Land Purchase Secures Putnam County Landfill Border
Putnam County will purchase some 37-acres of land near the county landfill to establish more border and ensure the facility can continue operating for decades. Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter said the county actively monitors for available land surrounding the landfill to facilitate future expansion without the need to relocate the facility. Porter said the […]
Reed Takes Over As Putnam’s New Solid Waste Director
Brian Reed officially taking over as Putnam County’s new Solid Waste Director. Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter said Reed has been training with the department for several months to prepare for the transition. Porter said Reed previously served as the Solid Waste Director in DeKalb County and brings a resume reflecting lifelong service in the […]
Putnam Commission Approves Unpaid EMS Debt Write-Off
Putnam County Commission approved a more than $682,000 debt write-off for the county’s emergency services. Putnam County Emergency Services Director Tommy Copeland said the write-off is a standard year-end procedure required by auditors to remove uncollectible debt from the county’s financial books. “We do try to collect it,” Copeland said, “We use a third party […]
Putnam Commissioners Appoint New Library Trustees
The Putnam County Commission appointed Dr. Gail Myers and Mary Lee Bucher to the Putnam County Library Board of Trustees during its Monday meeting. The appointment followed a public comment period where residents expressed differing views on the board’s nominating process and the types of materials available in the children’s section. Commissioner Gene Mullins said […]
Putnam County Schools Increases PreK Tuition Rate
Putnam County Schools will increase tuition for its inclusion Pre-K classes, raising the daily rate from $5 to $7 to address rising operational costs. Elementary Instructional Supervisor Dr. Diana Wood said the additional revenue will be directed back into classrooms to purchase manipulatives, snacks and other essential supplies as the program transitions into the Early […]
Brotherton’s Cherokee Oak Receives State Historical Marker
An ancient white oak tree in Brotherton receiving a state historical marker to honor local legends and its location along the historic Old Walton Road. The old tree sits next to a red barn on Buck Mountain Road, east of the Brotherton Baptist Church. Trevor Lee is the great-grandson of the tree’s namesake, Frances Hammock. […]
Putnam Shelter Lowers Fees To Combat Over Population
The Putnam County Animal Shelter is significantly lowering adoption fees this week to offset overpopulation as a surge of kittens and puppies push the facility toward its maximum capacity. Shelter Director Jennifer Tracy said the facility is currently housing approximately 110 cats and 70 dogs. Tracy said the shelter typically experiences a spike in animal […]
Multiple Agencies Unite To Battle Putnam House Fire
Putnam County Fire Department crews joined multiple agencies to battle a residential structure fire on Oakdale Circle that resulted in the total loss of a home on Wednesday. The Putnam County Fire Department said firefighters arrived at the single-story residence at approximately 2:30pm. to find heavy fire in the basement. The blaze had already extended […]
Historic Joe Bob Allison Cemetery Secures State Protection
The Joe Bob Allison Cemetery has become the first burial ground in Putnam County to secure a spot on the Tennessee Historic Registry to ensure its long-term preservation. The cemetery, located off Elrod Road, is some 200 years old. Putnam County Genealogist Anna Burgess said the cemetery is the third oldest in the county. Burgess […]
Tennessee Native Gardening Bolsters Pollinator Populations
Local residents have a chance to play their own part in the pollination process this week during National Pollinator Week. Putnam County UT Agriculture Extension Agent Wayne Key said pollinators serve as the foundation for seed and fruit production. Key said creating habitats for native bees and butterflies in home landscapes directly impacts the food […]
