Community Focus | The Mckenzie Banner

West Tennessee Healthcare Expands Dog Therapy Program to Henry County Hospital

PARIS — West Tennessee Healthcare (WTH) is expanding its Dog Therapy Program to Henry County Hospital in Paris, bringing the benefits of animal-assisted therapy to more patients in the region. more

By Joel Lancaster
jlancaster@mckenziebanner.com | 2/4/25

Pictured (L to R): Amber Parham, Carroll County’s Grants Administrator; Heather Adams, Sales and Customer Relations with JC Educational; Dr. Justin Barden, Director of Schools for McKenzie Special School District; Preston Caldwell, Director of Schools for West Carroll Special School District; Renee Sutton, Director of Carroll Academy; Dr. Lisa Norris, Director of Schools with South Carroll Special School District (Clarksburg School); Dr. Myles Hebrard, Director of Schools at Hollow Rock-Bruceton Special School District; Dr. Jonathan Kee, Director of Schools at Huntingdon Special School District; Johnny McAdams, Director of Carroll County Schools; Brad Hurley, President of Carroll County Chamber of Commerce; and Joseph Butler, Carroll County Mayor.

Classrooms Receive Trauma Bags

HUNTINGDON (January 28) — The Carroll County Commission recently donated $50,000 worth of trauma kits/bags to the school systems within the county. more

2/4/25

Dilla’s Boutique Opens

McKENZIE (February 1) — Dilla’s Boutique held its grand opening on Saturday, February 1 at its 181 S. Main Street, McKenzie location. Jackelyne Padilla opened the new boutique inside … more

2/3/25

(L to R) McKenzie Rotary President Christy Williams, NWTN Tourism Executive Director Kasey Muench, and Vice President Ricky Price.

Rotary Learns about Tourism, Growth Opportunities from NWTN Tourism

McKENZIE (January 28) — Kasey Muench of NWTN Tourism Association presented a program highlighting the impact of tourism on the local community and exploring opportunities for partnership to amplify this effect. more

2/3/25

Huntingdon councilmen John Sanders and Andrew Maddox, and Ray Smith’s family — Jim and Jan Kizer, and Brent and Wanda Smith, and Dixie’s Executive Director, Angela DeMaris. The Smith family donated $200,000 to the Dixie Carter Performing Arts Center on Saturday, January 25.

The Dixie Carter Performing Arts Center Huntingdon Celebrates Ray Smith’s Legacy

HUNTINGDON (January 25) — The Dixie Carter Performing Arts Center is marking a monumental milestone as it celebrates its 20th performance season this summer, thanks in part to the unwavering support of Ray Smith. more

By Joel Washburn
washburn@mckenziebanner.com | 1/28/25

(L to R): Bethel University President Dr. Perry Moulds, new Wildcat football Head Coach Chris Springer and Interim Athletic Director Dave McCulley.

Chris Springer Named Head Football Coach

McKENZIE (January 21) — Bethel University hosted a press conference Tuesday afternoon to announce the appointment of Chris Springer as the next Wildcat head football coach. more

By Brad Sam
brad@mckenziebanner.com | 1/28/25

Ashley Bell readies Cedar Street Studio for its opening in February.

Cedar Street Studio to Open in February

McKENZIE — Ashley Bell is opening Cedar Street Studio on February 1 in downtown McKenzie. The women’s boutique, located at 2375 Cedar, features clothing, jewelry, and accessories. more

1/21/25

David Jacobs, owner of The Happy Book Stack McKenzie, is eager to fill these shelves with thousands of books.

The Happy Book Stack Coming This Spring

Downtown McKenzie continues to see rejuvenation as another business prepares to open its doors this spring. more

By Brad Sam
brad@mckenziebanner.com | 1/21/25

Overflow is a certified recovery congregation. (L to R): Josh Crawford, Tabitha French, Janet Shaw, Cindy Gaylord, Chris Smith, Robert Harrison, Tammy Haworth and Alex Gallien. Not Pictured: Tammie Parsley.

Overflow Church Honored for ‘Celebrate Recovery'

McKENZIE — Overflow Church was honored by the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS) and recognized as a Certified Recovery Congregation. more

1/21/25

Marching in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday. It was a cold 15 degrees, but the determined group walked despite the brutal cold conditions.

Martin Luther King Remembered

McKENZIE (January 20) — Defying the cold weather, a small group of area citizens rallied and marched in memory of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in celebration of his birthday. more

1/21/25

Congetta’s brick-and-mortar restaurant at 41 Broadway in downtown McKenzie.

Congetta’s Chi-talian Brings Downtown McKenzie a Taste of the Windy City

A familiar name to those who frequent festivals and other outdoor events has taken root in downtown McKenzie. more

By Brad Sam
brad@mckenziebanner.com | 1/21/25

Dr. Anna Anderson (left) joins Dr. Mark Smith at Smith & Smith Optometry.

Anna Anderson’s Homecoming Brings ‘Fresh Look’ to Smith & Smith Optometry

Over a decade ago, McKenzie middle schooler Anna Anderson made a bold declaration to Dr. Mark Smith during an eye exam: “I want to be an eye doctor, and I’m going to work with you one day.” more

By Brad Sam
brad@mckenziebanner.com | 1/14/25

Bookstore, Coffee Shop Coming Soon to Downtown McKenzie

McKENZIE — McKenzie will soon have a bookstore/coffee shop combination at 55 Broadway in downtown McKenzie. more

1/14/25

McKenzie’s Gaskins to be Named County Fire Chief

HUNTINGDON (January 7) — McKenzie’s Jonathan Gaskins has been named Chief of the Carroll County Rural Fire Department. Following Tuesday's interviews conducted by the Carroll County Rural Fire Committee, Gaskins was selected to lead the county’s fire service. more

By Jason Martin
jmartin@mckenziebanner.com | 1/14/25

Haislee and Raylan build a massive snowman in McKenzie.

Cora Comes in Like a Lion, Leaves Like a Lamb

McKENZIE (January 10) — Winter Storm Cora blew in Friday morning, locking down a great portion of the Southeastern United States. more

1/14/25

Local West Tennessee Road Closures

There will be possible daytime or nighttime lane closures at various locations in Region 4 to make repairs or new installs on an as needed basis at various locations throughout the 21 counties. more

1/7/25

Carroll County Fire Chief Interviews Start Tuesday

HUNTINGDON (January 2) — On Tuesday, January 7, the Carroll County Rural Fire Department will begin the interviewing process for its new chief. more

1/7/25

Lakeside Senior Living News

Greeting, When I say we were blessed the month of December I mean it. We had so many people donate their time, talents and gifts. I’m almost scared to mention them all in fear I will forget someone. If so, please charge it to my head and not my heart because we truly appreciated every gesture. more

By Sheila Willis | 12/30/24

Rudy enjoys his Sonic “pup cup” from his fans Lola Barton and Connor Summers, wearing their “Rudy for President” shirts.

Humane Society Hosts Christmas Open House

McKENZIE (December 19) — It was a very merry Christmas for the animals at the Carroll County Humane Society at Thursday’s open house event thanks to the tireless work of the staff and the generosity of the community. more

By Brad Sam
brad@mckenziebanner.com | 12/30/24

Willodean Long, Others Make Tissue Box Covers for Seniors

TREZEVANT — Willodean Long, 95, and Alesia Griffin, both of Trezevant, along with Cyndi Shafer of McKenzie worked to make tissue box covers for the residents of Lakeside Senior Living Community of McKenzie. more

12/30/24