Sparta Starting Discussions On Increased Rec Options
The city of Sparta considering potential properties for a park, greenway trail, and kayak dock. Mayor Jerry Lowery said while it is far too early to know what exactly a new space would look like, he is excited about the new possibility. Lowery said he is specifically interested examining one property that he believes might […]
Sparta’s Auxiliary Officer Program Starting Well
Sparta’s new auxiliary police officer program off to an even better start than expected. The program aims to supplement the city’s officer shortage. Sparta Police Chief Nick Dunn said in the first month, one officer has already been hired and many inquiries from several other officers. “With a reserve officer, if they’re not post certified, […]
Sparta’s South Church Street Faces Extended Closure
Sparta Mayor Jerry Lowery said South Church Street is expected to remain closed for “awhile” as the city works to clear debris from the crumbling Old Sparta Hardware Store. Brick from the back corner of the building tumbled onto the street Monday night. As of Thursday, the street remained covered in rubble. Lowery said demolition […]
Sparta Adopting 4% Hotel/Motel Tax For Tourism
Sparta Aldermen voted Thursday night to implement a four percent hotel/motel tax to generate revenue for tourism development. Sparta Mayor Jerry Lowery said while the city does not have a hotel, the city will be paid a fee when visitors rent Airbnbs and other local rental properties. He said Sparta and White County are behind […]
Sparta Creating Auxiliary Police Program To Help Manpower
Sparta will create an Auxiliary Police Officer Program to offset staffing difficulties inside the Police Department. Sparta Mayor Jerry Lowery said the city has retired police officers and firefighters who have shown interest in working for the department part-time. He said this program allows them to serve as needed without having to attend the Police […]
Sparta Saves Nearly $700K On Water Department Generator
The city of Sparta saved north of $500,000 on a generator for the Sparta Water Department Thursday night. Sparta Mayor Jerry Lowery said the city bought the semi-truck-sized generator for some $73,000 from the city of Brentwood. City Administrator Tonya Tindle said a generator of that size typically costs some $750,000. Lowery said the city […]
Sparta Officials Interested In Modular Nuclear Reactor To Create Energy
The idea of a modular nuclear reactor to provide electricity to the City of Sparta captured the imagination of Aldermen Thursday night. Alderman Brian Jones said there are not any reactors of this kind being used in the country yet. “It’s amazing,” Jones said. “They’re saying when they’re in production it’ll take about twelve months […]
Senior Center Prioritizing Integrity, Community As New Board Takes Control
The new Sparta-White County Senior Center Board began its plans to rebuild and revitalize the center during its first meeting Wednesday. Interim Director Jim Floyd said the center will likely remain closed until some point in February. Floyd said his number one priority is providing key services to the public such as food assistance before […]
Sparta Aldermen Appoint Four To Senior Center Board, One More Seat
Sparta Aldermen appointed four individuals to serve on the Senior Citizens Advisory Board, as the Senior Center looks to rebuild its leadership. James Douglas, Jim Floyd, Connie Leftwich, Shelia Robinson will serve alongside Mayor Jerry Lowery on the board. The city is to appoint five members to the board, while the county appointed four earlier […]
Five Below Preparing To Open Location In Sparta
Five Below is coming to Sparta. Mayor Jerry Lowery said the store will join Dollar Tree and Bethel Thrift Store in the West Towne Plaza Shopping Center. Codes Officer Mike O’Neal said the retail chain has turned in plans and bought permits to begin renovations. Five Below is a chain store that offers items for […]
