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.

White County’s boys and girls tennis teams closed out the Region 3A team tournament this week with runner-up finishes, falling to Signal Mountain in the championship matches. The Eagles claimed the titles with a 5-0 win over the Warriors and a 4-0 victory over the Warriorettes, but the final

Sparta's Flag Football team ends the regular season in the win column and prepare for a Monday playoff game

White County High School closed out its regular season on the track with a strong showing, highlighted by multiple podium finishes and several athletes turning in top-five efforts across a full slate of events. On the girls’ side, Natalie West led the way in the sprints with a second-place finish

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

Weather once again interrupted the White County Youth Baseball and Softball League schedule this week, as lightning forced several games to be postponed. Those matchups are expected to be made up next week, but enough games were completed on Tuesday and Thursday at the White County Recreational Complex to create

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!

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

Looking for something a little different? Something exotic, perhaps—even a place where a boutique and a pet store coexist under one roof? Kourt’s Reptile Boutique, located at 406 N. Spring Street, opened on January 5 and brings together an unexpected pairing: a selection of affordable, trending clothing and

Gracie Clark hits the game winning shot to keep the title in Sparta!

Two separate accidents in White County over the weekend left several people injured, including a pedestrian who was airlifted after being struck by a vehicle on Ravenscroft Road.

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.