LOCAL NEWS

This Week in White County History, March 31-April 6

 2014 Gladys Flatt, wife of Bluegrass Legend Lester Flatt, passed away at the age of 98. Flatt had been a musician herself and was part of a group known as the “Kentucky …

Biden’s budget is offering more taxes, spending, and crippling debt

Every day, Tennesseans and Americans struggle to pay rent, afford groceries, and fill up their tanks because of President Biden’s reckless, inflationary spending that has added more than $6 …

The power of quiet Democrats

 Back in the summer of 2021, I did a series of columns in this newspaper called “When White County was Blue.” I was musing about the fact that, for most of my life, White County was …

WCHS students sign letters of intent to attend TCAT-McMinnville

Ten White County High School seniors recently took a big step in continuing their education and preparing for future careers when they signed letters of intent to attend TCAT-McMinnville this fall. …

Virginia L. Basham

Virginia L. Basham, born March 15, 1948, passed away peacefully at her home, on March 24, 2024, at the age of 76. She is survived by her husband, Dennis C. Basham. Virginia will be lovingly …

Fred England Jr.

Fred England, Jr., 92, of Sparta, passed away March 19, 2024, at his home, with his family, Barbara England, Sue Ann Sparks, James Sparks, Karen England, and Brittany England by his side. Fred …

WCHS Academic Spotlight

Jack Bouldin is a familiar voice in White County. The White County High School student has been commentating Warrior basketball games this season as a member of Warrior Media, and the experience has …
Business Spotlight

Broadway Hardware

 Geraldene Wilkerson and her husband purchased Broadway Hardware nearly 40 years ago, and, while the location has changed over the years, the atmosphere, the service, and the commitment to …

City board makes personnel changes

 Sparta Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved several personnel changes and passed a single resolution during its March 21 meeting. Water foreman Jacob Roberts turned in a letter of …

Builders complain about inspector

Several members of the community spoke during the March county commissioners’ meeting about concerns they have with the county’s building inspector, Brett Nash. Commissioner Becky …

Hutson gets a hole-in-one

On March 11, 2024, White County High School Warriorette golfer Riley Hutson was playing a practice round while her little sister, Rowan, was qualifying for the upcoming White County Middle School …

WCMS Warriorettes take home 2 victories, tribute to Coach Glenn Sims

 The White County Middle School Warriorettes got the season off to a good start this past week winning two out of their three games. “We hit the ball extremely well for seeing live …

WCMS Warriors improve to 3-0

The WCMS Warrior baseball team won games last week when they played Stone Memorial, in Crossville, on March 12, and then against York, at home, on March 14. The wins improved the Warriors’ …

Burn permits required through May 15

To reduce wildland fire risk, Tennesseans are reminded that a burn permit from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Forestry Division is required through May 15 for all open burning where local …

James Clark "Jim" Cantrell

James Clark "Jim" Cantrell, 78, of Quebeck, passed away March 21, 2024, at his residence. Jim was born May 2, 1945, in White County, to James Lum Cantrell and Mattie Virgie Arizona Manning …

Gerald Lee Dodson

Gerald Lee Dodson, 84, of Rock Island, passed away March 9, 2024. He was born July 17, 1939, in Sparta, and was the son of Lonnie Dodson and Mary Rawlett. Gerald was a preacher and Sunday …

Curtis L. Parks

Curtis L. Parks, 59, of Lynchburg, passed away unexpectedly at home, on March 17, 2024. Born March 16, 1965, in Clinton County, he was the son of Morris ‘Joe’ and Mary Ellis Parks. …

William Taft Raper Jr.

William Taft "Bill" Raper Jr., 91, of Concord, North Carolina, passed away Jan. 30, 2024. Bill was born Dec. 19, 1932, in Concord, North Carolina, and was the son of William Taft Raper Sr. and …

Bruce Dewayne Hicks

Bruce Dewayne Hicks, 60, of Sparta, passed away March 19, 2024, at his residence, surrounded by his family. Bruce was born May 22, 1963, in Sparta, to Jimmie Lee and Eva Dell Jones Hicks. …

Quilts of Valor presented to brothers by DAR

At the March meeting of the Rock House Chapter, NSDAR, a Quilt of Valor was awarded to U.S. Army veteran David D. Graham.  Mr. Graham served a tour and a half in Vietnam, in 1968 and 1969.  …

