Local briefs - Oct. 15

JPD arrests 4 following attempted burglaries

Jackson Police Department patrol officers responded Tuesday evening around 7:30 pm, Oct. 6, 2026, to a report of a group of juveniles attempting to kick in the front doors in the area of Blossom Cove and Jackson Creek Drive. 

Security camera footage from this location captured four juveniles attempting to force entry into the residences. At least one juvenile appeared to be in possession of what appeared to be a handgun.

Through information provided by the victims and witnesses, along with additional investigative work, officers were able to identify and locate four juveniles believed to be involved in the incidents. Officers made contact with the juveniles at locations on Stratford Lane. All four were taken into custody and transported to the Criminal Investigations Division for further investigation.

General Investigation Unit investigators also located one realistic-looking airsoft and BB gun at one of the residences. Charges are pending at this time and this is still an active ongoing investigation  

The Jackson Police Department wants to give a huge thanks to our Patrol Officers for their quick response, thorough investigation, and hard work in identifying and apprehending those involved. Their efforts helped ensure these individuals were taken into custody. 

Jackson Police Department takes crimes such as these very seriously. We encourage residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity in their neighborhoods. If you see something suspicious or believe criminal activity may be occurring, contact the Jackson Police Department at 731-425-8400.

Community Montessori hosting Legacy Launch event

Community Montessori School is inviting parents, grandparents, and supporters to help shape the future of one of Tennessee's most unique educational institutions during the launch of the Friends of Community Montessori Legacy Launch on Thursday, Oct. 15, at 6 p.m.

The adults-only event will bring together members of the Community Montessori family for an evening focused on the school's future, its pursuit of national Montessori accreditation, and the role families and supporters can play in helping advance its mission.

Mercer, Martin, Dodd to host East Jackson Town Hall 

Madison County Commissioner Tina Mercer, along with Madison County  Commissioner William Martin and Jackson City Councilman Johnny Dodd, will host an East  Jackson Town Hall Meeting on Thursday, Oct. 15 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Home  Missionary Baptist Church, located at 307 James Buchanan Dr. Jackson TN 38301. 

This meeting is an opportunity for neighbors to connect with local leaders, hear updates,  and talk about the issues that matter most to East Jackson. Special guests include City of  Jackson Police Chief Thom Corley, Major Danielle Jones, and Reverend Daryll Coleman  from Lane College. This will also serve as a candidate forum for upcoming elections. 

“This is about listening to the community and making sure their voices are part of every  decision,” Mercer said. 

Attendees will have the chance to ask questions, share concerns, and participate in an  open discussion focused on the needs and priorities of County Commission District 1 and  City Council District 2. 

The event is open to the public. 

October blood drives in Madison Co.

Here’s a look at mobile blood drives in Madison County this month.

• Oct. 15 - University School of Jackson, 12:30-5:30 p.m.
• Oct. 22 - Jackson Christian School, 12:30-5:30 p.m.
• Oct. 27 - Trinity Christian Academy, noon to 5 p.m.
• Oct. 27 - Jackson Madison Co. General Hospital, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Pincus to deliver 29th annual Carls-Schwerdfeger History Lectures Oct. 19

Steven Pincus, the Thomas E. Donnelly Professor of British History and the College at the University of Chicago, will be the speaker for the 29th annual Carls-Schwerdfeger History Lectures at Union University Oct. 19.

Pincus will give two lectures. His first lecture, “Thinking the Empire Whole” will begin at 2 p.m. The evening lecture, “The South Asian Origins of American Independence,” will begin at 7:15 p.m. Both lectures, held in the Carl Grant Events Center, are free and open to the public.

Pincus is the author of four books, including “Protestantism and Patriotism: Ideologies and the Making of English Foreign Policy, 1650-1668” and “The Heart of the Declaration: The Founders’ Case for an Activist Government.” He has also contributed to three other books and recently completed a manuscript for Yale University Press on “The Global British Empire ca. 1650-1784.”

Pincus completed his undergraduate degree at Dartmouth College and his Doctor of Philosophy at Harvard University. He taught at Yale before moving to the University of Chicago in 2018.

