HIGHLANDS HAPPENINGS

Highlands Insider to Host Meet the Candidates City Council Panel Discussion

Highlands Insider will host a Meet the Candidates City Council Panel Discussion on Thursday, June 11, at the Cookeville Community Center.

All Cookeville City Council candidates are invited to attend and participate in the public discussion, which is designed to give residents an opportunity to hear directly from candidates ahead of the upcoming election season.

The event will include candidate introductions, moderated discussion and opportunities for the community to learn more about the individuals seeking office.

Candidates interested in participating are encouraged to contact Highlands Insider at editor@highlandsinsider.com for additional information.

Tickets will be free and available soon. Seating will be first come, first serve.

IF YOU GO
Cookeville Community Center
Thursday, June 11, 2026
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Free admission | Seating limited

Highlands Insider to Host Putnam County Candidate Forum Town Hall July 23

Highlands Insider will host a Candidate Forum Town Hall featuring candidates appearing on the August ballot in Putnam County on Thursday, July 23, at the Veterans Hall in Cookeville.

The public forum is designed to give residents an opportunity to hear directly from local candidates, learn more about important community issues and engage in the election process ahead of early voting.

All candidates appearing on the August ballot are invited to participate.

Candidates interested in participating are encouraged to contact Highlands Insider at editor@highlandsinsider.com for additional information.

Tickets will be free and available soon. Seating will be first come, first serve.

IF YOU GO
Veterans Hall, Cookeville
Thursday, July 23, 2026
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Free admission | Seating limited

Voting Underway for Highlands Insider’s First-Ever Bestie Awards

Voting is officially underway for the inaugural Bestie Awards hosted by Highlands Insider, celebrating the people, businesses and hometown favorites that help make the Upper Cumberland special.

The community-driven Readers’ Choice awards highlight local restaurants, shops, service providers, community leaders, entertainment venues and more across the region.

Organizers say the Besties were created to shine a spotlight on the businesses and individuals residents support every day while encouraging community engagement and hometown pride.

Community members are encouraged to cast votes online and help recognize their local favorites throughout the Highlands and Upper Cumberland region.

Official Select Favorites Announced
 June 5, 2026

Community Voting Period
 June 5 through June 20, 2026

Voting Closes
 Friday, June 20, 2026 5PM CST

Besties Gala & Live Winner Reveal
 Monday, July 13, 2026
 Putnam County Convention Center
 Tickets on sale soon!

Winners and Photos of the community celebration will publish in Highlands Insider
 July 16, 2026 edition

FOLLOW ALONGNominate, vote and stay updated at:
 HighlandsInsider.com