Podcasts about Putnam County

Filmmaker drew inspiration from Philipstown Lily Weisberg, a 26-year-old filmmaker from New York City, has been directing and producing films in Philipstown since she was a student at Yale. Rare Birds, her most recent short film, was inspired by the natural beauty and "inherent intimacy" of rural Putnam County, she says. She spent many summers in Garrison, riding Metro-North from the city to attend camps at The Depot Theater. Her parents moved to Philipstown while she was in college. Weisberg's 10-minute film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 5 and will be shown again today (June 12) and Saturday. "It's a festival I've dreamed about having a movie in as long as I've been making movies," she said. In the film, a serial klutz named Jerry (Tony Macht) risks losing his job at a local antique store. "He's like a bull in a China shop," Weisberg said, with a laugh. "He obviously should not be working in an antique store." Jerry is also a camp counselor, and one of the campers, 12-year-old Candice (Zoe Ziegler), is a frequent visitor. She is determined to get Jerry fired so the friends can spend more time together. Their relationship, says Weisberg, is "the kind that can only really exist in a small town. They're both these oddball characters, but they're united because they are similar and from the same place." The film was shot at Bowen Barn, a shop in Stanfordville, but Weisberg and her team scouted antique stores in and near Philipstown and Beacon. "We used what we saw in our set design," she said. "I liked the idea of creating this sort of cocoon for them —a cozy, dark antique store where everything's fragile, but it's kind of desolate." Weisberg directed two previous short films, Studio 210 (2021) and Working Summer (2024), at her parents' home. Her mother's studio and gardens served as inspiration for the former, in which an aspiring artist spends a summer at his friend's mother's studio. "I wanted to make something that used all of this beauty that she'd created," said Weisberg of her mother, Deborah Needleman, a basketmaker. Achieving small-town authenticity has its challenges. Child labor laws limited how long Ziegler could be on set, and the Bowen Barn contains many fragile items that required caution when moving cameras and lights. On the plus side, "the energy is just so good with a crew that lives and works in the Hudson Valley," said Weisberg. "People are happy because they're surrounded by nature and beauty. "The fact of just loving a place comes through in a movie," she says. "I want to work in places that I love and have a relationship to." Rare Birds will be screened in New York City today (June 12) at 8:30 p.m. at Spring Studios (50 Varick St.) and on Saturday at 2:15 p.m. at AMC 19th St. East 6 (890 Broadway). See tribecafilm.com/films/rare-birds-2026. For Weisberg's earlier films, see dub.sh/weisberg-films.

A decades-long true crime nightmare set in the shadowy woods of Putnam County, New York. Two wrongful convictions, a brutal predator hiding in plain sight, and a system that protected him for years—until a dogged pursuit uncovered the truth. Hosted by Rolling Stone’s Paul Solotaroff and Lava for Good CEO Jason Flom, The Devil You Know dives into the terrifying story of Howard Gombert, his victims, and the justice that has yet to come. But with his potential release looming in 2026, the question remains: will he hunt again? Listen to The Devil’s Quarry here or on the iHeartRadio app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A decades-long true crime nightmare set in the shadowy woods of Putnam County, New York. Two wrongful convictions, a brutal predator hiding in plain sight, and a system that protected him for years—until a dogged pursuit uncovered the truth. Hosted by Rolling Stone’s Paul Solotaroff and Lava for Good CEO Jason Flom, The Devil You Know dives into the terrifying story of Howard Gombert, his victims, and the justice that has yet to come. But with his potential release looming in 2026, the question remains: will he hunt again? Listen to The Devil’s Quarry here or on the iHeartRadio app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A decades-long true crime nightmare set in the shadowy woods of Putnam County, New York. Two wrongful convictions, a brutal predator hiding in plain sight, and a system that protected him for years—until a dogged pursuit uncovered the truth. Hosted by Rolling Stone’s Paul Solotaroff and Lava for Good CEO Jason Flom, The Devil You Know dives into the terrifying story of Howard Gombert, his victims, and the justice that has yet to come. But with his potential release looming in 2026, the question remains: will he hunt again? Listen to The Devil’s Quarry here or on the iHeartRadio app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Disclaimer: Gina tried to do something new with her audio set up and failed miserably. Please forgive her underwater sound this week. On February 10, 2009, five-year-old HaLeigh Ann-Marie Cummings vanished from her home in Satsuma, Florida — a small rural community along the St. Johns River in Putnam County. Her disappearance became one of the most heartbreaking and confounding missing child cases in Florida true crime history. In this episode of Weird True Crime, hosts Amber and Gina introduce us to HaLeigh: a curly-haired kindergartner at Browning Pearce Elementary School who loved nail polish, mac and cheese, and taking care of her baby brother. Her family called her "little mama." She was 39 pounds, five years old, and by every account, completely adored.We walk through the family background — the custody battle between her father Ronald Cummings and her mother Crystal Sheffield, the move to rural Satsuma, and the arrival of 17-year-old Misty Croslin, who had been living in the home and watching the children while Ronald worked second shift. On the night of February 9th into the early morning hours of February 10th, Ronald was at work. Misty was the only adult present. When Ronald came home at 3:25am, HaLeigh was gone. Within minutes, a 911 call went out — and within hours, investigators were already questioning whether the scene they found told the true story of what happened that night.This episode covers the initial search, the AMBER Alert, the FBI response, and the deeply troubling physical evidence: no forced entry, an undisturbed pile of laundry in front of the back door, HaLeigh's Hannah Montana shirt found in a place it shouldn't have been, and a crime scene that investigators would later describe as possibly staged. Misty Croslin's first account of the night begins to unravel almost immediately. If you're researching the HaLeigh Cummings case, Florida missing children cases, or true crime cold cases involving child disappearances, this is the episode to start with.

A decades-long true crime nightmare set in the shadowy woods of Putnam County, New York. Two wrongful convictions, a brutal predator hiding in plain sight, and a system that protected him for years—until a dogged pursuit uncovered the truth. Hosted by Rolling Stone’s Paul Solotaroff and Lava for Good CEO Jason Flom, The Devil You Know dives into the terrifying story of Howard Gombert, his victims, and the justice that has yet to come. But with his potential release looming in 2026, the question remains: will he hunt again? Listen to The Devil’s Quarry here or on the iHeartRadio app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dave Allen opens a Friday edition of 580 Live with the weekly Adopt Me Please Pet of the Week from Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association — Fozzie, an 85-pound dog surrendered after his owner passed away, available for free adoption. Amy Rain fills in for Jim Strawn to preview the evening's Live on the Levee concert at Haddad Riverfront Park, featuring Jocelyn and the Sweet Compression and Low Cut Connie. Delegate J.B. Akers then joins for a lengthy conversation on data center development in Putnam County — including Google's planned facility near the Kanawha River — addressing community concerns about water use, transparency, economic benefits, and House Bill 2014's protections for ratepayers. Akers also shares personal good news, including his cancer treatment update and upcoming induction into the West Virginia Broadcasting Hall of Fame. Amanda McDonald of the West Virginia Symphony closes the show previewing the free Symphony Sunday season finale at the University of Charleston lawn, featuring community bands, food vendors, and fireworks.

