Announcement
Sparta   -   Jul 09, 2026 Small-Town Values, Lifelong Success
Small-Town Values, Lifelong Success

Julie Cheek Anderson's career has taken her far beyond White County, but the values she learned growing up in a small town continue to shape her life, her leadership and the family business she now proudly carries forward.

Sparta   -   Jul 08, 2026 A Bigger Home for Happy Tails
A Bigger Home for Happy Tails

After nearly 20 years of serving White County pet owners, Canine Cutz has expanded into a larger location. Owner Jessica Gammon reflects on the journey, the role of faith and the relationships that built her business.

Dronebarger to Lead Schools Through 2030
Sparta   -   Jul 10, 2026 Dronebarger to Lead Schools Through 2030

The White County Board of Education approved a new agreement Thursday night that will keep Director of Schools Kurt Dronebarger leading the district in the years ahead. The decision came as board members discussed the direction of White County Schools, recent accomplishments within the district, and the importance of maintaining

Jul 08, 2026 Three Cases Sent to White County Grand Jury
Three Cases Sent to White County Grand Jury

A case involving allegations of DUI, leaving the scene of an accident, and contraband being brought into the White County Justice Center was among those bound over to the White County Grand Jury during Tuesday’s General Sessions Court proceedings before Judge John Meadows.

Jul 07, 2026 End of an Era: Doyle Mayor Steps Down After 16 Years
End of an Era: Doyle Mayor Steps Down After 16 Years

After 20 years of public service in the Town of Doyle, including the past 16 years as mayor, Ray Spivey announced Monday night he is stepping away from the position because of health concerns. Spivey shared his resignation publicly in a letter addressed to the Doyle Board of Mayor and

Jul 03, 2026 Community Brings CASA to White and Van Buren Counties
Community Brings CASA to White and Van Buren Counties

Children involved in abuse and neglect cases in White and Van Buren counties will soon have a dedicated advocate standing beside them in juvenile court after a community fundraising effort successfully brought Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) services to the area. Organizers announced that the inaugural Denim & Diamonds: Let&

Jul 02, 2026 Swiftwater Rescue Saves Stranded Kayaker
Swiftwater Rescue Saves Stranded Kayaker

A routine afternoon on the river quickly took a dangerous turn Thursday when two kayakers overturned in swift water below the Powerhouse Dam at Rock Island State Park, leaving one woman stranded on rocks in the middle of the river. According to the Sparta-White County Volunteer Rescue Squad, the

Business View All
Jul 08, 2026 A Bigger Home for Happy Tails
A Bigger Home for Happy Tails

After nearly 20 years of serving White County pet owners, Canine Cutz has expanded into a larger location. Owner Jessica Gammon reflects on the journey, the role of faith and the relationships that built her business.

Jul 07, 2026 Magnolia Salon: Beauty in Bloom
Magnolia Salon: Beauty in Bloom

Since opening in 2016, Magnolia Salon and Spa has grown from a one-chair operation into a full-service salon offering hair, massage, and skincare services to clients throughout White County. Owned by Terrenia Zuber, the family-friendly business focuses on creating a welcoming atmosphere while providing a variety of

Jul 03, 2026 Scoop, There It Is!
Scoop, There It Is!

Smiles and sweet treats have been rolling through Sparta and White County since June 11, 2026, thanks to The Ice Cream Lady. Owned and operated by Amelia Rector, the mobile ice cream truck serves more than 30 varieties of pre-packaged ice cream at neighborhoods, community events, schools, and private

Jul 02, 2026 Serving Up a Family Dream
Serving Up a Family Dream

At 555 W. Bockman Way, Casas Real Mexican Grill has introduced a new option for authentic Mexican cuisine in Sparta. The family-owned restaurant is owned by Armando Luviano and operated alongside his wife, Daisy Casas, their 16-year-old son, and family friend Giovanny Basurto. Since opening, the restaurant

Sports View All
Jun 10, 2026 Court Report: Meth Plea, Probation Sentence Among Tuesday's Cases
Court Report: Meth Plea, Probation Sentence Among Tuesday's Cases

A White County man arrested last month after deputies alleged he discarded drugs during a traffic stop pleaded guilty Tuesday in General Sessions Court. Stephen Rascoe Wilhite entered a plea to simple possession of methamphetamine and received an 11-month, 29-day sentence to be served on supervised probation. Court

Jun 04, 2026 Tennessee Tech Alum to officiate at 2026 FIFA World Cup
Tennessee Tech Alum to officiate at 2026 FIFA World Cup

The player that graced the pitch in Cookeville, now will officiate on the world's biggest stage

May 31, 2026 SPORTS CALENDAR
SPORTS CALENDAR

Know where the action is happening this week!

May 29, 2026 Sparta Soccer Player Wins Tennessee State Championship
Sparta Soccer Player Wins Tennessee State Championship

White County soccer fans will have someone to cheer for on the national stage this summer. Ana Dronebarger, who will enter eighth grade at White County Middle School this fall, recently helped her travel team, All-In FC TN Eclipse, capture the Tennessee Presidents' Cup State Championship in Murfreesboro.

Community View All
Jul 09, 2026 Small-Town Values, Lifelong Success
Small-Town Values, Lifelong Success

Julie Cheek Anderson's career has taken her far beyond White County, but the values she learned growing up in a small town continue to shape her life, her leadership and the family business she now proudly carries forward.

