Author: WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News Staff

Tennessee man charged with murder in death of toddler

TROUSDALE COUNTY, Tenn. -- A Tennessee man is behind bars in connection with the death of a toddler earlier this year. According to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, 21-year-old James Curtis Yates is facing charges of felony murder and aggravated…

Health dept. to offer updated COVID vaccine boosters to kids ages 5-11

JACKSON, Tenn. -- Updated COVID-19 vaccine boosters are becoming available for young children at a local health department. Beginning Friday, October 21, the Jackson-Madison County Regional Health Department will begin offering the updated boosters to ages 5 to 11. A…

Boy Scouts of America celebrates Scout Week

MADISON COUNTY, Tenn. -- This week West Tennessee Area Council of Boy Scouts of America is celebrating Scout Week. They're hosting fun activities for all scouting families in the region. Wednesday,…

Popular dating app expands into the friend zone

JACKSON, Tenn. -- Are you looking for new friends, but don't know where to start? The popular dating app Bumble has expanded into creating friendships. Now with the app you can match…

Bubble-sized universe stops at Jackson school

JACKSON, Tenn. -- The Portable Planetarium made a visit to the Early Learning Village on Wednesday. Jackson Christian School students were taken on a journey through the solar system and universe…

Application for student loan forgiveness opens

JACKSON, Tenn. -- After announcing the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program in September, applications are now open for those qualifying for student loan forgiveness. To help battle inflation, the Biden administration…

Brush up on heating tips ahead of colder temps

JACKSON, Tenn. -- The temperature has been dipping into some goosebump-inducing levels this week, meaning we are going to start to turn up the heat. A Jackson Fire Department news release says that the the National Fire Protection Association reports…

The Ned to present ‘Sweeney Todd’ until Halloween

JACKSON, Tenn. -- The Ned is presenting a Tony-Award-winning and musical thriller just in time for Halloween. The center says it will be presenting Stephen Sondheim’s “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" starting Oct. 27 and ending Oct.…

Passport available for downtown Jackson businesses

JACKSON, Tenn. -- Downtown Jackson is giving you the chance to fill your "passport" by shopping local. Starting on Nov. 1, many downtown businesses will be giving out stamps for the city's…

Car slams into north Madison County gas station

MADISON COUNTY, Tenn. -- An investigation is underway after a car slammed into the side of a north Madison County building Tuesday afternoon. Our crews on the scene saw a…

Union University celebrates American Pharmacist Month

JACKSON, Tenn. -- A local university hosted a ceremony, inviting city officials to shed light on a particular department. "We are celebrating the Union University American Pharmacists Month. Union University has a…

West Tennessee Boy Scouts mark Scout Week

JACKSON, Tenn. -- It is Scout Week! And our very own West Tennessee Area Council Boy Scouts of America are celebrating. The Scouts say that Tuesday is Scout Giving Day, and the goal is simple: "To give everyone a chance…

Getting help in fighting skin disease

JACKSON, Tenn. -- When facing diseases of the skin, it can be especially difficult to cope. Psoriasis is a skin disease that is both common and chronic and has impacted about eight…

Survivors of breast cancer share stories at luncheon

BROWNSVILLE, Tenn. -- A local event is recognized cancer survivors. The City of  Brownsville, along with the Brownsville-Haywood County Chamber, hosted a luncheon for people who have overcome breast cancer. October…

Two annual events to honor veterans in November

JACKSON, Tenn. -- Two annual events are honoring veterans in early November. A news release says that the 10th Celebrating Our Veterans Program is set for Friday, Nov. 11, and will feature the 129th Army Band as special guests. It…

How to know if your child is being bullied

JACKSON, Tenn. -- How do you know if your child is being bullied at school? Bullying can come in many different forms, whether it be through social media or in person. Bullying…

City hosts first Neighborhood Academy meeting

JACKSON, Tenn. -- The City of Jackson held the first meeting for its new Neighborhood Academy. The Neighborhood Academy meeting is held once a month for six months. The goal is to…

West Tennessee fire department granted $1,500

SCOTTS HILL, Tenn. -- The Scotts Hill Fire Department has been granted funds to help secure crash sites. According to a news release, the department was given $1,500 by State Farm to…

The Ned sponsors pumpkin carving contest for all ages

JACKSON, Tenn. -- The Ned R. McWherter West Tennessee Cultural Arts Center is sponsoring a pumpkin carving contest for all ages. In time for the Halloween season, The Ned invites residents to submit their most creative designs to be displayed…

View your ballot ahead of early voting

JACKSON, Tenn. -- The midterm elections are almost here. Tennesseans will be heading to the polls to decide on who will serve as governor, who will represent them in several state and federal offices, on whether to amend the state's…

Monday evening freeze may affect your plants

JACKSON, Tenn. -- Freezing cold conditions are expected Monday evening, which could bring an end to your warm season gardens for the year. While some may have already seen first frost,…

Local hero honored with surprise retirement party

HUMBOLDT, Tenn. -- After 45.5 years serving his community, one honorable First Responder has retired. Fire Chief Chester Bryson Owens Sr. of Humboldt, was surprised by his family with a special…

Events this week in West Tennessee: Oct. 17-23

Don’t miss any of the fun in the 731! Check out our list of events happening this week in West Tennessee. Monday, October 17 Scott Strolls at Country Club Estates (Jackson) Tuesday, October 18 Sign Language Basics (Jackson) Wednesday, October…

City of Jackson names David Vince as Hub City Hero

JACKSON, Tenn. — The City of Jackson has named David Vince as the September 2022 Hub City Hero. Potentate for Al Chymia, Vince has called Jackson home for the past 28 years. A former member of Jackson Lodge #45 Masonic…

Early voting begins Wednesday in Tennessee

JACKSON, Tenn. -- The November midterm elections are right around the corner, with early voting kicking off this week. Beginning Wednesday, October 19, Tennesseans can cast their votes early and beat the Election Day crowds. The ballot will include candidates…

Body found in Milan, police confirm

MILAN, Tenn. -- Sunday afternoon, a person was found dead in a vehicle. We received a call about a large police presence on College Street in Milan. Our crews arrived…

Players make some racket at a Jackson tournament

JACKSON, Tenn. ---It's tennis time in West TN with Jackson hosting a local tournament. "We enjoy doing the tournaments. It's really nice, and people are so complimentary of our facility at the…

Exotic Pets return to the Jackson Fairgrounds

JACKSON, Tenn.--Exotic Pets come to the Hub City! The fairgrounds hosted the Exotic Pet Expo, a 2 day event, that began Saturday morning. "We have our Exotic Pet Expo here at the…

Symphony celebrates a game changing anniversary

JACKSON, Tenn.--One local organization filled the room with music and good food. The Jackson Symphony celebrated their anniversary in a fun and community filled way, with the symphony playing crowd favorites. The theme for the celebration of 62 years centered…

Local youth learn some new dance moves

JACKSON, Tenn. --Local dance group teaches moves at the park. Each Saturday, The Ned and Jackson Recreation and Parks Department will be teaching a fine art in one of Jackson's beautiful parks.…