Author: WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News Staff

Company talks benefits of biofuels in the US

JACKSON, Tenn. -- A local company talked about saving money and the environment. Gas is as expensive as ever. Growth Energy says that everyone can fuel change with their choice at the pump. Switching to renewable biofuels, like ethanol, is an…

New athletic director named at Union University

JACKSON, Tenn. -- The current head coach for Union University's women's basketball team is taking on an additional role. According to a news release, Mark Campbell will be taking on the role of director of athletics for the university on…

4th WestTeach classes graduates in Martin

MARTIN, Tenn. -- The fourth WestTeach class graduated on Tuesday. The University of Tennessee Martin WestStar Leadership Program is where teachers are taught about the region’s economic needs and opportunities. UT Martin says that 24 teachers finished the program, with…

Authors showcase their work at holiday event

JACKSON, Tenn. -- Local authors came together for a holiday event. Several local authors set up shop at the Jackson Chamber Tuesday to showcase their books and give shoppers the chance to shop for that family bookworm. Some of…

Trenton church hosts Christmas piano concert

TRENTON, Tenn. -- A local church highlighted the reason for the season with an event that brings music to the holiday season. The Souls Harbor Pentecostal Church in Trenton held…

Goodwill preps for donation surge in Tennessee

JACKSON, Tenn. -- With Goodwill preparing for year-end rush of donations, they say donate now. Goodwill says that from December 26 to December 31, donations to their express centers rises by 40% in both West and Middle Tennessee. They say…

Communications company to expand into Union City

UNION CITY, Tenn. -- Ritter Communications is funding an expansion into Union City. A news release says that the Mid-South exclusive telecommunications provider is putting $1.5 million into brining its telecom services and advanced cloud solutions to the area. “Ritter…

UPDATE: Savannah child found safe, police say

UPDATE: The Savannah Police Department says Irons has been found safe. EARLIER STORY: SAVANNAH, Tenn. -- The Savannah Police Department needs your help in locating a missing child. The department shared on Facebook that Neveah Irons is missing from the…

2023 Jackson Rockabillys schedule released

JACKSON, Tenn. -- The Jackson Rockabillys have released their 2023 game schedule, featuring 60 games. And half of them at home! The team announced that every home game will begin at 6:30 p.m. at their Jackson Rockabillys Baseball Stadium. The…

Booze It & Lose It campaign to begin Dec. 16

JACKSON, Tenn. -- Law enforcement in Tennessee will be ramping up its efforts to keep the roads safe. During this holiday season, the Tennessee Highway Patrol and other law enforcement agencies in Tennessee are partnering with the Tennessee Highway Safety Office…

Christmas-themed event connects local business women

JACKSON, Tenn. -- The Greater Jackson Chamber hosted Women in Business event at the Carl Grant Center at Union University. The event held on Monday allowed business women that are a part of the Chamber to set up booths…

JPD confirms arrests of local student

JACKSON, Tenn. -- There was an arrest made by at a local school on Monday. Jackson Police Department were able to confirm an arrest of a student at Jackson Central-Merry Middle and High School Tuesday morning. When reaching out to…

Deadline for healthcare enrollment closes in

JACKSON, Tenn. -- If you need health insurance or need to change your health insurance plan, you have a few days to do so. If you currently do not have health insurance, you can apply through marketplace open enrollment at…

Expert: January to be busy time of year for online dating

JACKSON, Tenn. -- When you want to enter the dating world, you may have some reservations. But the year 2023 can look promising for those looking to find love. Using the dating app route could help your chances of finding…

FBI: New type of sextortion emerging in Tennessee

JACKSON, Tenn. -- In recent years there's been an increase on sextortion cases among youth. But Federal Bureau of Investigation agents are seeing a new type of financial sextortion coming across social platforms called deepfake images. The FBI Memphis office is…

Kindergarten class gathers items for nonprofit

JACKSON, Tenn. -- Local students are celebrating Christmas in a traditional way by giving back to those who need it most. Hailey Eldridge's kindergarten class at the University School of Jackson gathered items for the children at Youth Town…

Events this week in West Tennessee: Dec. 12-18

Don’t miss any of the fun in the 731! Check out our list of events happening this week in West Tennessee. Find a full list of Christmas parades around West Tennessee here. For a list of drive-thru Christmas light displays, click here.…

Haywood County student selected for Flight Academy

HAYWOOD COUNTY, Tenn. -- A Haywood County High School student is on her way to the skies! According to the Department of the Air Force Air University, Asia Silas is one of 300 students from across the country to be…

Special called meeting held on Jackson Plaza

JACKSON, Tenn. -- A special city council meeting was called for Tuesday morning to discuss plans that could impact the heart of Jackson. The day's meeting was called to take the final vote on the plans for the former Service…

