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 […]
Volunteers Power Century Of Putnam County Fair Tradition
The 100th Putnam County Fair kicked off with a Thursday Celebratory Luncheon, marking a century of community tradition powered by hundreds of local volunteers. Fair Board President Brenda Gentry said the milestone represents a significant achievement for the organization and the community. Gentry said the board has decorated the fairgrounds extensively and increased the number […]
Commissioners Approve Bonuses In Putnam Budget
Putnam County employees receiving a $500 bonus after the Putnam County Commission approved the payment during its budget session Monday night. Commissioner Jonathan Williams proposed providing county employees with a permanent $500 annual cost-of-living increase, saying rising inflation has made additional compensation necessary. “I think there’s more than enough money in our general fund based […]
Putnam Leaders Break Ground On $11.2M Expo Center
Putnam County officials broke ground Friday on a new 67,000-square-foot Expo Center designed to serve as a driver for tourism. County Mayor Randy Porter said the $11.2 million project is being funded primarily through an $8.75 million Community Development Block Grant for Disaster Recovery. Porter said the federal and state funding covers some 78 percent […]
Putnam EMS Reports Successful Field Blood Program
Putnam County EMS reporting success with its new field blood program following three successful administrations during its first month of operation. EMS Chief Tommy Copeland said the department launched the initiative following recommendations from federal agencies. Copeland said the department is one of 400 sites nationwide currently carrying blood in the field. “We felt like […]
New Putnam Expo Center Bid Comes In Under Budget
The low bid for the construction of 67,000-square-foot Expo Center at the new Putnam Fairgrounds came in some $150,000 under budget. Mayor Randy Porter said the county received eight different bids for the project. Porter said that represents a shift from recent years when rising construction costs often forced officials to scramble. “We felt good […]
Putnam Maintains Two Fairgrounds Sites Amid Transition
Putnam County currently operating two fairground facilities, as transition to the new 160-acre site on Tennessee Avenue continues. County Mayor Randy Porter said maintenance costs for the two sites remain fairly limited. He said growing capital needs at the landlocked site off Jefferson led to the new facility. “We were having issues with the older […]
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 […]
Winell Lee Ribbon Cutting Celebrates Six Generations
A six-generation Upper Cumberland firm celebrated the ribbon-cutting of its new facility in the Baxter community Wednesday. Winell Lee began operations in Putnam County during the 1930s and today, creates custom-crafted mouldings, flooring, and staircases. Jeanie Lee said the event marks a significant milestone for the business. “It’s just, it’s just amazing to me what […]
