This Week in White County History

1966

• Scott's Gulf Wilderness State Park is a known quantity to White Countians today, given its recent history of becoming a state park. But back in 1966, it was largely an unexplored wilderness to most. Richard Smith, who was native to the Gulf area, was one of the very few pushing the idea of some form of park, or state-sponsored area. There was also JT Carter, who was constructing a 50-acre lake near the overlook. Members of The Expositor trekked with Smith, who discussed at length the endless potential of such a beautiful area, if it is taken care of by the right people. Near the end of the story, discussing the trek through Scott's Gulf, the writer mentions, "one thing that is a must is the presentation of the natural beauty of Scott's Gulf." With the way things have progressed since 1966, those past supporters would surely be proud to see where it is today, their dreams realized after more than half a century of work.

1976

• In an amusing event, Evelyn Cody had to calm down dozens of concerned and grieving friends. When she came home, she was swamped with phone calls offering sympathies for her husband's passing. The issue? Pete Cody had not passed away! Both of them were really confused, and they had to contact the paper to make sure the record was set straight.

1986

• White County's Warriors really took home a legendary victory. The Middle School's biggest game of the year was against our Cookeville rivals, and it was a shutout. In a 28-0 game, the Jr. Warriors continued their dominant streak in the 86 season by trouncing the county's biggest sports rival. 
• As signs of autumn began rolling in, prognosticators predicted an early frost for the year. As a result, some White Countians began to prepare for winter all the way in September. While this may sound silly, remember that just not too long ago, the county faced one of the worst blizzards it had ever seen! So many figured preparing early, when there may be an early winter, seemed reasonable. 

1996

• Gladys Flatt, wife of the late, legendary Lester Flatt, was honored as a Special Guest during an Open House and Dedication at the Sparta City Hall. A bust of Flatt and his guitar was veiled at the Open House too, honoring one of Sparta's most legendary residents.
• Fires anywhere are always scary, but a bus fire is one of the most horrifying places for one to arise. The rear wheel of a bus caught fire at Willie Jarvis Rd while doing the rounds. Jim Smith, however, handled the situation so quickly while leaving a lasting impression on the students. There was also Chris Fay, a passerby who helped evacuate the students while he and Smith put the fire out as best they could. While this was a horrifying scenario, the kids interviewed by the paper at the time only spoke about how cool the two adults were in handling it.

2016

• Mackenzie Burton was voted as Co-Player of the Year alongside Cumberland County's Kelsee Neely. The Warriorette junior was one of the most accomplished golfers on the green this year, and she was named to the All-District team.
• Last week, the history edition mentioned that WCHS was bringing back the parade after 16 years. Well, this week, the parade went down! Beginning at the Justice Center and ending at the school, the theme of the first parade in over a decade was a James Bond-style "From Sparta, With Love."