New film chronicles longtime celebrity reporter For three decades, George Carroll Whipple III, who lives in a castle atop a hill in Philipstown, has been a beloved staple of 24-hour cable channel NY1. With his trademark eyebrows, the entertainment reporter would snag the attention of passing red-carpet celebrities and was such a fixture he was parodied on Saturday Night Live. And next weekend, at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City, a documentary about his life, Whipple's World, will premiere. When director Adam Paul Verity proposed the film several years ago, Whipple demurred. "I said, 'That is a very stupid idea because nobody would be interested in my life,' and even though I'm sort of a public person, I'm an extremely private person." Verity persisted, and Whipple participated, but says he doesn't have immediate plans to see the 78-minute film. "I can't watch myself," he says. "But, somehow, Robert De Niro and Jane Rosenthal took it into the Tribeca Film Festival [which they founded following 9/11], which was extremely gracious and kind of them." How did a prep school (Choate) and Ivy League (Columbia) grad become a paparazzo and entertainment reporter in signature Brooks Brothers suits? Blame Andy Warhol. The two met at Studio 54. "He always had that Minox camera," Whipple says. "He said to me, 'Take pictures of your friends, George. It's very important.' Andy realized it was a gilded youth and a very unusual time. So I started photographing my friends, and I did that for a decade while I was practicing law." After a decade as a photographer for publications like Playboy, Vanity Fair, The New York Times Magazine and Town & Country, Whipple enrolled at New York University's film school. His student film, he says, was terrible. "I decided I'd report on movies instead of making movies," he says. Whipple digitized his 30 years of celebrity interviews for The Paley Center for Media (formerly the Museum of Television and Radio). He considers them part of the history of New York City. Whipple's World follows him to Putnam County, where his family has farmed for generations. Today, he's on the board of directors and specializes in employment law at Epstein Becker Green. His Whipple Heritage Conservation Foundation preserves endangered North American livestock breeds. "When I grew up here, we used to have to stop on the way home, and the cows would cross the road," he says. "Those days are gone, but I would like to have children in the next generation to at least be able to glimpse farm life." Another family foundation, Preserve Putnam County, protects historic buildings and landscapes. He has been hands-on with one landmark: Castle Rock, where he lives with his daughter, Elizabeth. Whipple purchased the 10,518-square-foot mansion, which had been vacant for 35 years, in 2021 and began restoration work. "My friends who grew up in castles, from old English families, said, 'George, you can never finish a castle. They're always falling down.'" Whipple is a Putnam County booster and is working with former Gov. George Pataki and others for the county's celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence. "But for the chain [across the Hudson], we would be under a British flag," he says. "No question about it. The revolution was won in Putnam County." Whipple's home includes a room where he displays an impressive collection of Putnam County artifacts and memorabilia. He also has a wig and Revolutionary uniform ready for reenactments. Next on his list: rebuild the Ludington Mill that burned in the 1970s. "Washington was there. We fed the troops from that mill, and it should be reconstructed," he says. "As George Pataki says, 'The only problem with George Whipple is he doesn't have any energy.' " Whipple's World will have screenings during the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City on June 12, 13 and 14. See dub.sh/whipples-world.

Join Kosta and his guest: Taylor Hill, Assistant Treasurer for the Putnam County Fair Board, Owner of Taylor Creates and Candidate for Algood City Council. In this episode: It's safe to say there's no single event that brings Putnam County together like our County Fair. This year, the Putnam County Fair will celebrate its 100th anniversary. As a Fair Board Member, what does this centennial celebration mean to you? In 2019, Putnam County authorized 196 acres on Tennessee Avenue to build our next fairgrounds. In addition to the fairgrounds, we've completed and opened the Putnam County Convention Center, with the new Expo Center under construction. How do you see the new location impacting our fair's success for the next 100 years? For most of us we walk through the gate and have no idea what it takes to make that happen. As the Assistant Treasurer, you live in the budget. Without giving away secrets, what would surprise people most about the financial reality of producing this event every year?Find out more about the Putnam County Fair:https://putnamcountyfair.org/Find out more about Taylor Creates: https://www.taylorcreates.net/Find out more about Taylor Hill's Campaign for Algood City Council:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588433136653Better Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is a product of Morgan Franklin Media and recorded in Cookeville, TN.This episode of Better Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is made possible by our partners at Aspire Barber and Beauty Academy.Find out more about Aspire Barber and Beauty Academy:https://aspirebarberandbeauty.com

Putnam Republicans seize party line Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne failed to get the support of the Putnam & Westchester Libertarian Party but succeeded in becoming its candidate. On Tuesday (May 26), Byrne and three other Republican incumbents — Clerk Michael Bartolotti and coroners John Bourges and Michael Nesheiwat — submitted petitions to the county Board of Elections with about 2,500 signatures, 1,000 more than needed to appear as Libertarian candidates on the November ballot. Unless someone successfully challenges the validity of their petitions before today's (May 29) deadline, they will be the first Putnam candidates to carry the Libertarian line since 2020. They will do so over the objections of the party, which said it endorsed Byrne's Democratic opponent, Brett Yarris, and never met with Bartolotti, Bourges or Nesheiwat. For Byrne, the benefit is clear. He earned an endorsement from Putnam's Conservative Party when he first ran for county executive in 2022. But this year, the party nominated its chair, William Spain, leaving Byrne with the prospect of appearing solely on the Republican line. In a triumphant Facebook post on Tuesday, he declared "broad support" from "Libertarians, Republicans, Democrats, Conservatives and unaffiliated voters all coming together around a positive vision for Putnam County." In 2020, then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo enacted a law restricting the ballot to parties whose candidate for president or governor received at least 2 percent (or 130,000, whichever is greater) of votes cast in the preceding election. That change cost the Libertarian and Green parties their guaranteed place on the ballot. Today, only four parties qualify: Conservative, Democratic, Republican and Working Families . Their candidates often file nominating petitions for independent parties, so they will appear on more than one line on the ballot, believing this will win votes from people registered with that minor party or those unhappy with the two major parties. Six years ago, Putnam Judge Anthony Mole, Carmel Justice Daniel Miller and then-Justice Camille Linson of Philipstown were the most recent local candidates to run as Libertarians. That year, the state reported 155 active Libertarian voters in Putnam, the last time it collected registration data for non-major parties. Byrne isn't a Libertarian, the Putnam/Westchester chapter said in a statement on May 18, adding that Bartolotti, Bourges and Nesheiwat had not asked for the party's endorsement. Yarris won the endorsement because "he's way more libertarian, and seems to be a straight shooter," according to the party, but did not file a nominating petition to appear on its ballot line. Instead, he will appear on the Democratic, Working Families and For the People lines. The Libertarian chapter's vice-chair, Bill O'Donnell, called Byrne's petitioning "despicable" in a post at Hudson Valley Digger, a Substack newsletter by David McKay Wilson. "He's trying to imply that he is Libertarian," said O'Donnell, who lives in Philipstown. "He's not at all a Libertarian. He is trying to trade on our name. It's very underhanded." But another Libertarian, Jeffrey Chang of Carmel, said in a letter circulated to news organizations that he backed Byrne. As a party that supports small government, Yarris' "big government ideas turn true Libertarians, such as myself, off," said Chang. "If someone wants the Libertarian Party line on the ballot, and the support of the party, you do the work to earn it. Byrne did it, and his tax-cutting record backs it up." Several other Republicans in Putnam filed petitions to run as Libertarians: Christian Russo, who hopes to replace Bill Gouldman as the District 2 legislator representing most of Putnam Valley; Gouldman, who is seeking the Putnam Valley supervisor seat; and Robert Nachamie, who is running for Putnam Valley town justice. Several Democratic candidates also beat the Tuesday deadline to submit nominating petitions for an independent line. ...

