#Trending: Recent Episodes
News Talk 94.1
Host Ben Rodgers meets with city and county officials to discuss current events from all across the Upper Cumberland on #Trending - only on News Talk 94.1/AM 1600.
This week, host Ben Rodgers is joined by President Lynn McHenry, and Vice President Larry Rodgers of the Double Springs Utility District & Board in Putnam County. They discuss the history of the board and the needs that led to its inception, how utility districts work in Putnam County, as well as addressing some of the common questions and complaints that come in to the board.
New episodes every Friday at 8am on News Talk 94.1.
This week, host Ben Rodgers is joined by Molly Brown, Executive Director of the Cookeville-Putnam County Visitors' Bureau. They address some of the questions and safety precautions surrounding the upcoming TSSAA Blue Cross Bowl football tournament in Cookeville, how to become involved and volunteer for the multi-day event, and they discuss recent updates on local tourism.
New episodes every Friday at 8am on News Talk 94.1.
This week, host Ben Rodgers is joined by Highlands Residential Services Executive Director Dow Harris, and Director Of Operations Chris Cassetty. They discuss the services that they provide to the citizens of the Upper Cumberland, the various counties that they serve, as well as the history of the organization and some of their projects that they have worked on.
New episodes every Friday at 8am on News Talk 94.1.
This week, host Ben Rodgers is joined by Jenny Spurlock with Leadership Putnam They discuss details about their leadership classes, how they help people grow and help their community, their recent Healthcare Day event, as well as some of the previous class projects that have impacted the community.
New episodes every Friday at 8am on News Talk 94.1.
This week, host Ben Rodgers is joined by Putnam County Parks and Recreation Director, John Ross Albertson. They discuss the services provided by the Parks and Recreation department, the department's budget and funding sources, the state of community sports and tournaments/events due to COVID-19, and more.
New episodes every Friday at 8am on News Talk 94.1.
This week, host Ben Rodgers is joined by Van Buren County Commissioners and Budget Committee members Will Maxwell and Henry Seamons. They discuss the new county budget passed this year, adjustments made during the process of creating the budget, and the new property tax increase in Van Buren County.
New episodes every Friday at 8am on News Talk 94.1.
This week, host Ben Rodgers is joined by Senator Paul Bailey, and Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter. They discuss recent developments in the state and in Putnam County including special legislature sessions, state revenue, and economic and community growth throughout the state and the Upper Cumberland.
New episodes every Friday at 8am on News Talk 94.1.
This week, host Ben Rodgers is joined by Katelyn Steakley with Habitat For Humanity. They discuss her work during the March 3rd tornado relief efforts and involvement with the Cookeville Strong Facebook page, her recent career change working with Habitat For Humanity, affordable housing, and ways people can contribute to Habitat For Humanity despite event cancellations this year.
New episodes every Friday at 8am on News Talk 94.1.
This week, host Ben Rodgers is joined by Molly Brown, Executive Director of the Cookeville-Putnam County Visitors' Bureau. They discuss the roles and services the County Visitors' Bureau provide, how they market and help attract visitors and tourists to the area, and how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted tourism.
New episodes every Friday at 8am on News Talk 94.1.
This week, host Ben Rodgers is joined by Macel Ely, Executive Director of the Naifeh Center for Effective Leadership. They discuss what the Naifeh Center for Effective Leadership does, the various types of training and services they provide, and how they train public servants to be better leaders and members of their communities.
New episodes every Friday at 8am on News Talk 94.1.
This week, host Ben Rodgers is joined by Congressman John Rose, U.S. Representative for Tennessee's 6th congressional district. They discuss the CARES Act, stimulus packages, Coronavirus relief funds, and get to know more about his life and career.
New episodes every Friday at 8am on News Talk 94.1.
This week, host Ben Rodgers is joined by Byrdstown Mayor Sam Gibson. They discuss his time working in education, upcoming outdoor Labor Day weekend events in Byrdstown, the town's relationship with county law enforcement, and more updates regarding recent events in Byrdstown.
New episodes every Friday at 8am on News Talk 94.1.
This week, host Ben Rodgers is joined by Putnam County School Board Vice Chair Celeste Gammon, and Board Member Kim Cravens. They discuss the School Board's 2020-2021 fiscal year budget, the decision making process of opening schools back up, and safety protocols for bus riders and in person classes.
New episodes every Friday at 8am on News Talk 94.1.
