Author: WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News Staff

STAR Center marks major milestone

JACKSON, Tenn. -- The STAR Center marked a major milestone Thursday with a special dinner. The non-profit celebrated it's 35th anniversary, honoring founders Chuck and Margaret Doumitt. The Carl Grant…

JMCSS Board holds May meeting

JACKSON, Tenn. -- The Jackson-Madison County School System Board of Education held their monthly meeting on Thursday. Before the board meeting, the Liberty Tech Air Force JROTC students presented the colors…

Governor signs Tennessee Works Tax Act

JACKSON, Tenn. -- Thursday, Gov. Bill Lee signed the Tennessee Works Tax Act, the single largest tax cut in the state's history. This will help provide more than $400 million…

Students could win scholarship just for reading

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Students who read could win a college scholarship. Tennesseans for Student Success is once again holding the annual Tristar Reads contest, giving students from kindergarten to 12th grade the chance to win by reading at least 20…

UofM Lambuth planetarium announces June schedule

From the University of Memphis Lambuth: JACKSON, Tenn. — The University of Memphis Lambuth M. D. Anderson Planetarium in Jackson, Tennessee, has announced its schedule of shows for June: Friday, June 2, 1:30 p.m. – “TimeSpace” Tuesday, June 6, 5:30 p.m.…

Legislation aimed at making schools safer

JACKSON, Tenn. -- The governor is taking steps to make sure every student feels safe by signing strong school safety measures into law. Gov. Bill Lee has signed strong school safety…

Waste Collection Day to be held on May 20

JACKSON, Tenn. -- The City of Jackson's next waste collection day is next week. The city's Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day will allow residents to dispose of harmful wastes and recycle items from around their homes the right way and…

Artwork promotes next solar eclipse

JACKSON, Tenn. -- Special artwork is being made to remind everyone of the next solar eclipse, and you can own it for free! NASA is sharing eclipse-inspired artwork in anticipation of two solar eclipses that will cross the United…

How to Replace Lost or Damaged Documents in Tennessee

The following is from FEMA: If your important documents were lost or destroyed in the March 31 to April 1, 2023, storms and tornadoes, there are ways to replace them. Birth, Death, Marriage or Divorce Certificates: The Tennessee Office of Vital…

Candlelight Service to be held for fallen soldiers

CROCKETT COUNTY, Tenn. -- A Candlelight Service is being held in Crockett County later this month. At 7:30 p.m. on May 29, the Crockett County Veterans Service Office will be hosting the Memorial Day Candlelight Service. It will include guest speaker…

GALLERY: Arts Backstage held in Jackson

JACKSON, Tenn. -- The 2023 Arts Backstage was held Tuesday night. The event was held at The Ned in downtown Jackson, giving attendees a chance to shop for local art and meet dozens…

Sen. Blackburn visits McNairy County

MCNAIRY COUNTY, Tenn. -- Tuesday, US Sen. Marsha Blackburn toured damage in McNairy County from the March 31 tornado that took nine lives in the county. The visit comes as Blackburn and Sen. Rodger Wicker, of Mississippi, re-introduce the…

Berry Idol competition held in Gibson County

HUMBOLDT, Tenn. -- Dozens took to the stage Tuesday for the chance to win a big prize. Twenty performers competed in the Berry Idol competition at the 85th annual West Tennessee Strawberry Festival. Performers ranging from 10 to 21…

JMCSS meets with County Commission over budget

JACKSON, Tenn. -- Officials with the Jackson-Madison County School System met with the Madison County Commission on Tuesday. Tuesday's Education Vision meeting gave the commission an opportunity to be introduced the school system's new…

Nurse pleads guilty to fraud, unlawfully prescribing medication

DYERSBURG, Tenn. -- A Dyersburg woman has pleaded guilty to charges over the distribution of controlled substances and fraud. The US Department of Justice released a statement Tuesday, saying Kelly McCallum, 41, of Dyersburg, pleaded guilty to two counts of…

Emergency repairs underway on northwest MS dam

JACKSON, Tenn. -- A dam in northwest Mississippi is undergoing emergency repairs. According to the DeSoto County government on Facebook, the water at Arkabutla Lake will be lowered for repairs following the discovery of a potential breach at Arkabutla…

5 juveniles facing charges in Henderson

HENDERSON, Tenn. -- Five juveniles in Henderson are now facing charges. The Henderson Police Department says that officers responded to a fight at the ballpark on May 1 that resulted in one minor being knocked unconscious. The department says officers…

