Author: WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News Staff

Local earns ‘Caregiver of the Year’ title

JACKSON, Tenn. -- A Jackson caregiver has been named the Americare Senior Living Caregiver of the Year. The title went to Josephine Owino, who has been serving as a caregiver for 13 years at Alexandria Place. Owino was chosen for…

Police: Man stabbed by teen son in Humboldt

HUMBOLDT, Tenn. -- Police say a juvenile was taken into custody in Humboldt after stabbing his father. According to a news release, on the afternoon of Saturday, May 20, Humboldt Police officers responded to an area outside the police department…

1 injured, 1 arrested after shooting in Milan

MILAN, Tenn. -- One person was injured and another was arrested after a shooting in Milan on Friday. Kenneth Cook Jr. was taken into custody on charges of attempted first degree murder and possession of a firearm during the commission…

Events this week in West Tennessee: May 22-28

Don’t miss any of the fun in the 731! Check out our list of events happening this week in West Tennessee. Click here for a list of LIFELINE Blood Services’ mobile blood drives. Monday, May 22 Cornhole and Card Playing…

Annual Buford Pusser Festival returns this week

ADAMSVILLE, Tenn. -- An annual festival honoring an unforgettable sheriff returns this week. The Buford Pusser Festival will take place in Adamsville from Thursday, May 25 through Saturday, May 27. Pusser's time serving as McNairy County Sheriff in the 1960s…

Early voting begins May 24 for Jackson’s runoff election

JACKSON, Tenn. -- The Madison County Election Commission is sharing details on early voting ahead of the runoff election. While the Election Commission confirms their office has moved to a new location at 1981 Hollywood Drive, early voting for this…

TDOT to halt lane closures for Memorial Day weekend

JACKSON, Tenn. -- Memorial Day weekend travelers will not be delayed by road construction on interstates and state routes. The Tennessee Department of Transportation announces all construction related lane closures will be suspended from noon on Friday, May 26 through…

A local business closes its doors

JACKSON, Tenn. ---A popular Hub City attraction has its final day of operation before closing its doors. The adventure comes to an end as Jackson Escape Rooms closed its doors on Sunday…

Autocross event returns to Jackson

JACKSON, Tenn. ---Want to go fast? Hub City Speed enjoyed their second autocross of the year today. The autocross is a series of events hosted by Hub City Speed. The event sees individuals put their skills to the test at…

National Poppy Day honors U.S. soldiers

---National Poppy Day to be observed on May 26. According to a news release from the American Legion Auxiliary National Headquarters, National Poppy Day is May 26. National Poppy Day is a time to not only remember those who gave…

Hub City residents dance the night away

JACKSON, Tenn.---A night of dancing returns to the Hub City. The City of Jackson Recreation and Parks Department partnered with Ballet Arts Jackson and The Ned to bring a night…

Bemis revisits the past with a special event

JACKSON, Tenn.---People get in touch with their roots at a local event. Bemis Heritage Day was celebrated on Saturday at the Bemis Mill Village Museum that was built between 1920-1921. …

A West TN business hosts a Monster event

DYERSBURG, Tenn. ---An exciting event was held in a local city. The famous monster truck, Raminator, made a pitstop in Dyersburg on Saturday at the Victory Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. …

Thrift sale supports local rescue

JACKSON, Tenn. ---Redemption Road Rescue was scheduled to have their open house, but due to weather the parking lot was flooded. However, the yard sale continued, all of the money raised at…

Pinson Mounds buzzes with the return of a festival

PINSON, Tenn.---The annual Bee Fest took place with an annual 5k. In honor of World Bee Day, Pinson Mounds State Archaeological Park is inviting the community to the Bee Fest and Virtual…

Pet of the Week: Rex

This week's Pet of the Week from Hero West Rescue is Rex. He is a dream and has everyone at the rescue wrapped around his paw! He is a sweet…

Showers And Storms Move Out By Noon

Weather Update: Saturday, May 20 — Ongoing showers and storms this morning are still forecast to move out later this evening. However expect a rather soggy start to the morning while we await…

Scattered Showers And Storms Early

Weather Update: Saturday, May 20 -- Ongoing showers and storms this morning are still forecast to move out later this evening. However expect a rather soggy start to the morning while we await the main cold front. Cooler drier air…

Summer concert series begins for 2023

JACKSON, Tenn. -- The 2023 Amp Summer Concert Series began in downtown Jackson on Friday. "We try to go every other Friday night, although June got kind of messed up. So we…

Ceremony held at Madison County Sheriff’s Office

MADISON COUNTY, Tenn. -- A ceremony was held Friday to honor fallen officers. The National Law Enforcement Memorial Service was held during National Police Week at the Madison County Sheriff's…

Correctional officer injured by inmates in Hardeman County

HARDEMAN COUNTY, Tenn. -- There was an assault at a local correctional facility. According to CoreCivic's Director of Public Affairs, Ryan Gustin, a correctional officer who was working in a housing unit at the Hardeman County Correctional Facility was assaulted…

Councilman finds ways to fight illegal dumping

JACKSON, Tenn. -- A newly elected city councilman is fighting to stop illegal dumping. Newly elected city councilman for District 3 in east Jackson, Richard Donnell said a lot of illegal…

LIVE: Jackson Central-Merry holds graduation for Class of 2023

A new batch of students are moving onto the next chapter of their lives! The class of 2023 at Jackson Central-Merry is graduating. Watch the live ceremony below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78aOQ50Tmd4 Madison Academic students will graduate on Friday, May 19 at 7…

