This week’s rhetoric between the United States and North Korea reminds us that the Communist Regime remains one of the outliers in World geopolitics.

Since an early age, one local man has been interested in just that kind of politics. In fact, part of his military career included time along the North Korea South Korea border. Bryan Payne grew up in Cookeville, graduated from college at the University of Virginia and pursued a career in the US Army. He later worked at the State Department.

Today, in his addition to his work at Industry Mart, Payne remains a member of the US Army….in the reserve counter terrorism unit.

Today In The Upper Cumberland airs each weekend as a way to introduce you to interesting people and subjects of interest to our community. Catch the show each Saturday morning at 6 on Lite Rock 95.9, Rock 93-7, and 106-9 Kicks Country.

Sunday morning, the show airs at 7am on Rock 93-7. Catch the show Sunday night at 6pm on Lite Rock 95.9 and at 7pm on 106-9 Kicks Country. You can also catch Today in The Upper Cumberland Sunday mornings at 7am and Sundays at Noon on News Talk 94.1/AM 1600.

Downtown revitalization. In many areas of the United States…it’s an issue that communities are trying to find answers to downtowns that are boarded up….with few tenants…areas where crime and poverty reign.

However…downtowns across the Upper Cumberland….are just the opposite. They are places of historic value….of current viability….and with plans for the future. One of those downtowns, is McMinnville.

Main Street McMinnville….is led by Katie Kemezis, and the mayor of McMinnville… Jimmy Haley.

Today In The Upper Cumberland airs each weekend as a way to introduce you to interesting people and subjects of interest to our community. Catch the show each Saturday morning at 6 on Lite Rock 95.9, Rock 93-7, and 106-9 Kicks Country.

Sunday morning, the show airs at 7am on Rock 93-7. Catch the show Sunday night at 6pm on Lite Rock 95.9 and at 7pm on 106-9 Kicks Country. You can also catch Today in The Upper Cumberland Sunday mornings at 7am and Sundays at Noon on News Talk 94.1/AM 1600.

Rookies reported last week and Monday, the first practice of the season takes place for the Golden Eagles of Head Coach Marcus Satterfield. The second year head coach remains focused beyond this season. He wants to see a new culture embedded within his football program and within the region.

Satterfield looks back at his football roots…and talks openly about what makes football special. Satterfield also shares his vision for football at Tennessee Tech.

Today In The Upper Cumberland airs each weekend as a way to introduce you to interesting people and subjects of interest to our community. Catch the show each Saturday morning at 6 on Lite Rock 95.9, Rock 93-7, and 106-9 Kicks Country.

Sunday morning, the show airs at 7am on Rock 93-7. Catch the show Sunday night at 6pm on Lite Rock 95.9 and at 7pm on 106-9 Kicks Country. You can also catch Today in The Upper Cumberland Sunday mornings at 7am and Sundays at Noon on News Talk 94.1/AM 1600.

Check out our Hometown High Five recipients!

Tell us the good news about your spouse, child, friend or neighbor by posting on Facebook/Twitter with #hometownhighfive or email Sheila Scruggs about the special person and their honor.  Then listen mornings, as Sheila delivers a Hometown High Five to that special someone.

07-31-17

#HometownHighFive to Crossville’s Ed Liskovec for being inducted into the Tennessee Senior Olympics Hall Of Fame. He’s won 280 medals in various sports.

07-28-17

Kolton Pippin of Cookeville won first place honors at the American Legion Post 129 Kid’s Fishing Tournament recently. His fish weighed 20.9 pounds!

07-27-17

Livingston’s Fairest of the Fair Winner and Most Photogenic was Amy Rogers! Congratulations, Amy.

07-26-17

Kimberly Harmon is the sales manager of Hampton Inn of Cookeville. She just won one of their highest awards; the Spirit Award for affecting guests positively! Congratulations, Kim!

07-25-17

The Putnam County 4-H Wildlife Judging team recently placed 5th in the State Wildlife Contest. Congratulations to Hannah Armstrong, Katherine Wiezorek, Emily Armstrong and Hannah Bernhardt.

07-24-17

#HometownHighFive to Mary Gean. She recently received the Scott Wolf Memorial Scholarship from Averitt Express.

07-20-17

The Team “Cops & Robbers” won the mixed 8-ball League in Cookeville. Congrats to Mitch Harrington, Matt Farmer, David Enfinger & Jason Sorennsen.

07-19-17

Congrats to Livingston Academy anglers, Brady Huddleston & Ethan Carr. They had the largest haul totaling 6lbs, 11oz. during the World Finals.

07-18-17
Congratulations to new TWRA wildlife officer Jamie Greenwood from Cookeville who recentlly completed his training.

07-17-17
#HometownHighFive to Dekalb Co High student Pablo Juarez and teacher Cody Burton. Juarez recently represented DeKalb Co as a delegate of the Washington Youth tour. He and his teacher got to tour DC and learn about government.

07-14-17

Congratulations to Wes & Paul Korth of Crossville. They won their 8th trophy recently during the Parent-Child Tournament at Stonehenge Golf Course.