Jul 08, 2026 A Trail Worth Walking, A Legacy Worth Remembering
A Trail Worth Walking, A Legacy Worth Remembering

The Terry McCoy Walking Trail has officially been dedicated at White County High School, honoring a beloved science teacher whose passion for hands-on learning and the outdoors inspired generations of students. What began as an Eagle Scout project has become a lasting community tribute.

Jul 07, 2026 17 Donations, 51 Lives Impacted
17 Donations, 51 Lives Impacted

It took less than an hour out of each donor’s day, but the impact from a recent blood drive at the White County Justice Center could reach dozens of patients in need. A blood drive organized by the White County Sheriff’s Department collected 17 units of blood, an

Jul 07, 2026 Rain Couldn’t Dampen Freedom Celebration
Rain Couldn’t Dampen Freedom Celebration

Despite the rainy evening, families from across White County gathered at the White County Recreational Complex, 4201 Smithville Highway, on July 3 for the annual Freedom Celebration hosted by Christpoint Church to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. The event brought the community together for live entertainment, family activities, local vendors,

Education View All
Jul 10, 2026 Dronebarger to Lead Schools Through 2030
Dronebarger to Lead Schools Through 2030

The White County Board of Education approved a new agreement Thursday night that will keep Director of Schools Kurt Dronebarger leading the district in the years ahead. The decision came as board members discussed the direction of White County Schools, recent accomplishments within the district, and the importance of maintaining

Jul 08, 2026 Three New Propane Buses Headed to White County Schools
Three New Propane Buses Headed to White County Schools

White County Schools is adding three new propane-powered buses thanks to a grant that transportation officials say will save money, reduce emissions and provide a quieter ride for drivers and students.

Jun 13, 2026 White County Schools Earns $1 Million Academic Reward
White County Schools Earns $1 Million Academic Reward

White County Schools will soon distribute $1 million in state performance funding, but district leaders say the award represents far more than a financial bonus. The funding places White County among a select group of Tennessee school systems recognized for exceptional academic performance, an achievement officials say reflects the work

Jun 11, 2026 Motlow Student of Distinction: Bianca Zamora
Motlow Student of Distinction: Bianca Zamora

Motlow State Community College in Sparta proudly recognizes Bianca Zamora as this month’s Student of Distinction, an honor celebrating outstanding academic achievement and dedication to the community. The college extends its sincere appreciation to Citizen’s Bank for its continued sponsorship of the Student of Distinction program. Zamora, a

Government View All
Jun 19, 2026 Employees Leaving as Pay Gap Widens
Employees Leaving as Pay Gap Widens

The City of Sparta is working to fill multiple vacancies across several departments as employee turnover continues to create staffing challenges, a situation city leaders say is increasingly tied to pay disparities with surrounding communities. During Thursday night's meeting, the Sparta Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved a

Jun 16, 2026 Commission Approves $42M Budget
Commission Approves $42M Budget

After months of attendance issues that left several county committees struggling to conduct business — and after the full commission failed to reach a quorum last month — the White County Commission approved its Fiscal Year 2027 budget Monday night, avoiding the possibility of state intervention and ensuring county operations can continue

Jun 16, 2026 White County Rejects Tax Cut, Keeps $6 Million Windfall in Reserve
White County Rejects Tax Cut, Keeps $6 Million Windfall in Reserve

White County property owners will not see a tax reduction this year despite the county receiving an unexpected $6 million payment tied to the sale of the county landfill. Following a lengthy, and heated, debate Monday night, the White County Commission voted 8-3 to keep the county property tax

Jun 15, 2026 Public Opposition Leads to Removal of Flock Camera Funding
Public Opposition Leads to Removal of Flock Camera Funding

White County commissioners voted Monday night to remove funding for Flock license plate reader cameras from the county's upcoming budget, ending months of discussion over the technology and its role in local law enforcement.

Latest News
Sparta   -   Jul 10, 2026 Dronebarger to Lead Schools Through 2030
Dronebarger to Lead Schools Through 2030

The White County Board of Education approved a new agreement Thursday night that will keep Director of Schools Kurt Dronebarger leading the district in the years ahead. The decision came as board members discussed the direction of White County Schools, recent accomplishments within the district, and the importance of maintaining

by Rachel Auberger
Sparta   -   Jul 09, 2026 Small-Town Values, Lifelong Success
Small-Town Values, Lifelong Success

Julie Cheek Anderson's career has taken her far beyond White County, but the values she learned growing up in a small town continue to shape her life, her leadership and the family business she now proudly carries forward.

by Dani Auberger
Sparta   -   Jul 08, 2026 A Bigger Home for Happy Tails
A Bigger Home for Happy Tails

After nearly 20 years of serving White County pet owners, Canine Cutz has expanded into a larger location. Owner Jessica Gammon reflects on the journey, the role of faith and the relationships that built her business.

by Dani Auberger
Sparta   -   Jul 08, 2026 Your Questions, Their Answers Election 2026
Your Questions, Their Answers Election 2026

Question #10 for White County Sheriff candidates: Readers asked, we delivered. See how each candidate responded to the first question submitted by the community.

by Rachel Auberger
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