Author: WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News Staff

Groups to hold free EKG screenings students

JACKSON, Tenn. -- Two groups are coming together to ensure heart health for local students here in Madison County. Friends of Heart is partnering with a nonprofit from Florida called Who…

Bill regarding drag shows spurs debate in state capitol

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- On Tuesday, those for and against legislation regarding drag shows in Tennessee gathered in Nashville. Opening the discussion of House Bill 9, Rep. Chris Todd discussed amendments to the bill and what his goal was in crafting…

Update given on new Interstate 69 in West Tennessee

UNION CITY, Tenn. -- There is an update on a road construction project that could impact West Tennessee. The Tennessee Department of Transportation's Community Relations Officer, Nichole Lawrence, spoke on Wednesday…

Woman of the Year named in the Hub City

JACKSON, Tenn. -- The Jackson Rotary Club nominated a new Woman of the Year: Elaine Christian! Christian is a board member of the Jackson-Madison County Public Library Foundation and…

SWAG to host Black History Month event on Feb. 27

JACKSON, Tenn. -- A local group is celebrating Black History Month on February 27. Sisters With Aspiring Goals, or SWAG, will be hosting Reflecting Over Time, with guest speakers Harrell Carter, with the Jackson-Madison County Branch of the NAACP, and…

Bruceton residents connect to new fiber network

BRUCETON, Tenn. -- A new fiber-optic network is up and connecting residents in Bruceton. According to a news release, TDS Telecommunications LLC has up to 10Gig business connections available to their first customers in the area. “We’re thrilled Bruceton customers…

USJ names new athletic director, head football coach

JACKSON, Tenn. -- The University School of Jackson has a new athletic director and head football coach. The school announced on Wednesday that Derrick Pritchard will be taking on the role and leading the Bruins. They say Pritchard comes from…

Local planetarium to hold special series for kids

JACKSON, Tenn. -- A special series for kids is being held at a local planetarium. According to a news release, the University of Memphis Lambuth M. D. Anderson Planetarium will be holding a special series for kids from March 13…

Tensions run high at local city council meeting

DECATURVILLE, Tenn. -- A local city council meeting got heated after a debate about the mayor being accused of not consulting with the council over having the town's police station demolished. According to Alderman Cassi Keeton, Mayor Tim Grace allegedly…

GALLERY: Couples enjoy romantic dinner at state park

WILDERSVILLE, Tenn. -- Many couples enjoyed a romantic dinner at a local state park. Natchez Trace State Park held a Valentine's Day dinner Tuesday night. Couples enjoyed ribeye steaks and grilled chicken breast at the Pin Oak Lodge in…

Local florists see Valentine’s Day rush

JACKSON, Tenn. -- February 14 marks Valentine's Day, a day for romance and appreciation towards loved ones. Although some may plan ahead, there are others that wait until the actual day to buy gifts. Valentine's Day can be hectic for…

How to prep your lawn for severe weather

LEXINGTON, Tenn. -- With severe weather on the way, here are some ways to properly prepare to avoid damages to your property. Those tips include making sure items like trash cans, patio furniture, and other outside items are stored properly.…

Jackson State offering select degrees, certificates online

JACKSON, Tenn. -- Jackson State Community College is now offering some of their degrees and certificates online. JSCC says thanks to a grant of $2.2 million from the Tennessee Board of Regents, their college will be working to create online…

UM Lambuth shares planetarium’s March schedule

JACKSON, Tenn. -- Wanting to learn more about the sky above us? Then look to the University of Memphis Lambuth! Tuesday, the university released the M. D. Anderson Planetarium schedule for March of 2023. The schedule includes: Friday, March 3,…

Don’t be scammed by ‘love’ this Valentine’s Day

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- For Valentine's Day, don't let someone take advantage of your love. The Tennessee Attorney General’s Office says new data from the FTC shows what the top lies are told by scammers. They say the most common is…

First Hub City Hero for 2023 named by city

JACKSON, Tenn. -- The first Hub City Hero of 2023 has been named! Tuesday, the City of Jackson announced Dianne Sherrod as the Hub City Hero for January. The city…