This week, host Ben Rodgers is joined by Baxter Mayor John Martin, and Chief Of Police Danny Holmes. They discuss city operating budgets for the 2020-2021 fiscal year, current events and operations for the city of Baxter, and the challenges surrounding those operations given recent events in the Upper Cumberland. That's #TRENDING
New episodes every Friday at 8am on News Talk 94.1.
This week, host Ben Rodgers is joined by White County Mayor Denny Wayne Robinson and Jackson County Mayor Randy Heady. They discuss county operating budgets for the 2020-2021 fiscal year, expected tax increases or changes, and the challenges surrounding developing those budgets given recent events in the Upper Cumberland. That's #TRENDING
New episodes every Friday at 8am on News Talk 94.1.
This week, host Ben Rodgers is joined by Fentress County Executive Jimmy Johnson, and Smith County Mayor Jeff Mason. With deadlines quickly approaching, they discuss county operating budgets for the 2020-2021 fiscal year, expected tax increases or changes, and the challenges surrounding developing those budgets given recent events in the Upper Cumberland. That's #TRENDING
New episodes every Friday at 8am on News Talk 94.1.
This week, host Ben Rodgers is joined by Betsy Knotts, Director of Local Government Finance, and John Greer, Utilities Specialist with the Office of the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury. With the June 30th deadline quickly approaching, they discuss county operating budgets for the 2020-2021 fiscal year, the office that regulates those budgets, and the challenges that utility boards have when it comes to their budgeting. That's #TRENDING
New episodes every Friday at 8am on News Talk 94.1.
This week, host Ben Rodgers is joined by Putnam County Tornado Relief Committee members Melinda Keifer, John Bell, and Bob Bell. They discuss how the Committee came to be as a result of the March 3rd Putnam County Tornado, their mission and goals, and how the Committee has assisted those impacted by the tornado. That's #TRENDING
New episodes every Friday at 8am on News Talk 94.1.
This week, host Ben Rodgers is joined by Warren County Executive Jimmy Haley. The discuss how the County has been and their proactive response to the COVID-19 pandemic, an increase in sales tax numbers for the month of April in the County, and what brings people to visit Warren County throughout the year. That's #TRENDING
New episodes every Friday at 8am on News Talk 94.1.
This week, host Ben Rodgers is joined by newly appointed Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber Of Commerce President & CEO Amy New. They discuss the journey of her career, the Highlands Partnership between Putnam, White, Jackson, and Overton Counties, as well as what the Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber Of Commerce is currently up to. That's #TRENDING
New episodes every Friday at 8am on News Talk 94.1.
This week, host Ben Rodgers is joined by City Of Cookeville Mayor Ricky Shelton. Together they catch up with everything happening in the city of Cookeville, as well as discussing city operations, summer events in the city, and updates on retail developments. That's #TRENDING
New episodes every Friday at 8am on News Talk 94.1.
This week, host Ben Rodgers is joined by Director Of Putnam County Schools Corby King, and School Business Officer Mark McReynolds. They discuss how the Putnam County School System has adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic, the state of graduation and school sports, school budgets, and what their outlook is for the 2020-2021 school year. That's #TRENDING
New episodes every Friday at 8am on News Talk 94.1.
This week, host Ben Rodgers is joined by Sequatchie County Mayor Keith Cartwright. He provides an update on the operations in Sequatchie County as they adapt to changes brought on by COVID-19, as well as discussing the county's budget outlook for the 2021 fiscal year. That's #TRENDING
New episodes every Friday at 8am on News Talk 94.1.
This week, host Ben Rodgers is joined by Overton County Executive Ben Danner. He provides an update on the operations in Overton County as they adapt to changes brought on by COVID-19, as well as discussing the county's budget outlook for the 2021 fiscal year. That's #TRENDING
New episodes every Friday at 8am on News Talk 94.1.
This week, host Ben Rodgers is joined by Cumberland County Mayor Allen Foster. They discuss how COVID-19 is impacting Cumberland County and their operations, the introduction of new technology to assist county government, and the adjustments that the county has made to continue to function and serve the public. That's #TRENDING
New episodes every Friday at 8am on News Talk 94.1.
This week, host Ben Rodgers is joined by Putnam County Assessor of Property Steve Pierce. They discuss how COVID-19 has affected the functions of the office and employees in the Property Assessor department, including Governor Lee’s extended stay at home order through April 30. That's #TRENDING
New episodes every Friday at 8am on News Talk 94.1.