Park to teach kids survival skills on May 20

SHILOH, Tenn. -- The National Park Service is hosting an event aimed at teaching kids survival tips. The news release says that on May 20, the Shiloh National Military Park will be offering a Junior Ranger “Hug a Tree to…

School system talks budget, school safety

JACKSON, Tenn. -- The Jackson-Madison County School System held their work session on Monday with some important items on the agenda. From employee raises, to student safety, and even employee well-being, there were many…

Tennessee senator visits Scarlet Rope

JACKSON, Tenn. -- A Tennessee senator visited several places here in the Hub City on Monday. Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn visited the Scarlet Rope Center to learn about the work they do…

2023’s Strawberry Fest to continue to Saturday

HUMBOLDT, Tenn. -- The opening celebration was held for the Strawberry Festival in Humboldt on Monday. Those in attendance got the chance to watch a fireworks show at the Barker Memorial Stadium, and…

Home invasions in Alamo under investigation

UPDATE (5/30/23): Home invasions continue in Crockett County; victim sexually assaulted CROCKETT COUNTY, Tenn. -- Two homes within the same area were invaded early Monday morning in Crockett County. The Crockett County Sheriff's Department is…

JPD K9 retires after 10 years of service

JACKSON, Tenn. -- A local K9 is going into a well-deserved retirement. Officer K9 Pax has completed his time with the Jackson Police Department, but not after helping serve his community alongside Officer Jeremy Stines.…

Local students hear from veteran, doctor

HUMBOLDT, Tenn. -- Students in Humboldt were able to hear from a veteran on Monday. U.S. Navy Veteran Dr. Russell Ledet spoke to Humboldt City School students at East Elementary and Humboldt Jr./Sr. High School. He shared his personal story,…

Art exhibition recognizes West TN talents

HUMBOLDT, Tenn.---An art exhibition was held in a local city. As part of the week long Strawberry Festival, an art exhibition was held on Sunday at the West Tennessee Regional Art…

A local church celebrates 200 years

JACKSON, Tenn.---One church is celebrating 200 years of existence. First Presbyterian Church on North Highland Avenue has been celebrating 200 years of service with a variety of events. Sunday afternoon,…

A new festival celebrates creativity in the Hub City

JACKSON, Tenn.--- An exciting new festival kicks off in the Hub City. The first ever Vintage Makers Music and Arts Festival, a free two-day event taking place celebrating art, music, and community…

Derby party raises money for a great cause

JACKSON, Tenn. ---Annual event is held in the Hub City for a great cause. The Talk Derby to Me, Kentucky Derby party was held on Saturday here in Jackson at…

A local tournament raises money for heart health

JACKSON, Tenn.---One organization teamed up with a local sports group to raise money and awareness for heart health. Friends of Heart held a tournament in partnership with the Hub City Picklers. The…

Additional information on Friends of Heart

To learn more about the Friends of Heart initiatives, visit the website www.friendsofheart.org. You can also follow the Friends of Heart on Facebook by visiting www.facebook.com/FriendsofHeartFund.

A unique baby shower comes to the Hub City

JACKSON, Tenn. ---A community baby shower was held at the Carl Perkins Civic Center with everything you need to know in West TN for maternal and child health. Hub City Doula,…

A local county celebrates with a parade

TRENTON, Tenn. ---One town here in West Tennessee puts on a parade for an annual festival. The 42nd annual Teapot Festival parade took place, inviting residents and visitors to a fun…

May’s Art Walk held in downtown Jackson

JACKSON, Tenn. -- The Jackson Arts Council held its annual Art Walk for the month of May. The Art Walk is designed to help local artists sell their work by partnering with…

Students to perform ‘The Little Mermaid’

JACKSON, Tenn. -- Several schools come together for a big performance. Students from several middle and high schools in the Jackson-Madison County School System have come together for a performance of…

3 new council members elected in Jackson

JACKSON, Tenn. -- Following Tuesday's election, three new council members are representing their districts. District 1 now has JP Stovall, District 5 has Frank McMeen, and District 6 has Larry…

Popular radio host returning to the mic

JACKSON, Tenn. -- A popular radio host is returning next week after being away from behind the mic for several years. After six years, Frankie Lax will be back…

Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive to be held May 13

JACKSON, Tenn. -- The 2023 Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive is almost here once again. Every year, RIFA partners with the USPS and the National Association of Letter Carriers to gather non-perishable food items. This is done not just locally,…