This Week Overton Considers Budget, Putnam Hears ARP Report

This week in the Upper Cumberland the Putnam County Commission will continue discussion over the Park View School. The School Board and County Commission recently met in joint session exploring options to build the 5th-8th grade wing of the school. Originally a K-8 school, but limited funding caused the school board to move forward with just the K-4 section.

About a dozen homeowners of the new Baxter Crossroads subdivision spoke at the city’s Board meeting with concerns about high water bills. The homeowners lacking irrigation systems have used hoses to water their lawns. As it turns out, the amount of water used turns that into a sewer rate issue. Councilman Dustin Stanton:

Learn more about Laurin Wheaton, the newly appointed City of Cookeville Mayor. Covering the issues that matter to you. Every weekday. On today’s Local Matters…Ben Rodgers talks with new elected City Of Cookeville Mayor Laurin Wheaton. They discuss how the City of Cookeville elects the next mayor compared to other cities, possible reasons for the low voter turnout during the most recent election cycle, as well as some of the first things that her and the City Council will work on together.

An in-house pay study of Sparta employees has shown a need to increase wages. Just how much the raises would amount to unknown at this time. City Administrator Brad Hennessee told Aldermen Thursday night he recommended scheduling a work session to layout option. “A meaningful and effective adjustment is going...

Algood Mayor Lisa Chapman-Fowler has been nominated as Mayor of the Year by the Tennessee Municipal League. Fowler said new gear for the fire department, sanitation department and sewer line testing are reasons for the nomination. “It really makes me proud that people have realized that I just have a...

The Clay County School Board approved requesting bids for rest area and restroom improvements within the school system. Chairman Benji Bailey said they are currently in the preliminary phase of multiple renovation projects. One of which is a plumbing project at the Celina K-8 facility. “We are in the process...

After eight months of discussion, the White County School Board decided to postpone selling the Central View School building. Members voted 4-2 Thursday on a twice amended motion to not sell the property until October 31st 2024. The motion includes a contingency that if facility upkeep exceeds $100,000 per year...

Crossville Mayor James Mayberry called the timing of City Manager Greg Wood’s resignation “interesting.”. Mayberry said Wood submitted his resignation Wednesday before the city received final results of an investigation over the Village Inn closure. “Mr. Wood he agrees that he is the top of the chain, and...

Sparta’s Municipal Court Judge and City Attorney positions will remain vacant for the foreseeable future after two tie votes by the Board of Aldermen. City Attorney Lynn Omohundro resigned from the position. Municipal Judge John Meadows won the General Sessions Judge seat. Alderman Hoyte Jones was one of the three no votes.

Turn lanes at Findlay Elementary and White County High School could be a project coming in the future. State Representative Paul Sherrell reported to the White County School Board that TDOT is studying the matter. “There’s has been some people that has approached me and wanting to know why can’t...

Baxter could see a new commercial and residential development located at 330 First Avenue South in the future. Developer Lynn McHenry addressed Baxter Planning Commission to get a feel for what the community would like to see. He said he didn’t have a set plan of action for the almost two acres of land, be it townhomes, single-family homes, or a combination of commercial and residential areas.

A big turnout expected at the closing weekend of the Putnam County Fair after inclement weather shut down the event Wednesday night. Public Relations Chair Dawson Davidson said the motorcycle races scheduled for that night have now moved to Sunday. “It brings in almost right under $1 million of revenue...

City of Baxter approved a $219,000 bid for work on Fast Lane at its Thursday night meeting. This after working to reduce the cost from its original $546,000 bid. City Engineer Tom Bennett said the work will consist of signage, striping, and fixing the subgrade, which is the biggest priority.

Business owners and employers from around the Upper Cumberland heard about the importance of grace at the Recovery to Work Regional Employment Seminar. Mikel Miller is the Regional Employment Manager for the Recovery to Work program. He said the goal is to help employers understand recovering addicts have a story, and that their past doesn’t always reflect their ability to be hired.

If you feel like you’ve heard more friends and neighbors contracting COVID in recent days, you are correct. The Centers for Disease Control reports Putnam, Clay, Jackson, Overton, Pickett and White Counties with high community COVID levels. The updated numbers released Thursday estimated 223 cases per 100,000 people in Putnam County. That number along with hospital admissions and the number of inpatient beds currently being used in a community on COVID patients make up the statistic.

Hilham Elementary School will resume classes as normal Friday after a gas leak caused an early dismissal Thursday morning. Principal Kelly Montgomery said the school has been thoroughly inspected and cleared to reopen. “The maintenance team has actually been on the roof all day long,” Montgomery said. “So they are...

The City of Byrdstown held its initial meeting Thursday to discuss their upcoming 5k run this Fall in benefit of St. Jude. The meeting consisted of changing the event’s date to October 22nd. Mayor Sam Gibson said the local officials changed the date in order to allow more people to participate.

Jamie Gillies talks basketball & her new role as CHS Assistant Athletic Director. Covering the issues that matter to you. Every weekday. On today’s Local Matters…Sam Brooks sits down with Cookeville High School Girls’ Basketball Head Coach and new Assistant Athletic Director Jamie Gillies. They discuss her thoughts on last year’s successful season for the Lady Cavaliers, their experiences going through summer camp with this year’s team, her new role as CHS’s Assistant Athletic Director, as well as what she thinks about smaller schools playing multiple sports for those teams to succeed.

Two Van Buren firefighters required IV administration by EMS personnel after fighting fires Wednesday. Piney Volunteer Fire Department PIO Tiwanna Bricker said many people don’t know just how much hot and humid weather can hinder their work, especially when combined with the weight of their gear. She estimates the turnout gear weighs about 25 pounds and the air packs weigh up to 30 pounds.