Matt reviews the 2026 Off-Broadway revival of ‘The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’ Patreon: BroadwayRadiohttps://www.patreon.com/broadwayradio For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@broadwayradio.com and include the episode name. To purchase tickets to see the show, click here:https://spellingbeenyc.com/

County called on to spend more of savings Putnam County has a good problem: how to best return $6.5 million from a swollen surplus to residents. Nancy Montgomery, who represents Philipstown and part of Putnam Valley, and other legislators weighed legality and logistics at the May 12 meeting of the Rules Committee as they volleyed ideas. Among the proposals: $200 rebate checks to homeowners; replicate a state program in which homeowners receive a property-tax credit or check; send funds to residents burdened by the cost of energy, childcare or other necessities. The debate is the progeny of a pandemic-era explosion in sales-tax revenue and federal and state aid. Incoming funds more than doubled the size of Putnam's "unassigned fund balance," an unrestricted pool that County Executive Kevin Byrne and legislators can choose how to spend. Forecasting is never precise, but between 2020 and 2024, sales-tax revenues exceeded estimates by $47.5 million. State and federal legislators also plied municipalities with pandemic aid. Over those four years, the unrestricted surplus ballooned from $29.9 million at the end of 2019 to $78.3 million by 2024. (The 2025 figures are being finalized.) That bounty sparked a clash between Byrne and some legislators and municipal officials who believe more of it needs to be spent. Some funds have been dedicated to capital projects to avoid "saddling taxpayers with unnecessary long-term debt and interest costs," said Byrne. "Putnam County's strong financial position is not money sitting idle." But Montgomery and other legislators say the county should use some funds on direct aid to residents. They voted last year to set aside $6.5 million for tax relief or another giveback. The debate over how to do that continues, but people "need relief now," said Montgomery. "A strong fund balance is good fiscal management, but ours is more than a rainy-day fund," she said. "We're holding public money while our residents are struggling. We should invest in housing, mental health services, childcare and transportation." While state law prohibits school districts from holding surpluses that exceed 4 percent of their budgets, municipalities (cities, counties, towns and villages) and fire districts are allowed to carry over a "reasonable" amount" each year. Putnam's surplus in 2024 represented 38 percent of its $205 million budget for 2025. By comparison, Dutchess County ended 2024 with $104.3 million in its unassigned fund, or 17 percent of its $630 million spending plan for 2025. One reason for Putnam's surplus is unexpected sales-tax growth. Putnam, Dutchess and other counties anticipated a financial hit when New York State ordered non-essential businesses to close in March 2020 due to COVID-19. But Putnam was too conservative: Its revenues in 2020 exceeded its projection by $5.7 million. As the state's economy recovered, Putnam's sales-tax revenues exceeded projections by $18.9 million in 2021, $17.4 million in 2022, $13.6 million in 2023 and $8.6 million in 2024. Nearly $28 million of the surplus has been spent since 2021. Byrne and the Legislature spent $13.2 million in the 2025 budget, including the $6.5 million sought by legislators for tax relief and $150,000 for food programs. This year is also the first in which Putnam is sharing sales-tax revenue with its towns and villages. Philipstown will receive $169,000, and Cold Spring and Nelsonville the minimum $50,000 each, from $2.3 million. The money, which is allocated based on population, is restricted to infrastructure projects. "This is funding that otherwise would have remained in the county's general fund," said Byrne, who also wants to use $2 million for mental-health services. "It is now helping our local partners invest in infrastructure, public works and taxpayer relief in their own communities." Former Legislator Paul Jonke, who proposed the homeowner rebate program before he left office in 2025, said during the Rules Committee meeting that the $6.5 ...

Join Kosta and his guest: Kerry Ledbetter, District 6, Putnam County School Board Member, Manager for Community Homeowner Associations and Candidate for Putnam County Clerk. In this episode: No matter what happens in August, this election will bring forward a new era in local leadership for Putnam County. As we said, you're running for Putnam County Clerk and hope to pick up where outgoing County Clerk Wayne Nabors is leaving off. What do you see as your greatest opportunity in the office on day one? You've spent over twenty years in hotel and hospitality management. Needless to say, you understand service and what it means to be in service to others. How did your time in hospitality prepare you for the work of the Putnam County Clerk's office? Most of us only visit the County Clerk's office when we're getting new tags or registration. For listeners who've never really thought about it, walk us through what the office does day-to-day. More importantly, why should voters care who is doing this job? Find out more about Kerry Ledbetter's Campaign: https://www.kerryledbetter.comRegister to vote, check your registration or update your voter registration: https://sos.tn.gov/govotetnImportant Putnam County Election dates and information:Putnam County General Elections will be held on August 6th with early voting from July 17th to August 1st.All early voting takes place at the Putnam County Election Commission on 705 County Services Dr, Cookeville, TN 38501.For more information visit on Putnam County polling locations visit: https://putnamcountytn.gov/election-commissionBetter Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is a product of Morgan Franklin Media and recorded in Cookeville, TN.This episode of Better Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is made possible by our partners at Miss Sallie's Market.Find out more about Miss Sallie's Market:https://www.misssallies.com

Life's most defining moments often shape the stories we tell—and how we tell them. In this episode, George Halford sits down with Erin Hoover, professor at Tennessee Tech and the first Poet Laureate for Putnam County, to explore how her life experiences have influenced her work as a writer and educator. From growing up near the Three Mile Island Nuclear Incident to living in New York during the September 11 attacks, Erin reflects on how witnessing major events shaped her perspective and creative voice. She shares how poetry became a tool for processing life as a single parent, as seen in her collections Barn Burner and No Spare People, and how storytelling can help both writer and reader better understand themselves. This conversation also highlights her role in the local arts community, from teaching at Tennessee Tech to her work with the Cookeville Arts Council and the Sawmill Poetry Series—showing how poetry continues to connect, inspire, and bring people together. Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

These will be published with your show on Spotify, Apple, etc. exactly as written, please bear that in mind as you format them with emojis, bullets, etc. Today on Lure of the Lake, we're talking about one of those wonderful community traditions that proves some events are so much more than a date on the calendar. Every year, the Putnam County Dairy Festival brings people together in the heart of Eatonton for a day filled with family fun, local pride, food, vendors, entertainment, a parade, the Terrapin Trot, and plenty of reasons to remember why this community is so special. But the Dairy Festival is more than funnel cakes, festival shirts, and finding the best spot along the parade route, although, let's be honest, those are all noble pursuits. This festival is rooted in Putnam County's history and heritage. For generations, dairy farming helped shape this area, and the festival continues to celebrate that heritage while bringing families, businesses, volunteers, and visitors together for one of the most anticipated events of the year. And behind it all is the Pilot Club of Eatonton, a group of dedicated community servants who work year-round to help make this event happen. Festivals like this do not magically appear overnight. They are built by people who care, who serve, and who believe that traditions matter. Today, we'll talk with Glenda Ridley, the godmother of the Dairy Festival, about the history, what visitors can expect this year, what goes into planning an event of this size, and why this long-standing celebration continues to mean so much to the community and beyond. Guest: Glenda Ridley For more information on the 2026 Dairy Festival: Website: https://putnamcodairyfestival.com/ Sponsors: Tim Broyles State Farm Insurance https://mydowntownagency.com/ Lake Oconee Family Fitness & Fero Fit https://loffc.net/ Second Chance Boutique https://colinc.org/second-chance-boutique/

