
Dillon Appointed Overton Interim Director of Schools
The Overton County School Board appointed Kim Dillon as the Interim Director of Schools during Tuesday night’s meeting. Dillon currently serves as an Instructional Supervisor for grades 7-12 in the Overton County School System. Dillon will be...
Jun 18, 2025

Van Buren Commissioners Confronted On Metro Rumor
A Van Buren County resident asked the Van Buren County Commission if the county is discussing the formation of a metro government combining the county and the city of Spencer. The resident said Spencer Mayor Alisa Farmer has made multiple Facebook posts about the county considering the action. When asked if the county ...
Jun 18, 2025

Monterey Cuts Ribbon On Nathan Walker Sports Complex
Monterey officially unveiled the newly named Nathan Walker Sports Complex Tuesday night. The Whitaker Street sports complex named for Walker, who passed away in 2022 after serving six years as the town’s mayor. Nathan’s Mother, June Walker, said she is humbled and honored to have the complex named after her...
Jun 18, 2025

White County Commissioners Pass Mineral Tax Plan
White County Commissioners passed a new Mineral Severance Tax Plan from the state that will tax the extraction and production of non-renewable materials. Commissioner T.K. Austin said the plan will set the tax rate at 15 cents per ton starting in July. It will then increase by five cents every five years until 2035. Au...
Jun 18, 2025

Putnam Budget Committee Approves Nonprofit Funding
The Putnam County Budget Committee approved charitable donations and funding for non-profits in next year’s budget, but not without pushback from some committee members. The non-profit funding request totaled some $97,100. Commissioner Vinnie Faccinto made the motion to postpone approval until after a decision wa...
Jun 18, 2025

Fentress Approves Budget With No Property Tax Hike
Fentress County Commissioners passed a budget on first reading that will keep the property rate at $1.35. The commission discussed how best to make that tax rate work with growing priorities. The commission approved to distribute $1.14 to the general fund, eight cents to solid waste, six cents to the general purpose sc...
Jun 17, 2025

Cookeville Reminder: Dogs In Public Should Be Leashed
Cookeville Leisure Services reminding residents that dogs need to be on a leash when out in public. Cookeville Leisure Services Director Rick Woods said Leisure Services sent out the ordinance reminder due to a recent issue. “We see dogs that are running loose from time to time in various parks,” Wood said....
Jun 17, 2025

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 ...
Jun 17, 2025

Overton In Reappraisal, Property Tax Rate Down 90 Cents
Overton County’s skyrocketing property values will likely mean a property tax decrease in the new country budget. Overton County Executive Steven Barlow said rates will drop to $1.337 per $100, down nearly 90 cents from a year ago. Barlow said this year’s budget was much easier than last thanks to the state...
Jun 17, 2025

Van Buren Receives Grant For Solid Waste Upgrades
Van Buren County will make some upgrades to its solid waste department after receiving an estimated $138,000 grant. The county will receive a 240-volt compactor, a 460-volt compactor, and six 40 cubic yard octagon receivers. County Mayor David Sullivan said the compactors will make upgrades in two locations. “The...
Jun 17, 2025