West Tennessean faces vandalism, arson charges

ANDERSON COUNTY, Tenn. -- A West Tennessean is facing charges for arson on the other side of the state. According to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, their agents began investigating a fire at a rehabilitation clinic in Norris, which is…

GALLERY: Parents put on their Sunday best for Cuties Day Ball

JACKSON, Tenn. -- Mothers and fathers put on their Sunday best to show up for their Valentine. Washington Douglass Head Start hosted their Valentine's Cuties Day Ball Tuesday morning. The event was held to show the importance of parents…

Students gather for African American Youth Leadership Summit

JACKSON, Tenn. -- An event hosted by University of Tennessee at Martin brings students together in person after being held virtually for the last two years. "This is for African American students, letting them know that they are the leaders…

Students perform ‘Hats’ at local school

JACKSON, Tenn. -- Second and third graders showed off their hard work.   Monday night, Jackson Christian School students performed their theatre skills through their performance of "Hats." The event was held…

Black History Month: Harrell Carter

JACKSON, Tenn. -- Each week in February, WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News is celebrating Black History Month by telling the story of West Tennesseans, and it is sponsored by the Tennessee Education Lottery. Harrell…

Community mourns loss of Cherie Parker

JACKSON, Tenn. -- West Tennesseans are mourning the loss of a community leader: Cherie Parker. On Saturday, Parker died at the age of 59. For more than 20 years, she served as…

USJ to host free presentation on mental health

JACKSON, Tenn. -- A local school is inviting you to a free presentation. The University School of Jacksons says on February 28, author David Magee will be speaking on the issues of mental health that youth face. USJ says that…

Trailer theft under investigation, info needed

HENDERSON, Tenn. -- The Henderson Police Department is investigating the theft of a trailer. The department says on Wednesday, February 8, a black, goose neck style dump trailer was stolen from a business sometime after midnight. Video surveillance shows…

Seven counties see increase to college-going rate

PARSONS, Tenn. -- The amount of high schoolers heading to college increased thanks to a statewide partnership. According to a news release from the Ayers Foundation, seven counties in Tennessee saw an increase in their 2022 college-going rates. Counties that…

Sorority chapter celebrates 115 years of service and sisterhood

JACKSON, Tenn. --One local sorority chapter celebrated 115 years of service. Gamma Alpha Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. celebrated 115 years of service & sisterhood. In 1908 Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority became the first Greek letter…

Souper Bowl Sunday returns to a local church

JACKSON, Tenn. ---One local church here in Jackson continued an annual tradition, for one of the biggest sporting events in the nation. First Presbyterian Church held their annual Souper Bowl of Caring event, where the church congregation makes soup for…

Century Farm Winery celebrates Valentine’s Day early

MADISON CO. Tenn. ---A local winery has a Valentine's special. On Sunday, Century Farm Winery had a Valentine's special with a guided tasting featuring four wine selections, paired with chocolates. Century Farm also talked about the wine making process and…

UPDATED: Deadly shooting kills one, injures another

HAYWOOD CO. Tenn. ---Suspects in custody. In an update, Haywood County Sheriff Investigators and Deputies arrested 18-year-old Kevion Davis and 16-year-old Bishop Owens in connection to the murder of Christine Michael. Kevion Davis has been booked in the Haywood County…

Music competition kicks off in the Hub City

JACKSON, Tenn. ---A big contest starts here in the Hub City! Right here, Jackson hosted an official qualifying round for Tennessee Songwriters Week. A preliminary round was held for the of the Tennessee…

Arlington Elementary hosts a very special tournament

JACKSON, Tenn.---On Saturday, approximately 100 students and coaches came to compete in the Arlington Winter Classic at Arlington Elementary. The district will host 17 elementary and middle school VEX IQ Robotics…

Friends of Heart 5K returns to Jackson

JACKSON, Tenn. --One organization hosted their second annual 5k this morning. Friends of Heart held their 2nd annual 5K this morning. This is the first event in Friends of Heart's 2023 Healthy…

Pet of the Week: Briggs

This week's Pet of the Week from Hero West Rescue is Briggs! This is Briggs but his mama calls him meatball. Maybe that's because he likes to eat so much. He…