Author: Teri Jelks

5-year-old celebrates birthday with a surprise parade

NORTH JACKSON, Tenn. -- A five-year-old girl had a new spin on her birthday due to the pandemic. Jailee had a special parade with local police officers and firefighters driving by in their vehicles to wish her a happy birthday.…

Lexington mayor gives update after positive COVID-19 test

LEXINGTON, Tenn. -- In an announcement released over the weekend, Lexington mayor Jeff Griggs says that he and his wife contracted COVID-19. "I'm definitely going to follow the guidelines the CDC says and stay at home and quarantine," Griggs said.…

Brownsville motel shutdown due criminal activity

BROWNSVILLE, Tenn. -- A local motel is now shutdown in Haywood County. Friday afternoon, the West Tennessee Drug Task Force served a nuisance action on the Rodeway Inn Motel in Brownsville due…

New technology coming to JMCSS students

JACKSON, Tenn. -- The Jackson-Madison County School System is getting new technology as some students prepare for remote learning. The deadline to register for in-person, virtual or cyber school is this Saturday. So far more than 4,800 students have registered…

Chester county announces first COVID-19 related death

CHESTER COUNTY, Tenn. --  Chester county announced its first death in connection with the Coronavirus. County Mayor Barry Hutcherson says their community lost a great person. "Mr. Charlie Currin, he was…

Family celebrates loved one’s 90th birthday

JACKSON, Tenn. -- During the pandemic, families are getting creative with how they celebrate their loved ones and their major life milestones. Family and friends are wishing Magalene Yarbrough a happy 90th birthday. "We thank God for letting her live…

Artists create new mural in downtown Jackson

JACKSON, Tenn. -- Local artists are bringing more beauty to the Hub City. The newest installment of Jackson's Public Art Initiative Project is underway. This time the canvas is the front of the Southwest Tennessee Development District building in downtown…

Leaders host virtual forums on equity, justice

JACKSON, Tenn. -- Leaders in the Hub City are coming together to have an in-depth conversation about racial issues, both locally and across the country. As a complement to the recent 'Be the Change'…

Students, alumni seek changes at UT Martin

MARTIN, Tenn. -- Students and alumni are demanding changes and accountability at a local university. "While we're not unaware of the events going on around the nation, it just kind of hit home in a way that made us need…

JMCSS Budget Committee prepares FY 2021 budget

JACKSON, Tenn. -- The Jackson-Madison County School System is preparing next year's budget. Thursday night, the JMCSS Budget Committee met to approve the budget for fiscal year 2021 after the county commission made a…

JMCSS official discusses back-to-school plan

JACKSON, Tenn. -- Wednesday afternoon, the Jackson-Madison County School System updated their New Normal Initiative with an official start date for students and teachers. "The start date for the Jackson-Madison County School…

2 Henderson Co. wrecks under investigation

HENDERSON COUNTY, Tenn. -- Around 3:15 p.m. on Wednesday, a crash occurred on Interstate 40 going eastbound near mile marker 110. According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, that crash involved a commercial vehicle…

New Tennessee laws take effect in July

JACKSON, Tenn. -- Beginning with the turn of the calendar to July, some new state laws are now in effect. "The left lane is for passing not for just driving and cruising in," said Madison County Representative Chris Todd. Tennessee's…

UT Martin investigates controversial video involving students

MARTIN, Tenn. -- A local university is investigating a video circulating on social media that shows students making controversial statements. "It was disturbing, particularly to our Black students," said University of Tennessee at…

Union University community holds ‘Walk for Justice’

JACKSON, Tenn. -- Students, faculty, alumni and community members come together as one at Union University to spread a message of unity.   Hundreds of demonstrators traveled to Union's campus to remember…

Amerigroup donates computers across Tennessee

JACKSON, Tenn. -- An organization is helping students across Tennessee stay active in their online learning amid COVID-19. "It's a very big priority for us to address factors that we know end up…

Peaceful protest held in Hardin County

SAVANNAH, Tenn. -- Like many cities across the country, a West Tennessee community is coming together for a peaceful protest. "The main intent here is there's no community without unity," said event…

Dozens of animals rescued in Hardin County

HARDIN COUNTY, Tenn. -- Around 40 animals were rescued by Hardin County Animal Services Thursday. Rescuers said the pets were found living in poor conditions at a home on Saddleback Lane. Animal remains…

SWHRA begins summer food program

HENDERSON, Tenn. -- The Southwest Human Resource Agency is making sure students do not go hungry this summer. "Come get the meals for the children. I don't want to miss anyone who may…

Jackson leaders prepare for upcoming city council meeting

JACKSON, Tenn. -- Thursday night, Mayor Scott Conger and city council members met at City Hall in preparation for next week's city council meeting. Up first on the agenda is the city's debt. Mayor Conger says when the budget was…

Restaurants give back to four families after fatal wreck

DOWNTOWN JACKSON, Tenn. -- "Table for Four" is a fundraiser created by Jerry Corley, owner of Rock'n Dough Pizza and Brewery in downtown Jackson. It's an effort to raise money for families affected by a recent tragedy. On May 16th,…

Pastor returns to Tennessee after being held in India

SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. -- Bryan Nerren is a pastor with the International House of Prayer Ministries in Shelbyville. In October of last year, Nerren and other ministers traveled to India for mission trip, but something unexpected happened. "We arrived at the…

Ministry brings church services to residents

JACKSON, Tenn. -- One local church is offering to meet people where they are: at home. "The church is closed, but ministry is not," said Destiny Church Pastor Rhonda Pettigrew. Many churches…

Buffalo Wild Wings reopens dining areas

JACKSON, Tenn. -- While sports are not completely back yet, a popular sports bar is making a return. All Buffalo Wild Wings locations in Tennessee are reopening their dining rooms Wednesday, with a few changes. The establishment is adding new…

JCPenney reopens with extra safety measures

JACKSON, Tenn. -- A popular retailer is back open in the Hub City. JCPenney at the Old Hickory Mall opened their doors on Wednesday. Company officials say the store is following state and local orders to ensure customer safety when…

Freed-Hardeman moves annual tradition online

CHESTER COUNTY, Tenn. -- A local university celebrated an annual tradition online. Freed-Hardeman University went live on their Facebook page for their annual nursing student pinning ceremony. During the ceremony, faculty members said words…

JMCSS budget meeting discusses loss of funds

JACKSON, Tenn. -- Friday afternoon, the Jackson-Madison County School System Budget Committee met to discuss budget cuts for this year and possibly the next. "Our current year budget will be cut by $6…

Scotts Hill High School holds 2020 graduation ceremony

SCOTTS HILL, Tenn. -- Tassels are turning at a 2020 commencement. Scotts Hill High School held their graduation ceremony for their senior class on Thursday. During the ceremony, more than 100 seniors took…

JEA begins path back to routine service

JACKSON, Tenn. -- Under the guidance of Gov. Bill Lee's Tennessee Pledge, businesses are reopening and Tennesseans are getting back to work. Now, a local utility company is on their way back…