Mosquitoes Coming Out, Spray Repellents Good Defense
Increased humidity and heat along with all this rain has brought mosquitoes out for the summer. Putnam County Ag Extension Agent Wayne Key said mosquito larvae start to develop when the temperatures increase, and adults are looking for food sources. Key said male mosquitoes feed on plant juices, but females often feed on humans. “The […]
Amended Ordinance Allows Unmarked Algood Police Cars
The Algood Police Department has been given permission to remove the decals from some of its patrol cars. The Algood City Council passed an ordinance requiring every city vehicle be marked and striped, including police cars, in 2022. Algood Police PIO Elena Neff said a recent amendment to the ordinance made an exception for the […]
Fireflies Regulate Underground Ecosystem; Glow To Communicate
Fireflies are more than a glowing bug that lights the summer nights, according to a local entomologist. Dr. Karla Adesso directs the Nursery Research Center in McMinnville. Adesso said fireflies are a kind of beetle that produces a chemical reaction to make them glow. Adesso said some insects use chemicals or noises to communicate and […]
Bears On The Move In The UC, Awareness Important
Multiple black bear sightings have been reported around the Upper Cumberland over the last two weeks, and a TWRA biologist said people should be aware. A bear spotted at a Monterey residence, also near a senior care facility in Fairfield Glade. TWRA Region Three Biologist Casey Mullen said bear sightings are becoming more common in […]
Assessor: Reappraisals Confuse Some About Tax Increases
It may be one of the most misunderstood processes in local government, as property reappraisals take place in some parts of the Upper Cumberland. Smith County Property Assessor Terry Collins said during a reappraisal year, property values are assessed to meet their current market value. Collins said Tennessee issues a state certified property tax rate […]
So You Want To Grow A Garden For First Time In ’25
So you have decided you want to plant a garden for the first time this summer? White County Ag Extension Agent Scott Swoape said most vegetables can be planted until mid June. Swoape said when starting a garden, it is important to plant somewhere that gets between six and eight hours of sunlight a day […]
Allergist: Food Allergies Are More Common, Many Genetic
A Cookeville allergist said food allergies are increasingly common across the country. Dr. William Travis Cain said food allergies happen when the immune system negatively reacts to certain foods, causing a reaction. Cain said food allergies are becoming more common in both kids and adults due to factors like increased screenings, a cleaner society, and […]
T-DOT Officials Update Major Road Projects Across UC
Local officials have some dates from T-DOT about major projects scheduled across the Upper Cumberland. T-DOT Region 2 Planner Kevin Lane gave members of the Center Hill Rural Planning Organization an update on T-DOT’s current ten-year plan. In Putnam County, Lane said T-DOT will begin a widening project for I-40 in 2031, with construction beginning […]
T-DOT: Air Taxis, Delivery Drones Could Be A UC Reality
On-demand aviation could become a reality in the Upper Cumberland, according to T-DOT’s Aeronautics Director. JP Saalwaechter told the Center Hill Rural Planning Organization Thursday advanced air mobility can improve both delivery and transportation. Saalwechter said technology like delivery drones already exists, but new technology like small electric or hydrogen powered airplanes, referred to as […]
Food Insecurity A Summer Issue For Many Of Region’s Kids
As summer vacation begins for Upper Cumberland students, many children will face the issue of food insecurity. Food to the Rescue Family Outreach Coordinator Robin Twitty said those described as food insecure do not know where their next meal is coming from. Twitty said one in five kids in Tennessee deal with food insecurity. Twitty […]
