Sparta To Consider Dropping Fluoride; Health Cited
Sparta Mayor Jerry Lowery said Thursday night the city exploring the idea of removing fluoride from the water system. Lowery asked Aldermen to do homework on the issue. Fluoride additions to water systems began nationwide in the mid 1940s as a way to increase dental health. “The way modern technology is now, we don’t think […]
Sparta Aldermen Approve Flocculator For Water Plant
Sparta Board of Aldermen approved the purchase of a flocculator for the water treatment plant Thursday night. The device promotes the clumping together of small particles into larger ones, allowing for easier removal from the water. The purchase price set at $94,500. Mayor Jerry Lowery said the device will help with improvements at the water […]
Sparta Rejects YMCA Generator Bid
Sparta Aldermen rejected a bid for the installation of a backup generator at the Sparta-White County YMCA during a meeting on Thursday. City Administrator Tonya Tindle said the city only received one bid, and the one bid was extremely high. Tindle said that after evaluating who had received the bid package, the city realized several […]
Sparta Approves $100K Leaf Machine
Sparta will have a new Xtreme Vac Leaf Machine to use this fall, after Aldermen approved the $113,700 purchase for the Sparta Street Department. The machine vacuums the leaves and breaks them down into a mulch-like texture. Sparta Mayor Jerry Lowery said the city’s current machine is 24 years old and has been giving the […]
Payne Top Vote Getter For Sparta Aldermen
Judy Payne and Brent Young retain Sparta Aldermen seats while Hoyt Jones will replace Brian Jones for the final seat. A total of 1,322 residents voted Thursday. Payne led the voting with 28.2 percent. Hoyt Jones received 27 percent. Brent Young received 22.6 percent, and Brian Jones finished fourth with 22.1 percent. Six votes separated […]
Sparta Aldermen Prohibit Big Item Trash
Sparta Aldermen approved an ordinance Thursday to prohibit the Solid Waste Department from picking up furniture, mattresses, and other large items. The change followed the ownership switch at the County Landfill. Sparta Mayor Jerry Lowery said new fees from Waste Management to dispose of those items caught the city by surprise. “We don’t know exactly […]
Sparta Returns Industrial Board For Development
Sparta reconstituted its Industrial Development Board Thursday afternoon, after some 20 years without one. Mayor Jerry Lowery said the board is necessary because state law dictates that any industrial development in the city is negotiated by the county commission without it. Lowery said the board will foster development opportunities as they arise and watch for […]
Inflation Leads Sparta Increase In Court Costs
Sparta will increase ticket costs for court sessions, to combat the inflation of court materials. The previous court ticket cost is $133.75 and will be increased to $180.00. Sparta Police Chief Nick Dunn said the city was losing money performing court sessions. “It’s been slowly creeping up on us,” Dunn said. “With the way everything […]
Sparta Aldermen Approve Three-Way Stop On Golden Mountain Road
Sparta aldermen approved the establishment of a three-way stop at the T-intersection of Golden Mountain Road and Hale Street Thursday. Mayor Jerry Lowery said he has spoken with several people in the area and no one has said that the intersection should remain unchanged. Alderman Jim Floyd said he received the same feedback from the […]
Sparta Begins Negotiations For 120-Acres Riverside
Sparta officials will begin the negotiation process to purchase a 120-acre lot in the city bordering Winding Lane. Aldermen agreed to beginning negotiations. Mayor Jerry Lowery said the city intends to turn the land into a park with over 3,700 feet of riverfront access. Lowery said he hopes the property will be purchased within one […]