This Week in White County History, March 24-30

 2014 Gov. Bill Haslam signed into law a bill that would allow local voters to approve the sale of wine in their grocery stores. Jason Sparks was hired as instructor/coordinator …

WCHS Academic Spotlight

Hannah Crawford has built a reputation around White County High School as being someone filled with determination and driven by a desire to help others - great qualities for someone who aspires to be …

Minute with the Mayor

A quick update on the Sparta Hardware building. The owner is awaiting confirmation to begin the demolition of the remaining structure.  The insurance company has had a structural engineer to …

Celeste Reed makes Warriorette history

Warriorette basketball has a rich and talented history dating back to the 1920’s when WCHS girls’ basketball was known as the Spartanettes. Hundreds of young ladies have donned the maroon …

Election results-March 5

Click here to view the election results from March 5.
Business Spotlight

Integrative Animal Solutions

Editor’s note. City of Sparta and The Expositor are partnering in a venture to feature city businesses. Each week, Mayor Jerry Lowery and City Administrator Tonya Tindle are providing a video …

TTU recognized among top CyberCorps programs in the nation

 Tennessee Tech University’s CyberCorps Scholarship for Service (SFS) program was recognized at the January 2024 SFS National Job Fair among the top eight CyberCorps SFS programs in the …

WCHS flag football game

From White County High School football: Mark your calendars for April 5. Warrior Flag Football plays at Dee Harris Field beginning at 4:30 p.m. You don't want to miss the first-ever flag football …

Tennessee school systems join lawsuit against social media companies seeking protections for students

Amid a growing mental health crisis among students, 33 Tennessee school systems have filed similar lawsuits against social media companies for protection for children across multiple popular …

Tennessee Tech to host 2024 Celebration of Craft April 6 at Smithville ACC

 Tennessee Tech University's School of Art, Craft & Design will host the 26th annual Celebration of Craft on Saturday, April 6 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event takes place at the Appalachian …

Van Buren County sheriff recognizes two deputies

On March 19, 2024, Sheriff Michael Brock, of Van Buren County, honored Deputy Brady Woodson and Deputy Cameron Clendenon as Co-Deputies of the Quarter. The announcement was made at the Van Buren …

Tourism grant

White County recently received a Tourism Enhancement Grant on behalf of Sparta-White County Chamber of Commerce.

Social Security announces key updates to address improper payments

Social Security Commissioner Martin O’Malley today announced he is taking four vital steps to immediately address overpayment issues customers and the agency have experienced. Commissioner …

Sobriety Roadside Safety Checkpoint-Van Buren Co.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol will be conducting Sobriety Roadside Safety Checkpoints starting on March 17th, 2024, through March 23rd, 2024, on State Route 8 in Van Buren County. Impaired …

What's happening and new this spring in TN

 (March 19, 2024) – Pastel blooms sprinkle scenic views, new music festivals pump up the rhythm, and experiences like night moon hikes, art installations, food fests, rooftop parties and …
OBITUARIES

John Douglas McGhee

John Douglas McGhee, age 76, passed away on March 13, 2024, at Saint Thomas Hospital, in Nashville, Tennessee. He fought hard for the last four months, but the battle is over and he is in the loving …

  • Dorothy Lee Elliott

    Dorothy Lee Elliott, 94, of Sparta, went to be with the Lord, on Feb. 28, 2024. She was born on Dec. …

  • Alice Ella Farmer Rice

    Alice Ella Farmer Rice, 76, of Thompson’s Station, passed away Feb. 25, 2024, at her residence, …

  • Brenda Kay Henry

    Brenda Kay Henry, 73, of Sparta, passed away March 3, 2024, in Sparta. Brenda was born March 16, …

  • Roy Livy McCormick

    Roy Livy McCormick, 87, of McMinnville, passed away Feb. 17, 2024. He was born Nov. 13, 1936, …

OPINION

The illegal act of teaching history in Tennessee

I have spoken often in this space about the spate of “divisive concepts” laws passed by our state’s general assembly, which impose draconian restrictions on how subjects such as …

FAITH

The tree on the road to Jerusalem

Sometimes we may get a little upset or even hurt feelings over what was said, done, or what we think was said. Maybe we’ve become so enraged that we stormed away in anger or even punched a wall …