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 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 […]
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 Aldermen Approve Application For Technology
Sparta will apply for a $100,000 Broadband-Ready grant, designed to improve on technology infrastructure across the community. Aldermen approved the application Thursday night. Sparta Mayor Jerry Lowery said the grant could provide computers at the Senior Center and upgrade technology at several city facilities. “If we don’t apply for this we’re leaving right at $100,000 […]
Sparta Skate Park To Move Across The River
The Sparta Skateboard Park will not reopen after the demolition completed on the Old Sparta Hardware facility. Crews completed that demolition last week. Mayor Jerry Lowery said the park was closed for safety concerns in March when the building began to crumble. He said the skate park will be moved out of the historic district […]
Old Sparta Hardware Store Demolished, No Issues
The Old Sparta Hardware Store on Bockman Way demolished around 10:00pm Tuesday night and roads are reopened. Sparta Mayor Jerry Lowery said the property owner ended up taking down the building. The city had also bid out the project due to a miscommunication with the owner, but Lowery said this turned out to be the […]
Ringing Bells For White County Memorial Day
White County’s Memorial Day ceremony Monday will honor those from the county who have given their lives in service to the country. Veterans Museum Curator Sandy Witt said the event will have music performed by Army Veteran and Sparta native Gene Hodge. Witt said there will also be a bell-ringing ceremony for the deceased veterans […]
No Decision On Golden Mountain/Hale Issues
While there may be consensus about safety issues along Sparta’s Golden Mountain Road and Hale Street, what to do about it remains a question. Sparta Aldermen heard from several residents Thursday night concerned about possible solutions as well as the road itself. White County Resident Lynn Holloway said one potential fix, a stop sign, would […]
Sparta Considering Changes At Golden Mountain & Hale
The city of Sparta is working on a solution to a dangerous traffic pattern at the intersection of Golden Mountain Road and Hale Street. Sparta Mayor Jerry Lowery said residents have planted trees that block the view of drivers coming around the curve to the intersection. He said one resident told him that turning onto […]
Aldermen Approve Sealed Bid Process For Poles
Sparta Electric wants to replace at least seven wooden utility poles with steel poles in an attempt to improve reliability. Aldermen approved taking sealed bids for the project Thursday night, because of the costs involved. Utility Manager Belva Bess said the city wants to budget for gradual replacements of the older infrastructure. “Some of our […]
