Christmas Parades Crank Up Saturday Across Region
Christmas parade season goes into overdrive this weekend across the Upper Cumberland. Pickett County is celebrating the holidays with the “Christmas in Byrdstown” event and Christmas parade Saturday. It will be at the Pickett County Library featuring music, food, and even an appearance from Santa Claus. The event begins at 9am. The Jamestown Rotary Club […]
Sparta Police Department Working To Address Low Number Of Officers
Sparta Police Chief Nick Dunn told Aldermen during a Thursday night work session the lack of officers and new certified applicants are hurting the department. Dunn said the city’s low pay compared to nearby areas continues to impact the city. He said he also lacks the ability to give new applicants higher starting wages based […]
Sparta Considering Security For Caboose; Vandalism Reported
As Sparta gets closer to finishing the restoration of its train caboose, city officials concerned about security around the new addition. During the aldermen’s Thursday meeting, City Administrator Tonya Tindle said one of the windows of the caboose was recently broken in an act of vandalism. Mayor Jerry Lowery said he wanted to take inspiration […]
Sparta Aldermen Appoint Local Attorney As New City Judge
The Sparta Board of Aldermen appointed a new city judge Thursday night, as Macey Gurley resigned from the position. Mayor Jerry Lowery and the board appointed Brandon Griffin, a Sparta-based attorney, as the new city judge. “He had put in before when we’d hired the other judge,” Lowery said. “And he does a great job […]
White County Churches Host Still I Rise Women’s Conference Saturday
Three White County United Methodist Churches will join forces to present the Still I Rise Women’s Conference on Saturday. Kynett United Methodist Church Lay Servant Cynthia Gist said the event will focus on empowering and encouraging women. Gist said that church leaders felt it was the right time to host this event because it has […]
Sparta Ready For Lester Flatt Celebration Saturday; Bluegrass All Day
Sparta preparing for its annual Lester Flatt Celebration Saturday to honor the city’s bluegrass icon. The free event will feature bluegrass music from six different groups along with food and other events. Sparta Administrative Clerk Mindy Stone said the celebration has been a part of fall in Sparta for more than 15 years. It honors […]
White County Executive: Collaboration Could Make Sense On Rec Facilities
White County Executive Denny Wayne Robinson said it may be time for the county and the city of Sparta to work together more closely to expand parks and recreation facilities in the community. The county is adding a new frisbee golf facility at the White County Recreational Complex. The city is working toward a splashpad. […]
Two Steps for handling Memorial Day Flag Display
With Memorial Day coming up, what is the proper way to handle the flag? American Legion Post 99 Commander Ronald Lapierre said there are specific criteria for flying the flag on Memorial Day. He said on this day we honor our fallen soldiers and celebrate our battle heroes in two separate flag ceremonies. “And what […]
Sparta Considering In-House Leak Insurance
The Sparta Board of Mayor and Alderman decided to postpone a vote authorizing City Administrator Brad Hennessee to enter an agreement with a leak insurance company. During Thursday night’s meeting, Hennessee said an in-house leak insurance is being considered. Hennessee said there is a chance some customers would be left behind, if they do not […]
Sparta Starting Work For PD Evidence Building
The Sparta Police Department is on its way to having a new evidence building. Public Works Director Dillard Quick said the concrete slab was poured this week and expects to begin framing next week. Quick said he anticipates finishing the project in the next three weeks, solving a long-time need for the police department. “It’s […]