Municipalities, nonprofit, residents challenge review As anticipated by votes earlier this month by the Cold Spring and Philipstown boards, the municipalities on Wednesday (May 20) filed a state lawsuit challenging the conclusions of a mandated environmental review of the proposed 7.5-mile linear park that would connect Beacon to Cold Spring. At the same time, a nonprofit group, Protect the Highlands, filed its own lawsuit. The legal actions name Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail Inc., a subsidiary of Scenic Hudson, and the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Both allege that a recently completed state environmental review fails to adequately assess the project's impact on the village and town. The lawsuits had to be filed before May 20, or 120 days after the end of the environmental review process, to meet a state deadline. The legal actions are Article 78 proceedings, which enable municipalities and others to challenge the actions or inactions of local and state agencies. Protect the Highlands filed its challenge in Albany County, along with four Cold Spring residents — Tom Impellittiere, Stephanie Impellittiere, Stephanie Skiptunis and Rosanne Powell — whom the filing says "will suffer direct environmental, aesthetic and community impacts distinct from those experienced by the public at large." The village and town filed their lawsuit in Putnam County. The municipalities hope to have Putnam County join them, but the Legislature did not vote on the request before the filing deadline. At the Wednesday meeting of the Village Board, Mayor Kathleen Foley said that the lawsuit "does not stop the project, as some have erroneously asserted," but that "we would be delinquent in our duties if we did not challenge the findings." She said that, earlier in the week, the village received an email signed by residents who support the Fjord Trail, requesting a referendum on the project. Foley said a vote "is not a possibility under state law." She added that she could say "with certainty that even if every resident in this village stated their unconditional support for the Fjord Trail project, this board would still be asking fiscal, environmental and quality-of-life questions." The lawsuit also names Putnam County, and Cold Spring resident Laura Bergman, which Foley said was done to give both the opportunity to join as petitioners or respondents. Bergman owns property at the entrance to Dockside Park. Both lawsuits focus on the southern section of the trail, from Cold Spring to Breakneck Ridge. In February, HHFT said it would delay construction on the southern end by at least two years to collect data on a stretch of the Hudson River where an elevated boardwalk is planned. A pedestrian bridge at Breakneck, which underwent a separate environmental review in 2022, is under construction, along with a parking lot on Route 9D across from the former Dutchess Manor, which will be the HHFT headquarters. Protect the Highlands alleges that the state's "findings statement," which cleared the way for HHFT to move forward, was "arbitrary, capricious and irrational on several fronts" and should be annulled. The municipal suit asks that the findings statement be nullified for the southern section, and notes that HHFT must get land-use and Zoning Board approvals from Cold Spring and Philipstown for sections of the trail on private property or within the state park. (The environmental review concluded that HHFT does not need local approval for parts of the trail built on state land.) In addition, the suit says that access to Dockside Park, which is owned by the state and maintained by the village, would only be available through an easement on private land. It asks the court to rule that the easement does not provide the access required to reach the trail. Cold Spring and Philipstown argue that concerns regarding traffic and emergency services "were marginalized, if not completely ignored," and that several findings were "arbitrary a...

This week, Lynn & Carl are joined by Ron Gibbs who is directing Stages St. Louis' production of "The Putnam County 25th Annual Spelling Bee." Then Director, Geovanday Jones, and star, Angela Wildflower, join to discuss The Black Rep's production of "Fat Ham." Plus, Lynn loves The Sheep Detectives.

Jeremy Wendt sits down with Sheri Roberson, Putnam County Special Education Supervisor, to reflect on her 37-year career in education. Sheri shares how her path shifted from nursing to special education after discovering a passion for working with students through the Special Olympics. She discusses growing up in a family of educators, working under her father who was a principal, and eventually working alongside him early in her career. The conversation highlights the challenges of serving a large district and the support systems in place for students with special needs and their families. Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! The UC Now · News Talk 94.1

250 Years Ago (May 1776) Gen. George Washington wrote the Continental Congress, asking that two or three thousand stands of arms [weapons for one soldier] reserved for provincial use be "borrowed" to defend New York City. He enclosed a report from troops in the Highlands, where Col. Ritzema said his regiment had only 97 flintlocks and seven bayonets. The Board of Treasury asked New York and five other colonies to conduct a census of their inhabitants for tax purposes. The carpenters, boatbuilders and painters who had been drafted for military service by Major Gen. Israel Putnam were ordered to gather at sunrise outside his New York City headquarters to receive their orders. A general order was issued in New York City to double the number of night sentries due to fears of a surprise British attack. The Third Provincial Congress, based in New York, declared its independence from British rule. Robert Livingston wrote from Philadelphia to his sister, Catherine, at the family estate in Clermont, on the Hudson River in Columbia County. "We have reason to believe that our enemy will make great efforts this summer," he wrote. "I hope, however, by the blessing of God, to see them repelled & this country, after a glorious struggle, emancipated from the tyranny of an inhuman prince." 150 Years Ago (May 1876) Burglars broke through a rear window of William Rumpf's shop and stole hundreds of his best cigars, along with some chewing tobacco. In an item under the headline "Wonderful," the editor of The Cold Spring Recorder reported that "three wagonloads of dirty and dishonest nomads came down Main Street at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, turned onto Garden Street and pushed for the Fishkill Landing road without stopping!" The new Putnam County sheriff, Charles Brewster, a Cold Spring native, ended the practice of allowing inmates at the Carmel jail to lounge outside. According to The Recorder, two patrons of a Cold Spring saloon measured the distance around its walls and raced around the room until they had walked at least three miles. Mrs. P.K. Paulding of Paulding Avenue reported she had lost an oxidized silver pencil with a chain. The schools "have been nearly depopulated for a fortnight" by the measles, according to The Recorder. "Nearly every house has a case." James Trimble and James Kennedy were convicted of breaking the window of Morrison's boathouse before threatening to burn down the shanty and drown its occupant. Both were sentenced to six months in the penitentiary. From The Recorder: "Lost, between Chestnut Street and the post office, on Thursday afternoon, a black feather." Late on a Friday night, after they heard voices inside the Champlin blacksmith shop in Nelsonville, friends of the proprietor went quietly to a back door. Suddenly, two or three men dashed past them. Inside, the friends found a pile of chisels, saws and hammers, ready to be carried away. It was supposed that the intruders planned to free two prisoners at Town Hall. Roger Maher died suddenly on a Wednesday afternoon at C.M. Brown's tavern. The bartender said he had taken a sip of whiskey when his head dropped. Jacob Southard still had his grandfather's discharge papers from the Revolutionary War signed by George Washington and other top officers. The Recorder suggested paying children 10 cents [about $3 today] per cup of potato bugs they collected and delivered to a kitchen stove. While driving along the Garrison road, William Ladue came across a raccoon that had been treed. After going home to retrieve a rifle, he shot the animal dead, then brought the carcass into Cold Spring to show off his marksmanship. David Robinson informed The Recorder of the need for a fence around the New Burying Ground to prevent grazing cattle from knocking down the headstones. Enoch Lawrence, 84, the oldest resident of Cold Spring, was painting his house on Garden Street. William Purdy was jailed at Town Hall after being accused of assaulting his wife. His brother came from Tarrytown to...

