This Week in White County History, Nov, 29- Dec. 5

 1971

• Five White County men were arrested in Cumberland County on charges of circulating counterfeit bills in the Crossville area.
• Part of Fancher Drive at Johnson Street collapsed creating a 30-foot-long crevice that was at least four feet deep. The collapse was caused by the washing away of soil underneath the pavement.
• The Sparta tobacco market topped a million dollars in the first three days of selling prior to the Thanksgiving holidays. In addition, Sparta led the state in average per pound, selling 1,364,457 pounds.

1981 

• White County Executive Manuel Officer signed a proclamation in observance of National Family Week to promote and encourage all citizens to participate in family-oriented activities.
• The largest single conversion project in the history of General Telephone Co. of the Southeast became fully operational as the last of more than 60,000 telephone customers in White and surrounding counties were placed on a new $11 million switching system.
• Thomas C. Clark, director of Camp Clements at Doyle, received an Honorary American Farmers Degree at the National Future Farmers of America convention held in Kansas City, Missouri.

1991

• Connie Jolley was appointed as the new county clerk. The White County Legislative body swore her in on Dec. 2.
• White County’s unemployment rate jumped to 9.3 percent, representing 790 unemployed citizens among county’s the 8,520 eligible workers.
• Rains were so heavy that roads were closed throughout the county for repairs. Several roads collapsed due to sinkholes. Repairs were needed in nearly every district in the county.

2001

• A total of 21 White County teachers were honored by Bridgestone/Firestone and were presented with $600 grants to provide resources for their classrooms.
• Sheriff Guy Goff, along with White County correction officers, moved the first group of inmates into the new White County Justice Center.
• The second phase of the census recount for 2001 began and it was expected that the city’s population would net at 5,100 residents with the average persons per household being 2.24.

2011                                         

• The City of Sparta concluded their census recount, bringing the number of residents inside the city limits from a reported 4,925 to an actual 5,071. The change in the newly reported number meant the city would now receive $60,000 in funding from the federal government.
• Officials with White County Emergency Management Agency were called to the railroad near S&S Precision, on McMinnville Highway. Due to recent heavy rains, a train had derailed, and there were immediate concerns about dangers coming from the chemicals being transported by the cargo train. Each of the train’s cars were reported to be carrying 33,000 gallons of liquified petroleum gas.
• Hundreds of shoppers and Santa searchers gathered in Sparta to take advantage of the early Christmas bargains and to visit with the “Jolly Old Elf” as local merchants promoted shopping local through an event they named “Christmas in Our Town.”