Educator of the Week: Jessica York

It's time to recognize this week's Educator of the Week, presented by the Tennessee Education Lottery. Jessica York is a kindergarten teacher at South Haven Elementary School in Lexington. She has taught…

High school senior wins four-year scholarship

HENDERSON, Tenn. -- A Middle Tennessee high school senior is getting a full scholarship to college and is coming to West Tennessee. According to a news release, Parker Pugh, who went…

Multi-family home project planned for north Jackson

JACKSON, Tenn. -- A $49 millions investment is being made into Jackson. According to a news release from Larson Capital Management, the investment is being made towards the construction of a multi-family home project within the Sterling Farms development. "We…

JMCSS leaders speak before Jackson Chamber

JACKSON, Tenn. -- The Jackson Chamber welcomed leaders from the Jackson-Madison School District. Superintendent Dr. Marlon King, along with Dr. Vivian Williams, Dr. Ricky Catlett, and Melissa Spurgeon, spoke to the greater Jackson Chamber about all things education. One of…

Jessica Davis announces departure from WBBJ

Reporter/anchor Jessica Davis is announcing her departure from WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News. A Memphis native, Jessica joined the WBBJ team as a multimedia journalist in May 2021, helping bring some of West Tennessee's top stories to the community over…

TennCare, Medicaid recipients may need to re-enroll

JACKSON, Tenn. -- West Tennessee Healthcare is sharing important information for TennCare recipients. According to a press release, the federal government has decided to end the federal Public Health Emergency period in 2023, which may effect some Tennesseans. The release…

Empire Theaters offering Free Summer Movie Series

JACKSON, Tenn. -- Do you have a free trip to the cinema in your summer plans? Empire Theaters in Jackson is once again offering the Free Summer Movie Series. Between May 30 and August 3, you can enjoy free admission…

‘Cardio on the Court’ held in Madison County

MADISON COUNTY, Tenn. -- In celebration of National Tennis Month, the Jackson West Tennessee Tennis Association presented "Cardio on the Court." It was held Thursday evening at Pugh Bourne…

Budget committee works to hammer out JMCSS budget

MADISON COUNTY, Tenn. -- Members of the Madison County Budget Committee met to hammer out several issues pertaining to the Jackson-Madison County School System's budget. At the Thursday evening meeting, committee members…

17-year-old facing charges over students’ death

JACKSON, Tenn. -- A 17-year-old student is facing charges after the death of two others. According to the Fayette County Sheriff's Office, the 17-year-old Fayette-Ware High School junior is facing two counts of second-degree murder in relation to the death…

White Coat Ceremony held at local middle school

JACKSON, Tenn. -- A ceremony was held to honor students at a local Jackson school. North Parkway Middle School held their first ever White Coat Pinning and Awards Ceremony on…

Condray calls on Conger for debate

JACKSON, Tenn. -- A Jackson city mayor candidate is calling for a debate ahead of the upcoming runoff election. With a runoff election fast approaching, City of Jackson mayoral candidate Ray Condray…

South Side holds graduation for Class of 2023

A new batch of students are moving onto the next chapter of their lives! The class of 2023 at South Side is graduating. Watch the live ceremony below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2x-HksWg0AU South Side students will graduate on Thursday, May 18 at 6…

Disaster declaration made for additional counties

JACKSON, Tenn. -- A disaster declaration from President Joe Biden has been made for several additional counties in Tennessee. The announcement from FEMA says that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Tennessee to supplement recovery…

NFPA shares grilling safety tips

The National Fire Protection Association has shared tips to ensure your next grilling session stays safe. “Because outdoor grilling involves the use of a fuel source to generate an open flame, it inherently presents potential fire risks that needs to…

Shots fired along Grassland Drive in Jackson

JACKSON, Tenn. -- Jackson police were called to a reported shooting early on Thursday. The Jackson Police Department confirmed that their officers responded to 35 Grassland Drive around 12:25 a.m. for a report of shots fired. Officers found that no…

Fiber Optic Boot Camp to be held in July

JACKSON, Tenn. -- The sixth annual Fiber Optic Boot Camp is being held in July. According to Jackson State Community College, the boot camp will be a five day,…

TDS Telecommunications to bring internet upgrade to Bruceton

MADISON, Wis. -- TDS Telecommunications customers are getting an internet upgrade. According to a news release, around 2,500 customers in Bruceton will soon have up to 8Gig internet speeds. “We are investing in the newest generation of fiber technology to…

Exit 56 Blues Fest returns Memorial Day weekend

BROWNSVILLE, Tenn. -- Get ready for a weekend filled with great food and music! The Exit 56 Blues Fest is returning to Brownsville for Memorial Day weekend. Beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 27 and Sunday, May 28, the…

Plate lunches, sweets & more: New cafe opens in Henderson

HENDERSON, Tenn. -- A new eatery has opened its doors in the Chester County community. Stoll's Cafe, located at 1212 Highway 45 North in Henderson, celebrated their grand opening this week. The cafe serves sandwiches, plate lunches, casseroles, and…

New bill gives teachers ‘largest pay raise in state history’

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- A historic bill will bring changes to teachers' pay in the State of Tennessee. On Thursday, Governor Bill Lee signed the Teacher Paycheck Protection Act. A news release states the landmark bill "will give teachers the largest…