Year two of Love Your Block grants to begin soon
JACKSON, Tenn. -- Applications for the Love Your Block mini grants are set to go out in a few weeks. The applications for year two of Jackson's Love Your Block…
Author: WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News Staff
Safe places during severe weather in West Tennessee
CHESTER COUNTY, Tenn. -- With the threat of severe weather coming to our area, what are some ways you can prepare? With the threat of severe weather coming soon, we looked to see…
K-9 officer receives donation from local association
JACKSON, Tenn. -- Man's best friend took on the honor of protect and serve, and one organization took notice and gave an officer a needed upgrade. "Very blessed and very pleased…
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…
Expert talks about most recent mass shooting
JACKSON, Tenn. -- After yet another mass shooting at Michigan State University, WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News reached out to a national expert to better understand the underlying causes. Dr. Alex Del Carmen, who is the Dean of the School of Criminology…
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…
West TN teacher suspended amid ‘inappropriate conduct’ allegations
BENTON COUNTY, Tenn. -- A local teacher is under investigation after accusations emerge. Benton County Schools Director Mark Florence confirms a teacher at the Benton County Career and Technical Center has been suspended. The school system says the suspension is…
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,…
UT Martin hosts ‘I AM MAN’ photography display
MARTIN, Tenn. -- Photographs of the Civil Rights Movement are being displayed at the University of Tennessee at Martin. The news release says that "I AM A MAN: Photographs…
Session on Civil War Trails to be held Feb. 27
UNION CITY, Tenn. -- A Zoom session on Civil War Trails in northwest Tennessee is coming later this month. According to a news release from Discovery Park of America, the…
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…
Airport Board discusses the Old Sculley Golf Course
MADISON COUNTY, Tenn. -- Property previously leased to be used as part of a golf course will soon be in use again. The Airport authority board has approved a new lease for…
Family continues 18-year-old Valentine’s Day tradition at NICU
JACKSON, Tenn. -- A local family is spreading love to those in need. For 18 years, the Thaxton family has distributed teddy bears to the neonatal and pediatric intensive care unit at…
Third Valentine’s Dinner begins at local restaurant
JACKSON, Tenn. -- Couples could enjoy a romantic dinner at a local restaurant. Monday marked the first night of the third annual Valentine's Dinner at the Providence House in the Casey…
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…
Conference held after shooting death of Haywood Co. student
HAYWOOD COUNTY, Tenn. -- A news conference was held after a homicide claimed a young girl's life. It was held Monday at the Board of Education Building by the Superintendent of Haywood…
POLL OF THE DAY: Gotten a Valentine’s Day gift?
Valentine's Day is Tuesday, February 14! And if you are panicking while reading this, then we may know what your answer is for the poll. But we still want to know!
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…
124th annual bird dog championship begins
GRAND JUNCTION, Tenn. -- The 124th Field Trial National Championship started Monday morning in Grand Junction. Handlers, owners, and their dogs have traveled from all over the country and beyond after qualifying…
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…
Events this Week in West Tennessee: Feb. 13-19
Don’t miss any of the fun in the 731! Check out our list of events happening this week in West Tennessee. Monday, February 13 Old Country Store Valentine's Dinner (Jackson) The Economics of Slavery (Martin) 2023 National Championship at Ames…
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…
A special group of West TN nurses honor those lost
JACKSON, Tenn. ---One group of nurses gather to remember those who have passed on. Nurses Honor Guard is made up of a group of volunteers who are nurses that come…
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…
Celebration of Black History Month continues at City Hall
JACKSON, Tenn. -- The City of Jackson held another live event on Friday for Black History Month. EJ Shelton performed several songs at Jackson City Hall, and James Cherry gave…
Ribbon cutting held for Basil and Bourbon
JACKSON, Tenn. -- One local business held a ribbon cutting for a new facility. Basil and Bourbon held a grand opening to celebrate a new kitchen and facility for the…
Jackson businesses make plans for Super Bowl Sunday
JACKSON, Tenn. -- With Super Bowl Sunday is approaching, some local businesses are planning events. Quite a few businesses are gearing up for a fun night of food, beverages, and…
Chocolate and Wine Tasting to be held this weekend
MADISON COUNTY, Tenn. -- Love is in the air and one winery is celebrating ahead of Valentine's Day. This weekend, Century Farm Winery is holding a Valentine's Chocolate and Wine pairing. If…
Consumers rely on credit card rewards programs
JACKSON, Tenn. -- A new survey shows that consumers are relying on credit card rewards programs to help make ends meet and navigate economic uncertainty. Whether it's high inflation or supply chain…
Local florist ready for Valentine’s Day rush
JACKSON, Tenn. -- What would Valentine's Day be without flowers? The impact of inflation and weather isn't stopping City Florist in downtown Jackson. Several arrangements are already prepped and ready to go.…
