Highlands Insider Online

Photo by Putnam County schools

Heather Tinch Named 2026-27 Tennessee Principal of the Year

October 2, 2026

PUTNAM COUNTY — Putnam County Schools is celebrating a major statewide honor for one of its school leaders.Heather Tinch, principal of Burks...

Don’t Miss Today While Planning Tomorrow

September 20, 2026

I have always been someone who thinks about what comes next. What needs to be done tomorrow? What needs to happen next week? What am I working...

Printed Paper Online

October 2, 2026

Business & Insights

GROWTH WATCH: $2.3 million townhome transfer leads week

October 3, 2026

Putnam County records 84 property transfers, including two transactions topping $1 million, a 59.52-acre sale and continued residential development...

GROWTH WATCH: $2.28 million land transfer leads week as more than...

September 27, 2026

Putnam County records 84 property transfers, including three topping $1 million and significant District 1 acreage activityA $2.28 million land...

PUTNAM COUNTY PROPERTY TRANSFERS - Sept. 16 through Sept. 22, 2026

September 25, 2026

The following transfers are taken from records provided by the Putnam County Register of Deeds. Consideration reflects the amount listed on the recorded instrument and does...

Clubs & Organizations

Tennessee Tech senior Cheyenne Bare has launched a new student organization called "Women Who Lead.

Tennessee Tech senior launches ‘Women Who Lead’ student...

September 26, 2026

East Tennessee native and former student body president says new group "aims to build more well-rounded female leaders"During her time at Tennessee...

College / University Sports

No. 8/9 Tennessee Tech Travels to Western Carolina

October 2, 2026

No. 8/9 Tennessee Tech travels to Cullowhee, N.C., to battle Western Carolina on Saturday, October 3. It marks the sixth time that these two...

Shull Finishes Tied For Sixth - Golden Eagles Finish Dolenc...

September 30, 2026

The Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles finished the Dolenc Invitational in eighth place, while Matthew Shull finished in the top-10 on Tuesday, September...

Jax Leatherwood Named Tennessee Sports Writers Association College...

September 30, 2026

The Tennessee Sports Writers Association named Jax Leatherwood the College Football Player of the Week on Tuesday, September 29.Putting together a...

Want a Stronger County? Pick Up the GOP Torch

October 2, 2026

A torchbearer is not just a title. It is a way of leading.A torchbearer lights the path so others can walk it; providing guidance, not...

Why I still believe in community newspapers

October 2, 2026

I have been writing since I was 15 years old.Writing has been part of my life for so long that it is difficult to imagine my life without it....

Determination: Keep Going When the Road Gets Tough

October 2, 2026

There are times in life when things simply do not go the way we planned. We work hard, make plans, do what we believe is right, and still find...

String musicians provide music during Peachtree Learning Center’s first fundraising banquet, “A Night of Legacy,” Sept. 22 at Central City Church in Cookeville. The evening celebrated three decades of creative education. Photo by Clarissa Williams.

A Night of Legacy: Celebrating the people, faith and creativity...

October 2, 2026

View photo gallery

Students give a “Wings Up” hand signal at a Tennessee Tech football tailgate on Sept. 12. This year’s Preview Day on Oct. 10 will also include tailgating and discounted tickets to that day’s football game against Furman University.

Tennessee Tech to host annual 'Preview Day' open house on Oct. 10

October 2, 2026

Event includes waived application fee, half-price tickets to Golden Eagle football gameTennessee Tech University will welcome prospective students...

Associate Professor Jeremy Bowers Schoen speaks to students in his organizational leadership course at Tennessee Tech University.

Tennessee Tech professor draws on childhood challenges to inspire...

October 2, 2026

Students in a Tennessee Tech University organizational leadership course are learning that leadership is about more than managing people or turning...

County News - Putnam

At left: Darek Potter, director of the Millard Oakley STEM Center at Tennessee Tech, is pictured with students at Allons Elementary in Overton County during a GEAR UP Week presentation.

Tennessee Tech celebrates National GEAR UP Week with...

October 3, 2026

Program promotes college readiness for students in Clay, Overton and Warren Counties and Oneida Special School DistrictTennessee Tech University's...

