Local briefs and announcements - Oct. 31

Suspect arraigned in Picture Perfect shooting

Matthew Berry was named as the suspect in the investigation of the shooting that left eight injured and one dead at Picture Perfect Event Center on the morning of Oct. 20.

Berry turned himself into Jackson Police on Thursday, Oct. 24, and appeared in City Court the following morning.

He was arraigned in Judge Blake Anderson’s court and was ordered to remain in custody without bond.

Sheriff’s Office investigates recent homicide 

On Oct. 28, 2024 at approximately 5:45 PM,  deputies with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 200 block of Cotton Grove  Road in reference to a motor vehicle crash with possible injuries. The caller advised that they had  observed a crashed vehicle in a wooded area off of Cotton Grove Road. Deputies and emergency  medical personnel arrived on the scene and located a driver with injuries. Medical personnel and  deputies then attempted to render aid to the driver; however, it was determined that the driver had  suffered an apparent gunshot wound. The driver was determined to be deceased by medical  personnel on the scene.  

The Madison County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division responded and processed  the scene. In addition to the driver, preliminary investigation indicates the vehicle was possibly  occupied by at least one passenger who was not present at the scene. CID is in the process of  canvassing the area and seeking any further information, including video or other evidence or  witnesses.  

Investigators interviewed a witness that observed two black males walking west on Cotton Grove  Road around 5:30 p.m., which was in close proximity to the scene and just prior to the initial call  reporting this incident. The first male subject is described as approximately 16-20 years of age,  height is 5’-8” to 5’10”, dark complected with a stocky build with having an “afro” type hairstyle;  wearing dark clothing. The second male is further described as possibly 16-17 years of age, height  is 5’-5” – 5’-6”, medium complexion, medium build, also wearing dark clothing. 

The deceased individual is identified as Tayshaun Abram, an 18-year-old black male from Jackson,  Tennessee.  

Anyone who may have any information related to this case, please contact the Madison County  Sheriff’s Office at 731-423-6000 or Crime Stoppers at 731-424-8477. 

Health Department will offer free flu shots on Nov. 7

If you missed the Jackson-Madison County Regional Health Department’s annual Fight Flu Clinic in October, you’ll soon have another opportunity to get a free flu shot.

Fight Flu Round 2 will take place Thursday, November 7. On this day, the Health Department will provide free flu vaccines to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or while supplies last. The Health Department is located at 804 North Parkway in Jackson.

No appointment is needed to get the free flu vaccine on Nov. 7. Please enter at the rear of the building (Vital Statistics Lobby) to receive your flu shot.

All Tennesseans six months and older are eligible to get the flu vaccine. Nationally, 7.5 million illnesses, 105,000 hospitalizations, and 6,300 deaths could be prevented annually if more people chose to get a flu vaccine. The flu vaccine is safe and effective and can prevent against the most common types of circulating flu viruses and the flu’s worst symptoms.

U.S. Marshals, ATF, Jackson Police arrest fugitive, find cache of weapons 

The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco,  Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and Jackson Police Department captured a violent  fugitive, Quoterrius Osler, and recovered a cache of weapons.  

JPD responded to a shooting on October 11, 2024, in Chapel Ridge Apartments and  found two people suffering from gunshot wounds. JPD investigators determined that  Quoterrius Osler, 24, of Jackson, was responsible for this crime. A warrant was issued  for Osler’s arrest for attempted first degree murder. The USMS Two Rivers Violent  Fugitive Task Force in Jackson was requested to assist in finding and apprehending  Osler. 

On Oct. 24, Deputy marshals, ATF agents, and JPD officers took Osler into custody at  a residence in the 50 block of Point O’ Woods Drive in Jackson. During a search of the  residence, investigators recovered seven firearms. One of the recovered firearms had an  attached device known as a “Glock switch,” or auto sear that converts the firearm from  a semi-automatic to fully automatic weapon. 

Holiday closing

Madison County government offices will be closed Monday, November 11, 2024, in observance of Veterans’ Day.  Normal business hours will resume Tuesday morning, November 12, 2024.

Union’s music department to give four concerts

Union University’s Department of Music will present four concerts over the next two weeks that are free and open to the public.

The Union Symphony Orchestra concert will be Oct. 29, with the University Singers concert on Oct. 31.

Next week, the Symphonic Band concert will be Nov. 5, while the Commercial Music Ensembles concert will be Nov. 7.

