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Paul Carroll with Tennessee Governor Buford Ellington. Carroll was an active Democrat and served as a magistrate/commissioner for Carroll County for over 25 years.

The Great Depression and World War II molded the group known as the Greatest Generation. They are the parents of the “Baby Boomers” and are the children of the “Lost … more

By Jason Martin
jmartin@mckenziebanner.com | 6/30/20

Pictorial History of McKenzie: Richardson's

Mr. and Mrs. Wendell Richardson Owned and Operated Richardson’s, a department store, for many years. They are shown here in the early 1980’s when the store closed. File photo originally … more

6/30/20

Everybody Needs An Independence Day

We ain’t playing baseball. We’ve postponed the basketball season. We’ve stopped ice hockey for goodness sakes! You can watch golf on TV but you can’t be there in person. Whew, … more

By Kesley Colbert
kesley45@aol.com | 6/30/20

Oscar Raye Owen was active in the McKenzie community serving as treasurer of the McKenzie club for many years.

Weekly 150: Oscar Raye Owen

As the McKenzie Rotary Club year of 2019-2020 comes to a close, I can’t help but think of all the leaders the club has had over the years. One name stands out among the rest, Oscar Owen. He was … more

By Jason Martin
jmartin@mckenziebanner.com | 6/23/20

Pictorial History of McKenzie: Hotel McKenzie

Hotel McKenzie, corner of Main and Cedar, Downtown McKenzie, 1940s. File photo originally published in “A Pictorial History of McKenzie, Tennessee,” by The McKenzie Banner in October … more

6/23/20

Talk About Flying Over The Cuckoo’s Nest!

I’m telling you, your mind can stray if kept indoors too long. This quarantine stuff could lead us into some dangerous health issues or even worse…bad habits!Like over thinking the … more

By Kesley Colbert
kesley45@aol.com | 6/23/20

James “Bird Dog” Reed worked his final auction in 2018 near Pilgrim’s Rest Church near Christmasville.

Weekly 150: James ‘Bird Dog’ Reed

The vocal grace and ease of an auctioneer have always been a fascination of mine. Reed’s Auction Company is a logo ingrained in my memory. At a young age, I remember standing with the granddad … more

By Jason Martin
jmartin@mckenziebanner.com | 6/16/20

Pictorial History of McKenzie: The Golden Rule

The Golden Rule, an old-time five and dime store located on Broadway in Downtown McKenzie is pictured here in the late 1950s. File photo originally published in “A Pictorial History of … more

6/16/20

. . . and Justice for All

It is almost the Fourth of July. Do we need to ask ourselves the following questions? Who are we?What do we believe? When we were in elementary school did we learn the following Pledge? “I … more

6/16/20

‘Be Good…And Do Right’

My first father figure was…my Father.He didn’t say a lot. Lecturing wasn’t in his nature. He didn’t see every other happenstance in life as a “teaching” moment. … more

By Kesley Colbert
kesley45@aol.com | 6/16/20

Otis and Thelma Cox were long time educators in Carroll County

Thelma and Otis Cox

Thelma Kee was born to Ken Kee and Eunie Pinkley Kee on January 14, 1908, on a farm in Yuma just outside of Clarksburg, Tennessee. She had two brothers, Ray and Ben, Jr.Growing up on a farm, she was … more

By Jason Martin
jmartin@mckenziebanner.com | 6/9/20

Concerned About Hog Barns

As a concerned citizen of Big Buck Community, I am opposed to the construction of two wean-to-finish hog barns on Bright Road off Renfroe Road in Huntingdon, Carroll County. I am writing this from … more

6/9/20

The Issue About Police, Guns

There are no laws which properly cover the prosecution of police officers, and it would be very difficult to create laws which could.Police are protected by the fact (ideally) that they act at the … more

6/9/20

Here’s One For The Birds

There are some things you just cannot “get back” in life; a special moment; a sterling recompense; a meaningful crossroads; a light bulb awakening; an occasion that eclipses all … more

6/9/20

Concerns About Proposed Hog Barn

Mr. John Reeder Austin purchased a little over 100 acres in 2018 in a small community known as Big Buck in Huntingdon. The property lies between Bright Road and Pearle Lane with Renfro being the … more

6/2/20

It’s Worse Than Kissing Your Sister!

Two things are becoming crystal clear as we muddle our way through this pandemic mess. Both have to do with how we are governed. Neither one is very comforting. And, really, deep down, in the honest … more

By Kesley Colbert
kesley45@aol.com | 6/2/20

Pictorial History of McKenzie: City Council, 1994

McKenzie City Council, 1994 — Seated (L to R): Atty. Kent Jones, Mayor Bob Putman and City Clerk Jane Thompson. Standing (L to R): Billy Vawter, Dennis R. Coleman, J. R. McDonald, Dan … more

6/2/20

The Sound Of Silence

Dr. Joseph Warren peered down the hill. The entire city of Boston was teeming with Redcoats. I can not imagine what was going through his head. Or his heart….The fledging Provincial Congress … more

By Kesley Colbert
kesley45@aol.com | 5/28/20

Pictorial History of McKenzie: McTyiere Institute

McTyiere Institute located on McTyiere St. was McKenzie’s first educational institution, coming to McKenzie from Caledonia in 1867 before there was a public school and before Bethel College … more

5/28/20

Ben Harmon Seeks Chancellor’s Seat

SAVANNAH — Ben Harmon is working hard to become the next chancellor for the 24th Judicial District. This district includes Carroll, Henry, Benton, Decatur and Hardin counties. Harmon says … more

5/19/20