Cookeville Sanitation Infrastructure Sustains Rising Demand
Cookeville’s newest residential garbage collection route already approaching capacity as the city manages growth. Public Works Director Mary Beth Elrod said the recently completed fourth full-time residential route is seventy-five percent full. Elrod said it could be up to four years before another new route is needed. “The current projection we have right now of […]
Early Learning Academy Centralizes Putnam County Pre-K
Putnam County Educators bust at work finalizing plans for the county’s new Early Learning Academy, which will bring together pre-K programs across Cookeville. PreK–4 Instructional Supervisor Dr. Diana Wood said the school system has operated pre-K programs for over 20 years. Wood said the new facility will help focus education on young learners and free up […]
Chamber Evaluates Childcare Impacts On Regional Workforce
The Highlands Economic Partnership distributing a regional childcare survey to local industries to evaluate how childcare accessibility and affordability are impacting the local workforce. Highlands Economic President and CEO Amy New said the survey is being sent to both small and large scale employers to gauge the specific needs of their employees. New said the […]
Putnam County Reports Significant Roadside Litter Reduction
As tractor mowers trim the roadsides and medians on Highway 111 this week, commuters may notice less trash on the side of the road compared to other years. A recent litter index study revealed a significant decrease in the amount of trash found along Putnam County roadsides, according to Solid Waste Program Manager Lisa Luck. […]
Walker Wants Better Budgeting, Answers From UC Airport
Cookeville City Council Member Eric Walker wants more precise budgeting at the Upper Cumberland Regional Airport. Walker said the airport requested more money from local cities and the county for expenses last year. The Airport Board also enacted $100,000 in additional hangar rent from local pilots this year to cover its operational costs. “It’s certainly […]
NAACP Juneteenth Celebration Highlights History And Health
The Cookeville-Putnam County NAACP hosting a Juneteenth celebration at Dogwood Park Friday to highlight Black history and address health disparities. Cookeville-Putnam County NAACP Branch President Thomas Savage said the event features a gospel hour to showcase the roots of the Black community. Savage said the event will also focus on specific health issues for Black […]
Putnam County Transfer Station Renovation On Schedule
Putnam County is expanding and updating its transfer station to increase waste handling capacity and allow for critical infrastructure repairs. Incoming Solid Waste Director Brian Reed said the first of the three-phase renovation project is expected to be completed by the end of August. Reed said the expansion is necessary because the county has been […]
Putnam Planning Approves Dale Lane Estates Subdivision
A new 18-lot subdivision off Free Hill Road in Putnam County has gained conditional preliminary approval from the County. Planning Commission. Planning Director Kevin Rush said the developer must complete specific soil work to ensure the land can support septic systems for each of the proposed lots. Rush said the approval is also contingent on […]
Algood Uses Budget Surplus For New Vehicle Purchases
The Algood City Council approved a budget amendment Tuesday to utilize a revenue surplus for the purchase of two fire engines and a residential garbage truck. City Administrator Keith Morrison said the council decided to leverage higher-than-expected revenues from the current fiscal year to pull forward over $1 million in vehicle expenditures. Morrison said the […]
Monterey First Responders Host Public Water Gun Fight
Monterey first responders are hosting a community-wide water gun fight Wednesday to foster engagement between local children and police. Monterey Police Department Public Information Officer David Corley said an officer’s idea has since expanded to include participation from the Monterey Fire Department, Putnam County Fire Department, Putnam County EMS and the Putnam County Rescue Squad. […]
