Fentress Teacher Mentors Eighth-Grade Student Author
A Fentress County educator mentoring a local student author to help publish children’s books for fellow students across the Upper Cumberland. Reading Ambassador Belinda Payne said eighth-grade student Reese Smith began her writing journey in the fifth grade after receiving a hamburger-shaped toy. Payne said Smith used the toy as inspiration for her first published […]
UC School Districts Trying To Buck Growing Teacher Loss
Upper Cumberland school districts working to retain teachers, hopeful of bucking the national trend of teachers leaving the profession. White County Director of Schools Kurt Dronebarger said the district maintains well above a 90 percent teacher retention rate through fostering an atmosphere of cohesion. “We try and support one another,” Dronebarger said. “We don’t differentiate […]
White County Schools Secure Top Regional TCAP Scores
White County Schools scoring top five in the Upper Cumberland region in 16 out of 17 tested categories during the most recent TCAP testing season. Director of Schools Kurt Dronebarger said the district achieved the top score in the region in seven of those categories. Dronebarger said the school system also ranked second in the […]
Heavy Rainfall A Threat Across UC, Flooding A Concern
Emergency management officials warning residents across the Upper Cumberland to prepare for heavy rainfall and potential flash flooding during the next 48 hours. A weather system moving through the region threatens to drop up to four inches of rain through Sunday. Putnam County Deputy Director of Emergency Management Tyler Smith said the primary concern involves […]
LBJ&C Head Start Fights Against Regional Food Insecurity
LBJ&C Head Start is utilizing the Child and Adult Care Food Program to provide daily hot meals to hundreds of children across the Upper Cumberland. Head Start Director Penny Meadows said the organization serves 880 children across 20 centers in the region. Meadows said the program provides breakfast, lunch, and a snack each day that […]
Animal Overpopulation, Stray Pet Numbers Rise Across UC
Animal rescue organizations across the Upper Cumberland are reporting a critical surge in unwanted pets as a lack of local shelters and rising economic pressures leave many animals abandoned. Friends of Jackson County Animal Shelter Treasurer Diana Mandli said the number of unwanted pets far exceeds the available homes. Mandli said the organization is performing […]
Jackson County Nears Completion On CTE Trade Building
Jackson County Schools nearing completion of a new vocational complex on the high school campus to provide students with direct access to trade certifications. Director of Schools Jason Hardy said the project is still on track for its August 3 deadline. Hardy said the trade programs are highly popular, as students explore to find their […]
Homeschooling Surge, Flexibility Nationally Echoed In UC
The national rise in homeschooling being seen across the Upper Cumberland as parents seek more freedom and responsibility for the education and upbringing of their children. Daniel 1 Academy Principal Darrin Crockett said the growth of alternative education is driven by an increased awareness of the flexibility and individualized learning plans available to families. Crockett […]
UC Communities Approve New Regional Transportation Plan
The Center Hill and Dale Hollow Rural Planning Organizations approved a new two-year work plan with T-DOT to coordinate regional infrastructure and safety projects through 2028. Dale Hollow Rural Planning Organization Coordinator Mark Dudney said the agreement establishes foundational structure for how the organizations collaborate with state and local officials. Dudney said the plan fulfills […]
Severe Storms Cause Putnam Tree Damage, Power Outages
Severe storms moving through the region toppled power lines at the intersection of Cookeville’s Jefferson Avenue and Interstate Drive Friday. A storm moved through around 2:30pm. The downed lines forced the closure of the roadway in both directions as thousands of residents remain without power. UCEMC officials said at least 4,000 people are without power […]