This week, host Ben Rodgers is joined by Putnam County Circuit Court Clerk Jennifer Wilkerson. They discuss how the current COVID-19 outbreak is affecting certain functions in county government, and what's going on in the Circuit Court Clerk's Office as they adapt to best serve the community's needs. That's #TRENDING
New episodes every Friday at 8am on News Talk 94.1.
This week, host Ben Rodgers is joined by State Senator Paul Bailey. They discuss the state legislature, and the General Assembly’s recess. They also discuss COVID-19 - how city and county governments are moving forward during the pandemic, and the steps they are taking to help flatten the curve. That's #TRENDING
New episodes every Friday at 8am on News Talk 94.1.
A lot has transpired in Putnam County over the course of the past several weeks. This week, host Ben Rodgers is joined by Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter to offer updates on what's been going on in Putnam County. They discuss the county's response to COVID-19 (Coronavirus), how it could potentially affect the county in the upcoming weeks, the county's continued relief efforts following the March 3rd Putnam County tornadoes, and President Trump's visit to the county several days later. That's #TRENDING
New episodes every Friday at 8am on News Talk 94.1.
This week, host Ben Rodgers is joined Emergency Management Agency Director Tyler Smith, and Assistant 911 Director Brandon Smith. They discuss and recap the events of the Tuesday, March 3rd tornadoes in Putnam County, what goes into the process of preparing for sever weather, and for preparing the relief and recovery efforts once damage has occurred, and what the protocol is for responding to natural disasters at night. That's #TRENDING
New episodes every Friday at 8am on News Talk 94.1.
This week, host Ben Rodgers is joined by several members of the Upperman Campus Community Council - Upperman High School Principal Billy Stepp, Chairman of the Board Eric Brown, and Vice Chairman Lynn McHenry. They discuss the inception of the Council, as well as the Upperman High School Veterans Memorial Monument - a tribute to those who have served in the United States Armed Forces, and have attended Upperman High School and Baxter Seminary School. That's #TRENDING
New episodes every Friday at 8am on News Talk 94.1.
This week, host Ben Rodgers discusses 2 construction projects currently being discussed for Putnam County - a new Pre-K through 8 school, and a jail and court expansion in downtown Cookeville - with Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter, Interim Director Of Schools Corby King, and Putnam County Sheriff Eddie Farris. That's #TRENDING
New episodes every Friday at 8am on News Talk 94.1.
This week, Putnam County Highway Superintendent Randy Jones joins host Ben Rodgers to discuss his 11th year in office, the responsibilities and services provided by his office, and how recent tax increases have gone to benefit his office and its personnel. That's #TRENDING
New episodes every Friday at 8am on News Talk 94.1.
This week, DeKalb County Clerk Jimmy Poss joins host Ben Rodgers to discuss his time and experiences in public service, the roles and services that the County Clerk's Office provides for the county, and what he's looking to accomplish as the County Clerk to DeKalb County. That's #TRENDING
New episodes every Friday at 8am on News Talk 94.1.
This week, Smith County Commissioner Erika Ebel joins host Ben Rodgers to discuss her first 15 months as county commissioner, the previous and current fiscal years for Smith County, tough decisions made last year in the county such as the property tax increase, and issues coming up on the March referendum for the county. That's #TRENDING
New episodes every Friday at 8am on News Talk 94.1.
This week, the 83rd Speaker Of The House of the Tennessee House Of Representatives Cameron Sexton joins host Ben Rodgers to discuss the recently reconvened 111th Tennessee General Assembly, what the first few weeks have been like for him transitioning into the role of Speaker Of The House, his history working in public service, and his involvement with the state budgeting process. That's #TRENDING
New episodes every Friday at 8am on News Talk 94.1.
This week, newly appointed 13th Judicial District Criminal Court Judge Wesley Bray joins Ben Rodgers to discuss the past six months of his time as a judge, the roles that he performs as a judge in the counties that he serves, and the transition from private practice to becoming a judge. That's #TRENDING
New episodes every Friday at 8am on News Talk 94.1.
This week, City of Livingston Mayor Curtis Hayes joins Ben Rodgers to discuss his history in local government from what made him run for mayor 14 years ago to the roles that he currently serves, Livingston's budget going into the new year, and the history and development of Livingston's park. That's #TRENDING
New episodes every Friday at 8am on News Talk 94.1.
This week, City of Cookeville Mayor Ricky Shelton, City of Cookeville Economic Development Coordinator Melinda Keifer, and Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter join Ben Rodgers to discuss the year that Putnam County has had, McAlister's Deli coming back to Cookeville, the Tennessee ThreeStar Program, and more as Putnam County gets ready to enter 2020. That's #TRENDING
New episodes every Friday at 8am on News Talk 94.1.