07-13-17

Cookeville High JROTC cadet Harmon Wattenbarger was recently awarded the Cavalier Battalion Saber Award.

07-12-17

Congratulations to Jennifer Anderson on being named Teacher Of The Year at the Adult High School.

07-11-17

#HometownHighFive to Lisa Violette who was valedictorian of her class at the Adult High School in Cookeville.

07-10-17

Chad Hilton from Crossville recently received teh Self-Determination Award from the Tennessee Disability Mega Conference. He also serves on The Arc Cumerland County’s Recreation Advisory Committee.

07-07-17

Congratulations to 13 year old Colton Profitt of Crossville on his first feature win in the front wheel class at the I-75 Raceway in Sweetwater, TN.

07-06-17

Congratulations to Brandon Smith of Cookeville, who is the assistant director of Putnam County E-911 Services. He won the Safety Award for his dedication to his job and our community on saving lives.

07-05-17

In a recent competition, these grade schoolers took top honors in achery: Taylor Hunter, Rachael Lynn, Cassie Harris, Alex Bowman, Samuel Morrison and Mason Bowman. Congratulations!

07-03-17

Eldon Burgess of Granville recently won the Uncle Jimmy Thompson Bluegrass Award at the Granville music festival. Eldon is know throughout the Upper Cumberland for his fiddle playing.

 

 

When you think of oil and gas production in the United States…you think of Texas first. Maybe Alaska next…California? Sure. Those three states account for the biggest percentage of oil production….some 930 million barrels annually. Oil in Tennessee? Yes. And more than you think. And the area of interest…well right under your feet.

We explore oil and gas production with Dr. Jeannette Wolak…she is an assistant professor in the Earth Sciences Department at Tennessee Tech.

Today In The Upper Cumberland airs each weekend as a way to introduce you to interesting people and subjects of interest to our community. Catch the show each Saturday morning at 6 on Lite Rock 95.9, Rock 93-7, and 106-9 Kicks Country.

Sunday morning, the show airs at 7am on Rock 93-7. Catch the show Sunday night at 6pm on Lite Rock 95.9 and at 7pm on 106-9 Kicks Country. You can also catch Today in The Upper Cumberland Sunday mornings at 7am and Sundays at Noon on News Talk 94.1/AM 1600.

The Upper Cumberland will have one of the best views in the nation for the coming solar eclipse. The August 21 event is one that Tennessee Tech Professor Dr. Stephen Robinson, Chairperson in the Physics Department, has been looking forward to for some time.

To call the eclipse a once in a lifetime event…does not do it justice. And it’s an event not just for the science-minded among us. Dr. Robinson explains what we will experience and how it all comes about.

Today In The Upper Cumberland airs each weekend as a way to introduce you to interesting people and subjects of interest to our community. Catch the show each Saturday morning at 6 on Lite Rock 95.9, Rock 93-7, and 106-9 Kicks Country.

Sunday morning, the show airs at 7am on Rock 93-7. Catch the show Sunday night at 6pm on Lite Rock 95.9 and at 7pm on 106-9 Kicks Country. You can also catch Today in The Upper Cumberland Sunday mornings at 7am and Sundays at Noon on News Talk 94.1/AM 1600.

You see lots of real estate signs around the Upper Cumberland these days. And that’s good news for the local economy. The Upper Cumberland has a disproportionate number of renters. Now might be the time to make the switch from paying rent monthly to securing equity.

Daphne Tapp of Guaranty Mortgage has free advice on securing a home mortgage. She says now’s a good time to consider your economics and how that might fit into owning a new home.

Today In The Upper Cumberland airs each weekend as a way to introduce you to interesting people and subjects of interest to our community. Catch the show each Saturday morning at 6 on Lite Rock 95.9, Rock 93-7, and 106-9 Kicks Country.

Sunday morning, the show airs at 7am on Rock 93-7. Catch the show Sunday night at 6pm on Lite Rock 95.9 and at 7pm on 106-9 Kicks Country. You can also catch Today in The Upper Cumberland Sunday mornings at 7am and Sundays at Noon on News Talk 94.1/AM 1600.

More and more cases of hepatitis, especially hepatitis C, are being reported nationwide including right here in the Upper Cumberland. The cases are tied to the reemergence of intravenous drug usage. Dr Don Grisham is Regional Medical Director of the Upper Cumberland Regional Health Office.

The regional health offices around the Upper Cumberland have stepped up their efforts to fight. Dr. Grisham explains what you might find with someone dealing with Hepatitis C.

Today In The Upper Cumberland airs each weekend as a way to introduce you to interesting people and subjects of interest to our community. Catch the show each Saturday morning at 6 on Lite Rock 95.9, Rock 93-7, and 106-9 Kicks Country.

Sunday morning, the show airs at 7am on Rock 93-7. Catch the show Sunday night at 6pm on Lite Rock 95.9 and at 7pm on 106-9 Kicks Country. You can also catch Today in The Upper Cumberland Sunday mornings at 7am and Sundays at Noon on News Talk 94.1/AM 1600.

