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 […]
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 […]
100th Putnam County Fair To Be Hosted At Old Grounds
The Putnam County Fair Board announced the 100th annual Putnam County Fair will be held at the old Putnam County Fairgrounds in Cookeville from July 30 through August 8. Putnam County Fair Board President Brenda Gentry said the board voted this week to return to the historic location to provide the community a final opportunity […]
Putnam Library Expansion On Schedule To October Completion
Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter said the expansion of the Putnam County Library’s Cookeville branch currently on schedule to meet its October completion deadline. Porter said the construction crew has successfully completed the foundation and block work for the new addition after digging down to the basement level. Porter said the project is now moving […]
Porter Wins Over Nabors In Putnam County Mayoral Race
Putnam County Republican Mayor Randy Porter took home 86 percent of the Republican vote to win Tuesday. Porter beat challenger Wayne Nabors with 8,088 votes to Nabor’s 1,310. “We were just blown away by the turnout for the vote and all the folks that voted for us,” Porter said. It’s been a long campaign, but […]
LEV Manufacturing Promises Over 288 Jobs in Algood
An electric bike manufacturing company will bring 288 new jobs to Algood through a $7 million investment, announced Friday. The facility will locate on Burton Branch Road. LEV Chief Executive Officer Robert Provost said the company chose the region because an investor from the area recommended the local workforce. Provost said while most electric bikes […]
Putnam Mayoral Candidates Discuss Growth And Infrastructure
Candidates for Putnam County Mayor discussed the challenges of rapid population growth and the resulting strain on local infrastructure during Wednesday night’s candidate forum. Incumbent Mayor Randy Porter said the county experienced an unexpected surge in residents following the 2020 tornado and the COVID-19 pandemic. Porter said while the county was growing at a steady […]
Putnam Budget To Include Minor Increases, 2 New Employees
Putnam County officials proposing the smallest budget request increase since COVID. County Mayor Randy Porter said the $2.28 million increase in expenses comes with revenues slightly ahead compared to this time last year. Porter said the majority of the new spending is driven by mandatory costs rather than significant staffing expenses. “You need one of […]
Porter: No Answer From T-DOT On Highway 70 Connector
Putnam County awaiting a decision from T-DOT regarding a proposed partnership to extend Tennessee Avenue to Gainesboro Grade. Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter said the project stems from a joint transportation committee formed in 2017 to identify the top road needs for the area. Porter said the county previously used a grant to complete engineering […]
Rail Infrastructure Upgrades Included In New State Budget
The Tennessee Legislature approved a $20 million funding infusion for short-line railroads, a move that could help the Upper Cumberland. The money will support track maintenance and infrastructure repairs. Monterey Cultural Administrator Rafferty Cleary told the Joint Economic Community Development Board Tuesday. The investment follows a push from local leaders. “So we can see some […]
