LOCAL NEWS

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PINK - Breast Cancer Awareness 2026

Words on Schools from the Editor

Tennessee has made significant progress in public education, and communities such as White County are an important part of that success. From high school graduation rates to career and technical …

Full-Court Tackles Topics New and Old

White County Commission met for one of its first Full Court meetings as new commissioners. With Dakota White as the new chairman of the commission, they tackled problems both new and old. The meeting …

Minute with The Mayor

Several important projects are moving forward in Sparta, and I want to share a brief update. Today, we are putting the bridge replacement across the river at Carter Street Park out for bids. …

Young Man Travels the Globe to Win Competition

One young Warrior recently returned home after representing White County and bringing home the title of “Champion” overseas. Jaxon Matthews earned six medals while at the Martial Arts World …
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The Dangers of Spiritual Darkness

We live in a world where darkness is often mistaken for light, and wrong is sometimes presented as right. As Christians, we must understand that spiritual darkness is a real danger that can affect …

Tennessee Ranks Among the Nation’s Best in Several Key Areas

Tennessee has plenty of reasons to be proud when it comes to how the Volunteer State compares with others across the nation. From education and road quality to population growth and affordable …

A Liberal Dose, October 2026

People seem to forget that when Donald Trump left the White House the first time (kicking and screaming), he left the nation’s economy in the toilet. Yes, things were rough under Biden -he had …

Frank Thomas Mullins

Mr. Frank Thomas Mullins, better known as Tom, age 77, of the Indian Mound community, passed away at 9:44 pm on Tuesday, October 13, 2026 in the Emergency Room of St. Thomas Highlands Hospital. …

Georgia Penelope Boggs

Eleven-day-old Georgia Penelope Boggs passed away unexpectedly on Friday, October 16, 2026, at her residence. Georgia was born October 5, 2026, at Cookeville Regional Medical Center to Caleb …

Deborah Druwilla "Dru" Milligan

Deborah Druwilla "Dru" Milligan, age 67, of Franklin, TN, passed away on October 15, 2026. She was born in Sparta, TN, to the late Kenneth and Mildred Reeves Milligan on New Year's Eve, 1958, and …

This Week in White County History

1966 The Sparta White County Civilettes were a relatively new group of volunteer workers, organized to provide food for the Civil Defense Rescue Unit, hoping to provide aid to those who put …

Athlete of the Week: Makeena Laws

Makenna Laws has been a WCHS cheerleader for four  years and is a Captain for the  Cheer Squad.  Makenna is a great leader who loves cheer, and it shows. She is an all-around great …

Executive Insight: Early Voting Soon

Early voting for Tennessee’s November 3 general election begins Wednesday, October 14, and runs through October 29. We will make several important decisions. Locally, Doyle City residents will …

Healthcare Corner: Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Hello again from Beth, your pharmacy chick on the Healthcare Corner! October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In the United States, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her …

Tourism: Chattanooga has Historical Hotel to Offer Visitors

Not too far down the road in Chattanooga, there is a hotel with a lot of history.  For more than 150 years, The Read House has stood as one of Chattanooga, Tennessee’s most recognizable …

Champ Ferguson and the Squirrel Auction

 During the War Between the States, the Calfkiller River Valley became a breeding ground for guerrilla activity. Some neighbors depended on Confederate guerrilla leader Capt. Champ Ferguson for …

WCHS JROTC Announces September Athlete of the Month

White County JROTC is honored to recognize its Athlete of the Month for September 2026. This month was difficult to choose, as many cadets stood out during the month. We are especially excited to …

FFA Hosts Annual Breakfast at the Barn

The White County FFA chapters held their annual “Breakfast at the Barn” fundraiser on September 12, 2026, bringing together local FFA members, volunteers, families, and community supporters for a …

Jerry Wayne Denton

Mr. Jerry Wayne Denton, age 78, of Sparta, passed away at 2:45 pm on Monday, October 12, 2026, at Grandview Post Acute in Cookeville, Tennessee. Jerry was born April 3, 1948, in Sparta, …

Amanda Rai Cunningham

Amanda Rai Cunningham, age 45, passed away at her home in Sparta on Tuesday morning, October 13, 2026.  She was born December 8, 1980, to her parents Russell Alack and Barbara Roark.  She …

Vonda Sharon Jones

Vonda Sharon Jones, 78, formerly of Smithville, Tennessee, passed away on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at Quality Center for Rehabilitation and Healing in Lebanon, Tennessee. She was born on …