Expanding broadband access has been a statewide focus so far in 2017. The Legislature has already approved money to help the entire state grow its access to high speed internet. The Upper Cumberland Development District identified this as an issue that needed to be addressed in our area during its 2015 review.

The good news: we, as a region, are in good shape. That’s according to Megan Farris Choate. She serves as Assistant Director of Economic and Community Development for UCDD. She says the way local government and agencies see broadband as an economic tool….takes many shapes.

Today In The Upper Cumberland airs each weekend as a way to introduce you to interesting people and subjects of interest to our community. Catch the show each Saturday morning at 6 on Lite Rock 95.9, Rock 93-7, and 106-9 Kicks Country.

Sunday morning, the show airs at 7am on Rock 93-7. Catch the show Sunday night at 6pm on Lite Rock 95.9 and at 7pm on 106-9 Kicks Country. You can also catch Today in The Upper Cumberland Sunday mornings at 7am and Sundays at Noon on News Talk 94.1/AM 1600.

Check out our Hometown High Five recipients!

Tell us the good news about your spouse, child, friend or neighbor by posting on Facebook/Twitter with #hometownhighfive or email Sheila Scruggs about the special person and their honor. Then listen mornings, as Sheila delivers a Hometown High Five to that special someone.

06-29-17

To focus on educating youth about the appreciation of the arts, Good Neighbors Theatre in Byrdstown has awarded Autumn Denney of Pickett Co & Keisha Garrett, from Clinton County, Ky. scholarships.

06-28-17

Monterey Girl Scout Troop 1611 completed their Broze Project Award by donating painted art to heart patients at Cookeville Regional.

06-26-17

The instrumental students of North Cumberland Elementary of Crossville were the youngest students participating in the Solo & Ensemble Festival recently in Cookeville. They won the most superior medals & also two excellence medals for a total of 107.

06-23-17

Way to go Randy Todd for being the 29th Recipient of the Fred Roberson CRMC AWARD! 25 + Years as a Founder and Facilitator of Quit 4 Life Tobacco Cessation!

06-22-17

Billie Stone won Best of Show for her quilt at the Clay County Fair. Congratulations, Billie!

06-21-17

11 year old Luke Poore took first place in the super stock division of the Soapbox Derby last weekend. 10 year old Maizy Jolley won stock & 11 year old Zachary Neal won the masters division. All 3 are heading to Akron, Ohio on July 22nd to represent Cookeville.

06-20-17

Rick Ward and Jim Stevens of Cookeville won gold medals recently at the National Senior Games in Birmingham, Alabama. They won the 50 to 55 age bracket in tennis.

06-19-17

Students of Cookeville High School excelled at the STEM Competition. Congratulations to Joshua Ashworth, Rachael Click and Alyssa Meadows along with their teachers Jay Watson, Jennie Patton and David Powell for winning the first ever Maker Minded Competition!

06-16-17

Kayley Caplinger of Dekalb Co. High received the White Rose Award for her strong academic performance and exemplary moral character.

06-15-17

Congratulations to Avery Butler of Livingston who was recently crowned Poppy Princess at the Memorial Celebration in Overton County.

06-14-17

Lisa Smith of Celina who works in the Medical Unit at Cumberland River Hospital was recently awarded the Celebrity of the Quarter for her excellent customer service. Congratulations Lisa!

06-13-17

Dekalb County Pitcher Steven Jennings drafted by the Pirates early in round 2 of the MLB Draft Monday night. Jennings has surged in recent weeks among MLB scouts. Jennings had planned to go to Ole Miss.

06-12-17

Eli Tollett of Crossville was awarded the Matt Reagan Memorial Scholarship. He will go to Roane State in the Fall and pursue a career in criminal justice.

06-09-17

Jonathan Birmingham won first place recently at the Dekalb Co. Art Exhibit. He won Best of Show and the People’s Choice Award in the 9th to 12th grade group. Congratulations!

06-08-17

The 2017 Fairest of the Fair is Hayley Smith. Congratulations Hayley!

06-07-17

Little Miss Poke Sallet was Evey Burchett with the 7-9 age group in the Poke Sallet Festival last month. Congrats to Evey!!

06-06-17

Jackson County High’s Kailyn Phann was the class Valedictorian. She also received the Kay McGuire Whitson Memorial Scholarship, The Doyene Anderson Award and the University of Tennessee Scholarship. Congrats to Kailyn!

06-05-17

Mark Harrell of Smithville had 45 years of service to the Hardee’s Corporation. He recently retired. Congratulations on your retirement and thanks for all the years serving the Upper Cumberland.

06-02-17

Steven Jennings & Eli Cross were the top scholarship winners from Dekalb Co. High School awards night. Congrats!

06-01-17

Overton County Lady Wildcat pitcher, Jordan Key, set the Wildcat record for strike outs with 73 in 80 innings!! WOW! Congrats on winning the Player of the Year, Jordan!