JMCSS budget meeting discusses loss of funds
JACKSON, Tenn. -- Friday afternoon, the Jackson-Madison County School System Budget Committee met to discuss budget cuts for this year and possibly the next. "Our current year budget will be cut by $6…
Author: Teri Jelks
Chester County H.S. holds special graduation for one senior
CHESTER COUNTY, Tenn. -- This year more than 190 students will be graduating from Chester County High School, but on Thursday evening only one senior was getting her diploma. "I didn't think…
Scotts Hill High School holds 2020 graduation ceremony
SCOTTS HILL, Tenn. -- Tassels are turning at a 2020 commencement. Scotts Hill High School held their graduation ceremony for their senior class on Thursday. During the ceremony, more than 100 seniors took…
JEA begins path back to routine service
JACKSON, Tenn. -- Under the guidance of Gov. Bill Lee's Tennessee Pledge, businesses are reopening and Tennesseans are getting back to work. Now, a local utility company is on their way back…
Senator Marsha Blackburn files ‘Stop COVID Act’, discusses recovery efforts
JACKSON, Tenn. -- Wednesday afternoon, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn discussed the federal response of COVID-19 and the path of recovery for the economy. WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News Reporter Teri Jelks spoke with the…
Tennesseans honor Ahmaud Arbery with 2.23 mile run
JACKSON, Tenn. -- Earlier this year, an African-American jogger was fatally shot not far from his home on the outskirts of Brunswick, Georgia. Newly released video of the incident has people around the…
Construction brings road closure to Jackson
JACKSON, Tenn. -- The Tennessee Department of Transportation has road work planned in the Hub City this weekend. Starting Friday, North Highland Avenue will be closed from Interstate 40 to Carriage House Drive. The turning lanes will be closed for…
Local organization rescues animals in hoarding case
JACKSON, Tenn. -- Redemption Road Rescue is a non-profit organization in north Jackson. They rescue a wide range of animals including horses, goats, sheep, and donkeys. "We got a call from another…
Landslide continues to expand due to increase of rainy weather
HARDIN COUNTY, Tenn. -- After storms rolled in over the weekend, a landslide in Hardin County continues to expand, overlooking the Tennessee River. Two homes collapsed after the initial landslide in February, but…
Family and friends hold candlelight vigil for loved one
HUMBOLDT, Tenn. -- Family and friends held a candlelight vigil to remember a loved one. On Sunday, 28-year-old Chantell Cox died from pre-existing medical conditions. Family members say she had a history of brain tumors. Wednesday evening, dozens gathered at…
Old Hickory Mall reopens; follows state guidelines
JACKSON, Tenn. -- Under guidance from Gov. Bill Lee's Tennessee Pledge, many businesses are opening their doors this week, including Jackson's Old Hickory Mall. "The mall is the one that said, 'Hey we're…
JMCSS leaders discuss 2020-2021 budget
JACKSON, Tenn. -- Thursday afternoon, members of the Jackson-Madison County School System's budget committee met to discuss the district's finances. First on the agenda was the contract to construct a new Madison Academic…
City Council reviews agenda for May meeting
JACKSON, Tenn. -- Mayor Scott Conger and members of the Jackson city council virtually met Thursday afternoon to review the agenda for May's meeting. Members discussed the city's budget for next year, as…
Local pharmacy helps community members with food insecurities
LEXINGTON, Tenn. -- A business is helping those in their community who are struggling with food insecurities. "We all just have to look at ways that we can care for each other. There…
Local mayors speak about plans to reopen economy
CHESTER COUNTY, Tenn. -- "Even though we're reopening, it's not business as usual," said Henderson County Mayor Eddie Bray. Many local mayors say they will be following Gov. Bill Lee's Tennessee Pledge, which is a plan to help Tennesseans get…
Local nonprofit organizations make changes due to COVID-19
JACKSON, Tenn. -- "We just cannot afford for anybody to get sick," said Susan Smith. Smith is the director of client services for the Dream Center in Jackson. The Dream Center is…
COVID-19 cases in Crockett County spike to 5; linked to local nursing facility
CROCKETT CO., Tenn. -- A West Tennessee county spiked up to five positive coronavirus cases, after having no cases last week. "All of our cases at this point, confirmed, are confined to…
Family speaks out after first COVID-19 death in Madison Co.
