Author: WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News Staff

Remembering former TN Gov. Don Sundquist

MEMPHIS, Tenn.---A former Tennessee governor passes away leaving behind a legacy to remember. Don Sundquist, former Congressman and two-term Republican Governor of Tennessee from 1995-2003, passed away on Sunday at the age of 87. Sundquist, who led the state…

Hope Center gears up for its annual fundraiser

JACKSON, Tenn.---A faith based organization will be holding a special sale on Saturday. The Hope Recovery Center, a faith based organization dedicated to helping men and women overcome addiction, is gearing…

Local athletic club gears up for a special event

JACKSON, Tenn.---These young ladies showcased their talents in a unique way to the Jackson community. Arrow Athletics invited the Jackson community to take a look at their aerial silks rehearsal. Young…

Festival draws a crowd to Saltillo

SALTILLO, Tenn.---A popular BBQ festival returns to West Tennessee. The annual Tennessee River BBQ Festival is back and was held along the banks of the Tennessee River in Saltillo. People…

Football Friday Night: Week 2 Polls

It is time to voice your opinion after a sweltering night of football in West Tennessee! Need a refresher before you vote? Check out the games here. See scores here. Find more…

Football Friday Night: Week 2 Highlights

Liberty Tech vs. North Side JCM vs. South Side Humboldt vs. Scotts Hill   [blox_vms account="WBBJ" key="18778a19ef792eac2b61d865952fa7b66879c9ad" vtitle="HUMBOLDT VS SCOTTS…

Crews respond to commercial fire in Bells

BELLS, Tenn. -- There was a commercial fire in Bells Friday night. According to the Crockett County Sheriff's Office, around 9:45 pm. a possible structure fire at RDS was reported. Crews arrived and were able to quickly extinguish the fire.…

‘Reignite the American Dream Summit’ held in Jackson

JACKSON, Tenn. -- The "Reignite the American Dream Summit" took place at Jackson's DoubleTree Hotel. Distinguished guest speakers included State Senators Ed Jackson and John Stevens, as well as State Representatives Rusty Grills, Brock Martin, and Chris Todd. Congressman…

Football Friday Night: Week 2 Scores

It is the second week of football here in West Tennessee! See final scores below: Dresden 42 McKenzie 14 Liberty Tech 8 North Side 54 JCM 19 South Side 21 Decatur County Riverside 54 Lexington 7 Humboldt 0 Scotts Hill…

Heat continues to impact West Tennessee

HENDERSON COUNTY, Tenn. -- With scorching temperatures persisting in West Tennessee, individuals are seeking ways to remain cool. During this heatwave, it becomes crucial for all, particularly those engaged in outdoor work,…

US senator makes stop at West Tennessee plant

LEXINGTON, Tenn. -- A U.S. senator made a stop in West Tennessee on Friday. Senator Bill Hagerty visited the Nidec-Leroy Somer plant. Having extended its manufacturing presence to the Americas…

Local motorsports park welcomes new owners

ATWOOD, Tenn. -- A local motorsports park is celebrating its new owners. Rodney and Candy Clem, accompanied by their children Riley and Ashlee, have arrived in West Tennessee with a…

1 killed, another injured in crash on Mississippi River bridge

DYERSBURG, Tenn. -- One person was killed in three-vehicle crash on a bridge crossing the Mississippi River on Friday. The Dyer County Sheriff's Office reports that the crash occurred on the Interstate 155 bridge, and resulted in one person being pronounced…

Educator of the Week: Melissa Miller

It's time to meet our Educator of the Week, brought to you by the Tennessee Lottery.   Melissa Miller, a fourth-grade math teacher at Arlington Elementary in Jackson, is our featured educator.…

TWRA Fishing Forecast

NOTE - The TWRA wants to build a comprehensive report each week of the state’s lakes. If you do not see a report for your favorite lake and you are someone who can provide a report, please contact us at Ask.TWRA@tn.gov and provide…

TDOE hosts town hall on letter grades for students

DYERSBURG, Tenn. -- State education leaders hosted a meeting with school leaders, parents, and community members to discuss plans for assessing student performance. The Tennessee Department of Education conducted a…

Heat continues to impact area, some schools dismiss early

HAYWOOD COUNTY, Tenn. -- Temperatures throughout West Tennessee have been progressively increasing this week. The surging temperatures have prompted some school systems to implement early dismissal. SEE ALSO: What to do to…