Today's episode is a little different, and important... As we approach upcoming local elections, we wanted to create something that feels increasingly rare… a space for thoughtful, respectful conversation about the future of Putnam County. This is not a debate. There are no rebuttals. And you won't hear candidates speaking about one another. Instead, each candidate, in contested races for County Commissioner in District 3 & 4, and County Commission Chair, have been invited to share their own vision, their priorities, their plans, and what they believe the future of this community can look like. Our goal is simple: to give you, the listener, a clear and positive way to hear directly from those who are asking for your vote… so you can make an informed decision based on ideas, leadership, and vision. We'll hear briefly from each candidate individually, with the same format and a consistent set of questions. So whether you are on the lake, in the car, or at home, we're glad you're with us. Let's meet the candidates now! For more information on our Putnam County Candidates: District 3 Candidates: Erin Olson: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CMLzQXrMW/?mibextid=wwXIfr George Hooker: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588004236702 Bill Vargo: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551224158412 District 4 Candidates: Jennifer Ray: https://www.votejenniferray.com/ Paul Gardner: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572042872519 County Commission Chair Candidates Steve Hersey: https://www.votestevehersey.com/ Charles Gray: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551461069468 Podcast Sponsors: Tim Broyles State Farm Insurance https://mydowntownagency.com/ Lake Oconee Family Fitness & Fero Fit https://loffc.net/ Second Chance Boutique https://colinc.org/second-chance-boutique/

Asked to join Cold Spring, Philipstown lawsuit The chances that Cold Spring and Philipstown will have Putnam County's resources in their quest to overturn New York State's approval of the Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail environmental review just dimmed. One week before a May 20 deadline for the village and town to file a court challenge, the Putnam Legislature's three-person Protective Services Committee voted 2-to-1 to refer a request for the county to participate to the Legislature's legal counsel. Nancy Montgomery, who represents Philipstown and part of Putnam Valley in the Legislature, cast the "no" vote. If the committee had approved the request on Wednesday (May 13), it would have gone to the full Legislature, which does not meet until June 2. But Thomas Regan Jr., who chairs the committee, said the request from County Executive Kevin Byrne came two days before the meeting — without a draft lawsuit, cost estimates and enough notice to include the item on the meeting agenda. "Regardless of my feelings on the topic, it would be ill-advised in any circumstance — for just learning about something and say, 'We're going to go in with this lawsuit and see where it goes,' " he said. Before the vote, Cindy Trimble, a Philipstown resident, demanded that Montgomery recuse herself because she has expressed support for the trail and "has not publicly addressed" concerns about the project. "What law says I have to recuse myself?" asked Montgomery. Regan repeatedly asked Trimble to limit her comments to the vote on whether to refer the request to the legislative counsel. He banged a gavel as the back-and-forth continued. "This landed on our desk 48 hours ago, which has now put us in a hot seat," said Regan. "We have constituents who have concerns on both sides of this, and we want to do right by everybody." In a "findings statement" dated Jan. 20 that concluded the mandated environmental review, state parks said that HHFT "avoids, minimizes or mitigates potential adverse environmental impacts to the maximum extent practicable" and "will achieve a balance between the protection of the environment and the need to accommodate social and economic considerations." The town and village boards said the review of the project — a 7.5-mile trail between Dockside Park in Cold Spring and Long Dock Park in Beacon — did not adequately address potential visitor impact on parking, traffic, emergency services and local quality of life. The municipalities have 120 days from the date of the findings statement to file an Article 78 proceeding. Earlier this month, their respective boards authorized Mayor Kathleen Foley and Supervisor John Van Tassel to ask Putnam to join a lawsuit. After the Protective Services Committee voted to refer the request, Van Tassel asked the legislators, "Can I just mention the timeline that we're up against?" Legislator Jake D'Angelo responded: "That's not our problem."

Join Kosta and his guest: Jonathan A.D. Williams, Putnam County Commissioner for District One, Owner of Veterans Barber Shop, former U.S. Marine, police officer, and candidate for Putnam County Commission District One. In this episode: Your first term on Putnam County Commission started in 2010. So, let's start there. What inspired you to run for Putnam County Commission and what's changed the most over the past sixteen years? We're recording this episode on the second week of early voting and our county vote totals have already surpassed the early vote total for 2022 and 2018. What's motivating voters to get out to the polls? Has the increased interest of this election cycle changed your campaigning strategy? If elected, this will be your fourth term on the County Commission. What do you see as your greatest accomplishments to date? What do you hope to add to those accomplishments over the next four years? Find out more about Veterans Barber Shop:https://www.veteransbarbershop.com/Find out more about Jonathan A.D. Williams for Putnam County Commissioner: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063633996867Register to vote, check your registration or update your voter registration: https://sos.tn.gov/govotetnImportant Putnam County Election dates and information:Putnam County General Elections will be held on August 6th with early voting from July 17th to August 1st.All early voting takes place at the Putnam County Election Commission on 705 County Services Dr, Cookeville, TN 38501.For more information visit on Putnam County polling locations visit: https://putnamcountytn.gov/election-commissionBetter Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is a product of Morgan Franklin Media and recorded in Cookeville, TN.This episode of Better Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is made possible by our partners at Miss Sallie's Market.Find out more about Miss Sallie's Market:https://www.misssallies.com

Today's episode is about leadership, community, and what can happen when a group of people decides that a real need deserves a real response. Recently, the 2026 Leadership Putnam Class celebrated graduation at Rock Eagle, marking the end of a program designed to help emerging and established leaders better understand our community, build lasting relationships, and discover new ways to serve. But this class did far more than simply complete the program. They left a lasting mark. As part of their class project, they took on a major need for Putnam General Hospital: replacing a commercial HVAC unit. Now, that may not sound glamorous at first, but in a hospital, reliable climate control is not a luxury. It is essential for patients, staff, equipment, and care. What began as a need turned into an extraordinary community effort. This Leadership Putnam class raised more than $140,000 to make that replacement possible. That is not just impressive. That is transformational. Joining me today are three of the class members behind that successful project: Jackson Embry, Amanda Taylor, and TJ McElhenney. We'll talk about their Leadership Putnam experience, what they learned, how this project came to be, how the class rallied the community, and why programs like Leadership Putnam matter so much to the future of Putnam County. This is a story about service, teamwork, and leadership in action; leadership as influence, not position. And in this case, that influence helped bring comfort, support, and critical infrastructure to one of our community's most important institutions. Guests: Amanda Taylor, Jackson Embry, TJ McElhenney For more information on Leadership Putnam: Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce Phone: 706-485-7701 Chamber of Commerce Website: https://eatonton.com/ Sponsors: Tim Broyles State Farm Insurance https://mydowntownagency.com/ Lake Oconee Family Fitness & Fero Fit https://loffc.net/ Second Chance Boutique https://colinc.org/second-chance-boutique/

Blaine and Zach talk about the Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini situation after the videos and photos surfaced of the two in Putnam County at the lake. They discuss how much worse this has gotten and if the NFL or Patriots could potentially get involved down the line. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if I told you that one of the most important stories ever told… isn't finished yet—and you're part of it? Right now, in Putnam County, something remarkable is happening. A traveling exhibit from the Smithsonian Institution has made its first stop in Georgia—not in Atlanta, not in Savannah—but right here in our own backyard. It's called Voices and Votes: Democracy in America… and it's far more than a walk through history. This exhibit brings to life nearly 250 years of the American experiment—how a nation built on the idea of “of, by, and for the people” has been shaped, challenged, tested, and reimagined by every generation. But what makes this truly special… is that it doesn't just tell the national story. It tells our story. Alongside the national exhibit is a powerful look at the history of democracy right here in Putnam County—real people, real voices, and real moments that have helped shape this community in ways most of us have never fully seen or understood. And here's the thing—this isn't a passive experience. It's interactive. It's engaging. It might even challenge the way you think about your role in the ongoing story of this country. Because democracy isn't something that just happened. It's something that continues to happen—through action, through participation… and through people. Today, I'm joined by Chip Bell of the Georgia Writers Museum to talk about this incredible exhibit, why it matters right now, and why this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our community. So whether you're a history buff… a curious learner… or just someone who wants to better understand the story we're all living in— You're going to want to hear this. And more importantly… you're going to want to experience it. Guests: Chip Bell, Georgia Writers Museum Board of Directors For more information: Georgia Writers Museum Voices & Votes Website: https://www.georgiawritersmuseum.org/voices-and-votes/ GWM Website: https://www.georgiawritersmuseum.org/ Phone: 706-991-5119 Sponsors: Tim Broyles State Farm Insurance https://mydowntownagency.com/ Lake Oconee Family Fitness & Fero Fit https://loffc.net/ Second Chance Boutique https://colinc.org/second-chance-boutique/

