1966 - On Wednesday, November 2nd, the county got one of its earliest recorded snows during the year. This photo was snapped by the Presbyterian Church.
1966 - Pictured here in the center is Mr. Delois Cooper, who was named "Teacher of the Year" by the White County-Sparta Teachers Association. Alongside her, from left to right, were runners-up Mrs. Elvie Holland, Mrs. Ritha Lela Roberts, Mrs. Bernice Wilson, and Mrs. Ester Thompson. Mrs. Cooper then went on to join 15 other teachers to see who would move to the state competition for teacher of the year for all of Tennessee. She originally taught at Black Oak, before teaching at Findlay School when Black Oak was closed in the consolidation program.
1976 - Three high school economics teachers from the region were supported by a $5,000 grant to attend an economics education workshop at Tennessee Tech. On the far left was James Lynn of White County High School.
The Findlay Church of Christ, still located to this day at 505 N Spring Street, began to construct the new building for their congregation. What is particularly fun about this photograph is the comparison to today, fifty years later. On the original building at the far left of the image, one can see the central pillar that slightly protrudes. This is gone today, but the indentation on the building is still present today despite its newer entrance design. What is being constructed here would later become the "main" entrance to the church itself, as the building is now the product of three pieces. At the time, this new building was claimed to be built due to the simple fact that the church almost had too many members for its single building! They were almost out of space, so they came together as a congregation to build more.
The church as it stands today! Placed into black and white so you can really see the difference.
Known all across the county and Upper Cumberland, pictured here was Regina Coonrod during her senior year at WCHS. She performed "Desperado" with Wild Blue Country during a visit from the United States Air Force Band.
Posted
By Josh Austin
1966
Caney Fork Electric hosted an open house to commemorate their new building on West Bockman Way. At the time, they served 12,008 members.
1986
The Expositor donated $700 to the White County "Just Say No" program to help combat drug use in the county. This was alongside other local businesses that joined in a group effort to boost support for the program.
During a federal court case, FBI agent Richard Dorton claimed that taped conversations indicated that Johnny Ray Graham accepted $6,000 from an undercover agent to allegedly bribe the former Sheriff of the county! Dorton claimed the money was allegedly going to prevent law enforcement from intervening in an illegal nightclub business. It was so notable that this actually made state headlines at the time as well, though it's maybe not quite the sort of headline the county wants to be known for. As part of the investigation, The Expositor had shared the year-long timeline of events leading to the eventual arrest.
Low elevation areas of Sparta had it rough this week in the latter half. Harris Street in East Sparta, for example, suffered some severe flooding when the drainage system couldn't handle the runoff water from heavy rainfall. No serious damage or injuries came from it, but few could imagine seeing an entire street with knee-deep water in Sparta nowadays.
On the first day of juvenile hunting season, 14-year-old Billy Price bagged a three-point, 118-pound deer with a 30-30 rifle. Son of Ross and Jo Ann Price, the young lad was hunting with his uncle Douglas in Lost Creek.
1996
Debbie Richmond, director of nursing at NHC HealthCare of Sparta, was the recipient of the Best Financial Management Award from National Health Care in Florida. The facility here in Sparta celebrated on her return.
Edd Rogers and Kenneth Welch accepted an award and plaque each from the 55 Alive program as thanks for their continued support throughout the years. Welch was the only local course instructor at the time, and Rogers was underwriting the entire cost of the local program almost since its inception.
2006
Markie Voyles was one of White County's most legendary athletes. At the state cross country meet for this year at Percy Warner Park, she finished seventh in a field of 185 top runners in Tennessee.
BonDeCroft Head Start hosted an open house event to help show the community what all they do, while gaining more support for their efforts in serving low-income, young children.
Grease caused some major problems for the City of Sparta. At the Water Plant, grease had been dumped into the drainage system so excessively that there was a two-day shutdown at one of the pumping stations. Workers had to shovel out grease by the gallons.
2016
To honor and help out their Mayor who "does it all," the Doyle Board of Mayor and Aldermen proposed a raise for Mayor Ray Spivey. At the time, Jerry Rogers said the man ran the garbage trucks, mowed and ran the tractors, performed vehicle maintenance, and changed out the old truck beds. To help offset the out-of-pocket expenses Spivey incurred from all the labor he performed for the community, the board increased his salary from $400 to $600. They tried to do more, but Spivey himself turned down the idea because it was "just too much."
Charles "Chuck" Nabors was presented with the Adjutant General's Distinguished Patriot Medal during a special retirement ceremony for him.
Two local athletes prepared for their first year of college basketball. Both 2016 graduates, Cade Crosland and Lakelyn Bouldin, were about to enter a whole new court. Crosland from White County and Bouldin from Van Buren took that next step into their college career. Loren Foster and Amber Hudgens were 2014 WCHS graduates who were continuing their athletic career in college as well. Bella Taylor, a 2015 graduate, was back for her sophomore season at Sewanee.
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