3 men arrested in connection to weekend robbery

JACKSON, Tenn. -- Three local men are now in jail over a Sunday night robbery in Jackson. According to the Jackson Police Department, around 11 p.m., officers responded to the Days Inn at 1919 Highway 45 Bypass over a…

Cooling centers open in Weakley County

From the Weakley County Emergency Management: Cooling centers will be open Thursday and Friday at the First United Methodist Church at 225 Main St. Martin, and the Personal Development Center at 8250 Highway 22 Dresden from 4 p.m. until 8…

UT Martin offering ACT workshops

MARTIN, Tenn. -- The University of Tennessee at Martin is offering ACT workshops. UT Martins says that the ACT workshops are offered are September 2, September 30 and December 2 in Martin, and Oct. 21 at the UTM Parsons Center.…

Dyer County escapee located outside Dollar General

FRIENDSHIP, Tenn. -- Tuesday night, a Dyer County escapee was found outside a Dollar General in Crockett County. According to the Dyer County Sheriff's Office on Facebook, the Crockett County Sheriff's Office was called out to the store in…

Salvation Army Named Small Business of the Month

From the Jackson Chamber: Salvation Army Named Small Business of the Month by the Greater Jackson Chamber    JACKSON, TENN. August 22, 2023 – The Greater Jackson Chamber is proud to announce that the Salvation Army has been chosen as the Small Business…

August county commission meeting held Monday

MADISON COUNTY, Tenn. -- Madison County officials met Monday evening to discuss significant business matters. Early in the evening, the Madison County commissioners convened for their August meeting. During…

Local students join the STEM cell donor registry

CHESTER COUNTY, Tenn. -- From books and lectures to being a personal hero to someone in need, these students are saying "Yes" to the cause. Freed-Hardeman University students Clark Endsley and…

TWRA sets free hunting day

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency released two news releases: TENNESSEE’S 2023 FREE HUNTING DAY SET FOR SATURDAY, SQUIRREL SEASON TO OPEN NASHVILLE --- Tennessee residents are allowed to hunt without a license on Saturday, Aug. 26 which coincides with the opening…

UT Martin welcomes in Class of 2027

MARTIN, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee welcomed their Class of 2027 on Thursday. Incoming students enjoyed four fun-filled days as they began their journey as new Skyhawks. On Thursday, students moved in and transformed their dorms into their…

Waste collection to be held in Henry County

From the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation: NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) mobile household hazardous waste collection service will be in Henry County on Saturday, Aug. 26. Tennesseans are encouraged to bring household hazardous…

TWRA Fishing Forecast

NOTE - The TWRA wants to build a comprehensive report each week of the state’s lakes. If you do not see a report for your favorite lake and you are someone who can provide a report, please contact us at Ask.TWRA@tn.gov and provide…

Family seeks answers after relative fatally shot

HENDERSON, Tenn.---A Chester county family is left with many unanswered questions after their relative was fatally shot during an arrest operation by FBI agents. Thursday morning an arrest warrant by FBI agents ended in the fatal shooting of a Chester…

Drivers test their skills at a Hub City Speed event

JACKSON, Tenn.---A popular event puts driver's racing skills to the test. Hosted by Hub City Speed the 5th autocross event of 2023 was held on Sunday. The event was open to all ages, experience levels, and vehicles, as long as…

Unique expo offers guests a look at the unusual

JACKSON, Tenn.---A special expo draws animal lovers to the Jackson Fairgrounds. The Jackson Fairgrounds recently played host to the Exotic Pet Expo that brought in a large number of people from all around West Tennessee. A wide variety of different…

Local stars make some plays for a great cause

JACKSON, Tenn.---Softball season may have ended across the nation, but for these officials and Jackson celebrities it has only just begun. This year marked the second year of Jackson's Celebrity Softball Game.…

Local football player injured during game

JACKSON, Tenn.---A local high school football player is injured. On Friday, August 18, a Liberty Tech High School football player was injured during the game against JCM. During the game, a Liberty Tech player was escorted off the field via…

FHU welcomes new students to campus

HENDERSON, Tenn.---Freshman found their new home at Freed-Hardeman University at Move-in Day. We spoke to the president of Freed-Hardeman who told us about Welcome Home. This is the day they…

A West TN fallen officer is honored

HARDIN CO. Tenn.---Highway named for fallen officer. According to the Hardin Co. Sheriff’s Department’s social media, Officer Matthew Locke was honored this morning at a ceremony in Adamsville, dedicating the naming of a section of Highway 64 in his memory. …