Also: Family & Youth Intervention Center in Marion County Expands Hours... Blake Shelton Opening Entertainment Space in IndySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Join Kosta and his guest: Sara Kruszka, candidate for Democratic Executive Committeewoman for Tennessee District 15.In this episode: Like everyone listening to this episode, no matter how hard we try, we can't escape this election cycle. However, today's episode will be a bit different as we're talking about a part of the ballot you've probably never paid much attention to: State Executive Committee. You're running for Tennessee District 15 Democratic Executive Committeewoman, what is that? Why have we never heard of it before? Let's talk about our local party, and what candidates are bringing to this election. For several decades here in Putnam County we've had a dwindling to non-existent Democratic slate of candidates. This year, you're running 19 candidates across the county. From your perspective, as a group, what are the greatest strengths and weaknesses for this coalition over the next 4 months? You'll have a contested race on the August ballot, and although your campaign will look different than your peers, you'll still need to campaign. Why should voters pick you to be their voice for the state democratic party?Find out more about Sara Kruszka's Campaign: https://www.instagram.com/votesaratn/Better Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is a product of Morgan Franklin Media and recorded in Cookeville, TN.This episode of Better Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is made possible by our partners at Miss Sallie's Market.Find out more about Miss Sallie's Market:https://www.misssallies.com

In a situation where every second counts, who's in charge of answering the call? Host Ben Rodgers sits down with Josh Womack, Assistant Director and Public Information Officer for Putnam County 911, to pull back the curtain on emergency response. From communication towers and rapid response times to the reality of power outages and limited funding, Womack shares what it takes to keep the system running smoothly. With over 82,000 calls answered in 2025 and an average pickup time of just 3.4 seconds, this episode highlights the training, teamwork, and pressure behind every call. Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! The UC Now · News Talk 94.1

Today on MetroNews This Morning: --Multiple investigations are getting underway at the site of a chemical incident this week in Kanawha County--Governor Morrisey continues to have a heavy hand in the Republican Primary--Residents of Putnam County plan to gather tonight to talk about how to fight announced plans for a Google Data Center--In Sports: WVU baseball opens a weekend series at Cincinnati 

Wildfire smoke from Putnam County impacts St. Johns County

Join Kosta and his guest: Kelley McNeal, CPA, public servant, educator and candidate for Putnam County Trustee. In this episode: For 23 years you served as an auditor for the Tennessee Comptroller's Office. A critical part of that role was going to Trustee offices across Tennessee and examining how offices were (or weren't) properly executing their responsibilities. What did that experience teach you about what differentiates a well-run Trustee's office from a poorly run office? For our listeners meeting you for the first time, you grew up on a farm on the Putnam-Overton County line. You've lived and served our Upper Cumberland community for your entire life. Why did you decide to run for office this cycle? How did you decide to run for Trustee? As we've discussed in previous episodes, this election season, there are two primary races that have us on the edge of our seats. Putnam County Mayor, and Putnam County Trustee. We know all three of the candidates in this race have put their all into campaigning and that's part of what makes this election cycle so exciting for voters. What do you hope voters are thinking about when they go to cast their ballot in this election?Find out more about the Putnam County Trustee's Office: https://putnamcountytn.gov/trusteeFind out more about Kelley McNeal for Putnam County Trustee: https://www.facebook.com/p/Kelley-McNeal-for-Putnam-County-Trustee-61577288861722/Register to vote, check your registration or update your voter registration: https://sos.tn.gov/govotetnImportant Putnam County Election dates and information:Putnam County Primary Elections will be held on May 5, 2026, with early voting from April 15th to April 30th.Putnam County General Elections will be held on August 6th with early voting from July 17th to August 1st.All early voting takes place at the Putnam County Election Commission on 705 County Services Dr, Cookeville, TN 38501.For more information visit on Putnam County polling locations visit: https://putnamcountytn.gov/election-commissionBetter Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is a product of Morgan Franklin Media and recorded in Cookeville, TN.This episode of Better Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is made possible by our partners at Aspire Barber and Beauty Academy.Find out more about Aspire Barber and Beauty Academy:https://aspirebarberandbeauty.com

Today on MetroNews This Morning: --Lien holder continues pressure on federal court to have the Justice family removed from Greenbrier management --Law enforcement in Putnam County faces federal lawsuit over a woman's death in a high speed chase--Putnam County residents raise worries about a Google data center--In Sports: WVU Baseball prepares for a mid-wake game with Penn State 

Chris Lawrence marks the show's 32nd anniversary and welcomes Brent Null of Null Custom Calls from Red House in Putnam County for a full hour focused on spring gobbler season. Null shares how a late-in-life passion for turkey hunting — rekindled by taking his grandson out — led him to start crafting his own calls just over a year ago, beginning with a wingbone call made from a bird he harvested. Lawrence and Null work through an array of pot calls in the studio, covering materials including frosted glass, ceramic, slate, copper, titanium, and stoned aluminum, discussing how each affects pitch, rasp, and performance in wet conditions. Null also explains his unconventional use of AI to analyze his calls against real turkey vocalizations, and demonstrates a bamboo tube call and bamboo trumpet he built himself. The two close with turkey hunting strategy, scouting tips for Putnam County, and Null's goal of getting his 13-year-old grandson his first gobbler behind one of his handmade calls.

Today's episode is all about progress, the kind you can see, feel, and soon… experience. If you've been around Lake Country lately, you've probably noticed it. Construction moving forward. New spaces taking shape. And a growing sense that something exciting is right around the corner. So today, we're bringing you a special episode featuring two conversations, both centered on projects that are helping shape the future of our community in very different ways. First, we'll catch up with Adam Shaefer for an update on Lake Country Village, including the highly anticipated Publix development. This is an exciting project and real progress is happening! We'll talk about what's been completed, what's coming next, and what it all means for growth and everyday convenience here in Putnam County. Then, we shift from construction to completion, as we sit down with Gary Sofen to talk about the transformation of the former Bone Island Grill into the Italian Chophouse on Lake Oconee. The renovations are done, the vision has come to life, and we'll dive into everything from the concept and design to the new waterfront pavilion and boat docks that are sure to make this THE destination on the lake. Two projects. Two perspectives. One community that continues to grow and evolve. So if you're curious about what's being built and what's coming next, this is an episode you won't want to miss! Guests: Adam Shaefer; Gary Sofen For more information: Lavista Associates - Site Plan Website: https://lavista.com/property/lake-country-village/ Italian Chophouse at Lake Oconee: Website: https://italianchophouseonlakeoconee.com/ Phone: 706-705-7005 Address: 920 Greensboro Road; Eatonton, GA Lake Oconee Bistro https://www.lakeoconeebistro.com/ Sponsors: Tim Broyles State Farm Insurance https://mydowntownagency.com/ Lake Oconee Family Fitness & Fero Fit https://loffc.net/ Second Chance Boutique https://colinc.org/second-chance-boutique/

