By Michelle Price
Special to the UCBJ
UPPER CUMBERLAND – As we ramp up a new year, we reflect on the Top 10 stories of 2021 as seen by readers on the UCBJ website:
10. CRMC issues statement regarding the Biden COVID vaccine mandate
Nov. 16: In response to staff and community concerns over the recently announced COVID vaccine mandate, Cookeville Regional Medical Center (CRMC) issued the following statement…READ MORE
9. Cookeville to get fourth Starbucks
March 23: Cookeville learned that it will be getting a new Starbucks when Food City opens. This will be the fourth Starbucks within the corporate limits of Cookeville.….READ MORE
8. Texas Roadhouse sets opening date
March 24: Fans of Texas Roadhouse were thrilled to learn that the long-awaited restaurant would soon be opening its doors on Interstate Drive…READ MORE
7. Spring Street Supermarket to close after almost 60 years
Aug. 16: After almost 60 years in business, the ongoing effects of COVID and the imminent opening of another major chain grocery store (Food City) led Spring Street Supermarket to announce it would soon be closing its doors permanently.……READ MORE
6. Flatrock development designed to be premier destination
Dec. 22: Rusty Bittle, developer and founding partner of Flatrock USA, gave Cumberland County Commissioners a peak at the ambitious plan, which will include a six-mile paved road-racing track, two hotels, a lodge, restaurants, clubhouses, cabins, an amphitheater, winery and more on a 773-acre site off the Westel Road exit.…READ MORE
5. COVID-19: CRMC announces temporary closures, staffing changes
Aug. 31: A spike in COVID cases necessitated the curtailing of elective surgical procedures and reallocated staff to handle the increase in patients…….READ MORE
4. Appearance discrimination – is it illegal?
Jan. 9, 2020: This article where Jeff Jones explored appearance discrimination and when and if it is ever acceptable and legal in the business world was so popular that it made the Top 10 articles list for both 2020 (#8) and 2021.…READ MORE
3. COVID-19: Covid Vaccinations start for 75 and older
Dec.30, 2020: The availability of the COVID vaccine for adults 75 and older was a huge breakthrough in the fight against COVID-19.…..READ MORE
2. Landmark Cookeville hotel demolished for new Hilton Home2 Suites
Jan. 29: The cityscape along South Jefferson Avenue changed forever as the front portion of the Quality Inn hotel, including the former restaurant and sports bar, was recently demolished to make way for a new five-story Hilton Home2 Suites.……READ MORE
1. Cumberland County chosen for Flatrock USA Motorsports Park
July 16: Rusty Bittle, developer and founding partner of Flatrock USA, announced Cumberland County as the location for a sprawling entertainment and leisure destination featuring a motorsports park designed by world renowned Tilke Engineers & Architects.……READ MORE
