Animal Care Center construction to resume, Mayor Conger confirms
JACKSON, Tenn. -- Officials announce an update for the Jackson Animal Care Center's new building. In a social media post shared by Mayor Scott Conger, he confirms the City has…
Author: Kyle Peppers
731 Thrift, Velvet Rose Hair Studio open in Milan
MILAN, Tenn. -- Two new businesses have opened their doors in Milan. On Wednesday, a block party was held to celebrate the grand openings of 731 Thrift and Velvet Rose Hair Studio. 731 Thrift…
Jackson man gets life in prison for 2019 murder
JACKSON, Tenn. -- A Jackson man has been sentenced to life in prison after a 2019 murder. According to District Attorney General Jody Pickens, on February 23, a Madison County Grand Jury convicted 23-year-old…
Job fair to bring Chick-Fil-A truck to Lexington
LEXINGTON, Tenn. -- A job fair will bring a popular restaurant to a local city for the first time. Manpower will be hosting a community job fair on Tuesday, March 7. The Lexington branch is seeking to fill positions such…
‘Survivor’ new season, official podcast coming Wednesday
The 44th season of the Emmy Award-winning reality competition "Survivor" premieres on March 1. Fans will be introduced to an entirely new cast of players as the action and drama promises to be better than ever. This year, fans will…
UT Martin seeks new chancellor, Carver taking new role
MARTIN, Tenn. -- The University of Tennessee System is seeking a new chancellor for UT Martin. Chancellor Keith Carver, who has held the role for more than six years, has accepted a new position as senior vice chancellor/senior vice president…
Former TN deputy charged with aggravated rape
PERRY COUNTY, Tenn. -- A former deputy is charged with aggravated rape and official misconduct, according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. TBI says 31-year-old Jonathan Allen Kelly, a former Perry…
Police seek Humboldt man wanted for rape
HUMBOLDT, Tenn. -- A Humboldt man is wanted for rape following an investigation. According to the Humboldt Police Department, officers investigated an incident that took place on Burrow Street on February 18.…
Beale Street Music Festival announces lineup
MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- An annual festival is returning to West Tennessee for a weekend full of live entertainment. The Beale Street Music Festival will be held at Tom Lee Park in Memphis from May 5-7. Joining the lineup this year…
Events this Week in West Tennessee: Feb. 27-Mar. 5
Don’t miss any of the fun in the 731! Check out our list of events happening this week in West Tennessee. *LIFELINE Blood Services has announced a critical need for some blood types. Click here to find a mobile drive…
LIFELINE releases March mobile blood drives, ‘St. Patrick’ themed drive
JACKSON, Tenn. -- LIFELINE Blood Services is announcing upcoming opportunities to donate amid a shortage of some blood types. LIFELINE will host their annual "St. Patrick's Day" Blood Drive from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 16. The…
Doo Wop show to recreate music hits in West Tennessee
HUNTINGDON, Tenn. -- The Dixie Carter Performing Arts Center is preparing to take guests on a musical journey. The Dixie will welcome The Doo Wop Project on Saturday, March 4, with the show kicking off at 7:30 p.m. A press…
Jackson to welcome home Chiefs’ Trey Smith after Super Bowl win
JACKSON, Tenn. -- A Super Bowl champion is coming home to the Hub City. Trey Smith will be welcomed home by the City of Jackson and Mayor Scott Conger at a special event on Friday, March 3. This follows Smith's…
Local prison hosts Black History program
TIPTONVILLE, Tenn. -- A local prison presented a Black History Month program to incarcerated men. Northwest Correctional Complex (NWCX) held the annual event, which is a chance to educate the men about the history of successful African Americans, as well…
Anchor/reporter Ashley Luningham departs WBBJ
Ashley Luningham joined the WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News team in March 2021 as a Multimedia Journalist. Over the past two years, Ashley has helped tell some of the most impactful stories throughout the community and most recently served as Anchor…
Schools enter soft lockdown after potential threat
HENDERSON COUNTY, Tenn. -- Local schools take measures to keep students safe. According to Henderson County Sheriff Brian Duke, Southside School in Regan, along with South Haven Elementary School in Lexington, entered a soft lockdown…
Event to mark 60th anniversay of Patsy Cline plane crash
CAMDEN, Tenn. -- The lives lost during a tragic event will be honored for an upcoming anniversary. March 5 will mark the 60th anniversary of the fatal plane crash that claimed the lives of Grand Ole Opry stars Patsy Cline,…
Multi-day sex offender compliance operation completed in Carroll Co.
