LOCAL NEWS

San Francisco's burning question: Are we ready for Waymo Google cars?

After an incident with one of Google's driverless vehicles in San Francisco, Way.com explores whether the city is ready to adopt these vehicles for service.

Can background checks show whether your identity was stolen?

Money.com offers tips and information to consider when conducting a background check on yourself.

Safest and most affordable cities in the US

MoneyGeek analyzed cost data from the Census Bureau's one-year American Community Survey and MIT's Living Wage Calculator, focusing on the top cities from our safest small and mid-to-large city studies.

Tobacco imagery rising in top entertainment, including among the 2024 Best Picture winner and nominees

(BPT) - To find a smoke-free setting among this year’s Oscar Best Picture nominees, you’d have to go to Barbie Land. Of the 10 films nominated for the Oscars top prize — including …

Rural Americans were less likely to enroll in a federal broadband assistance program. Now it's too late to sign up

The Daily Yonder reports on the federal government halting enrollment in a program that helps millions of Americans afford their broadband subscriptions.

States where the most people are receiving substance use treatment

Ophelia mapped and analyzed the number of patients in substance use facilities per capita across the U.S., using SAMHSA survey data.

Most common settings for foodborne outbreaks in the US

FoodReady used data from the CDC to explore the most common settings that facilitated foodborne illnesses in the U.S. from 2009 to 2021.

The states with the most gambling revenue growth in 2023

ATS.io mapped state-by-state commercial gaming revenue growth in 2023 using year-over-year data from the American Gaming Association.

The top reasons teachers give for leaving their jobs

HeyTutor analyzed teacher attrition data from the National Center for Education Statistics to shed light on how teachers feel about leaving their jobs.

Advancing your skills to stand out in today’s job market

(BPT) - By Andréa Backman, President of Strayer UniversityYou’ve probably heard a lot about “the skills gap”—the disparity between the skills an employer expects their …

Hunter Education Course

Where: Sparta-White County Rescue Squad building, 320 E. Bockman Way, in Sparta When: 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, March 23 This class is limited to 35 students. Anyone born after Jan. 1, 1969, …

Leading Automotive Brand Celebrates Industry Success

(BPT) - 2023 was immensely successful for Kia, as the auto maker introduced six new or refreshed models, grew overall market share, and captured new audience consideration for the company’s …

Tips to Maximize Your Outdoor Space

(BPT) - Spring is almost here! The rising temperatures serve as a reminder that it’s time to start preparing for outdoor entertaining. Whether you are looking to completely revamp your setup or …

El apoyo entre compañeros ayuda a la prosperidad de personas con parálisis

(BPT) - Cuando Ligia Andrade Zúñiga tenía 28 años, sufrió un accidente automovilístico que le causó una grave lesión en la médula …

Descubre 5 formas económicas de aprovechar al máximo el verano

(BPT) - ¡El verano está a la vuelta de la esquina! Como los niños están de vacaciones, es el momento perfecto para planificar un viaje o dos, y pasar tiempo de calidad …

Discover 5 affordable ways to make the most of summer

(BPT) - Summer is just around the corner! With the kids out of school, it's the perfect time to plan a trip or two and spend quality time together as a family. However, family vacations can get …

BookTrib’s Bites: Four Captivating Reads

(NewsUSA) - I Am Pink by Gregory Copploe and Dani ForrestI Am Pink is a captivating odyssey of self-discovery and empowerment. This award-winning book unfolds a narrative of resilience, …

Easy Easter Eats

(Family Features) Even if Easter hosting duties fell on your plate this year and added one more thing to your holiday to-do list, that doesn't mean it has to be difficult.

Get Creative with Easter Sweets

(Family Features) Holiday hams and deviled eggs may take center stage at Easter gatherings, but edible crafts offer a reminder of the magic of the season that's found in moments spent together.

Indulge Taste Buds with Better-for-You Snacks

(Family Features) The foundation of healthy eating may include nutritious breakfasts, lunches and dinners, but just as important are the snacks in-between meals.

