The Mckenzie Banner

Valentine’s Day came and went. I didn’t get nothing. Again. more

By Kesley Colbert | 2/17/21

Bobo’s Store, 1922 (L to R); Mrs. Erma Heath, Walton James, Graden Featherstone, Fred Ragland, Gordon Finley, J. D. Featherstone, Emma Marshall.

Graden Ambus Featherstone was born on April 20, 1908, near the Como community in Weakley County to J.D. and Lena Stoker Featherstone. He was one of four children, Murrell Penick, Lozette Burrow and Ann Harris. The family farmed for many years. more

By Jason Martin
jmartin@mckenziebanner.com | 2/17/21

He ‘Hammered’ Life Into Us

On Tuesday, April 13, 1954, a young Jim Greengrass, batting 5th and playing leftfield for the Cincinnati Reds, hit four doubles that led his team to victory. more

2/3/21

Les Haugen worked as an FBI agent for 15 years. He later relocated to McKenzie as personnel director for Republic Builders.

Weekly 150: Leslie A. Haugen

I like to make the joke that the Feds are just around the corner because Big Brother is always watching. But did you know, for 24 years, a former FBI agent called McKenzie home? more

By Jason Martin
jmartin@mckenziebanner.com | 2/3/21

You Talk About Founding Fathers!

I ran into Kim Hunter. Literally.I was jogging down Tenth Street, lost in thought as my mind replayed a bare-knuckle fight I’d witnessed behind Frank’s Dairy Bar sixty years ago. I near … more

1/26/21

Pictorial History of McKenzie: Cook's Kerr McGee

Cook’s Kerr McGee, Highland Drive, Early 1980s. (L to R): Don Cook, Roy Anderson, David Ferguson and _____. File photo originally published in “A Pictorial History of McKenzie, … more

1/26/21

David A. Burkhalter (1880–1932) was elected as mayor of McKenzie when he was 21 years old. He also served as Carroll County judge and editor of The McKenzie Banner.

Weekly 150: David A. Burkhalter

David Alexander Burkhalter was born August 21, 1880, to Thomas (1853–1880) and Alice Thomas Burkhalter (1857–1883). He graduated from Bethel College in 1898 and received his law degree … more

By Jason R. Martin | 1/26/21

Pfc Tommy Hopper shaking hands with a General after receiving his second purple heart (1968 Vietnam).

Weekly 150: 1968 All Over Again

As 2021 began, I couldn’t help but hope some of the tension and hostility within the United States would subside. I am not one to editorialize, nor will I use this article to preach that my … more

By Jason R. Martin | 1/20/21

Pictorial History of McKenzie: Felts Drug Store

Clerks shown in the former Felts Drug Store include I. Dee House, Virgil Kerney and owner H.H. Felts. File photo originally published in “A Pictorial History of McKenzie, Tennessee,” by … more

1/20/21

Baseball, Hot Dogs, Apple Pie And…

You can’t hardly mess up cornbread.If it’s a bit undercooked, you can grin and pour a little extra syrup over it. If it got left on the stove too long, just scrape off the bottom and … more

1/20/21

Beth and Max (right) enjoy an evening out while with friends in California.

Weekly 150: Max Carlton Manley

While anchored in Alameda, California, near San Francisco, Max and a group of buddies traveled to Richmond. While walking down the street, his sailor cap blew off and landed at the feet of a group of … more

By Jason R. Martin | 1/12/21

Pictorial History of McKenzie: McKenzie High Band, 1948-49

McKenzie High Band, 1948-49. File photo originally published in “A Pictorial History of McKenzie, Tennessee,” by The McKenzie Banner in October 2004. more

1/12/21

Honoring Mrs. Odell Bateman

Vicki Fields could outrun me in elementary school. Ye gads, I got beat by a girl! And here is the really awful part, there was no subterfuge. I didn’t trip or give her a head start. She was … more

1/12/21

Oh! What a Year!

Oh! What a year we’ve had! I believe we are all tired of the “new normal” and know all of us are looking forward to a fresh start with renewed energy, good health, prosperity, and … more

By McKenzie Mayor Jill Holland | 1/5/21

Max Manley (center) with Navy buddies during World War II.

Weekly 150: Max Carlton Manley

When I first started the Weekly 150, it was originally planned to run to the end of the 2019 calendar year. After several humbling emails and letters of appreciation, it was extended another year and … more

By Jason R. Martin | 1/5/21

Pictorial History of McKenzie: Time Capsule Opening

Opening of McKenzie Time Capsule, 1990. File photo originally published in “A Pictorial History of McKenzie, Tennessee,” by The McKenzie Banner in October 2004. more

1/5/21

We Could See Clearly Back Then

Robert Holmes “Yogi” Brewer sat on the porch steps and looked out across Stonewall Street at the late December sun lowering behind the distant trees….. “You reckon next year … more

1/5/21

Richard Manley, Jr. moved from Virginia to North Carolina and in 1805 he came to Tennessee settling near Caledonia.

Weekly 150: The Manley Family (Part I)

Growing up in the south, I imagine every family has certain friends their children feel are surrogate aunts, uncles or grandparents. For me, there was one such person, who to this day, I consider a … more

By Jason R. Martin | 12/29/20

Pictorial History of McKenzie: 16-Inch Snow, 1968

Waldran Street, 16 inch snow, March, 1968. File photo originally published in “A Pictorial History of McKenzie, Tennessee,” by The McKenzie Banner in October 2004. more

12/29/20

Talk About A Real Army!

The man in the wheelchair was having a bit of trouble. He was overloaded with groceries and trying to steer his way among the people and cars back to where I supposed he was parked. Every time he … more

By Kesley Colbert | 12/29/20