Local briefs/announcements - Nov. 7

Veterans’ Day events

Here’s a look at Veterans’ Day events the West Tennessee Veterans’ Coalition is coordinating for this weekend.

2024 Veteran's Day Activities for Madison County: 

• Friday at 6:30 pm. at Englewood Baptist Church, 2239 N. Highland Ave.  Veteran's Day program. Keynote speaker will be Sherry Pickering, Veteran Outreach Coordinator for TN Veterans Services. Free and open to the public. 
• **POSTPONED UNTIL SATURDAY, NOV. 16*** Saturday at 11 a.m. (line up starts at 9:45). Veterans Day Parade. Parade Marshals will be members of the Capt. Jack Holland Detachment Marine Corps League. Veterans are invited to participate or to be spectators. Prize for the best decorated veteran’s vehicle! Call 423-341-3330 to pre-register for the parade. 
• Monday, Nov 11th, Bridges of Honor 11am-1pm, various groups from around the area will be standing on bridges over I-40 waving flags and banners to honor our veterans. 
• “Faces of Our Veterans” display of veterans’ portraits will be on display at the Jackson City Hall lobby from November 10-19. Display may be viewed at City Hall during business hours.

Contact Jackie Utley, jutleydar@gmail.com if you would like to participate or have any questions!

Sheriff’s Office update on Cotton Grove Road homicide

The Madison County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division has taken into custody, a 17-year-old and 18-year-old male suspects in connection with the recent homicide that occurred  on Cotton Grove Road on October 28. 

The 17-year-old is being held at the Madison County Juvenile Detention Facility on charges of first degree murder, perpetration of theft of property and theft of a firearm. 

Also, 18-year-old Kemauri Deshun Gill was arrested and charged with tampering with evidence and booked at the Madison County Criminal Justice Complex.

The investigation revealed that both suspects were passengers of the vehicle at the time of the incident, and the juvenile suspect was known to the victim.

The Sheriff’s Office thanks the community for its efforts in assisting the Criminal Investigation Division with crucial information that led to the identity of the suspects.

U.S. Marshals and Jackson Police conduct ‘Operation Trick or Treat 2’ 

The U.S. Marshals Service Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force and the Jackson Police Department conducted “Operation Trick or Treat 2” from Oct. 8-28, to ensure registered sex offenders in the city of Jackson were following the requirements of the Tennessee Sex Offender Registry. 

Of the 126 offenders checked, 122 were found in compliance. Four arrest warrants were issued for those not in compliance, and three of those warrants have been served. “We want everyone in the community to have a safe Halloween,” said U.S. Marshal Tyreece Miller. “One of the ways the U.S. Marshals Service can accomplish this it to make sure sex offenders are obeying the law and the rules of the registry.” Operation Trick or Treat 2 was part of a nationwide operation conducted by the United States Marshals Service. 

Armed robbery investigation ongoing

Jackson Police are investigating an armed robbery that occurred on Sunday, Nov. 3, at 41 Stonebrook place. About 8 p.m., a man was getting into his vehicle when a black male wearing a black hoodie and light-colored pants approached him. The man displayed a handgun, and a struggle ensued between the victim and suspect for control of the gun. During the struggle, the gun fired, and a bullet hit the ground, causing a minor injury for the victim from shrapnel to his lower leg. EMS treated the victim at the scene and released him. The suspect was last seen fleeing the area in a silver or gray small SUV. This is an ongoing investigation, and anyone with any information is encouraged to call JPD at 731-425-8400.

Madison County Solid Waste Convenience centers switch to winter hours

Madison County Solid Waste Convenience Centers will transition to Winter Hours on Sunday, Nov. 3.

Beginning that day, all Centers will close one hour earlier at 5 p.m. This schedule will continue through January 31.

“This time of year, as we transition to standard time and shorter days, we always switch to a 5 p.m. closing time for the safety of our workers and the community,” said Kim Tedford, director of the Jackson-Madison County Regional Health Department.

The Health Department maintains the 10 Solid Waste Convenience Centers located throughout Madison County. 

Precautionary boil notice for southern residents of county

Jackson Energy Authority’s Water System experienced a water main break on Highway 45  South that resulted in a significant loss of pressure in the water, JEA asked customers in Pinson south of South Elementary School to boil water before using for consumption. JEA apologizes for any inconvenience and  thank you for your patience while we work to resolve this problem.  

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.

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.

LIFELINE Blood Services drives 

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

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.

Mid-West Tennessee Genealogical Society 

Mid-West Tennessee Genealogical Society will meet Tuesday, November 12, from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm in the Program Center in the Jackson-Madison County Library at 433 East Lafayette Street in Jackson.

John Blankenship, Gibson County Historian, will be presenting: “Solomon Shaw: Devoted to the South.” Join us for an exploration into the life of his fourth great uncle, Solomon Shaw, who was killed by Federal soldiers in 1862 in the Quincy Community of what is now Crockett County, Tennessee. Through stories of courage, sacrifice, and mystery—including the legend of Solomon Shaw’s lost gold—this presentation will uncover both personal and historical insights into Gibson County’s Civil War past, bringing to life the resilience of the Shaw family and their dedication to the South.

Anyone interested in genealogy is invited to attend the meeting. MWTGS annual membership dues are $20 and include quarterly issues of “Family Findings” with West Tennessee genealogical stories and research tips. Questions should be sent to mwtgs1968@gmail.com.

Substitute teacher training

Jackson-Madison County Schools will have training for substitute teachers on Nov. 13 at 9 a.m. at the JMCSS Central Office at 310 North Parkway. Interested people must have completed an application and RSVP for attendance before Nov. 8. E-mail dleanes@jmcss.org for more information and to RSVP.

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.

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

• Public Records Commission on Thursday, Nov. 7 at 10 a.m.
• Republican caucus will meet on Nov. 12 at 5 p.m. at Town & Country Realty (1944 Highway 45 Bypass)
• Democratic caucus will meet on Nov. 12 at 6 p.m. at Martin’s Restaurant on Chester Street

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.

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.