Two rescued from Bee Rock overlook Saturday

October 2, 2026

Two juveniles who reportedly misjudged the cliff edge at Bee Rock were rescued Saturday evening, Sept. 26, following a response from multiple agencies.“The call came in...

HIGHLANDS HAPPENINGS

October 2, 2026

ROSENWALD SCHOOLS EXHIBITFriday, Oct. 2 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Cookeville History Museum40 E. Broad St.CookevilleBuilding a Bright Future: Black Communities and Rosenwald...

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GROWTH WATCH: $2.28 million land transfer leads week as more than...

September 27, 2026

Putnam County records 84 property transfers, including three topping $1 million and significant District 1 acreage activityA $2.28 million land...

Show up, be heard and help shape our future

October 2, 2026

There is something hopeful about an election.Neighbors bring different experiences, priorities and perspectives to the voting booth, but each has an opportunity to help...

We support our officers. We still have questions about Flock.

September 28, 2026

After our editorial about Cookeville’s Flock cameras, some readers took our concerns to mean we do not support law enforcement. We want to be clear: We support our local...

At left: Darek Potter, director of the Millard Oakley STEM Center at Tennessee Tech, is pictured with students at Allons Elementary in Overton County during a GEAR UP Week presentation.

Tennessee Tech celebrates National GEAR UP Week with...

October 3, 2026

Program promotes college readiness for students in Clay, Overton and Warren Counties and Oneida Special School DistrictTennessee Tech University's...

Confetti fills a Baxter Primary classroom during a surprise celebration honoring special education prekindergarten teacher Christi Leftwich, named a 2026 Early Educator of the Year by Tennesseans for Quality Early Education. Photo courtesy of Putnam County School System.

A special surprise for a special teacher: Baxter Primary’s Christi...

October 3, 2026

A surprise presentation brought statewide recognition to Baxter Primary School teacher Christi Leftwich, with her family and school officials...

Photo by Putnam County schools

Heather Tinch Named 2026-27 Tennessee Principal of the Year

October 2, 2026

PUTNAM COUNTY — Putnam County Schools is celebrating a major statewide honor for one of its school leaders.Heather Tinch, principal of Burks...

Voter integrity begins at the local level

October 3, 2026

Keeping voter rolls up to date requires ongoing work by local election commission staff, even between elections.“There are a lot of spreadsheets we have to keep up with,”...

Monday is deadline to register for November election

October 2, 2026

Early voting begins Oct. 14; voters encouraged to review constitutional amendmentsEligible Tennessee residents have until Monday, Oct. 5, to register to vote in the Nov. 3...

Events & Festivals

HIGHLANDS HAPPENINGS

October 2, 2026

ROSENWALD SCHOOLS EXHIBITFriday, Oct. 2 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Cookeville History Museum40 E. Broad St.CookevilleBuilding a Bright Future: Black Communities and Rosenwald...

Highlands Happenings!

September 25, 2026

BAXTER HARVEST FESTIVALSaturday, Sept. 26 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 216 Broad St. BaxterThe annual Baxter Harvest Festival returns Saturday with vendors, community activities and...

Highland Advertising Request Ad

HI House Ad

An aerial view identifies the Putnam County property on Tennessee Avenue across from the fairgrounds and event center. The Cookeville Planning Commission conditionally approved a street-dedication plat serving the planned county bus garage and road maintenance department Sept. 28. Staff said land between the proposed street and Tennessee Avenue is reserved for potential future commercial development.

Planners approve street plat for county facilities, six-townhome...

October 3, 2026

A street serving Putnam County’s planned bus garage and road maintenance department received conditional plat approval from the Cookeville Planning...

Dogwood Park’s Fountain to Close for the Season October 30

October 2, 2026

The City of Cookeville Leisure Services Department will closeDogwood Park’s Fountain for the season on Friday, October 30.The seasonal closure will...

Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter speaks with a resident who addressed the proposed landfill expansion during the Sept. 21 public hearing. After the hearing, commissioners voted 14–9 to postpone a decision until October.

