Author: WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News Staff

JSCC names Cameron Cates as new basketball Head Coach

JACKSON, Tenn. -- Jackson State Community College announces that Cameron Cates has been selected as the new men's basketball Head Coach. A press release states Cates is a former JSCC student-athlete who comes to the team from Western Texas College,…

Ria Patel named as July 2023 Hub City Hero

JACKSON, Tenn. — Ria Patel, 2023 Madison Academic Magnet High School graduate, has been named as the June 2023 Hub City Hero. According to Patel's nominator, her goal is “to make an…

First cross country jamboree held in McKenzie

MCKENZIE, Tenn. -- A local town hosted its inaugural cross country jamboree. The event took place in McKenzie and featured participation from nine teams representing various regions of West Tennessee,…

First board meeting of school year held Thursday

JACKSON, Tenn. -- The Jackson-Madison County School Board met on Thursday. This marks the school board's first meeting since the commencement of the new school year. During the session, the board recognized…

New business arrives in the Hub City

JACKSON, Tenn.-- A new business arrives in Jackson as Heartland Infusion opened its doors. The company, hailing from East Tennessee, joined forces with the Greater Jackson Chamber for a ribbon-cutting event…

Carroll County Fair returns to Huntingdon

HUNTINGDON, Tenn. -- An annual fair has returned to a local town. The Carroll County Fair is back in Huntingdon at the Carroll County Fairgrounds and Civic Center. Those in…

Rep. David Kustoff visits West Tennessee

HENDERSON, Tenn. -- Congressman David Kustoff, representing the majority of West Tennessee, has dedicated this week to engaging with the local area. Congressman Kustoff has already visited several counties, including Hardin,…

Gun violence bus tour makes a stop in Jackson

JACKSON, Tenn. -- A bus tour raising awareness on gun violence made a stop in Jackson on Thursday. State representatives and state senators across Tennessee supported the tour. One of…

10-year-old dies after house fire in Paris

PARIS, Tenn. -- Local authorities confirm a child has died following a house fire in West Tennessee. According to a social media post by the Henry County Sheriff's Office, a house fire at 2155 Highway 69 South in Paris was…

UTM Family Weekend schedule set

The following is from the University of Tennessee at Martin: MARTIN, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee at Martin will host its annual Family Weekend Sept. 8-10, featuring several events that will showcase the university and its community. [caption id="attachment_1666941"…

UofM Lambuth planetarium announces September schedule

From the University of Memphis Lambuth: JACKSON, Tenn. — The University of Memphis Lambuth M. D. Anderson Planetarium has announced its schedule of shows for September: Friday, September 1, 1:30 pm – “TimeSpace” Tuesday, September 5, 5:30 pm – “Two Small…

Tennessee Soybean Festival turns 30, events September 2-9

MARTIN, Tenn. -- An annual event featuring a week-full of fun will celebrate its 30th anniversary in one local city. The Tennessee Soybean Festival returns to Martin on September 2-9. Headliners for this year's festival will be Cheap Trick on…

Waste disposal upgrades announced for Henderson County residents

HENDERSON COUNTY, Tenn. -- Henderson County is aiming to make waste management more convenient and efficient for residents. According to a social media post by Henderson County, TN Government, upgrades have been announced for waste disposal services, with new open…

BBB: Three scams affect West Tennesseans

JACKSON, Tenn. -- The Better Business Bureau reports receiving multiple reports of Jackson residents falling victim to a free government loan scam. According to the victims, they were contacted by someone claiming…

FHU Theatre to present ‘Becky’s New Car’

HENDERSON, Tenn. -- Freed-Hardeman University Theatre presenting "Becky's New Car." According to the news release, this will be their first production of the 2023-24 season, and it will begin showing on Thursday, August 24 at the Black Box Theatre. You…

Memorial held for Shirlene Ross Mercer

JACKSON, Tenn. -- A memorial service honored a beloved community member. Hundreds gathered at the Carl Perkins Civic Center to commemorate the life of the late Shirlene Ross Mercer. Mercer…

Farmers Market Week provides spotlight on local produce

SAVANNAH, Tenn. -- Fresh produce, homemade items, and nearly anything else imaginable—it's National Farmers Market Week. Farmers markets serve as excellent venues to discover homegrown foods and an array of…

Lake damaged by storms now reopened

FAYETTE COUNTY, Tenn. -- A Fayette County lake has reopened after being damaged by storms. According to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Herb Parsons Lake has reopened. It had been closed since a June storm damaged trees, knocked out power,…

