optimistic about the future of the community because of […]
Strong Early Voting Bolsters Upper Cumberland Election
High turnout being reported in Putnam and Cumberland counties Thursday as the Upper Cumberland votes in numerous local races. Cumberland County Election Administrator Jill Davis said the county recorded approximately 6,500 early votes this year compared to 4,773 during the August 2022 election. Davis said the county is on pace to surpass its total turnout […]
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 […]
New Social Studies Textbook Adoption Process Begins
Putnam County Schools preparing to adopt new social studies textbooks this year to align with updated state standards and a recurring six-year instructional cycle. Secondary Curriculum Supervisor Bubba Winningham said the district will form a committee to evaluate materials from a list of state-approved vendors. Winningham said the selection process ensures the new materials match […]
CPD And Power Of Putnam Combat Addiction Stigma
Putnam County leaders uniting to address the local impact of the drug crisis by hosting a joint community event focused on reducing the stigma surrounding addiction. Power of Putnam Coalition Director Bill Gibson said the collaboration between law enforcement, healthcare providers, schools, and churches in Putnam County is essential to the success of prevention efforts. […]
Putnam County Fair Marks Century Of Local Heritage
Putnam County Fair celebrated opening day of the 100th anniversary celebration year by honoring multi-generational families and long-term volunteers who have sustained the local heritage event for a century. Putnam County Fair Vice President Susanna Clouse said the 100th annual Putnam County Agricultural and Industrial Fair serves as a milestone. Clouse said the fair established […]
Former Coach Heard Returns To Cookeville Basketball
Josh Heard returning as the head boys basketball coach at Cookeville High School after previously leading the program to a state runner-up finish in 2023. Assistant Principal and Athletic Director Adam Kefauver said Heard originally stepped away from the program for family reasons but felt led to return to coaching. Kefauver said the vacancy was […]
Habitat Repairs Program Returns To Help Local Residents
Upper Cumberland Habitat for Humanity is opening its Critical Repair Program to provide essential home maintenance for low-income residents. Grants and Repairs Coordinator Stacy Nash said the program targets existing homes in Putnam, Overton, White, and Dekalb Counties that require urgent financial assistance for structural needs. Nash said the organization focuses on necessary repairs such […]
UC Early Voting Surges As Early Voting Ends Saturday
Election administrators across the Upper Cumberland reporting strong early voting participation. Putnam County Administrator of Elections Jennifer Murphy said office has processed 7,023 total ballots through early voting and mail-in absentees, surpassing the total numbers seen during the May early voting period. “Early voting for August has been kind of wild,” Murphy said. “We have […]