Commission delays vote on landfill expansion

September 30, 2026

The Putnam County Commission postponed a vote on expanding the county’s Class III landfill Monday after Commissioner Choate asked for more time to...

Health & Medical

CRMC Announces Newest Sunshine Award Recipient

September 25, 2026

Cookeville Regional Medical Center (CRMC) is proud to announce its newest Sunshine Award recipient, John Johnson, a member of the CRMC Food and...

Attorney Lauren Gaffney speaks during the Tennessee Health Facilities Commission hearing on competing proposals for cardiac services in Cookeville. Screenshot from commission meeting video.

Health Facilities Commission denies TN Heart application

September 25, 2026

The Tennessee Health Facilities Commission voted 7–1 Wednesday to deny a certificate of need for a proposed outpatient cardiovascular center in...

Speakers and attendees gather for the Tennessee Health Facilities Commission’s Sept. 23 hearing on a proposed outpatient cardiovascular center in Cookeville. The commission voted 7–1 to deny the certificate of need. Screenshot from commission meeting video.

Health Facilities Commission denies TN Heart application

September 25, 2026

The proposed TN Heart Cardiovascular Surgery Center was denied Wednesday, but the hearing left readers with a question: How could TN Heart say...

Higher Education

Students give a “Wings Up” hand signal at a Tennessee Tech football tailgate on Sept. 12. This year’s Preview Day on Oct. 10 will also include tailgating and discounted tickets to that day’s football game against Furman University.

Tennessee Tech to host annual 'Preview Day' open house on Oct. 10

October 2, 2026

Event includes waived application fee, half-price tickets to Golden Eagle football gameTennessee Tech University will welcome prospective students...

Associate Professor Jeremy Bowers Schoen speaks to students in his organizational leadership course at Tennessee Tech University.

Tennessee Tech professor draws on childhood challenges to inspire...

October 2, 2026

Students in a Tennessee Tech University organizational leadership course are learning that leadership is about more than managing people or turning...

At left: Darek Potter, director of the Millard Oakley STEM Center at Tennessee Tech, is pictured with students at Allons Elementary in Overton County during a GEAR UP Week presentation.

Tennessee Tech celebrates National GEAR UP Week with...

October 1, 2026

Tennessee Tech University's GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) initiative marked National GEAR UP Week...

TVA nuclear milestone carries local power implications

October 2, 2026

Clinch River reactor clears construction hurdle; timeline and impact on electric bills remain unsettledA proposed nuclear reactor near Oak Ridge has cleared a major federal...

Local Business Spotlight

CRMC Announces Newest Sunshine Award Recipient

September 25, 2026

Cookeville Regional Medical Center (CRMC) is proud to announce its newest Sunshine Award recipient, John Johnson, a member of the CRMC Food and...

Senator Paul Bailey

New Day Properties

ROADWORK AHEAD: J-turn construction advances as TDOT outlines...

October 3, 2026

Work on Putnam County’s SR 111 J-turn project is advancing toward paving, while other projects identified in TDOT’s late-September regional report could affect travel in...

An aerial view identifies the Putnam County property on Tennessee Avenue across from the fairgrounds and event center. The Cookeville Planning Commission conditionally approved a street-dedication plat serving the planned county bus garage and road maintenance department Sept. 28. Staff said land between the proposed street and Tennessee Avenue is reserved for potential future commercial development.

Planners approve street plat for county facilities, six-townhome...

October 3, 2026

A street serving Putnam County’s planned bus garage and road maintenance department received conditional plat approval from the Cookeville Planning...

GROWTH WATCH: $2.3 million townhome transfer leads week

October 3, 2026

Putnam County records 84 property transfers, including two transactions topping $1 million, a 59.52-acre sale and continued residential development...

Marriage / Milestones

August Marriage Licenses

September 22, 2026

The August report lists marriage licenses issued from Aug. 3 through Aug. 27, license numbers 0019665 through 0019713.Aug. 30019665 - John Mark...

Confetti fills a Baxter Primary classroom during a surprise celebration honoring special education prekindergarten teacher Christi Leftwich, named a 2026 Early Educator of the Year by Tennesseans for Quality Early Education. Photo courtesy of Putnam County School System.

