Tag Archives: Sparta Mayor Jerry Lowery

The city of Sparta is working on a solution to a dangerous traffic pattern at the intersection of Golden Mountain Road and Hale Street. Sparta Mayor Jerry Lowery said residents have planted trees that block the view of drivers coming around the curve to the intersection. He said one resident told him that turning onto the road is a game ... Read More »

Sparta Electric wants to replace at least seven wooden utility poles with steel poles in an attempt to improve reliability. Aldermen approved taking sealed bids for the project Thursday night, because of the costs involved. Utility Manager Belva Bess said the city wants to budget for gradual replacements of the older infrastructure. “Some of our main poles that do more ... Read More »

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 be a good fit. “There’s ... Read More »

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, they have to ride with ... Read More »

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 of the rest of the ... Read More »

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 on this revenue source, as ... Read More »

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 Academy first. “Road issues or ... Read More »

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 originally bid some $130,000 but ... Read More »

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 to eighteen months to actually ... Read More »

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 offering any extra programs like ... Read More »