Gov. Bill Lee spent part of Tuesday in White County as part of a statewide tour aimed at connecting directly with Tennesseans, stepping away from the Capitol to meet people where they live and work. Joined by First Lady Maria Lee, the governor visited the downtown square, stopping in local

A Sparta man was taken into custody after an officer recognized him driving despite a license restriction requiring an alcohol interlock device, according to court records. An affidavit filed in White County General Sessions Court states that on April 26, 2026, an officer observed an orange passenger car on West

A single-vehicle crash with no one at the scene led deputies to track down a 20-year-old driver walking along Highway 111 early Saturday morning—an encounter that quickly revealed signs of alcohol use and resulted in multiple charges, according to warrants.

Two people were arrested following a reported domestic incident after deputies said both individuals had visible or reported injuries and both gave accounts of a confrontation involving a cell phone. The warrants outline a dispute that began before deputies arrived, carried over into the driveway around a vehicle and left

For those looking for something affordable and low-key, The Mad Raven at 255 W. Bockman Way offers a space centered around books, coffee and calm. Just outside the steady pace of activity around the square, the shop has carved out a quieter corner of Sparta — one built on simple comforts

Summer is closing in on White County, and with it comes the familiar pull of something cold and sweet. Just off East Bockman Way, one small storefront has quietly become a go-to stop for that craving — and something more. At 167 E. Bockman Way, Granny’s Soft Serve & More

White County is rich in history, and few places let you feel it quite like the moment you step through the doors of Sparta Grill on West Maple Street. Inside, it’s not just the smell of burgers on the grill or the sound of classic music playing in the

What started as a childhood dream has grown into a unique floral shop in Sparta, offering a fresh, more personal take on arrangements and gifts.

After weather delays earlier in the week, the White County High School baseball team finally returned to the field Thursday, opening a best-of-three postseason series against Livingston Academy. The Warriors couldn’t capitalize on early momentum, falling 8-2 in the series opener at home. White County struck first in the

After a nine-run outburst on Monday, White County Middle School couldn’t find the same rhythm at the plate Wednesday night. The Warriors were held scoreless, and Upperman took advantage early, pulling away for an 8-0 win to stay in the district tournament’s winner’s bracket. Jack Dicus provided

White County Middle School found itself on the wrong side of a tightly played, low-scoring game Wednesday night, falling 2-1 to DeKalb County. The Warriorettes were limited to just one hit and one run, while the Lady Saints did just enough to move on and earn a day off. White

The White County Middle School girls golf team added another chapter to an already flawless season on Wednesday, capturing the Tennessee Middle School Golf Association Girls M1 District Championship while keeping their undefeated record intact. Just days after wrapping up a perfect regular season, the Warriorettes carried that momentum into

The White County Recreational Complex squeezed in a full slate just in time. All nine scheduled games were completed Monday night before storms pushed into the area, wrapping up a busy evening across every division. Now, attention turns to Tuesday’s schedule, which remains uncertain with more weather on the

A routine youth basketball game in White County has turned into a national moment — and it’s shining a spotlight on something often overlooked. A video posted by local mother and coach Joni Trivette, featuring referees pausing play to help teach young players during a 3rd-grade girls AAU game, has

Check out what's happening around White County over the next week!

Friday night added another layer of separation across multiple divisions in the White County Youth Baseball and Softball League, with several tight finishes and a few teams continuing to assert themselves at the top. In Competitive T-Ball, three games delivered plenty of offense, including the narrowest margin of the night.

When a severe allergic reaction hits, seconds matter. A new Tennessee bill could give schools faster, more flexible ways to respond—even if a student doesn’t have their own EpiPen.

Lawmakers are moving to close a loophole that lets students reset their attendance record — and schools say it could change how truancy is handled statewide.

Motlow State Community College in Sparta proudly recognizes Lukas Smith 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. Smith, a

The lights dropped and the room went still, but it didn’t take long for the energy to build inside the White County High School auditorium. Over two nights — April 17 and 18 — the school’s drama program delivered a full-scale production of The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical,

For years, the push toward REAL ID has carried a sense of urgency — but a new bill from Tennessee lawmakers aims to make one thing clear: it’s still a choice.

For Tennessee drivers who skip out on insurance coverage, the consequences could soon get much more expensive — and much harder to avoid. Lawmakers this week approved a measure that overhauls how the state enforces vehicle insurance requirements, pairing significantly higher penalties with a more aggressive system to track compliance in

Tennessee lawmakers have approved a measure aimed at easing one of the biggest barriers facing working families — finding and affording reliable child care. The Promising Futures Act, also known as House Bill 1979, is designed to strengthen the state’s child care system by investing in workers, helping families cover

As concerns about the impact of digital technology on young people continue to grow, Tennessee lawmakers have taken a step aimed at addressing the issue through targeted funding and oversight. The House Bill 2270, approved this week by the Tennessee General Assembly, would create the Children’s Digital Protection Fund

As part of MSJ-Sparta’s 2026 Election Coverage, our Meet Your Candidates series gives voters a quick, clear look at who’s on the ballot and where they stand so you can head to the polls informed and confident.

Looking to build on a strong season-opening performance earlier in the week, the White County Warriors returned to Ulysses G. Culley Sr. Field on Thursday night, but couldn’t dig themselves out of an early hole in an 11-2 loss to border rival Warren County. The Warriors entered the contest

The White County Middle School Warriorettes picked up another win Thursday night, defeating Algood 8-3. White County jumped out to an early lead in the bottom of the first inning thanks to Paizlee Taylor. Taylor ripped a two-RBI double to put the Warriorettes on the board and then immediately applied

Mayor Jerry Lowery addressed the aldermen at Thursday night’s City of Sparta board meeting to update them on the current lane closure on Bockman Way.   “If you noticed, right across from Hunter Funeral Home, that area’s been dipping in and falling in and it’s getting worse,” Lowery