This week, Putnam County School Board Chair Dr. Dawn Fry, and Board member Kim Cravens join Ben Rodgers to discuss the location and design for a new school in Putnam County, the school systems budgets, and the priorities of the Putnam County School System going into the new year. That's #TRENDING
New episodes every Friday at 8am on News Talk 94.1.
This week, meet first time Cannon County Executive Brent Bush as host Ben Rodgers discusses growth in Cannon County, the growing service expectations that come as a result, financial struggles within the county along with other challenges Brent has faced, and learn more about his public service career and time in the military. That's #TRENDING
New episodes every Friday at 8am on News Talk 94.1.
This week, meet Cookeville Vice-Mayor Laurin Wheaton as Ben discusses her first year in office, the city budget, UT Football, and what led her to decide to become a public servant. That is all on this episode of #TRENDING
New episodes every Friday at 8am on News Talk 94.1.
This week, we continue the discussion with Clay County Sheriff Brandon Boone and Clay County Mayor Dale Reagan as Ben explores the process of building a new jail and the hospital opening in Clay County. That's #TRENDING
New episodes every Friday at 8am on News Talk 94.1.
This week, meet Clay County Sheriff Brandon Boone and Clay County Mayor Dale Reagan as Ben discusses with them their history of public service, the financial troubles in 2006 when Mayor Reagan took office, their adoption of the hotel/motel tax in 2009. That's #TRENDING
New episodes every Friday at 8am on News Talk 94.1.
The next legislative session for the general assembly will begin in just about two months. This week, Ben Rodgers sits down with Senator Paul Bailey. They discuss the regions issues, the journey to becoming a legislator, campaigning and funding, and Senator Bailey's experience as a Senator in the Tennessee General Assembly. That's #TRENDING
New episodes every Friday at 8am on News Talk 94.1.
This week, Ben discusses with Putnam County Director Of Schools Jerry Boyd and School Board Member Lynn McHenry the land the county just purchased, discussion of a new school and where it would be built, schools across the county that have been identified as reward schools, receiving state awards for achievement, the relationship between the county commission and the school board and more. That's #TRENDING
New episodes every Friday at 8am on News Talk 94.1.
Van Buren County is a beautiful area in the Upper Cumberland... Home of Fall Creek Falls, the most visited state park in the southeast United States, however, Van Buren, like other rural counties, does have struggles. Greg Wilson, Mayor of Van Buren County discusses his lifetime residency and commitment to Van Buren County, the growth and industry opportunities for the future of Van Buren County, Fall Creek Falls, the new administrative building, jail and more. That's #TRENDING
New episodes every Friday at 8am on News Talk 94.1.
Ben Rodgers talks all things Fentress County this week on #TRENDING. Fentress County is one of the largest counties per square mile in the Upper Cumberland, along with being one of the most beautiful. Fentress County Executive Jimmy Johnson discusses Fentress County, current projects, his first year in office, off-setting costs of running the jail and discovering a case of fraud in the finance department in Fentress County and the impact that has had. That's #TRENDING
New episodes every Friday at 8am on News Talk 94.1.
This week, Ben Rodgers visits with Michelle Parrott to discuss her role as director of the Putnam County UT Ag Extension office, the unification of the Institute For Agriculture with the University Of Tennessee, Knoxville and how that will effect the county and state and also, Ben and Michelle discuss what a potential Putnam County Fairgrounds move could mean for the UT Ag Extension office. That's what's #TRENDING.
New episodes every Friday at 8am on News Talk 94.1.
The discussion of relocating the fairgrounds, the tracts of land proposed for purchase, how Putnam County would pay for the purchase... This week, Ben Rodgers talks with Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter, Parks and Rec Director John Ross Albertson, Fair Board Chairman John Allen, Fair Board Member Wes Roberson and Glen Jones, the Putnam County Fairgrounds Manager, County Archivist and also the person who oversees the history museum this week on #TRENDING.
New episodes every Friday at 8am on News Talk 94.1.
A topic of discussion for the last few years in Putnam County has been relocating the fairgrounds. This week, Ben Rodgers talks with Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter, Parks and Rec Director John Ross Albertson, Fair Board Chairman John Allen, Fair Board Member Wes Roberson about the history of the Putnam County Fairgrounds, expansion of the fair and facilities, and possible relocation sites for the fairgrounds this week on #TRENDING.
