7 - 2025 - The UC Now

Obed Outdoor Classroom Creating Learning Opportunities

The Cumberland County Water and Soil Conservation District is offering opportunities this summer to learn about the outdoors using the outdoor classroom at Obed River Park. Soil Conservationist Janet Dowlen said the outdoor classroom was created in 2023 as a space where people could learn about Cumberland County’s natural life. Dowlen said the outdoor classroom […]

Overton Arts Council Receives Grant For Paint Livingston

A $15,500 grant awarded to the Overton Arts Council will help fund the upcoming Paint Livingston Contest this October. Arts Council President Tim Richardson said last year’s inaugural contest was a huge success. Richardson said last year, 38 artists participated in Paint Livingston. “The towns people were just blown away by the quality of the […]

Tech Adding Two New Categories To Gen Ed Curriculum

Tennessee Tech will add digital and financial literacy courses to the general education curriculum beginning in Fall 2026. Tech’s Dr. Holly Anthony said student demand for the classes ranked high on surveys this past spring, which led to the change. Anthony said although many students may not major in those areas, digital and financial skills […]

Sparta Sewer Pump Clogs Continue Due To Flushable Wipes

Sparta Public Works Director Dillard Quick said that the city’s sewer system continues to experience clogging issues due to flushable wipes. Quick said the wipes have become more of an issue for pump stations over the past few years. Quick said flushable wipes are detrimental to the sewer system. “All I can do is stress, […]

Timber Rattlesnakes In Breeding Season; Population Declining

Timber rattlesnakes, one of the Upper Cumberland’s two venomous snakes, may be out in higher volumes this year. Cumberland University Emeritus Biology Professor Danny Bryan said timber rattlesnakes breed on a three year clock. Bryan said a high concentration of timber rattlesnakes are likely out. “Not all females come into season at the same time,” […]

Putnam EMS New Effort To Carry Blood In Ambulances

The Putnam County EMS Department wants to explore carrying blood in ambulances during the new fiscal year. Putnam County EMS Chief Tommy Copeland said there are only a few ambulance services across the nation that carry blood. Copeland said carrying blood could help the department better respond to emergencies. “For people that are in really […]

National Guard Restructure Bringing Cookeville New Equipment

The National Guard’s 278th Armored Calvary Regiment, which includes Cookeville, is in line for new equipment thanks to restructuring within the National Guard. Local troops will be transitioned to a mobile brigade combat team. Brigade General Steven Turner said the 278th currently has tanks and Bradley fighting vehicles, but those will soon be swapped out […]

Book Details Prichard’s Legacy, Including Cummins Falls

One of those who advocated for the creation of Cummins Falls as a park is the subject of a new book. The book is titled “The Essential Mack Prichard, Writings of a Conservation Hero”. Editor Mary Priestley said the book covers the life of Prichard and his conservation efforts. Priestley said readers get to know […]