He received the Morris Forkosch Prize for the best book in British History from the American Historical Association in 2010 and was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship in 2014. He is the vice president and president-elect of the Social Science History Association.

For more information, visit www.uu.edu/events/history-lecture-2026/.

We the People

We the People of West TN, a grassroots civic organization, will mark its fifth anniversary on Oct. 20 with a special meeting featuring Dr. Tonya Hartig, Ph.D., a functional medicine practitioner, researcher, educator, and speaker.

Hartig will present "Rejecting the Standard: Becoming Uncommon With Your Health," a science-informed talk built around one question: what if many of the health outcomes we have come to consider normal are actually just common? She will explain why "common" and "optimal" are not the same thing, how chronic disease and Alzheimer's risk can begin developing years before a diagnosis, and why metabolic health, muscle, hormones, and laboratory biomarkers offer important clues about the direction a person's health is heading.

Topics include Alzheimer's prevention and management, menopause and hormone health, statins and cholesterol, weight management and exercise, and root-cause, whole-body care. For attendees weary of a wait-and-see approach to their health, Dr. Hartig offers a proactive alternative focused on understanding the body early enough to act. This month’s event will happen at 147 Old Hickory Boulevard, and the event begins with an anniversary celebration and social hour at 5:30 p.m. followed by the program from 6-8 p.m.

City hosting household hazardous waste collection day

The City of Jackson’s Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day enables residents to dispose of harmful wastes and recycle items from around their homes the right way and without harming the environment.

The Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at 164 Conalco Drive, which is located off North Parkway between North Royal Street and Dr. F.E. Wright Drive.

Collection Day will include household hazardous waste and oil-based paint collection, electronic waste recycling, document shredding, prescription medication drop-offs, and cardboard, smoke detector and fire extinguisher recycling.  Items not accepted are latex paint, televisions, microwaves, and large appliances.

This is a free opportunity for residents to do their part to help keep harmful wastes out of our landfills and stormwater system and to participate in recycling programs within our community.  This event is open to all surrounding counties.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day is sponsored by City of Jackson’s Stormwater Management Department and Health and Sanitation Department; Madison County TN Stormwater Management, City of Jackson, TN Fire Department, Omega Recycling Solutions, Direct Shred, 26th Judicial District Drug Task Force, and Doxicom Consulting.  Hazardous waste disposal costs are paid for by Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.

For more information and a complete list of what to bring, visit stormwater.jacksontn.gov or call 731-425-8217. 

TIPS coordinating Operation Christmas Child drive

Tennessee Industrial Printing (TIPS) is partnering with Operation Christmas Child for the 2026 holiday season, aiming to pack and send 100 shoeboxes to children in need worldwide.

Supporters can contribute now through Nov. 16 by dropping off items at TIPS or ordering directly from the official Amazon Wishlist (https://a.co/0egnX7BQ). The donation of Amazon and Walmart gift cards is also an easy and extremely helpful way to participate.

“Giving back is a core value at TIPS,” said Wayne Chambers, Owner and General Manager. “Whether someone drops off supplies or buys a $5 item online, every contribution helps us reach our goal of 100 boxes.”
TIPS will host its packing party on Nov. 18 at 4 p.m. Per updated guidelines, prohibited items include soap, candy, toothpaste, gum, used or damaged items, scary or war-related items (such as toy guns, knives, or military figures), chocolate or food, seeds, fruit rolls or other fruit snacks, drink mixes (powdered or liquid), liquids or lotions, medications or vitamins, breakable items (such as snow globes or glass containers), aerosol cans, and alcohol wipes.

Tennessee Industrial Printing was founded in 1972 by three local entrepreneurs. With a focus on quality and customer service from the beginning, they worked hard to transform TIPS into a very strong printing company. Today, TIPS has grown to employ 25 employees, printing items for local and regional businesses, as well as items for multiple Fortune 500 Companies located across the United States. To learn more about TIPS, follow them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn, or visit their website at www.tipsprints.com.