City of Cookeville, TN- Ali C. Bagci, Councilman

06/19/2026

🚧 Upcoming Street Closure: Church Street 🚧

Please see the attached map regarding an upcoming street closure on Church Street beginning Monday, June 22, 2026, and lasting until Friday morning, June 26, 2026.

The City of Cookeville Public Works Department will be performing storm drain repairs within this section of Church Street. As part of this work, new cast-in-place concrete will be installed and will require adequate curing time before traffic can safely travel across it.

⛔ No traffic will be permitted through this short segment of Church Street during the closure.

All parking lots, driveways, and surrounding streets within the area will remain accessible throughout the project.

City of Cookeville TN- Laurin Wheaton, Mayor City of Cookeville - Luke Eldridge, Vice Mayor City of Cookeville - Chad Gilbert, Councilman City of Cookeville, TN- Ali C. Bagci, Councilman City of Cookeville - Eric Walker, Councilman

06/19/2026

As part of our commitment to improving infrastructure and reducing traffic congestion, this council worked closely with TDOT and invested local dollars to help accelerate a much needed right turn lane on Willow Avenue.

While Willow is a state highway, its impact is felt every day by Cookeville residents and businesses. By partnering with TDOT, we were able to move this project forward and bring meaningful traffic relief to one of our busiest corridors.

This is another example of how local leadership and state partnerships can deliver real results for our community.

Cookeville officials partner with TDOT to construct a new right turn lane on South Willow Avenue to reduce traffic queuing and improve road safety.

06/18/2026

🌊🏃‍♀️ Sarah Alice Bagci Memorial Summer Splash 5K Returns June 27! 🏃‍♂️🌊

Join us on June 27 for the Sarah Alice Bagci Memorial Summer Splash 5K, a fun community event with a powerful purpose.
100% of proceeds stay right here in our community, providing financial assistance and support to local cancer patients and their families as they navigate one of life's most difficult battles.

Whether you're running, walking, volunteering, or cheering from the sidelines, your participation makes a meaningful difference for families facing cancer.

Together, we can honor my mom's memory while bringing hope, support, and relief to local families fighting cancer. ❤️

Summer Splash 5K Returns June 27 to Support Local Cancer Patients

COOKEVILLE, TN: The community is invited to lace up their running shoes, cool off, and make a difference at the 2026 Summer Splash 5K on Saturday, June 27, at 6:00 p.m. This fun, family friendly event will once again bring runners and walkers together to support the Cancer Patient Assistance Fund through the Cookeville Regional Medical Center Charitable Foundation.

Designed for participants of all ages and fitness levels, the Summer Splash 5K combines community spirit with summertime fun. Participants can choose to run or walk while enjoying the race’s signature misting zones and optional drench stations placed throughout the course, creating a refreshing and memorable experience unlike any other race in the region.

More than just a race, the Summer Splash 5K serves as an opportunity for families, friends, churches, businesses, and community groups to come together in support of cancer patients from all across the Upper Cumberland. The race was founded in memory of Sarah Alice Bagci, and participants are encouraged to take part in honor or memory of loved ones affected by cancer.

The Summer Splash will begin at 6:00 pm behind the Dogwood Park pavilion, toward North Walnut Avenue between Dogwood Park and the Leslie Town Centre. Proceeds from the event directly benefit local residents facing cancer diagnoses by helping provide assistance for essential needs during treatment and recovery. This year’s presenting sponsor is Roland Digital Media. Additional sponsors are Radiology Imaging Associates, PC, Texas Roadhouse and Burnett Unity Foundation.

Pictured from left: Amanda Scott, John Bell, Kim Arro-Barnes, Amanda Bain, Luke Hill, Ali Bagci, Tim McDermott, Latessa Morris, Brigitte Williams and Teresa Roberts

Registration information is available at www.CookevilleRegionalCharity.org or https://runsignup.com/Race/TN/Cookeville/SummerSplash

06/18/2026

Excited to see improvements on Bunker Hill Road getting underway!

Starting June 18, crews will begin repairs and drainage improvements in preparation for repaving. We appreciate everyone's patience during these temporary closures as we continue investing in safer, better roads for Cookeville.

🚧 Upcoming Closure Notice – Bunker Hill Road🚧

Please see the attached map regarding an upcoming closure on Bunker Hill Road beginning Thursday, June 18, 2026, and continuing through Friday, June 26, 2026.

The City of Cookeville Public Works Department will be conducting street repairs, shoulder improvements, and ditch line work in preparation for the upcoming repaving of Bunker Hill Road. To minimize disruptions, closures will occur in different segments each day between Elk Drive and Henley Drive, meaning the entire section will not be closed at one time.

⛔ Through traffic will not be permitted in the work zone. Local residents are encouraged to follow posted detour signs to avoid delays and unnecessary turnarounds.

Available alternate routes include:
• West Cemetery Road
• White Road
• Pigeon Road
• Messenger Road
• West Davis Road
• Henley Drive

We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we continue improving Cookeville's streets and storm drainage infrastructure.

City of Cookeville TN- Laurin Wheaton, Mayor City of Cookeville - Luke Eldridge, Vice Mayor City of Cookeville - Chad Gilbert, Councilman City of Cookeville, TN- Ali C. Bagci, Councilman City of Cookeville - Eric Walker, Councilman

06/17/2026

Congratulations to the Cookeville Fire Department on earning the Tennessee Municipal League's 2026 Excellence in Fire Service Award for the CCR Program!