All concerts begin at 7 p.m. in the G.M. Savage Memorial Chapel.

LIFELINE Blood Services drives 

Here’s a list of LIFELINE blood drive locations in Madison County in November.

Nov. 5 at Jackson Christian School from 12:30-5:30 p.m.

Nov. 7 at University School of Jackson from 12:30-5:30 p.m.

Nov. 14 at Trinity Christian Academy from noon until 5 p.m.

Nov. 21 at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. (closed for lunch from 11:30 until noon)

Nov. 27 at West Tennessee Healthcare- North Hospital from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

USJ presents ‘Shrek the Musical’

The University School of Jackson Theater Department presents its first performance of the school year - “Shrek the Musical.” Performances will be at 7 p.m. on Saturday Nov. 9 and Monday, Nov. 11. There will be a matinee performance on Sunday, Nov. 10, at 2 p.m.

Hickman Realty Group expands Jackson team

Hickman Realty Group welcomes new agent Robert Eatman, who brings years of experience and a passion for the community to the team. With more than five years in the real estate industry, the newest member of Hickman Realty Group is eager to continue serving clients throughout West Tennessee.

Before joining Hickman Realty Group, Eatman operated as an independent agent. His new role provides him with enhanced resources and support to better serve his clients.

Outside of real estate, Eatman is an avid triathlete and enjoys spending time with his two dogs, Gerber and Achilles.

Union ranked third nationally in Niche’s best Christian colleges list

Union University has been recognized as one of the nation’s top Christian colleges, placing third in the nation in Niche’s “Best Christian Colleges in America” ranking.

The ranking highlights Union's commitment to academic excellence, strong faith-based community and high student satisfaction. Niche rankings are based on analysis of key statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of student reviews.

Union also fared well in other Niche categories, ranking first in “Best Small Colleges in Tennessee,” first in “Best Christian College in Tennessee,” second in “Best Colleges in Tennessee” and sixth in the nation in “Best College Dorms.”

Public meetings schedule

Here's a rundown of public meetings coming up:

Jackson City Council meetings happen in the George A. Smith City Council Room at City Hall (101 East Main Street in Downtown Jackson) unless otherwise noted.

• Agenda review will be 4 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 31 in the City Council conference room next to the City Council meeting room.
• Monthly meeting will be Tuesday, Nov. 5, at 9 a.m.

Madison County Commission committee meetings typically happen at the County Finance Complex at 1981 Hollywood Drive unless otherwise noted.

• Industrial Park Committee on Oct. 31 at 10:30 a.m.
• Public Records Commission on Thursday, Nov. 7 at 10 a.m.

Jackson-Madison County School Board meetings happen at the Central Office at 310 North Parkway unless otherwise noted.

• Work session on Nov. 11 at 5:30 p.m. 
• Monthly board meeting will be Nov. 14 at 5:30 p.m.

Community Economic Development Commission will have a board meeting at 4 p.m. on Nov. 12 at The Greater Jackson Chamber offices at 197 Auditorium Drive in Downtown Jackson.

Middle School All-Star Football Game Nov. 2

Trinity Christian Academy will host the ninth annual West Tennessee Middle School Football All-Star Game on Nov. 2. Kickoff will be at 6 p.m., and admission will be $10 with full concession stand available.

Elks Hoop Shoot Nov. 9

The Jackson chapter of the Elks will host their annual free throw shooting contest on Nov. 9 at the Boys and Girls Club at 832 Lexington Avenue in East Jackson. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m., and the event begins at 10. For more information, call 731-217-2576.

Jackson Area Community Bands fall concert

The Jackson Area Community Bands will present their Fall Concert on Monday, Nov. 25, 2024  at 7 p.m. The concert will take place at Union University’s Savage Chapel. Admission is free and open to the public.

The Symphonic Winds, conducted by Tony Burriss, will perform an eclectic grab bag of works by American Composers entitled ‘’So, What’s Next?” Swing Orchestra, under the baton of David Kyles, will also present a program with the theme of “Baby Boomer Bombshells.”

The Jackson Area Community Bands is a fund of the Community Foundation of West Tennessee, with all donations being tax deductible. Conductors and musicians live in West Tennessee and donate their services to bring live family-friendly music to the community.

For more information visit their page on Facebook, see their website at www.jacbinc.com or email them at jacommbands@gmail.com.