On this episode of the Cliff Notes Podcast:The Midland Empire Conference announces more conference expansion.Maysville baseball picks up a pivotal GRC conference win at Putnam County. Hear from Wolverines coach Dakota Dunlap & Junior Carter Harms.Thursday Scoreboard Wanna thank all of our great year long Sponsors who make all of this possible.Tolly & Associates Little Caesars of St. Joseph John Anderson InsuranceMeierhofer Funeral Home & Crematory HiHo Bar & Grill Barnes Roofing Jayson & Mary Watkins Matt & Jenni Busby Michelle Cook Group Russell Book & Bookball 365 The St. Joseph MustangsB's Tees KT Logistics LLC Hixson-Klein Funeral Home James L. Griffith Law Firm of Maysville Toby Prussman of Premier Land & Auction Group, HK Quality Sheet Metal, Redman Farms of Maysville, Melissa WinnHenke Family Farms, Green Hills Insurance LLC., Cintas, Thrive Family Chiropractic, IV Nutrition of St. Joseph, Roth Kid Nation Serve Link Home Care out of Trenton, Barnett's Floor Renewal LLC., Balloons D'Lux, B3 Renovations, The Hamilton Bank member FDIC, Wompas Graphix & Embroidery of LibertyEllis Sheep Company of Maysville, Bank Northwest of Cameron, Akey's Catering & Event Rentals, Brown Bear of St. Joseph, Wolf Black Herefords, Rob & Stacia Studer, Annie & Noah Roseberry of Re/Max Professionals, Moseley Farms, Jake Anderson of Shelter Insurance A slice & a swirl of Maysville Adkison Barber ShopMoyer Concrete of Maysville Cody Vaughn Wealth Advisor with ThriventGallatin Truck & Tractor Grandmas Gun Shop in Agency Nash Gas in Dearborn Accurate Appraisal in St. Joseph Ryan Meyerkorth SeedB.W. Timber of Bethany Mosaic Medical Center of Maryville Exclusive P.R. of Chicago Great Than Financial Hogue Lumber Company of Albany Stifel in ChillicotheUnited Cooperates, INC out of Osborn & Pattonsburg MP and Sons Contracting in Maysville JA White Construction in Maysville BTC Bank Seth & Marcie Davis of the Fitz Group Home and LandGRM Networks Perry Plumming & Septic LLC of Rock PortCitizens Bank and Trust of Rock Port C&M Business Machines Deal Travel and Cruises LLCKovacs FireworksBray Farms of Cameron The Drug Store in Cameron Pettijohn Auto Center in Bethany Terry Implement Co., INC. Of Gallatin Re/Max Partners of Cameron- Dan & Staci Early The Bunker Club of Savannah North Central Missouri College in Trenton & SavannahCooters Plumbing in Lathrop Steven Frieden Excavating Gregg Lawn & Landscape North Mercer Athletic Booster ClubStronger Starts Now Heather Bennett AgencyLathrop Chiropractic CenterSchulenberg Contracting LLCWigfield Farms in Chillicothe

In today's episode, host Iranetta Rayborn Wright talked to Dr. Rick Surrency, superintendent of Putnam County Schools in Florida, who takes us on a journey through the remarkable turnaround his district has achieved.In this candid conversation, Dr. Rick Surrency shares how Putnam County, once facing the challenge of 11 schools labeled as D or F, transformed through a systematic approach, community engagement, and a focus on elevating both student outcomes and teacher retention. We hear about innovative programs in STEM and career pathways, including partnerships that give students access to emerging fields like aerospace, and even opportunities for them to earn pilot licenses. Dr. Rick Surrency dives into the unique perspective of being an elected superintendent, describing how sustained leadership has been critical to building trust and securing a $300 million investment for school revitalization.Whether you're an educator, administrator, or someone passionate about the future of public education, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiring stories of progress, from improved graduation rates to meaningful community partnerships. Join us as we celebrate success from Putnam County and explore what it truly takes to achieve lasting change in our schools.Key Moments04:41 "Elected Leadership vs. Appointed"06:53 "K-12 STEM Future Focus"13:06 Teacher Retention Through Mentorship16:50 "Florida Teacher Support Initiatives"18:06 "Retaining High-Quality Teachers"21:31 "Trust Drives Community Leadership"Why You'll Love This Episode:Hear how Dr. Rick Surrency led a dramatic district turnaround by focusing on systems, high expectations, and instructional consistency. He shares how Putnam County moved from widespread low-performing schools to one of the fastest-improving districts in the nation.Learn how community trust and engagement became the foundation for sustainable change. From parent involvement to a $300M school investment, this episode shows how aligning schools with the community drives real results.Gain insight into his practical approach to student relevance and teacher retention. From career pathways and STEM programs to a 93% teacher retention rate, he reveals how purpose, support, and real-world opportunities transform outcomes.Connect with Dr. Rick Surrency LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-surrency-221a69a5 Website: https://www.putnamschools.org/ Follow Us OnHost LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iranetta-rayborn-wright-00053937 Company LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/institute-for-education-innovation/ Company Website: https://www.instituteforedinnovation.com/ Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to IEI for more powerful conversations on educational leadership, innovation, and the stories shaping our schools.

This edition of IVCC Pulse is a little different from previous episodes. We interview the cast and IVCC students of the IVCC Theatre Department's production of THE TWENTY FIFTH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE on location in the Weeg Cultural Centre. They are asked what role they are performing – on-stage or off – and lessons learned about themselves during the show's production. If you are looking for some laughs and a few touching moments, make sure to see this charming production of THE TWENTY FIFTH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE playing at IVCC April ninth through nineteenth, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for high school students and under. IVCC students receive free admission. To purchase tickets, go to https://www.ivcc.edu/theatre and use the link to the online box office.

Join Kosta and his guest: Jamie Hunter, Chief Deputy Trustee for the Putnam County Trustee's Office and candidate for Putnam County Trustee.In this episode: You've spent 30 years in public service here in Putnam County. You've lived here your entire life and now, as we said in the introduction, you're running to serve as our next Putnam County Trustee. I want to start with your background, and what's at the heart of what you're trying to accomplish. As a lifelong member of our community, what does success in public service mean to you? Let's talk about the work of our County Trustee. Most listeners are well aware of property taxes, but after we pay, it's mostly a mystery. Can you walk us through what the Trustee's Office actually does with that money? Where does it go? Why does it matter? This is a contested primary with three Republican candidates. Other than County Mayor, this race will be the most closely watched election of the 2026 Primaries. What do you think is the single most important thing voters should be focused on when casting their vote for this office?Find out more about the Putnam County Trustee's Office: https://putnamcountytn.gov/trusteeRegister to vote, check your registration or update your voter registration: https://sos.tn.gov/govotetnImportant Putnam County Election dates and information: Putnam County Primary Elections will be held on May 5, 2026, with early voting from April 15th to April 30th. Putnam County General Elections will be held on August 6th with early voting from July 17th to August 1st.All early voting takes place at the Putnam County Election Commission on 705 County Services Dr, Cookeville, TN 38501.For more information visit on Putnam County polling locations visit: https://putnamcountytn.gov/election-commissionBetter Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is a product of Morgan Franklin Media and recorded in Cookeville, TN.This episode of Better Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is made possible by our partners at Aspire Barber and Beauty Academy.Find out more about Aspire Barber and Beauty Academy:https://aspirebarberandbeauty.com

Listen: Lauren Class Schneider talks to Matt Manuel, cast member in “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” at New World Stages. Matt Manuel headshot by Dirty Sugar Production photo by Phillippe Arroyo “Class Notes” actively covers New York's current theater season on, off, and off-off Broadway. For a transcript read more

How does a 16-year-old girl vanish into thin air and remain missing for nearly three decades? This week on Locating the Lost, we are reopening the chilling 1997 cold case of Brooke Elaine Hill.Brooke was last seen in Morgan County, Indiana, before being reported missing from Putnam County. For 30 years, her trail has been cold—no paper trail, no CODIS entry, and far too many unanswered questions. Joining us is Brooke's cousin, Alisha Schwab, who is breaking the silence to share the real story of the girl behind the poster and the tireless fight to finally bring her home.The Theories We're Diving Into:The 'Runaway' Narrative: Was Brooke truly a runaway, as originally reported, or was that a cover for something much darker?The Florida Connection: Did Brooke really make it to Florida, or is this a decades-old red herring?The Unidentified: Because Brooke isn't in the CODIS system, could she have been found years ago and remains a 'Jane Doe' today?Someone, somewhere, knows what happened that night in Indiana. It's time to find the truth.Listen now and help us bring Brooke home.Follow the missing Brooke Hill FB page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...Follow us on all social media: https://linktr.ee/locatingthelost#BrookeHill #MissingPerson #TrueCrimePodcast #ColdCase #Indiana #JusticeForBrooke #MissingInIndiana #LocatingTheLost #AlishaSchwab #FindBrookeHill #TrueCrimeCommunity #UnsolvedMysteries #JaneDoe #MissingChild #MorganCounty #PutnamCounty

