Sparta To Provide Free Weather Radios

Sparta Aldermen voted Thursday night to match a $10,000 TVA Community Care Grant, allowing the city to provide free weather radios.

Sparta Mayor Jerry Lowery said he got the idea after a resident told him they did not have a way of getting severe weather alerts. Lowery said the radios will better inform Sparta residents of when severe weather is approaching.

“Working with TVA we mentioned it to TVA in a meeting,” Lowery said. “They took it back to their organization. They thought it was a neat idea they got with UCDD and the Upper Cumberland and making this a big project.”

The grant will allow them to buy $20,000 worth of radios to provide for citizens, especially senior citizens and those in need.

“We think it’s a really good way to spend some money with the TVA’s help,” Lowery said.

In other business, Aldermen approved taking applications for an additional Water Treatment Plant Operator. City Recorder Tonya Tindle said they have four operators currently but they are constantly having to rotate and are having a hard time working the hours that are needed.

“The amount of overtime hours that we are paying is excessive,” Lowery said. “A lot of overtime hours. We think this would be a good thing to do.”

Aldermen Brian Jones served his last meeting as he was not re-elected in the August election. Lowery thanked Jones for his service and also honored Jones by presenting him with a City of Sparta Flag.