Sparta Business Community To Honor First Responders
The Sparta business community will come together Wednesday to honor local emergency personnel. White County Chamber Board Chairman Zach Buckner said the organization wants to recognize the daily sacrifices made by paramedics, firefighters and rescue squad members. Buckner said the event serves as a platform for chamber stakeholders to express gratitude while building personal connections […]
Scott’s Gulf Wilderness Park Honors Local Supporters
The Friends of Scott’s Gulf Wilderness State Park hosting an Appreciation Day Saturday to celebrate local supporters and elect a new board of directors. Park Manager Stuart Carroll said the event serves as a way for visitors and park staff to share ideas while showing gratitude for the work the friends group has accomplished. Carroll […]
White County Votes Down Tax Decrease Vs 1-Time Revenue
White County Commissioners will not reduce the property tax rate despite some $6 million in incoming revenue from Waste Management. Board Chairman Derrick Hutchings said the money would mean moving the White County Animal Shelter, which still lives on the landfill property. “The animal shelter is part of this $6 million deal,” Hutchings said. “The […]
Walker Wants Better Budgeting, Answers From UC Airport
Cookeville City Council Member Eric Walker wants more precise budgeting at the Upper Cumberland Regional Airport. Walker said the airport requested more money from local cities and the county for expenses last year. The Airport Board also enacted $100,000 in additional hangar rent from local pilots this year to cover its operational costs. “It’s certainly […]
White County Sheriff Targets Impaired Festival Drivers
The White County Sheriff’s Office is increasing patrols and focusing on impaired drivers as travelers move through the area this weekend for the Bonnaroo Music Festival. Sheriff Steve Page said the department has deployed extra patrols across the county to monitor for traffic hazards and speeders from the Coffee County event. Page said the agency […]
Local Ag Officials Keeping Eye On Texas Worm Outbreak
The U.S. Department of Agriculture working to contain an outbreak of the New World screwworm in Texas to prevent the invasive species from spreading to Tennessee livestock and wildlife. White County Ag Extension Director Scott Swoape said the number of active cases in Texas has already doubled. Swoape said pets and animals can be at […]
Unconfirmed Contract Adds Uncertainty To White Co Shelter
The future of the White County animal shelter more uncertain today after a relocation effort seemed to gain more traction at last week’s White County Budget Committee meeting. Friends of White County Animals Vice President Amanda Goff said the animal shelter currently resides on landfill property that was recently sold to a third-party company. Goff […]
Splash Pad Construction, Park Repurposing Speeds Forward
Work progressing to repurpose Sparta’s former ball fields behind the YMCA into a community park featuring a playground, splash pad and walking trails. Public Works Director Dillard Quick said the project utilizes land that previously sat vacant for most of the year after Little League operations moved to a different location. Quick said the city […]
White County Approves Sawmill And Library Carpet Bids
The White County Finance Committee approved a bid to install a cover for the Rowland Sawmill and a full carpet replacement for the White County Public Library. Finance Director Chad Marcum said the bid for the sawmill structure was $22,700 “We received three bids for the Rowland Sawmill structure project,” Markum said, “Opened those on […]
White County Budget Approved Despite Flock Debate
The White County Budget Committee debated the future of police camera funding as commissioners weighed privacy concerns against law enforcement wants. The discussion focused on the $25,000 allocated for Flock Safety cameras and pursuit alert contracts. Commissioner TK Austin said he does not trust the system because he believes corporate entities can pay to access […]