Weakley, Obion schools dismissing schools early

WEAKLEY COUNTY, Tenn. -- Weakley and Obion County Schools will be dismissing early at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, August 9. Weakley County Schools says buses will run according to the route schedule at each school and parents are being advised…

Police urge caution over scam texts

SELMER, Tenn. -- The Selmer Police Department is cautioning the public over scam text messages. The department says that some residents may be receiving the below text message, but they want residents to know it is not coming from the…

Seminar held to tackle addiction challenges

CAMDEN, Tenn. -- Uthrive hosted its "Overcoming Addiction" seminar on Tuesday. This event aimed to assist the Camden community in tackling addiction challenges. The Camden Coalition conducted a survey in 2017,…

Several events set to be held in Hardeman County

BOLIVAR, Tenn. -- Prepare for a series of captivating events in a local town as the Hardeman County Arts Council unveils a lineup of upcoming activities set to unfold in Bolivar.…

Corporate Entrepreneur Grant: VanBern Woodworks

ADAMSVILLE, Tenn. -- There is a fourth winner of the Corporate Entrepreneur Grant as the City of Jackson, Boren and Boyd, the Bank of Jackson, and WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News continue their…

Speed hump installation continues in Jackson

JACKSON, Tenn. -- Jackson residents are taking action to enhance road safety. The City of Jackson has initiated the installation of temporary speed humps on various roads across the community.…

West Tennesseans compete to win $1.58 billion jackpot

LEXINGTON, Tenn. — Amid the excitement, numerous participants are vying for a substantial victory in the Mega Millions drawing. We visited multiple locations Tuesday, observing a surge in ticket purchases as…

GALLERY: Cats of West Tennessee!

GALLERY: Cats of West Tennessee! It is International Cat Day! To make everyone’s Tuesday better, we are making a gallery of kitties submitted to us from you!  And be sure to keep an eye out in the gallery for a…

Truck destroyed by fire in Madison County

MADISON COUNTY, Tenn. -- A truck was destroyed after it caught fire on Ameristeel Road in Jackson. The truck started catching fire and within minutes the vehicle was fully engulfed. The Madison County Fire Department was quickly on the scene…

Local Christian Ministry hires Children’s Specialist Patti Hale

JACKSON, Tenn. -- Patti Hale has been hired by the Children’s Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) of Greater Jackson to help coordinate the organization’s ministry to West Tennessee children. A press release states that CEF is "an international ministry that partners with…

Nonprofit hosts expansion meeting in Trenton

GIBSON COUNTY, Tenn. -- Some West Tennessee children in foster care can soon rely on a nurturing home while they wait for a foster care placement. A local nonprofit organization…

Jackson Choral Society begins rehearsals

JACKSON, Tenn. — The Jackson Choral Society has commenced rehearsals for its upcoming concert. The initial rehearsal took place Monday night at First United Methodist Church in downtown Jackson.…

Jackson man arrested in connection to Gibson County robbery

COVINGTON, Tenn. -- A man wanted for armed robbery in Milan was arrested following a pursuit. According to the Covington Police Department, on Friday around 1 p.m., a license plate reader picked up a vehicle entering the city that…

Ceremony held to honor Purple Heart veterans

MCNAIRY COUNTY, Tenn. -- McNairy County held a ceremony to honor their Purple Heart veterans. In a heartfelt ceremony on Monday, McNairy County made history as it officially became a…

New school year begins for JMCSS students

JACKSON, Tenn. -- Students in one of West Tennessee's largest districts are returning to school. For some, this is their first year of school. Arlington Elementary opened its doors…

Delta Faucet hosts scholarship reception

JACKSON, Tenn. -- A special reception was held at Delta Faucet. On Monday, Delta Faucet hosted a scholarship reception for employees' children entering college this fall. Delta Faucet has been…

Ranger-led hike to give insight into north Mississippi battle

CORINTH, Miss. -- A ranger-led hike is providing insight into an 1862 battle in northern Mississippi. On August 12, guests will be able to join Ranger Laura Lee McKellips to learn more about the of Davis Bridge and its connection…

Bassmaster series comes to Pickwick Lake

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The 2023 national championship for the Bassmaster College Series is being held at Pickwick Lake. According to a news release, this is the first time since 2018 the College Series will compete on Pickwick Lake and the…