A special surprise for a special teacher: Baxter Primary’s Christi...

October 3, 2026

A surprise presentation brought statewide recognition to Baxter Primary School teacher Christi Leftwich, with her family and school officials...

State Sen. Paul Bailey sponsored legislation strengthening protections for worshippers and religious property across Tennessee. The law, effective July 1, establishes tougher criminal penalties and allows affected worshippers and congregations to seek civil relief.

Bailey-sponsored law strengthens protections for worshippers

October 3, 2026

A Tennessee law sponsored by state Senator Paul Bailey gives worshippers and religious congregations stronger protections against intimidation,...

Voter integrity begins at the local level

October 3, 2026

Keeping voter rolls up to date requires ongoing work by local election commission staff, even between elections.“There are a lot of spreadsheets we have to keep up with,”...

Why I Voted to Continue Cookeville’s Flock Contract

September 25, 2026

Sharing Perspectives from across the HighlandsI want to start by making something very clear. What I am sharing here is my perspective and my...

Voter integrity begins at the local level

October 3, 2026

Keeping voter rolls up to date requires ongoing work by local election commission staff, even between elections.“There are a lot of spreadsheets we have to keep up with,”...

Monday is deadline to register for November election

October 2, 2026

Early voting begins Oct. 14; voters encouraged to review constitutional amendmentsEligible Tennessee residents have until Monday, Oct. 5, to register to vote in the Nov. 3...

Cameron Sexton

Bee Rock Rescue UPDATE

September 27, 2026

Check the original article here to view the update: https://www.highlandsinsider.com/articles/1020/view/two-juveniles-unhurt-as-rescue-continues-at-bee-rock

Two juveniles unhurt as rescue continues at Bee Rock

September 27, 2026

Two juveniles who were hiking at Bee Rock could not climb back up from a steep, rocky area, Monterey Police Chief John Mackie told Highlands Insider Saturday evening. He...

The Cookeville Police Department issued a scam alert after residents reported calls from someone claiming to be an officer and demanding payment for an active warrant. Photo courtesy of the Cookeville Police Department.

Cookeville police warn of fake warrant calls

September 25, 2026

The Cookeville Police Department is warning residents about a phone scam in which a caller claims to be “Officer Long” and demands money to resolve...

Students give a “Wings Up” hand signal at a Tennessee Tech football tailgate on Sept. 12. This year’s Preview Day on Oct. 10 will also include tailgating and discounted tickets to that day’s football game against Furman University.

Tennessee Tech to host annual 'Preview Day' open house on Oct. 10

October 2, 2026

Event includes waived application fee, half-price tickets to Golden Eagle football gameTennessee Tech University will welcome prospective students...

Photo by Putnam County schools

Heather Tinch Named 2026-27 Tennessee Principal of the Year

October 2, 2026

PUTNAM COUNTY — Putnam County Schools is celebrating a major statewide honor for one of its school leaders.Heather Tinch, principal of Burks...

Tennessee Tech senior Cheyenne Bare has launched a new student organization called "Women Who Lead.

Tennessee Tech senior launches ‘Women Who Lead’ student...

September 26, 2026

East Tennessee native and former student body president says new group "aims to build more well-rounded female leaders"During her time at Tennessee...

Head Football Coach Bobby Wilder celebrates with the team following the Golden Eagles' win over Samford University on Sept. 12.

Tennessee Tech football draws fans from across the country

September 28, 2026

A new era of Tennessee Tech University football is off and running, with the Golden Eagles racing to a 3-0 start — and fans are showing up in...

Tennessee Tech women's soccer draws Furman 2-2

September 25, 2026

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. - The Tennessee Tech women's soccer team led twice but ended with a 2-2 draw against Furman on Sunday, September 20, at Tech...

Rose Finishes First - Golden Eagles Place 6th at the GMAC Invitational

September 25, 2026

Jacob Rose earned a first-place finish at the GMAC Invitational, firing a nine-under par performance to lead the Golden Eagles to a sixth-place...