2022 Jackson Christmas Parade lights up downtown

JACKSON, Tenn. -- The annual Jackson Christmas parade was held downtown, with many attendees excited to see this year's line up of floats and vehicles. "Just gathering. It's nice to be…

Holiday season brings ice skating, parade to Lexington

LEXINGTON, Tenn. -- The City of Lexington held the Lexington-Henderson County Christmas Parade Monday night with the theme, Christmas Lights and Winter Nights. Residents lined the streets to see the decorated floats,…

Poll of the Day: Jackson Christmas Parade

After a delay due to weather, the Jackson Christmas brought lights and holiday cheer through downtown Jackson. We want to know, were you able to make it this year? Let us know below! Find more polls…

Jackson man arrested for home improvement fraud

JACKSON, Tenn. -- A Jackson man is behind bars after being arrested for fraud by a home improvement services provider. Court documents show that 52-year-old Lee Allen Birl was taken into custody on December 9 following a warrant issued for…

Man gets 10 years in prison for drug-related charges

JACKSON, Tenn. -- A man from Paris has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison on drug-related charges. According to a news release, 54-year-old Jimmy Horton Jr. was arrested on March 14, 2020. The release says that Paris police…

Kerry Mallard dies in custody, TDOC confirms

BLEDSOE COUNTY, Tenn. -- A West Tennessee man sentenced to prison earlier this year has died, officials confirm. According to the Tennessee Department of Correction, Kerry Mallard died on Wednesday, December 7 while in custody at the Bledsoe County Correctional…

College enrollment drops in Tennessee

JACKSON, Tenn. -- College enrollment is down in the state of Tennessee. Students that go to a public high school are going to TCATs, community colleges, or public universities at a lower…

North Side High has new head football coach

JACKSON, Tenn. -- North Side High School has a new head football coach. The school system says that the veteran coach is bringing with more over 25 years of experience from high school to the professional level. The school system…

UM Lambuth planetarium shares January schedule

JACKSON, Tenn. — The University of Memphis Lambuth M. D. Anderson Planetarium has announced its schedule of shows for January: Tuesday, January 10, 5:30 p.m. - “Black Holes: the other side of infinity” Friday, January 13, 1:30 p.m. - “Black…

Ice skating rink to open in Lexington

LEXINGTON, Tenn. -- Opening night for the ice skating rink in Lexington is here! Monday, the city will have the grand opening of their ice skating rink. This will include a…

TV network star visits students in West Tennessee

MIDDLETON, Tenn. -- General Contractor and star of DIY Network's Rescue Renovation Kayleen McCabe visited Middleton Elementary on Monday. McCabe gave some details on why she visited the school. "I am out here…

United Way announces tool that connects users to unclaimed benefits

JACKSON, Tenn. -- United Ways of Tennessee announce the launch of Tennessee Benefit Kitchen. A free, virtual resource, Tennessee Benefit Kitchen screens users for unclaimed public benefits. A news release states 103 million Americans leave around $80 billion in public…

JTA to halt bus service on Monday, Dec. 26

JACKSON, Tenn. -- The Jackson Transit Authority announces its holiday schedule. According to a press release, JTA buses will not be operating on Monday, December 26. The release says this is in honor of the Christmas holiday, which falls on…

Live nativity connects community to the past

JACKSON, Tenn. -- One tradition returns to south Jackson. The Live Nativity is annual event put on by Malesus United Methodist Church since the 80s. The drive through nativity is a two…

Local gala raises money for The Place Jackson

JACKSON, Tenn. ---One local church holds a special event. The Salvation Army Worship Center held the Starting Anew Gala event to benefit The Place Jackson. The Place's mission is to…

Cookies offer hope in the fight against cancer

JACKSON, Tenn. ---Free cookies encourage others to donate to a good cause. One nonprofit brought out the baked goods and awareness for a special cause. The Cookies for Cancer nonprofit, hosted…

FHU celebrates graduates at its 2022 Commencement

HENDERSON, Tenn. ---Local university celebrates graduation on their 153rd academic year. One local university hosts guests as they celebrate some major accomplishments. Freed-Hardeman University opened its doors to students, families and…

Pets of the Week: June and Jennings

This week's Pets of the Week are June and Jennings! Meet June and Jennings from the Outlaw Gang! These pups were found on a rural road in Iuka, Mississippi…

Christmas on Main brings festivities to Dyersburg

DYERSBURG, Tenn. -- The City of Dyersburg jumpstarted their Christmas on the Square event this weekend. Several businesses in the downtown area stayed open late and even offered free samples…

Free Christmas giveaway event coming to Weakley Co. Saturday

GREENFIELD, Tenn. -- A generous event is being organized for one local community this weekend. Greenfield First Baptist Church will host a free Christmas giveaway on Saturday, December 10. Free items will be distributed to anyone in need, including new…