HUNTINGDON, Tenn. -- Multiple law enforcement agencies joined this week to conduct a sex offender compliance operation in Carroll County. Dubbed Operation Walter Browning, the two-day saturation was conducted on Tuesday and Wednesday. According…
Arrest made in Dollar General aggravated robbery
MARTIN, Tenn. -- Local authorities make an arrest after an aggravated robbery. According to the Martin Police Department, around 8:30 Wednesday night, officers were called to the Dollar General at 997 Main…
Hearing reveals details in Watson murder case
HAYWOOD COUNTY, Tenn. -- Details in the death of Britney Watson come to light as the suspect appears for his preliminary hearing. 44-year-old Kevin Watson appeared before Judge Jenny Scott Tuesday in Haywood County General Sessions Court. Watson was arrested…
Savannah Drivers Services Center closing; new facility to open
SAVANNAH, Tenn. -- One local driver services center will close as a newly constructed one prepares to open. The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security will permanently close the Savannah Driver Services Center at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March…
Tornado data by county spotlighted by health department
JACKSON, Tenn. -- The Jackson-Madison County Regional Health Department wants you to be prepared for the threat of a tornado. In a social media post Wednesday, the health department shared a look at statewide tornado data since 1950. The map…
Over 250 pairs of shoes donated to local children
JACKSON, Tenn. -- Local children receive a generous donation to help carry them through their journeys. "Soles for Little Souls" is a National Initiative Community Service Project sponsored by Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. The purpose is to partner…
‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ auditions to be held in Jackson
JACKSON, Tenn. -- One local group is seeking auditions for an upcoming stage show. Jackson Theatre Guild is presenting Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird" as their Spring production. Based on the Pulitzer-winning novel, the show is set in small-town…
2 national retailers coming to West Tennessee city
UNION CITY, Tenn. -- Plans are underway to bring two national retailers to Union City. Buchanan Realty Group announces after their acquisition of the former Walmart shopping center, which currently has Bargain Hunt as an existing tenant, an extensive remodel…
Poll of the Day: Subscriptions to Restaurants
Joining the ranks of streaming services, pet food delivery and more, some restaurants are now experimenting with monthly subscription services to give their customers added deals and benefits. Now, we want to hear from you in our Poll of the…
Poll of the Day: How many U.S. Presidents can you name?
As Monday marks Presidents Day in the U.S., we want to hear from you in our Poll of the Day. Click here to see our previous Poll of the Day questions and responses.
Brownsville hosting 2nd annual Mardi Gras celebration
BROWNSVILLE, Tenn. -- One local community is bringing the spirit of New Orleans to West Tennessee. Brownsville is preparing to host their second annual "Jazzed Up for Mardi Gras" event on Saturday, February 25. The celebration will be held from…
Events this Week in West Tennessee: Feb. 20-26
Don’t miss any of the fun in the 731! Check out our list of events happening this week in West Tennessee. Monday, February 20 "Indigenous Contributions to the World Around Us" (Martin) "Black Resistance" Exhibit opens (Bolivar) Tuesday, February 21…
Baptist-Carroll County recognized for contributions to community health
CARROLL COUNTY, Tenn. -- A local hospital is being recognized for their community investment. Baptist Memorial Hospital-Carroll County has received "A" grades in community benefit, patient satisfaction, health equity, and social responsibility on the Lown Institute Hospitals Index. CEO…
Where do gas prices stand in Tennessee?
