White County Chamber Tourism Event Promotes Knowledge
Local residents need to understand more about the importance of tourism to White County. Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Chair Terra Ballinger said that led to this week’s Tourism Roadmap Session. Local residents and business leaders heard from state officials on the issue. Ballinger said she realized White County has a unique opportunity for […]
Lowery: “Zero” Update On Waste Management Negotiations
Sparta Mayor Jerry Lowery said there has been no movement on negotiations with Waste Management regarding the city’s use of the White County Landfill. Lowery said despite a couple of meetings, he does not know what Waste Management wants to charge the city per ton delivered to the landfill. Lowery said there was no written […]
Sparta Taking Good Step; No Sewer Overflow After Rains
Sparta’s sewer system showing improvements as all the recent rainfall has not caused any sewer overflows. TDEC imposed a sewer moratorium on the city in 2022, because of numerous overflow issues. Sparta Public Works Director Dillard Quick said weathering the recent storms with no issues….a major accomplishment. “It’s a big thing for us because, you […]
Underground Construction Set To Begin On Sparta Splash Pad
With planning and design complete, Sparta will soon begin construction on a new splash pad. Sparta Mayor Jerry Lowery said the city recently received permits from TDEC to construct the splash pad. Lowery said it took about a year for the city to obtain the permit and that many people were doubting that a splash […]
Old Baker School Demolition, Asbestos Removal Delayed
The demolition of the old Baker School Building in Sparta has been delayed. Sparta Mayor Jerry Lowery said the contractor tasked with the demolition lost its asbestos removal team. Lowery said the city is considering alternative options to get the building demolished. “They are looking now at another company, so that’s kind of the process, […]
Sparta Fire Chief Young Wrapping Up His 40-Year Career
Chief Kirk Young will soon wrap up his 40-year career with the Sparta Fire Department this week. Young said he got his start after his wife pointed him to a newspaper ad stating Sparta was hiring police and firefighters. Young, a factory worker at the time, decided to take the job to better himself. Young […]
Sparta Aldermen Approve Budget On Final Reading
The Sparta Board of Mayor and Aldermen ratified the city budget on final reading. City Administrator Tonya Tindle said the Board Of Equalization met over the last couple of weeks to confirm the state certified property tax rate. The comptroller’s office confirmed the rate is now set at $0.59, a slight increase from the original […]
Sparta OKs New Parts And Rec Master Plan Development
With hopes of getting new money to fund parks and recreation growth, the City Of Sparta agreed Thursday night to work with a consultant on a new master plan. Mayor Jerry Lowery said state officials encouraged the idea, noting money that would become available. The plan requires just a $12,000 city match. “[A master plan] […]
Sparta Holding Fluoride Town Hall Thursday
Residents interested in the fluoride in the water debate can voice their opinion Thursday night in Sparta. Sparta Mayor Jerry Lowery said the city has discussed removing fluoride from city water systems. State law requires residents be notified of the potential change. Lowery said the town hall will be a good chance for people to […]
Upper Cumberland RV Park Holding Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
A new White County RV campground will celebrate its official ribbon-cutting Monday, giving campers both short and long-term options. Upper Cumberland RV Park Co-Owner Katie Haynes said the park started out of love for the outdoors. Haynes said the family spent several years considering the idea. Ultimately, Haynes said the family knew they wanted to […]