Empower Yourself with Nutrition Know-How

(Family Features) Even with hectic schedules and convenience foods readily available, it's important to incorporate habits like regular family meals and meal planning so you have a variety of better-for-you snacks and recipes on hand.

WCHS students place in TN High School Student Press Association competition

Congratulations to these students for placing in the Lipscomb University Tennessee High School Student Press Association (THSPA) competition recently. •Jada Henderson & Max …

Fruit tree frost protection

Spring is almost here, and fruit crops will soon be in bloom.  Keep in mind that it’s just mid-March and we are not out-of-the-woods when it comes to cold weather.  During March and …

Highway Department continues to upgrade and repair

From Jerry Sawyer-White County Highway Superintendent: We have been trying to take advantage of this good working weather over the last few weeks. We are trying our best to catch up on our ditch …

WCHS Academic Spotlight

 Cadence Dishman has a reputation around White County High School of striving for excellence in everything she does. Dishman aspires to become a speech and audio pathologist and helping …

FFA learns about hay, new grant

Throughout the year, the White County High School Agricultural Department prides itself on the hands-on experiences they provide their students, one of which being the opportunity to allow students …

Minute with the Mayor

As the mayor of our beloved town, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the enduring legacy of Sparta Hardware. However, my connection to this historic establishment runs deeper than …

Beware of scams

 Scams have long been a problem with people trying to trick unsuspecting subjects out of money or important personal information. In recent years, technology has offered more ways for scammers …
Business Spotlight

The Mad Raven

The Mad Raven is Sparta’s only bookstore.  Walking inside the cute little shop that sits just outside of the town’s historic district on Bockman Way is an experience like no other in …

THP and other law enforcement agencies join in pursuit

A pursuit that had originally begun in Smith County and ultimately ended in White County, on March 9, 2024, ended with the arrest of a 41-year-old man. According to a report from Tennessee …

Street drug not yet seen in Sparta but may soon make an appearance says sheriff

According to a news release out of Nashville, Xylazine, a veterinary medicine used to sedate livestock, has been making an appearance in both fentanyl and methamphetamine. Since Nov. 1, 2023, …

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 …

Reed named TSSAA Class 3A Miss Basketball

Congratulations to WCHS Warriorette Celeste Reed!  According to Greg Wilson, WCHS principal, Celeste was just named TSSAA Class 3A Miss Basketball!!!

WCHS upcoming events

Suzanne Rushing, college advisor at White County High School, would like to share the following events that will be taking place at WCHS. March 21: 1 p.m., TCAT McMinnville Signing Day, Main Gym …

Hazmat Awareness Class

From White County Firefighters Association: We are having a Hazmat Awareness Class (TFACA) at Doyle Fire Department, 5:30-9:30 p.m., March 12. All emergency personnel are welcome. This awareness …

4-H livestock judging

From UT Extension White County: Congratulations to our White County 4-H livestock judging teams who recently competed at TN Beef Agribition. One of our teams, which consisted of Deanna Miller, …

Wilson completes classes

From  NorthEnd Volunteer Fire Department: We want to congratulate firefighter Dalton Wilson. He has successfully completed his 16-hour Intro to Emergency Services, 64 Hour Rookie Class, and he …

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 …

Christian basic training - Part I

For many churches, services are to gather the people together, perform the newest songs on Christian radio, and allow the popular speaker to share a motivational speech all around an hour …
OBITUARIES

Dorothy Lee Elliott

Dorothy Lee Elliott, 94, of Sparta, went to be with the Lord, on Feb. 28, 2024. She was born on Dec. 27, 1929, in Detroit, Michigan. She was the daughter of Chester Batts and Ruth Jackson Batts. …

  • 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, in …

  • Kevin Labon O’Dell

    Kevin Labon O’Dell, 59, of Sparta, passed away Feb. 17, 2024. Kevin was born April 25, 1964, …

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

True churches build true Christians

There are so many churches within the United States and this region.  Although there may be so many churches, or at least social gatherings, not every church is making true Christians.  The …