How does a 16-year-old girl vanish into thin air and remain missing for nearly three decades? This week on Locating the Lost, we are reopening the chilling 1997 cold case of Brooke Elaine Hill.Brooke was last seen in Morgan County, Indiana, before being reported missing from Putnam County. For 30 years, her trail has been cold—no paper trail, no CODIS entry, and far too many unanswered questions. Joining us is Brooke's cousin, Alisha Schwab, who is breaking the silence to share the real story of the girl behind the poster and the tireless fight to finally bring her home.The Theories We're Diving Into:The 'Runaway' Narrative: Was Brooke truly a runaway, as originally reported, or was that a cover for something much darker?The Florida Connection: Did Brooke really make it to Florida, or is this a decades-old red herring?The Unidentified: Because Brooke isn't in the CODIS system, could she have been found years ago and remains a 'Jane Doe' today?Someone, somewhere, knows what happened that night in Indiana. It's time to find the truth.Listen now and help us bring Brooke home.Follow the missing Brooke Hill FB page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...Follow us on all social media: https://linktr.ee/locatingthelost#BrookeHill #MissingPerson #TrueCrimePodcast #ColdCase #Indiana #JusticeForBrooke #MissingInIndiana #LocatingTheLost #AlishaSchwab #FindBrookeHill #TrueCrimeCommunity #UnsolvedMysteries #JaneDoe #MissingChild #MorganCounty #PutnamCounty

What really goes into determining your property value? Ben Rodgers sits down with Putnam County Property Assessor Steve Pierce to break down the reappraisal process and what it means for local homeowners. Steve explains how his office works with the state to approve reappraisal plans, why Putnam County follows a five-year cycle, and what's included in the upcoming 2025–26 plan. He also discusses how the housing market has begun to level out and why many appraisal decisions are guided by statewide requirements rather than local choice. Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

Scott MacFarlane, former CBS News Correspondent, talks about the demise of CBS Radio. Jeff Jenkins has details on Google coming to Putnam County. Nick Preservati talks more about economic development. Chris Stirewalt gets worked up about political primaries. Plus... STEAM RELEASE!!

Join Kosta and his guest: Sam Sandlin, CPA, Putnam County Commissioner for District 2 and Candidate for Putnam County Commission District 2. In this episode: It's March of 2026, and unless you're literally living under a rock in Putnam County you know we have local elections this year. Let's start with some background, because while most of our listeners know there's an election, they might not know why it matters. What is a County Commissioner? What does the County Commission do? You've served the 2nd District of Putnam County for eight years, two terms in office and you're going for a third. What do you see as your greatest accomplishments so far and what do you still want to achieve? This term you're running as an Independent. Why? How will this change your campaign strategy? When we're talking about local government, particularly on the county level, what responsibility do you see our county government having in ensuring a quality of life to Putnam County residents that's better than what they currently have?Find out more about the Putnam County Commission: https://putnamcountytn.gov/county-commissionRegister to vote, check your registration or update your voter registration: https://sos.tn.gov/govotetnBetter Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is a product of Morgan Franklin Media and recorded in Cookeville, TN.This episode of Better Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is made possible by our partners at Aspire Barber and Beauty Academy.Find out more about Aspire Barber and Beauty Academy:https://aspirebarberandbeauty.com

Putnam County is growing fast—but agriculture, education, and community roots are still at the heart of it all. Ben Rodgers sits down with Michelle Parrott, Director of the Putnam County UT Extension Office, to talk about how the county has evolved over the past 20 years and how Extension continues to serve both rural and increasingly urban communities. Michelle highlights programs ranging from lawn and garden help to youth development through 4-H, including camps, judging teams, and archery. She also explains how residents can take advantage of Extension services—from canning resources to horticulture advice—and why staying connected with the community is at the center of their mission. Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

Putnam County is growing fast—but agriculture, education, and community roots are still at the heart of it all. Brad Halfacre sits down with Michelle Parrott, Director of the Putnam County UT Extension Office, to talk about how the county has evolved over the past 20 years and how Extension continues to serve both rural and increasingly urban communities. Michelle highlights programs ranging from lawn and garden help to youth development through 4-H, including camps, judging teams, and archery. She also explains how residents can take advantage of Extension services—from canning resources to horticulture advice—and why staying connected with the community is at the center of their mission. Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

[REBROADCAST FROM February 20, 2026] "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" is back onstage in New York City for its 20th anniversary. Cast members join us to perform songs from the show live in our studio. Photo by Joan Marcus

Join Kosta and his guest: Mason Harville, Owner of Upper Cumberland Tree Care and Land Management, Vice Chair of Putnam County Young Republicans and Candidate for Cookeville City Council. In this episode: The next generation of leadership here in Putnam County is making their voices heard. Whether it's through organizing, running for office or simply showing up for our community, we're welcoming the freshman class of our next leaders. How does it feel to be part of the change and fresh perspective Cookeville and Putnam County is so desperately seeking right now? You're running for Cookeville City Council in the 2026 election this August. You've taken a more personal approach to campaigning by sharing openly about your faith and political standing. What does being a conservative Christian mean to you in this campaign and what will it mean for you as you serve in office? Serving as a Cookeville City Council member is one of the most demanding and intense local offices in all of Putnam County, it's also one of the most rewarding. If elected, what do you see as your greatest opportunity to improve the everyday life of voters here in the City of  Cookeville?Find out more about Upper Cumberland Tree Care and Land Management: https://uppercumberlandtreecare.com/Find out more about Putnam County Young Republicans: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582624360730Find out more about Mason Harville for Cookeville City Council:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580063288371Better Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is a product of Morgan Franklin Media and recorded in Cookeville, TN.This episode of Better Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is made possible by our partners at Miss Sallie's Market.Find out more about Miss Sallie's Market:https://www.misssallies.com

Join Kosta and his guest: Tessa Davis, Sales and Marketing Director and Assistant Tourism Director at Cookeville-Putnam County Visitors Bureau. In this episode: In 2024, Tennessee set a new record for tourism after generating $31.7 billion in direct visitor spending and welcoming over 147 million travelers. Most of us probably never think about it, but the Upper Cumberland is a tourist destination. How does increased tourism locally and statewide benefit Putnam County? Let's pretend our cousin is coming into town and they've never been to Cookeville or even Tennessee. We call you, because we know exactly who can plan out the perfect day for a visitor to the Upper Cumberland. What's the agenda? The new Putnam County Convention Center is outstanding. It was long overdue and we're not done. In addition to the convention center, we're getting a 64,000-square-foot Expo Center. Will you tell us about both these projects and what it means for tourism? Find out more about Cookeville-Putnam County Visitors Bureau: https://www.visitcookevilletn.com/Better Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is a product of Morgan Franklin Media and recorded in Cookeville, TN.This episode of Better Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is made possible by our partners at Aspire Barber and Beauty Academy.Find out more about Aspire Barber and Beauty Academy:https://aspirebarberandbeauty.com

"The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" is back onstage in New York City for its 20th anniversary. Cast members perform songs from the show live in our studio. Photo by Joan Marcus