Tag Archives: Sparta

A spare transformer at the West Sparta Substation looks to be irreparable leaving the city without a back-up power plan. Sparta Electric Utility Manager Belva Bess said if the main transformer were to go out, the city would be without power for at least 12 hours. “I did talk to them, to TVA, we have no back up plan,” Bess ... Read More »

Sparta has been able to replace the LED lights on the South Carter Street walking trails after shipping delays. Public Works Director Dillard Quick said the city ordered the new new bulbs before Christmas, but have gotten them in and replaced. Quick said there were about eight to ten lights out on this popular trail. “We have the police chief, ... Read More »

The TBI investigating an officer-involved shooting Friday afternoon in Sparta. According to the TBI, White County Sheriffs Deputies were serving arrest warrants to 47-year-old Charles Edward Williams around 2pm Saturday. When deputies entered the home on Woodland Trail in Sparta, Williams left through the rear. Deputies followed him. Then, on the back deck, Williams came toward the deputies, according to ... Read More »

White County School’s Family Resource Center has seen an increase in homelessness and kids in need during the pandemic. Director Beverly Dronebarger said the Family Resource Center tries to provide food, laundry service, housing resources and utility assistance. Dronebarger said when kids go to school without their basic needs met, it is difficult to perform in the classroom. “If their ... Read More »

A Sparta man was included in 15 pardons that President Donald Trump handed out Tuesday night. Nick Slatten, a government security contractor, was one of four Blackwater security guards excused. The group was imprisoned for killing 14 unarmed Iraqi civilians and wounded 17 others during the Iraqi War in 2007. Slatten joined Blackwater after his service in the Iraqui War ... Read More »

Sparta has three new police officers after being sworn in during Thursday’s Board of Alderman meeting. Brent Copeland, Justin Cunningham and Brandon Farris are the new patrolmen. Chief Doug Goff said the three new additions fill a major city need. “I am very excited, because we have now filled all the positions,” Goff said. “We have had several officers kind ... Read More »

Sparta’s American Legion Post 99 is expanding its services Tuesday with the opening of a new telehealth program. A ribbon cutting at the Maple Street offices will be held at 10:00 a.m. to celebrate the occasion. Commander Ron LaPierre said any veteran in the Upper Cumberland can use the new technology for free. “We have a lot of older veterans, ... Read More »

State Representative Paul Sherrell of Sparta will continue as the Republican Floor Leader when the Tennessee General Assembly reconvenes next month. Sherrell was reelected by his peers to serve as the fifth-ranking officer in the House Republican Caucus. Duties as a Floor Leader include working toward passage of all administrative bills approved by the Republican Bill Review Committee, as well ... Read More »

Small businesses across the Upper Cumberland are anticipating a busier shopping weekend with COVID keeping customers local. Sparta’s Fragrant Mushroom Owner Sherri McNeil said she expects her pottery and art sales to rival the big box stores. “We are not near as busy as some of the box stores, but I really think this year we will be, because more ... Read More »

The second phase of paving Sparta’s Roosevelt Drive started Monday, two years after originally anticipated. This portion of road connects White County High School to Highway 111. City Administrator Brad Hennessee said a combination of high traffic and low funds contributed to the delay. “The second phase has been on going,” Hennessee said. “I have been here a little over ... Read More »