One of the big stories circulating around Warren County in recent weeks is the news Sparta is losing its Kroger store. The decision to close that store was announced March 4 and it has created quite a stir.According to the Sparta Expositor, Kroger has been a part of that community for 64 years. The store closing will reportedly impact 62 employees who are scheduled to lose their jobs March 28.Said state Rep. Paul Bailey, who is a Sparta resident, “We made phone calls and tried to get them to keep the store open, but according to their story, they are losing $1 million a year just by keeping the doors open.”The reason folks are concerned about Sparta losing its Kroger is because we have a popular and beloved Kroger store right here in McMinnville.