ICE Operating In Cumberland, Putnam, Warren And White
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducting operations across the Upper Cumberland over the last two days, including arrests in Cookeville, Crossville and McMinnville. Putnam County Sheriff Eddie Farris said agents want to locate and arrest specific individuals who are both undocumented and possess significant criminal backgrounds.Farris said the agency is not conducting broad sweeps of […]
Putnam Officials Detail New Staffing, Infrastructure Needs
Putnam County officials presented a series of requests for new personnel and infrastructure funding during Thursday’s budget committee meeting. County Mayor Randy Porter said the county is managing a five-year capital projects plan designed to address large, non-recurring purchases through cash payments rather than debt. Porter said the strategy idenitfies needs like roof replacements and […]
Putnam County Schools Navigate Third Grade Promotion Pathways
Putnam County School System officials are currently working with families to navigate state-mandated promotion pathways for third-graders following the return of recent TCAP results. Data and Testing Supervisor Jason Stickler said the district is focused on identifying the best options for students who did not meet the expected cut scores on their original or retake […]
UC Stargazers Prepare For Weekend Blue Minimoon Sighting
While the Upper Cumberland prepares to gaze at the sky’s for this weekend’s miniature blue moon, one local astronomy expert said the event is not that uncommon, despite the common misconception. From Frank Sinatra to colloquial phrases, society’s obsession with blue moons are nothing new. However, Tennessee Tech Astronomy Professor, Dr. Steve Robinson, said blue […]
Baxter Fire Recruiting To Enhance Community Safety
Baxter Fire Department is recruiting new volunteers and part-time staff to ensure the agency maintains the high volume of personnel required to safely manage structure fires. Fire Chief Matthew White said the department typically hosts a certification class in the fall to train new volunteers and evaluate their interest in the role. White said the […]
Highlands Business Inventory Decreasing, Interest High
The recent sale by Cookeville and Putnam County officials of a site inside the Highlands Business Park highlights the decreasing available inventory. Highlands Economic Partnership Vice President Adam Poe said the business park currently has six or seven remaining lots ranging from 4.7 acres to 24 acres. “The remaining pieces are a bit more undulating, […]
Putnam Schools Upgrades Cookeville High Trash Compactor
Putnam County Schools investing $48,000 to replace the aging trash compactor at Cookeville High School to streamline waste management. Putnam County Schools Deputy Director Tim Martin said the current equipment has reached the end of its functional life after years of frequent repairs. Martin said the school system received professional advice that the unit can […]
Don’t Panic: Surging Values Do Not Mean Surging Taxes
New appraisal notices with dramatic upturns in home and business values causing concern among residents about the tax bill. Putnam County Property Assessor Steve Pierce said the notices are being sent out early to provide taxpayers with more legible information and to help them understand the upcoming changes. Pierce said the office included details on […]
Business Site Sale Approved, Putnam Hopes To Add Jobs
Putnam County Commissioners approved the sale of a lot in the Highlands Business Park to an undisclosed company as part of “Project Green.” The project expected to create 168 new high-paying positions. Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter said the development is a great fit for the community because it involves a company that wants to […]
Investigators Target Sources Of Putnam School Hoaxes
Federal investigators and local law enforcement are targeting the sources of multiple hoax threats made against Putnam County schools on Tuesday morning. The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office said that Cane Creek Elementary received a call at approximately 7:58 a.m. reporting an individual allegedly hiding in a school bathroom with an AR-15. The press release said […]
