White County Passes Indefinite Ban On Data Centers
An indefinite ban on data centers across White County put in place by County Commissioners to prevent potential strain on the county’s electrical and water infrastructure. White County Executive Denny Robinson said the commission decided to be proactive. “There was just too much unknown about what impact they have on the community,” Robinson said. “There’s […]
White County Reverses Course On AI Surveillance Cameras
The White County Commissioners voted Monday to rescind a previous resolution authorizing the use of license plate surveillance cameras throughout the county. Board Chair Derrick Hutchings said the commission decided to reverse course after receiving significant feedback from residents regarding the Flock Safety technology. Hutchings said the board previously approved the cameras in April 2025 […]
Sparta Board Approves Sewell Drive Three-Way Stop
The Sparta Board of Mayor and Aldermen approving the installation of a three-way stop at the intersection of Sewell Drive and Turntable Road Thursday. Mayor Jerry Lowery said the city has received several complaints regarding the intersection. Drivers turning left from Turntable Road onto Sewell Drive must pull out into heavy traffic. “It’s just a […]
UC Election Administrators Forecast Robust Early Turnout
Election administrators across the Upper Cumberland are preparing for a significant wave of voters as early voting begins for the upcoming August election. Overton County Administrator of Elections Craig Story said the presence of numerous county offices and state primaries on the ballot should drive local residents to the polls. Story said he anticipates a […]
Upper Cumberland TCAP Test Scores Trending Upward
State TCAP numbers released Monday show an average of 39.1 percent of Upper Cumberland students showing proficiency in English/Language ELA and 37.6 showing proficiency in math across all grades. Proficiency rate includes those who met or exceeded expectations this year. These numbers rose in both areas across the region. White County stood out with the […]
School Board Extends Director Dronebarger’s Contract
The White County School Board approved a new four-year contract for Director of Schools Kurt Dronebarger Thursday, extending his leadership through June, 2030. Board Chairman Bob Young said the decision serves as a gesture of goodwill to recognize the district’s high performance on state testing over the past several years. Young said the school system […]
Annual Faith Gathering To Strengthen White County Community
White County residents will gather at the courthouse this Saturday for an annual day of prayer and fasting intended to unify the community and seek divine guidance for the state. White County Pray for Tennessee coordinator Miranda Sherrell said the local assembly is part of a larger statewide initiative that began with a 2024 General […]
UC Airport Board Rejects Motion To Lower Hangar Rents
The Upper Cumberland Regional Airport Board rejected a motion to lower hangar rents back to previous levels amid push back from local pilots Wednesday. Board member Bill Austin said the recent rent increases were implemented unfairly and treated long-term tenants poorly. Austin said the board should return the rates to their original levels and instead […]
White County Residents Challenge Solid Waste Costs
“We went from losing millions of dollars to making over a million. That’s a big turnaround.” That is White County Executive Denny Wayne Robinson, addressing concerns from residents about the Solid Waste Budget. Several residents said they expected expenses to decrease following the sale of the landfill to Waste Management. Resident Beth Rizone said she […]
White County Solid Waste Location Change Necessary
White County officials looking for a new site for the Solid Waste Department building, after the proposed site failed septic tests. County Executive Denny Wayne Robinson said one suggestion to resolve the issue is to acquire an adjacent piece of property. “I can negotiate with them with a contingent upon county commission approval,” Robinson said. […]