New episodes every Friday at 8am on News Talk 94.1.
Almost half of the county mayors just finished serving their first year in office as new mayors. Today's guest is Cumberland County Mayor Allen Foster. No stranger to county government, Allen Foster previously served as a county commissioner and school board member. Mayor Foster discusses the reasons he chose to run for mayor, the county budget, improving quality of life for the residents of Cumberland County and revenue opportunities that are arriving. That's what's #TRENDING.
New episodes every Friday at 8am on News Talk 94.1.
It's been said this is the year of property tax increases in the Upper Cumberland. All counties adopted budgets by the state deadline. Some of those adopted budgets came with a property tax rate. Today, Ben Rodgers talks Smith County government with County Mayor Jeff Mason discussing his first year as a public servant in office, Smith County finances, tax increases, ways to give back to the county departments and ways to cut costs. That's #TRENDING.
New episodes every Friday at 8am on News Talk 94.1.
Trending this summer in the Upper Cumberland - Increased Property Taxes. Recently the City of Sparta has put a sales tax rate increase on the referendum. City of Sparta Mayor Jeff Young and White County Administrator of Elections Dorcas Markum discuss that decision and the process. That's #TRENDING.
New episodes every Friday at 8am on News Talk 94.1.
This week - meet current Executive Director of the Tennessee County Commissioners Association and former State Representative Charlie Curtiss. From serving his country in the Marine Corps at age 19 to holding several positions in local and state government, Charlie Curtiss has been a public servant for the majority of his life. Ben and Charlie discuss the motivation for Charlie's public service, the relationship between the County Commission and school board and more on #Trending.
New episodes every Friday at 8am on News Talk 94.1.
Jennifer Wilkerson served in the non-profit world for many years before running for the office of Circuit Court Clerk a year ago. This week, meet Jennifer Wilkerson, learn about why she chose to run for office, the responsibilities of her office and future plans on #Trending.
New episodes every Friday at 8am on News Talk 94.1.
This week, Ben Rodgers sits down with Baxter Mayor John Martin and Baxter Police Chief Danny Holmes about the growth of Baxter, projects like the new amphitheater, the sewer and water system and proposed rate increases, and new industry development in the area on #Trending.
New episodes every Friday at 8am on News Talk 94.1.
This week, Ben Rodgers discusses the Assessor of Property's role, what the property tax increase means for the county, and growth of the office with Putnam County Assessor of Property Steve Pierce on #Trending.
New episodes every Friday at 8am on News Talk 94.1.
Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter and Director of Schools Jerry Boyd join Ben Rodgers to discuss the passing of Putnam County's budget and the impact on the county, property tax increases, schools, and the sheriff's department in this week's episode of #Trending.
New episodes every Friday at 8am on News Talk 94.1.
Jackson County Mayor Randy Heady discusses being Chairman of the County Commission and Mayor, the budget, capital projects, the airport, and growth and development for Jackson Country in this week's episode of #Trending.
New episodes every Friday at 8am on News Talk 94.1.
City of Cookeville Mayor Ricky Shelton discusses the recent passing of Cookeville's 2019-2020 fiscal year budget, and Cookeville's continuing industrial and retail growth with host Ben Rodgers on #Trending.
New episodes every Friday at 8am on News Talk 94.1.
Ben Rodgers discusses county budgets, and introduces you to White County and Overton County Executives Ben Danner and Denny Wayne Robinson to discuss the budgets they have passed for the 2019-2020 fiscal year on #Trending.
New episodes every Friday at 8am on News Talk 94.1.
Ben Rodgers discusses county budgets, and introduces you to White County and Overton County Executives Ben Danner and Denny Wayne Robinson to discuss the budgets they have passed for the 2019-2020 fiscal year on #Trending.
New episodes every Friday at 8am on News Talk 94.1.
Ben Rodgers speaks with Putnam County Sheriff Eddie Farris and Chief of Administration Michael Ronczkowski on the needs of the Putnam County Sheriff's Office, and their budget for the next fiscal year on #Trending.
New episodes every Friday at 8am on News Talk 94.1.
Ben Rodgers speaks with Putnam County Assistant Director of Schools Corby King and Putnam Country School Systems Finance Officer Mark McReynolds on the needs of the Putnam County School Systems, and their budget for the next fiscal year on #Trending.
New episodes every Friday at 8am on News Talk 94.1.
Ben Rodgers talks budgets with Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter and Property Assessor Steve Pierce on #Trending.
New episodes every Friday at 8am on News Talk 94.1.