Archives: 2021

Former firefighter charged in Weakley County church fire

UPDATE (11/22/22): Former firefighter pleads guilty to series of West Tennessee arsons DRESDEN, Tenn. — A former volunteer firefighter has been charged in connection to a weekend church fire. An investigation by special agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the Weakley County Sheriff’s Office and others led to the arrest of former Dresden volunteer firefighter, Codie Austin Clark. The…

Near house fire caught on camera in Jackson

JACKSON, Tenn. — What could have been a house fire was caught on camera. “He walked out into the hallway from our bedroom, there was smoke, so he came into the kitchen, and our stove was on fire,” said Ashley O’Donnell, the homeowner. This video, taken inside a home in in north Jackson, shows how quickly house fires can start….

Milan students make preparations for Black History Month program

MILAN, Tenn. — A local middle and high school are putting together a special Black History program for the community. At the Milan Middle School auditorium, you can find middle and high school students preparing for their annual Black History Program. It will highlight the importance of Black history, and the many people who paved the way for many years,…

Trenton Fire Department, church partner for food giveaway

TRENTON, Tenn. — A local church partnered with first responders for a food giveaway. Trenton Fire Department partnered with First Baptist Church North in Trenton for their “Food Explosion” event on Wednesday. The church distributed 1,200 boxes of food to anyone in the community. No questions asked. Other churches also came by to pick up boxes to distribute in their…

Former Vice President Mike Pence memoir set for 2023 release

NEW YORK (AP) — Former Vice President Mike Pence has a book deal. His autobiography, currently untitled, is scheduled to come out in 2023. “I am grateful to have the opportunity to tell the story of my life in public service to the American people, from serving in Congress, to the Indiana Governor’s office and as Vice President of the…

‘Operation Big Red Ice’ leads to multiple arrests in Henderson County

HENDERSON COUNTY, Tenn. — Law enforcement agencies are teaming together to arrest those responsible for the sale of narcotics here in West Tennessee. Methamphetamine and heroin continue to be a huge problem in Tennessee. Over the last eight years, it has seen an increase of 792% in cases involving these two narcotics. To fight this problem, the Henderson County Sheriff’s…

Storms Likely Tonight, Some Could Be Strong

Wednesday Night Forecast Update

Wednesday Night Forecast for April 7th: Strong thunderstorms producing gusty winds and a heavy rain threat will move through West Tennessee between tonight. Some storms could linger into the early morning hours east of Jackson. A slight (2/5) risk for severe weather is out for our area. We will be tracking the threat all evening long during WBBJ 7 News…

Joseph Philip “Phil” Smith

Joseph Philip “Phil” Smith, 76, of Memphis, Tennessee passed away peacefully the afternoon of April 3, 2021. Retired teacher, lawyer, and veteran, he led an active life of service and devotion to his family, his community, and our country. The elder son of Virginia and Ben Smith, Phil was born on June 14, 1944 in Jackson, Tennessee. Inspired by the…