Thank you to Fire Chief Young for bringing this innovative initiative before the City Council and to everyone involved in making it a success.

The CCR Program is not only improving lives here in Cookeville, it serves as a model that municipalities across Tennessee and across the nation can follow to better address behavioral health crises while strengthening public safety.

🏆 Congratulations to the Cookeville Fire Department!

The City of Cookeville is proud to announce that the Cookeville Fire Department has been recognized by the Tennessee Municipal League with the 2026 Excellence in Fire Service Award for its Cookeville Community Response (CCR) Program.

The CCR Program pairs a licensed mental health clinician with a fire department-based EMT to respond to non-violent behavioral health crises, helping connect individuals with the services and support they need while improving emergency response efficiency throughout our community.

This award reflects the dedication of our firefighters and the strong partnerships between the Cookeville Fire Department, Cookeville Police Department and other community partners who work together to serve those in need. 🎉

City of Cookeville TN- Laurin Wheaton, Mayor City of Cookeville - Luke Eldridge, Vice Mayor City of Cookeville - Chad Gilbert, Councilman City of Cookeville, TN- Ali C. Bagci, Councilman City of Cookeville - Eric Walker, Councilman

06/16/2026

06/16/2026

Excited to celebrate the completion of the Henley Drive Extension!
This investment in infrastructure will improve connectivity, help address traffic congestion, and support Cookeville's continued growth. Thank you to the Stites family, Dayv Sweetland, and Rogers Group for their partnership and generosity in helping make this project possible.

Great things happen when the public and private sectors work together for our community.

The City of Cookeville celebrated the completion of the Henley Drive Extension with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 15, 2026. This project enhances connectivity, improves traffic flow, and supports continued growth in our community.

The City extends its sincere appreciation to property owners Jack Stites, John D. Stites, Josh Stites, and David Sweetland of TIP Enterprises for donating the necessary right-of-way and easements, and to Rogers Group, Inc. for contributing easements and donating materials to support construction efforts.

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Pictured from left to right are Will Odom of Rogers Group, Carter Watson of Rogers Group, Jon Niebel of Rogers Group, Joe Nichols of Clinton Engineering, Mary Beth Elrod, Director of Public Works, City of Cookeville - Eric Walker, Councilman, Carrie Simpson of Clinton Engineering, City of Cookeville - Luke Eldridge, Vice Mayor, City of Cookeville TN- Laurin Wheaton, Mayor, City of Cookeville - Chad Gilbert, Councilman, Phil Staton of Clinton Engineering, City of Cookeville, TN- Ali C. Bagci, Councilman, City Manager James Mills, Jack Stites, Public Works Engineer Jacob Ramsaur, John Stites, and Caleb Anderson of Rogers Group.

06/13/2026

🚧 UPDATE: South Maple Avenue Closure Extended 🚧

Due to unforeseen circumstances and unavoidable delays, work on South Maple Avenue was not completed as scheduled and will continue through next week.

📍 South Maple Avenue between England Drive and Highway 111 will remain closed daily from June 15–19, 2026, between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes during work hours. Local residents will continue to have access to their properties but are asked to follow posted detour signage to avoid delays and unnecessary turnarounds.

We appreciate your patience as these improvements are completed and will provide additional updates if the schedule changes.

City of Cookeville TN- Laurin Wheaton, Mayor City of Cookeville - Luke Eldridge, Vice Mayor City of Cookeville - Chad Gilbert, Councilman City of Cookeville, TN- Ali C. Bagci, Councilman City of Cookeville - Eric Walker, Councilman

06/13/2026

Thank you to the Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce, Herald-Citizen, Highlands Insider, and Upper Cumberland Business Journal for covering the Cookeville City Council candidates helping to keep our community informed.

It is truly an honor to give back to the community that has invested in me and my family for the past 58 years. I am proud of the momentum we, on the current City Council, have created and look forward to continuing that progress to keep Cookeville growing, thriving, and maintaining the quality of life whichis the envy of Tennessee. Read more below.

https://www.herald-citizen.com/news/council-candidates-answer-questions-at-chamber-forum/article_9a161f05-f474-54e2-94e9-c031e8514a1c.html

https://www.ucbjournal.com/cookeville-candidates-share-vision-for-growth-infrastructure-and-quality-of-life-at-chamber-forum/

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BiBk4ETqu/

06/12/2026

Be sure and check off one or all of these bucket list items throughout this summer.

☀️ It's June, and that means summer is here in Cookeville!

Whether you're exploring our parks and trails, cooling off at the splash pad, attending local events, or discovering new favorite spots around town, there's no shortage of ways to make memories this season.

We've put together the ultimate Cookeville Summer Bucket List to help you make the most of your summer. How many can you check off before the season ends?

📸 If you complete any items on the bucket list, be sure to snap a photo and tag the City of Cookeville on social media, we'd love to see your summer adventures!

What's on your Cookeville summer bucket list? Let us know in the comments! ⬇️



City of Cookeville TN- Laurin Wheaton, Mayor City of Cookeville - Luke Eldridge, Vice Mayor City of Cookeville - Chad Gilbert, Councilman City of Cookeville, TN- Ali C. Bagci, Councilman City of Cookeville - Eric Walker, Councilman