School voucher bill advances in House of Representatives
JACKSON, Tenn. -- If passed, Bill 939 will allow families with a certain income to use school vouchers to choose what school their student attends. This will include the ability to go…
Author: Teri Jelks
College planner warns parents and students about college admission scandals
JACKSON, Tenn. --Earlier this week, an alleged college admission bribery scandal swept the nation. A local college planner is now sharing information about what parents should look out for to avoid finding…
Community members voice concerns at school board meeting
DOWNTOWN JACKSON, Tenn.-- The Jackson-Madison County School Board met with concerned parents, teachers and students on Thursday night. The turnout for the school board meeting was so large it had…
Community mourns the loss of local musician and pastor
JACKSON, Tenn. -- John Kilzer was a Jackson native whose life and legacy continues to be felt by the many people he has crossed paths with. "John is going to…
Governor Bill Lee visits flood damage in West Tennessee
HARDIN CO., Tenn. -- "[I'm] proud of the way we've come together, heartbreaking to see it, but hopeful about where it is headed," said Governor Bill Lee. Friday afternoon Governor…
University School of Jackson unveils new ‘Imagine More’ master plan
JACKSON, Tenn. -- "It's time that our campus and our site gets an upgrade," said James Kirkland with the University School of Jackson board of trustees. Thursday evening, several people filled…
Madison Co. Election Commission prepares for upcoming Election Day
JACKSON, Tenn. -- The Madison County Election Commission finalized key components of the 2019 city of Jackson election Monday afternoon. "We approved the slate of candidates for the May 7…
Weather-related school closings for Monday, March 4th
Some West Tennessee schools are still out due to the ongoing effects of heavy rainfall in the area. Below is a list of weather-related school closings for Monday, March 4th. We will update this list as more closings are…
Governor Bill Lee visits West Tennessee
DYER COUNTY, Tenn.-- Tennessee Governor Bill Lee spent Friday afternoon visiting with West Tennesseans. "There are three things that really matter to every Tennessean. Having a good job, having a good school for their kid, and having a good neighborhood,"…
JMC school board divided over motion to re-open closed school for new pre-K center
JACKSON, Tenn. -- During Thursday night's school board long range planning committee meeting, Madison County Commissioner Jimmy Arnold raised concerns on the lack of pre-K centers across the school district. He…
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency tests possible new case of CWD
CHESTER CO., Tenn. -- There is a possible new case of chronic wasting disease in West Tennessee. If confirmed, it will be the first ever case for Chester County. "45 minutes to…
Mass flooding across West Tennessee causes sinkhole
WEST TENNESSEE -- For most of Saturday afternoon, West Tennessee was under severe weather watches and warnings, from sightings of possible tornadoes to flash flood warnings. The rising waters flooded backyards and…
Jackson mother speaks out after losing teenage son
EAST JACKSON, Tenn. -- Within just 24 hours of taking her son off life support, a Jackson mother is speaking out. Jackson police say 16-year-old James Rivers was accidentally…
Benefit concert held for local musician battling cancer
JACKSON, Tenn. -- Family and friends of a local musician came together to help out their loved one the best way they knew how. "We just wanted to play some music…
Vandalism reported at multiple local parks
JACKSON, Tenn. -- There are multiple reports of vandalism in local parks across Jackson. According to Tony Black with the Jackson Recreation and Parks Department, three parks have been hit with graffiti…
Coyotes attack pets in West Tennessee
HENDERSON COUNTY, Tenn. -- There are reports of coyote attacks on animals in West Tennessee. "Anything that's wooded, that's out away from people and traffic, that's where they hang out. They'll…
City mayor responds to lawsuit against Jackson
JACKSON, Tenn -- Earlier this week, a lawsuit was filed against the city of Jackson that could affect countless cases out of Jackson City Court. According to documents filed in…
City of Jackson served class-action lawsuit
JACKSON, Tenn. -- A class-action lawsuit has been filed against the city of Jackson. Both the chief of police and city court clerk have been listed as defendants. In January,…
Mental health institute escapees now captured
HARDEMAN COUNTY, Tenn. -- Two men are captured after escaping a mental health institute. Around 7 p.m. Sunday, 28-year-old Dillon Hight and 29-year-old Timothy Keen escaped from the Western Mental Health Institute in Bolivar, according to the Hardeman County Sheriff's…
Tennessee Highway Patrol conducts manhunt in Henderson County
HENDERSON CO., Tenn. -- The Tennessee Highway Patrol conducted a manhunt Friday afternoon. Authorities could be seen in wooded areas along Highway 104 in northwest Henderson County. The THP helicopter was also used in the search for the suspect or suspects.…
Police investigate fight between two high schools
McNAIRY COUNTY, Tenn. -- Tuesday night there were reports of a large fight between Adamsville Junior-Senior High School and Scotts Hill High School. According to the Adamsville Police Department, one student athlete on…
A new bill allows parents more time at schools
JACKSON, Tenn.-- A new bill is being introduced by the Tennessee legislature that could have parents spending a little more time with their children. "Nothing bad can happen by having parental involvement in…
Man indicted nearly three years after toddler’s death
JACKSON, Tenn. -- A man is behind bars after an investigation into a toddler's death. April will mark three years since the death of 2-year-old Rowdy Maness. Rowdy's father,…
Trinity Christian Academy students cheer on Carroll Academy
JACKSON, Tenn. -- Trinity Christian Academy students and staff flooded their gymnasium for a unique basketball game. "Here we're treated like royalty. That's a big deal for the girls because they're not…
McDonald’s employee hailed a hero after jumping into action to help frightened teen
MEDINA, Tenn. -- A local fast food restaurant employee says she found herself in a scary situation, by jumping into action to help someone in need. Some are hailing her a hero,…