Submit Names for Veterans Park

Do you have a veteran in your family? This is the perfect time to recognize their service to the country by engraving their name on the Wall of Honor in the Rotary Club of Sparta’s Veterans Park. …

Minute With the Mayor

I want to take a moment to express my sincere appreciation to everyone who helped make this year's   Lester Flatt Celebration   another successful event for the City of Sparta. Although the …

Lester Flatt Celebration Rained On, But Never Rained Out

Lester Flatt Celebration is one of the biggest events in Sparta each year. This year, rain may have put a big damper on the vendors present, but inside the city’s new “Sparta Event Center,” it …

Quinn Davis Visits Alma Mater

On Monday, September 28, former WCHS Student/Athlete Quinn Davis returned home for autographs. Davis, who once suited up for the Warriorette Flag Football team, has changed into the Dollywood #85 …

Christians Should be the Called-Out Ones

There is a difference between going to church and being the Church. Many people today associate the Church with a building, a denomination, or an organization. While these things may have their …

Map for Artsparta October

Last month's ArtSparta event was a big success, so this month, they want to prepare even more with a map of the locations in Downtown Sparta participating. ArtSparta will be October 16 from 

William "Jay" Hickey Jr.

William Hickey Jr., known as Jay, age 87, passed away on October 7, 2026. He was born on June 2, 1939, as the son of Lorene and Jeff Hickey in Sparta, Tennessee. He graduated from White County High …

Joyce Wilson Kirby

Joyce Wilson Kirby, 79, of Sparta, passed away Friday, October 9, 2026, at home, surrounded by her loving family. Joyce was born on August 8, 1947, in White County, Tennessee, to the late Joe …

Robert Leroy Hatcher

Mr. Robert Leroy Hatcher, better known as Leroy age 80 of the Big Springs Community of White County passed away Friday, October 9, 2026 at his residence. Leroy was born April 22, 1946 in …

Kenneth Ray Broyles

Kenneth Ray Broyles passed away at the age of 94 on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at NHC of Sparta. Kenneth was born in White County on January 12, 1932, to the late William Ray and Mattie Lula Bradley …

This Week in White County History

1966 Bill Cowden of Spartan Industries, Miss Ora Lee Haney of the Department of Employment Security, and Mr. Lee and Paul Bryon of Goodform Hanger were all awarded certificates for their …

Stepping Up: Local Students get Free Shoes

Nearly 500 students in White and Van Buren counties are able to begin this year’s classes sporting back-to-school basics – new shoes and socks. The annual Shoe Program, a joint venture …

Athlete of the Week - Ava Elrod

With another strong performance placing first in the regional golf tournament to advance to state, White County High School freshman Ava Elrod has been named this week's athlete of the week. …

Tyler's Twelve - Week Five College Football

Georgia (5-0) The Bulldogs remain number one in my top twelve after defeating the Vanderbilt Commodores in Athens. Their offense was led by star quarterback Gunner Stockton, who threw for …

Warriorettes and Upper Cumberland Golf at State Championship

SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. — The White County Warriorettes are right in the middle of the championship hunt after a strong opening round Monday at the TSSAA Class A Girls Golf State Tournament. …

2026 Homecoming Keeps Record Streak Alive

SPARTA, Tenn. — On a beautiful Thursday night at Warrior Stadium and Dee Harris Field, the No. 1 team in the Upper Cumberland wasted absolutely no time showing why it sits atop the TSSN Elite 8. …

Words from The Editor

Every year, The Expositor gives White County residents a chance to recognize the businesses, organizations, and individuals that make our community a great place to live. The Expositor’s …

Minute with The Mayor

The City of Sparta is currently conducting a comprehensive pay scale study to see how our employee compensation compares with other cities and counties in our area. Pay is always an important issue, …

Johnny Demps

Johnny Demps, born on July 2, 1953, in the serene town of Sparta, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2026, doing what he loved. Johnny was a man of many talents, known affectionately by …
OBITUARIES

John Wesley Myers

John Wesley Myers, 72, of Red Boiling Springs, TN, passed away on September 5, 2026, at 7:13 PM at the Sumner County Regional Medical Center in Gallatin, TN. Wesley was born in Gallatin, TN, on …

OPINION

A Liberal Dose, September 2026

There are a lot of reasons to love Dolly Parton, and to grieve her loss. She was a genuinely warm, kind, caring person. Ordinarily, you can never say that for sure about a celebrity, who may well …

FAITH

Worship Vs Entertainment

It does not take long to realize that we live in a world built around entertainment. Turn on the television, and there is always something to watch. Pick up your phone, and there is always something …