JACKSON, Tenn. -- One tech company is providing a look at gas prices across the state. According to GasBuddy, average gas prices in Tennessee have risen 2.9 cents per gallon in the last week, for a current average of $3.09…
Carroll County youth learn government functions with Mayor Butler
CARROLL COUNTY, Tenn. -- High schoolers in one local community are getting the opportunity to learn about government functions. On Wednesday, Carroll County Mayor Joseph Butler joined a session for Youth Leadership Carroll County (YLCC). Mayor Butler spoke with…
Jackson Christian Theatre to bring ‘Little Women’ to stage
JACKSON, Tenn. -- The Jackson Christian School Theatre program is announcing their spring production. Jackson Christian Theater will bring "Little Women" to stage this April. The story, written by Louisa May Alcott, is a coming-of-age tale that follows four sisters…
West TN teacher suspended amid ‘inappropriate conduct’ allegations
BENTON COUNTY, Tenn. -- A local teacher is under investigation after accusations emerge. Benton County Schools Director Mark Florence confirms a teacher at the Benton County Career and Technical Center has been suspended. The school system says the suspension is…
Events this Week in West Tennessee: Feb. 13-19
Don’t miss any of the fun in the 731! Check out our list of events happening this week in West Tennessee. Monday, February 13 Old Country Store Valentine's Dinner (Jackson) The Economics of Slavery (Martin) 2023 National Championship at Ames…
‘Destroying the neighborhood’: Local home boarded amid public nuisance claims
DYERSBURG, Tenn. -- Authorities in Dyersburg have sought to have a residential property declared as a public nuisance. According to a Facebook post by the Dyersburg Police Department, on Tuesday, authorities executed a Petition for Abatement of Nuisance and…
FHU Theatre bringing two productions to stage this month
HENDERSON, Tenn. -- Freed-Hardeman University Theatre is preparing for a double-dose of productions this month. FHU Theatre will present…
City to pull recycling bins ahead of Jackson Recycling Center opening
JACKSON, Tenn. -- The City of Jackson announces the Health and Sanitation Department will be pulling the recycling bins from all three locations by the end of February. According to a news release, this is in order to compete maintenance…
Kyle Barron joins Greater Jackson Chamber as Chief Community Development Officer
JACKSON, Tenn. -- The Greater Jackson Chamber is announcing a new addition to their team. Kyle Barron, Ed.D., is joining the Chamber as their new chief community development officer. A West Tennessee transplant who currently lives in Jackson, Barron most…
Hundreds of dogs to compete at Jackson Fairgrounds in March
JACKSON, Tenn. -- Hundreds of dogs will be making their way to the Hub City for a special event next month. The Jackson Tennessee Dog Fanciers Association and the Tupelo Kennel Club are joining to present their All-Breed Dog Show.…
West TN songwriter to hold EP release party in Jackson
JACKSON, Tenn. -- One local artist is preparing to share her new music with the community. Singer/songwriter Emily McGill will hold an EP release party at Hub City Brewing in Jackson. The night-full of entertainment will feature performances from McGill,…
Nite Lite Theatre bringing ‘Mary Poppins’ to Milan
TRENTON, Tenn. -- A local theatre group is bringing a magical production to Gibson County. Nite Lite Theater is presenting "Mary Poppins" on March 17-19 and March 24-26. Disney's "Mary Poppins" is a musical fantasy that focuses on the children…
UPDATE: Amber Alert issued for two Jackson teens
UPDATE (2/8/23): The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation confirms Taveion and Traveion Rogers have been found safe in Jackson. Felicia Wilson has turned herself in and is now in custody. UPDATE (2/7/23): JACKSON, Tenn. -- The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation says…
Milan High School to present ‘Beauty and the Beast’
MILAN, Tenn. -- A local school is inviting you to "be their guest" for a special performance. Milan High School will bring Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" to the stage for six shows this month. Performances will take place at…
Shoe donations sought for local students
JACKSON, Tenn. -- A local organization is collecting "Soles for Little Souls." Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. - Nu Sigma Alumnae Chapter is collecting shoes for the students of Washington Douglas Head Start in Jackson. They are asking for gently…
Former correctional officer charged with sexual contact with inmate
CAMDEN, Tenn. -- A former correctional officer has been arrested and charged with having sexual contact with an inmate. According to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, in September 2022, an investigation was launched into…
USJ to present ‘The Addams Family’ this March
JACKSON, Tenn. -- They're creepy and they're kooky, and they're coming to a stage near you. The University School of Jackson's Fine Arts Department is presenting "The Addams Family" this March. The show is described as a musical comedy that…
Old Country Store to host unique Valentine’s experience
JACKSON, Tenn. -- Brooks Shaw's Old Country Store is preparing to host a unique Valentine's dinner experience. The third annual Valentine's Day three-course dinner for couples will be held from Monday,…
3 West TN State Parks offering romantic Valentine’s dinner
JACKSON, Tenn. -- Some of Tennessee's State Parks are offering a romantic dinner for Valentine's Day. Among those participating include three in West Tennessee: Natchez Trace State Park, Pickwick Landing State Park, and Paris Landing State Park. Couples can visit…
Poll of the Day: Ready for warmer weather?
Freezing temperatures and icy conditions have returned to West Tennessee this week, with the official start of spring still more than six weeks away. Now, we want to hear from you in our Poll of the Day. [gravityform id="211" title="false"…