JACKSON, Tenn. -- The Jackson-Madison County Regional Health Department confirms the first death from COVID-19 in Madison County. Now the family of the patient is speaking out. "Something that we didn't ask for,…
Company announces over 250 layoffs at Lexington facility
HENDERSON COUNTY, Tenn. -- "We're actually going to have people that's going to need help that's never had to ask for it before," said Lexington Mayor Jeff Griggs. Assembly Components Group has filed…
Hope Ministries helps feed families with financial insecurities
HENDERSON COUNTY, Tenn. -- With schools closed and many people out of a job as a result of COVID 19 precautions, more people are in need of emergency food assistance. Hope Ministries…
Health facility to launch COVID-19 Awareness Program
JACKSON, Tenn. -- A local health facility is launching a COVID-19 awareness program. Physicians Quality Care is offering residents free, remote and real-time monitoring for COVID-19. People who sign up for the COVID-19…
Goodwill to continue taking donations
JACKSON, Tenn. -- Goodwill stores are closed across the nation, but the company is still accepting donations. "We are very grateful that people want to support Goodwill at this difficult time, and their…
Social media trend shows support to high school seniors
DYER, Tenn. -- A nationwide movement to honor high school senior athletes has reached West Tennessee. #Bethelight has been trending all over social media, as high schools have been turning on their…
‘Covid 19 Task Force’ cracks down on Personal Protection Equipment hoarding, price gouging
JACKSON, Tenn. -- U.S. Attorney Michael Dunavant says the COVID-19 task force is joining forces with local law enforcement and health professionals to help bring an end to people and businesses hoping to…
Milan police Sergeant brings laughter to community during isolation
MILAN, Tenn. -- Families across the nation are self-isolating at home to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. This week Sergeant Gray Scott with the Milan Police Department is giving his neighbors…
Jackson, Madison County mayors issue shelter at home orders
JACKSON, Tenn. -- "In times like these we need decisive leadership, and while I commend the governor for his actions yesterday, it's simply not enough to keep our communities safe," Mayor Scott…
Executive Order requires Tennesseans to stay home for non-essential activities
JACKSON, Tenn. -- Thursday afternoon Governor Bill Lee announced he will sign Executive Order 23, requiring Tennesseans to stay home unless they are carrying out essential activities. "While many Tennesseans have made…
Utility companies grant extensions during COVID 19
"We're aware that we have several small businesses, we have some industries, that are laying some of their employees off, and we know that in the next few weeks that some of…
Weekend test sites open as businesses adjust to social distancing
JACKSON, Tenn. -- For people experiencing symptoms of coronavirus, there are multiple testing sites available in the Hub City. Jackson Clinic north is one of many. "That location is serving as our respiratory…
New COVID 19 testing sites in West Tennessee
TRENTON, Tenn. -- Starting Friday, the Tennessee Department of Health will be operating drive up COVID-19 assessment sites in six West Tennessee counties. "The National Guard will be on site to help us…
Local colleges and universities use 3D printers to help save lives
JACKSON, Tenn. -- Across the state, colleges and universities are banding together during the Coronavirus pandemic, using 3D printers to help save lives. "What we're doing is collecting all of the materials…
Tennessee Teen Volunteer makes changes to local pageants
DOWNTOWN JACKSON, Tenn. -- The Friday night Miss Iris Tennessee Teen Volunteer pageant at the Carl Perkins Civic Center is all about taking home the crown. The Tennessee Teen Volunteer organization decided…
Health officials give update on coronavirus
JACKSON, Tenn. -- According to health officials, there are zero confirmed coronavirus cases in Madison County as of Thursday. However, there are 18 Coronavirus cases in the Volunteer State. "Davidson is up to 6…
Freed-Hardeman University students raise donations for tornado victims
CHESTER COUNTY, Tenn. -- If you go to the campus of Freed-Hardeman University, you would see students on their skateboards, playing Frisbee on the lawn and hurrying off to class. You would…
Henderson Co. Fire Dept. helps residents prepare for disasters