Local group meets in hopes of helping to end violence in their community
JACKSON, Tenn. -- A local group met Thursday evening with the goal to help prevent violence where they live. Several family members across West Tennessee say they have lost loved from acts…
Local leaders react to Gov. Lee’s executive order supporting rural Tennessee
BOLIVAR, Tenn. -- Gov. Bill Lee is carrying out his first executive order since taking office. Lee's order will affect 15 economically distressed Tennessee counties. "It means a lot to us when…
Some warrants issued in Jackson City court may be in question
DOWNTOWN JACKSON, Tenn. -- A new discovery from the local district attorney's office shows some warrants processed in Jackson City Court may not have been properly issued. "A court officer indicated…
Organizations come together, prepare for annual ‘Toys for Tots’ drive for 2019
JACKSON, Tenn. -- It's been almost a month since Christmas, but two organizations are already coming together to make the holidays brighter for local kids next year. The Captain Jack Holland Marine…
Police: Double homicide may be drug-related robbery
JACKSON, Tenn. -- Jackson police are investigating the second and third homicides of 2019. Police Chief Julian Wiser confirmed Wednesday night that police responded to a home on Rainbow Cove around 9:45…
Communities adjust after closure of McKenzie Regional Hospital
HENRY COUNTY, Tenn. -- One local community is adjusting after the recent closing of their hospital. "One of our main concerns I think are the babies that used to be delivered at McKenzie Regional…
Local basketball team makes donation in honor of fallen player
LEXINGTON, Tenn. -- Friday evening, a Lexington High School sports team honors the life of a fallen fellow team member who they say won't be soon forgotten. He was a really…
University of Tennessee at Martin creates new advisory board
MARTIN, Tenn. -- Outgoing Gov. Bill Haslam visited the University of Tennessee at Martin Wednesday afternoon to meet their new advisory board. Gov. Bill Haslam (right) addresses…
Police investigates multiple break-ins in Decatur County
DECATUR COUNTY, Tenn. -- Decatur County officers are investigating after a string of burglaries, and with no leads one of the victims says the items taken can never be replaced. "My…
City Council meets to discuss proposal for new hotel-conference center
JACKSON, Tenn. -- Members of the agenda review committee met to discuss a proposal to introduce at the city council's next meeting. If approved, a proposal to build a new hotel and…
Local lawmakers gather for legislative luncheon
JACKSON, Tenn. -- Local legislators gathered to discuss pressing topics just days away from the convening of the 111th General Assembly in Nashville. "I'm so excited about the legislative session that is…
Local residents react to Sears closure
JACKSON, Tenn. -- A local mall is losing a major anchor retailer, and the community has mixed reactions. "I remember over the years you could go over there and buy a wide…
Civil suit settled in local officer-involved shooting
JACKSON, Tenn. -- One West Tennessee family says all they have wanted was the truth, and say now, they finally have it. "This is a conclusion of the civil claim that the…
Emergency responders deliver gifts on Christmas
NORTHEAST Jackson, Tenn. -- Children across the Jackson community received a surprise visit from first responders. "We're with Beyond the Badge which is made up of fire and police and EMS,…
Local authorities offer holiday travel safety tips
JACKSON, Tenn. -- The holiday season is often accompanied by busy traffic. The Tennessee Highway Patrol has a few tips for drivers leading up to the Christmas holiday. "Be patient… be forgiving… be…
Deer confirmed positive for deadly disease
JACKSON, Tenn. -- Local hunters may be affected by Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission's newest discovery. They confirm at least ten deer have tested positive for chronic wasting disease in Fayette... Hardeman... And McNairy counties. "Since the year 2000 we've tested…
Two vehicle collision on U.S. Highway 412
US HIGHWAY 412, Tenn. -- A car accident occurred late Thursday night on highway 412, near the Humboldt exit. Authorities confirmed it was a two car collision, but did not say how many individuals were inside of the vehicles. Emergency crews…
Madison Co. Fire Dept. shows danger of dry Christmas trees
MADISON COUNTY, Tenn. -- "A dry Christmas tree can catch fire and just go up in flames in a matter of seconds," Madison County Fire Marshal Don Friddle said. The Madison County Fire…
Firefighters use controlled blaze to show ‘Close the Door’ safety
MADISON COUNTY, Tenn. -- There is a simple safety precaution that can save your life in the case of a home fire. The Madison County Fire Department set a controlled fire…
Former Milan band director returns to court
TRENTON, Tenn. -- Former Milan High School band director, Johnathan Scruggs, returned to court Friday. A hearing was held on multiple charges stemming from an alleged inappropriate relationship with a teenage student.…
Jackson-Madison County School board holds last meeting of 2018
JACKSON, Tenn. -- The Jackson-Madison County School Board has partnered with the Jackson Police Department for a special project. "So we'll be purchasing at least one camera for every school in the…
The importance of driving alert near school buses
JACKSON, Tenn. -- This year school bus drivers are working with the law enforcement to help keep children safe. Authorities with the Tennessee Highway Patrol say they have been getting an…
Scott Hamilton speaks at Freed-Hardeman University’s benefit dinner
HENDERSON, Tenn. -- Freed-Hardeman University hosted their 54th annual benefit dinner on Friday December 7. The event is the school's primary source of scholarship. Over the pass 18 years they have raised $1 million annually, and hope this year will…
Chester County celebrates with annual Christmas parade
HENDERSON, Tenn. -- It is definitely the holiday season in west Tennessee, and the city of Henderson turned their town into a Christmas wonderland. They began the night with a Christmas tree lighting ceremony. It was the first to be…
Family asks for return of missing photos taken from gravesite
TRENTON, Tenn. -- "He said 'there's a team of eight doctors here, and we just couldn't save her,' and I said 'I'm her mother. You can't save her, but I know…
