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 […]
Sparta Study Shows Hotel Of 50-75 Rooms Would Work
Sparta is seeking developers and investors after a comprehensive feasibility study confirmed the city can support a hotel. Sparta City Administrator Tonya Tindle said the study was funded through a state grant to provide the necessary groundwork to attract potential chains. Tindle said the research involved surveying local businesses, medical facilities, and event centers to […]
District Attorney Said Victims Rights Important Awareness
District Attorney General Bryant Dunaway said it is important for all of us to be aware of the right afforded crime victims in Tennessee. This is Victims’ Rights Week. Dunaway said the rights include the ability for victims to be informed of court proceedings and to consult directly with prosecutors regarding the management of their […]
Heightened Fire Risks Prompt Cookeville Burn Permit Ban
The Cookeville Fire Department has suspended the issuance of all burn permits due to a prolonged lack of rainfall and an increase in local fire activity. Cookeville Fire Department Chief Benton Young said the decision follows several weeks without significant precipitation. The department monitors local vegetation and weather patterns to determine when the risk of […]
Former EMT Beautifies Livingston To Work Through Challenges
A Livingston man has the goal of pressure washing all of Livingston’s sidewalks for free, in an effort to better his own mental health. Michael Cummings is the owner a local pressure washing company and a former EMT. After leaving his career in emergency services a decade ago, he transitioned into disaster relief work before […]
Putnam To Absorb Eight Percent Health Insurance Increase
The Putnam County Board of Commissioners voted Monday to absorb an eight percent increase in health insurance premiums for county employees. Mayor Randy Porter presented the recommendation from the insurance committee. Porter said the county has a history of covering premium increases to maintain benefits. “And that is just unheard of for that small of […]
911 Dispatchers Deal With Pressure Situations Every Day
911 dispatchers navigate mental and physical pressures while serving as the first point of contact for residents in crisis. National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week gives all of us a chance to understand pressures. Putnam County 911 Assistant Director Josh Womack said the profession requires staff to maintain constant focus on providing aid during life-altering emergencies. […]
Child Abuse Remains Constant Battle, 1K Cases Annually
April’s Child Abuse Prevention Month serves as a reminder that every adult in Tennessee is legally required to report any reasonable suspicion of child abuse or neglect. Upper Cumberland Child Advocacy Center Executive Director Tracy Plant Bucholz said the state mandate applies to all citizens regardless of their profession. The organization provides forensic interviews, medical […]
Caution Urged As Sun Glare Blinds School Zone Drivers
Shifting spring sunlight create dangerous glare conditions for drivers navigating Upper Cumberland school zones during morning commutes. Cookeville Police Department Sgt. Charlotte Austin said the combination of warmer weather and altered daylight hours has led to an increase in foot and bicycle traffic during peak drop-off times. Austin said drivers encounter bright sunlight at unexpected […]
Stickers Allow Students To Help Shape Sparta Parks Plan
Sparta will use a sticker-based system to gather feedback from local students as the city develops a comprehensive parks and recreation master plan. City Administrator Tonya Tindle said the city contracted with McGill and Associates to create the five-year plan. The firm is hosting drop-in community meetings this Thursday at Woodland Park Elementary during school […]