HENDERSON COUNTY, Tenn. -- After deadly storms ripped through Tennessee earlier this week, firefighters in Henderson County say every home should have a severe storm safety kit. "Basic supplies you would…
Upcoming weather could pose a threat to landslide in Hardin County
HARDIN COUNTY, Tenn. -- Officials in Hardin County say next week's rain could pose a threat to a landslide that has already left a path of destruction. "The landslide is, at this time,…
Jackson city council prepares for economic growth and educational opportunities
JACKSON, Tenn. -- At Thursday night's agenda review meeting, Jackson city council members met to discuss what's to come for the Hub City. In new business, the city will consider transferring the…
Jackson Generals announce Snoop Dogg, Twista performance
JACKSON, Tenn. -- On Wednesday morning, the Jackson Generals announced that rappers Snoop Dogg and Twista are set to perform at the Ballpark on July 20. "The first big headlining artist to make…
19th annual Jewel Awards honors business owners
EAST JACKSON, Tenn. -- Hundreds filled the Oman Arena Friday night for the Jewel Awards. Members from the Jackson-Madison County African American Chamber of Commerce honored outstanding black business leaders for the 19th…
JMCSS school board wraps up superintendent interviews
JACKSON, Tenn. -- "We've got to determine the best fit for our district. We've got a good district, we just want a better district," said Jackson-Madsion County School System board chairman Pete Johnson. This week the Jackson-Madison County School Board…
Interviews set to begin this week for JMCSS superintendent search
WEST JACKSON, Tenn. -- This week the Jackson-Madison County school board is interviewing six finalist for the school superintendent position. Members say the goal of the interviews is to narrow the search…
Henderson County becomes Second Amendment sanctuary county
HENDERSON CO., Tenn. -- Across the country, some local governments are declaring themselves Second Amendment sanctuaries, with the latest being Henderson County. "February 11th, our Henderson County Commission met and I presented to…
JMCSS continues search for new superintendent; board member Merriweather announces resignation
JACKSON, Tenn. -- It was a stacked agenda at Thursday night's Jackson-Madison County School Board meeting, with board members voting to approve several action items. The first approval was to release the…
Madison County Commission prepares for monthly meeting
JACKSON, Tenn. -- County commissioners met Thursday to discuss their role in the public-private partnership for the construction of two schools. Next Tuesday, the Madison County Commission will be voting on whether they will…
Chemical Castration bill proposed in Tenn. House of Representatives
JACKSON, Tenn. -- "Extreme actions sometimes require extreme measures," Wo/Men's Resource and Rape Assistance Program executive director Daryl Chansuthus said. Extreme: That's what some are calling House Bill 1585, filed by Rep. Bruce…
City council budget committee raises concerns over public-private partnership
DOWNTOWN JACKSON, Tenn. -- Tuesday morning, the Jackson City Council Budget Committee held a special called meeting to discuss their role in the public-private partnership to build a new Madison Academic Magnet High…
West Tennessee Women’s Center raises heart health awareness with “Boots and Bling”
JACKSON, Tenn. --Friday night, women came together for a night of glitz, glam and exercise. "Women love to dance, so in a safe comfortable environment we all get together with our friends…
Health expert gives tips to avoid the flu
JACKSON, Tenn. -- "Every flu season is high volume it seems like in West Tennessee, but this year has been particularly bad," family nurse practitioner, Tiffany Simpson said. According to the Tennessee Department…
City, county officials discuss special school board meeting
JACKSON, Tenn. -- Monday night, the Jackson-Madison County School System is holding a special-called meeting to adopt resolutions regarding the approval of public-private partnership documents required for closing. The partnership will help rebuild Madison Academic Magnet High School and renovate…
Better Business Bureau warns of lottery scam
HUNTINGDON, Tenn. -- The Better Business Bureau is warning of a lottery scam after a West Tennessean was targeted. Vonnie Bell says she thought that her life had changed forever when she got…