Tennessee Tech agriculture alumnus Ronnie E. Erwin, center, is pictured with university leaders during a presentation recognizing his financial gift supporting construction of the future Dr. Ronnie E. and Lynn M. Erwin Tech Farm Office at Shipley Farm. From left: Slade Dale, director of development for University Advancement; John Smith, interim vice president for University Advancement; Mickey A. Latour, provost and vice president for academic affairs; Ronnie E. Erwin; Darron Smith, dean of the College of Agriculture & Human Ecology; James Baier, assistant dean of the College of Agriculture & Human Ecology; and Elizabeth Williams, executive director for advancement services.

Tennessee Tech agriculture alum makes donation to build new farm...

September 28, 2026

Tennessee Tech University School of Agriculture alumnus Ronnie E. Erwin has made a generous gift to help construct a new office building at the...

Tennessee Tech senior Cheyenne Bare has launched a new student organization called "Women Who Lead.

Tennessee Tech senior launches ‘Women Who Lead’ student...

September 26, 2026

East Tennessee native and former student body president says new group "aims to build more well-rounded female leaders"During her time at Tennessee...

Leaders from Tennessee Tech’s College of Education & Human Sciences accept the Frank Murray Leadership Recognition for Continuous Improvement at the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) annual conference earlier this month. From left: Stacey Edmonson, chair of the CAEP Board of Directors; Matthew Smith, associate dean of Tech’s College of Education & Human Sciences; Kyle Shanks, director of assessment for Tech’s College of Education & Human Sciences; Lisa Zagumny, dean of Tech’s College of Education & Human Sciences; Malina Monaco, CAEP senior vice president; and Christopher Koch, CAEP president.

Tennessee Tech’s College of Education & Human Sciences earns top...

September 26, 2026

Tennessee Tech University's College of Education & Human Sciences has received a prestigious national award from the Council for the...

State Sen. Paul Bailey sponsored legislation strengthening protections for worshippers and religious property across Tennessee. The law, effective July 1, establishes tougher criminal penalties and allows affected worshippers and congregations to seek civil relief.

Bailey-sponsored law strengthens protections for worshippers

October 3, 2026

A Tennessee law sponsored by state Senator Paul Bailey gives worshippers and religious congregations stronger protections against intimidation,...

TVA nuclear milestone carries local power implications

October 2, 2026

Clinch River reactor clears construction hurdle; timeline and impact on electric bills remain unsettledA proposed nuclear reactor near Oak Ridge has cleared a major federal...

Tennessee Society Daughters of the American Revolution leaders and members of the Tennessee Society Sons of the American Revolution gather beside a statue of Benjamin Franklin following the statewide Constitution Week Bell Ringing on Sept. 20 in Franklin. TSDAR State Regent Carol Teeters is among those pictured. Photo by Stephanie Johnson, Henpeck Lane Photography

Tennessee marks Constitution Week with statewide bell ringing

September 26, 2026

Cookeville connection among participants at Franklin ceremonyRed bells rang outside the Williamson County Archives & Museum on Sept. 20 as...

Student Spotlights

Tennessee Tech senior Cheyenne Bare has launched a new student organization called "Women Who Lead.

Tennessee Tech senior launches ‘Women Who Lead’ student...

September 26, 2026

East Tennessee native and former student body president says new group "aims to build more well-rounded female leaders"During her time at Tennessee...

Teacher Feature

Confetti fills a Baxter Primary classroom during a surprise celebration honoring special education prekindergarten teacher Christi Leftwich, named a 2026 Early Educator of the Year by Tennesseans for Quality Early Education. Photo courtesy of Putnam County School System.

A special surprise for a special teacher: Baxter Primary’s Christi...

October 3, 2026

A surprise presentation brought statewide recognition to Baxter Primary School teacher Christi Leftwich, with her family and school officials...

Weekly Smile: A record worth celebrating

October 2, 2026

For Cookeville High School junior Levi Detwiler, a nighttime race in Huntsville, Alabama, became a moment to remember.Competing against 334 runners...

WEEKLY SMILE: Granville Quilt Festival

September 28, 2026

A quilt can begin with a favorite color, a treasured piece of fabric or a pattern passed down through the family. By the last stitch, it may hold...

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