Celina PD, CCHS are local recipients

UPPER CUMBERLAND-Twin Lakes, the leading broadband provider here in the Upper Cumberland, is honored to announce the recipients of the 2025 Twin Lakes Difference grant—two of which were awarded in Clay County.

By investing over $127,000 and assisting more than 26 local organizations, this initiative highlights Twin Lakes’ dedication to enhancing digital access throughout rural areas here.

The Celina Police Department and Clay County High School were both awarded $5,000 grants.

The local police department will utilize the funds to purchase radios to expand communication among officers and improve public safety, while the school will purchase TI-84 Plus Graphics calculators for students to use during classroom instruction, state standardized testing, and ACT testing for college entrance.

Other community-based organizations receiving grants range from schools, senior centers, fire departments, economic development groups, museums, and more.

“We are proud to uphold our commitment to advancing community growth through our technology grants,” said Jonathan West, General Manager and CEO of Twin Lakes.  “Through these grants, rural Upper Cumberland communities gain stronger connectivity, improved educational access, and new pathways for economic development.”

A news released from Twin Lakes explained these contributions create long-lasting value by strengthening public safety, expanding digital access, and positioning communities for future success.

“Twin Lakes is excited to see how these investments will continue to positively shape our local communities,” the release said.

The community grant program is offered annually through Twin Lakes to maintain and enrich the quality of life in rural America.

Those interested in applying for grant funding should contact their local Twin Lakes office for more information.

Besides the two in Clay County, other awardees include:

• Baxter Primary School PTO in Putnam County—awarded $5,000 to purchase iPads and a charging station to develop technology independence for kindergarten students who experience fine motor complications when using touchpads to work the computer;

• CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children) of the TN Valley in Putnam County—awarded $5,000 to purchase 5 computers and 2 hotspots to have Wi-Fi for events and fundraisers;

• Fentress County 911 in Fentress County—awarded $5,000 to purchase and install digital portable radios, digital license software and conduct training workshops for dispatchers;

• Fentress County EMS in Fentress County—awarded $5,000 to upgrade to DMR capable radios to provide medical care to Fentress County;

• Fentress County Fire Department in Fentress County—awarded $5,000 to purchase and install digital portable radios for firetrucks to increase communication within the agency;

• Friends of Public Safety in Overton County—awarded $4,699 to purchase a laptop from personnel to use responding to emergencies, helping with navigation, access to call information and preplanning;

• Granville Museum in Jackson County—awarded $4,990 to purchase 2 sets of portable media equipment including Bluetooth speakers;

• Granville Senior Center in Jackson County—awarded $5,000 to purchase iPads and an air printer;

• Granville Volunteer Fire Department in Jackson County—awarded $5,000 to purchase radios, with batteries and a charging station;

• Heart of the Cumberland in Putnam County—awarded $5,000 to purchase on-demand training videos for BEST group grief curriculum for children;

• Jackson County Airport in Jackson County—awarded $4,245 to purchase broadband including equipment and installation;

• Jackson County School Blue Devil Network in Jackson County—awarded $5,000 to purchase a Pixellot camera to be placed at JCMS to give the ability to stream home volleyball and basketball games;

• Jackson County EMA in Jackson County—awarded $5,000 to purchase 135 Weather Radios for citizens in Jackson County;

• Leslie Town Centre in Putnam County—awarded $5,000 to purchase a Vibe board to enhance event planning efficiency and improve customer service for successful event execution;

• Livingston Academy in Overton County—awarded $5,000 to install a multifunctional copier to improve admin efficiency;

• Livingston Academy Soccer in Overton County—awarded $5,000 to install internet access at the soccer field, replace the PA system, and update the scoreboard;

• Livingston-Overton County Chamber in Overton County—awarded $5,000 to develop a website that promotes Overton County businesses and tourism, as well as podcast equipment and video content development;

• Overton County Rescue Squad in Overton County—awarded $4,559 to bring their command trailer up to date with modern technology to establish a command center on an emergency callout;

• Putnam Educational Partnership Foundation in Putnam County—awarded $5,000 to equip the new office with technology to host and connect community partners including a MacBook Pro and Samsung TV;

• Rickman Volunteer Fire Department in Overton County—awarded $5,000 to purchase communication radios, remote speakers/microphones, and a speaker/amplifier for the fire engine;

• Upper Cumberland FCA in Putnam County—awarded $5,000 to expand FCA’s digital reach and storytelling capabilities by purchasing a drone, camera, studio equipment, software and maintenance;

• Upperman Middle School PTO in Putnam County—awarded $5,000 to purchase Chromebooks and a Smartboard for a UMS classroom;

• Veterans of Foreign Wars Post in Overton County—awarded $5,000 to establish a permanent admin workstation and Veteran Service Officer Hub, expanding access to public-service support, VA benefits, and digital outreach for Veterans and their families; and

• York Elementary in Fentress County—awarded $5,000 to purchase 2-way radios for classrooms to improve communication and ensure faster, safer responses during weather emergencies and crisis situations.

About Twin Lakes

Twin Lakes is a leading communications provider serving the Upper Cumberland region with a full suite of advanced services, including broadband internet, mobile, voice, and managed IT solutions.  With a mission to deliver world-class communications and a vision to improve the quality of life in our communities, Twin Lakes combines cutting-edge technology with local support.