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December 2022 Unemployment Map for Tennessee

NASHVILLE (December 2022) — The unemployment percentage declined in the tri-county area of Carroll, Henry, and Weakley counties for December 2022 compared to November 2022.The tri-county area … more

1/31/23

Two Bound to Grand Jury on Murder Charges

Two persons were bound over to the April term of the Weakley County Grand Jury following a preliminary hearing in Weakley County General Sessions Court on Wednesday, January 25. The murder occurred on July 10 in Weakley County near McKenzie. more

1/31/23

Huntingdon Approves $1.3 Million Loan for Sewer Improvements

HUNTINGDON (January 24) — The Town of Huntingdon approved a $1.3 million loan for sewer improvements during the January 24 meeting of the Huntingdon Mayor and Council. Much of the funds are to provide additional wastewater services to the Carroll County 1000-Acre Recreation Lake. more

By Joel Washburn
washburn@mckenziebanner.com | 1/31/23

McKenzie School Board to Consider Naming Football Stadium

McKENZIE — Wade Comer Stadium is the proposed name for the unnamed McKenzie High School Football Stadium, located behind the McKenzie Middle School. more

1/31/23

Watershed Authority Members and Support People — The operation of the lake and its management and support included the people pictured and others. (L to R): Chamber President Brad Hurley, Board Member Joe Smothers, Huntingdon Mayor Nina Smothers, Huntingdon City Recorder Kim Carter; Board Chairman Natalie Porter; County Clerk Darlene Kirk; Former County Mayor Kenny McBride; County Mayor Joseph Butler and Board Member Brad Chappell.

The Dream of A Lake is Complete, the Tax is Gone

HUNTINGDON (January 26) — Skeptics said it would never happened. Well it did and now the Carroll County 1000-Acre Recreation Lake is fulfilling the goals - recreation, flood control, and economic development. more

1/31/23

Karen Knotts, daughter of Don Knotts tells of her father’s career and being the daughter of the beloved actor. Karen is pictured in the foreground with her father in the background working as a ventriloquist.

Karen Knotts Relives the Iconic Career of Don Knotts

McKENZIE (January 28) — Don Knotts started his famed career performing as a ventriloquist, then as a voice actor and then moved to movies. more

1/31/23

Talk About An ‘Open-Book’ Policy!

I have a serious announcement to make this morning. And I would appreciate it if you would gather around a little closer and give me your full and undivided attention. more

By Kesley Colbert | 1/31/23

Dominic Jones, of Atwood Tennessee was arrested on drug charges in Milan, Tenn.

Atwood Man Arrested in Milan on Drug Charges

MILAN (January 26) - Drug Task Force Director Johnie Carter says an Atwood man is in custody after he assaulted Agents during his arrest on felony drug charges last Thursday afternoon … more

1/31/23

Carroll County Electric's demand during the Christmas week storm in 2022. The dotted line is normal demand while the solid line represents the actual demand.

Carroll County Electric Directors Hear Winter Storm Update

by Joel Washburnwashburn@mckenziebanner.com HUNTINGDON (January 26) — Despite the sudden unprecedented demand on the local Carroll County Electric Department’s grid, the system … more

By Joel Washburn
washburn@mckenziebanner.com | 1/31/23

University of Tennessee - Martin Chancellor Keith Carver is leaving to work at the UT Institute of Agriculture.

Chancellor Keith Carver is Leaving UT-Martin

KNOXVILLE (January 26, 2023) – University of Tennessee System President Randy Boyd and University of Tennessee, Knoxville Chancellor Donde Plowman announced leadership transitions today at the … more

1/27/23

Lori Dillahunty (foreground) and Wendy Jones, representatives of the proposed Carroll County Inclusion Park, spoke to Huntingdon Mayor and Council concerning the progress of the proposed park.

Proposed Inclusion Park Provides Play Opportunities for All Children

HUNTINGDON (January 24) — Playtime is not the same for all children. For some, it is running, jumping, playing ball, or climbing. However, some children are excluded because the playground … more

1/26/23

Don Knotts’ Daughter Karen To Perform in McKenzie

McKENZIE — Karen Knotts, daughter of the famed Don Knotts is performing her show “Tied Up in Knotts” at the McKenzie Park Theatre on January 28, 2 p.m. more

1/24/23

Gov. Lee Delivers Second Inaugural Speech ‘Tennessee: Leading the Nation’

NASHVILLE (January 21) — Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee addressed Tennesseans during his second inauguration at 11 a.m. CT on Legislative Plaza. His remarks as prepared for delivery are below: more

1/24/23

Huntingdon School Board Extends Director’s Contract

HUNTINGDON (January 18) — The contract of Dr. Jonathan Kee, director of schools, was extended by unanimous vote by the Huntingdon Special School District Board of Education on January 18. Dr. Kee’s contract now extends to June 30, 2025, after the one-year extension. more

By Joel Washburn
washburn@mckenziebanner.com | 1/24/23

Sheriff Andy Dickson and Sergeant Dwayne Tordsen explain about the new Evidence-Based Re-Entry Program for inmates.

County to Start Inmate Re-Entry Program

HUNTINGDON (January 19) — Carroll County will soon implement a program to help jail inmates to successfully return to society after completing their jail terms. It is called Evidence-Based Re-Entry Program. more

By Joel Washburn
washburn@mckenziebanner.com | 1/24/23

Carl Perkins (center) with his band. Perkins wrote and recorded Blue Suede Shoes for Sun Records, their first million copy seller.

Weekly 150: Go, Cat, Go!

After several weeks of doing some of the most interesting research I’ve done, I decided it was time to take a little more light-hearted approach this week. The story of Carl Perkins is one of a sharecropper’s son who made it to Memphis and into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Much of what I’m sharing today comes from author Rose Clayton Phillips. more

By Jason Martin
jmartin@mckenziebanner.com | 1/24/23

Citizens of McKenzie Special School District

The McKenzie Special School District join school districts throughout the state to salute their local education leaders during Tennessee’s annual School Board Appreciation Week January 22-28, 2023. more

1/24/23

Luke Figures Out Mind Boggling Mystery

We were sitting in a local restaurant over the Christmas holidays. All of us! I was enjoying having the entire family together. It is a rare occasion when Josh, Jesse and their respective clans all come at once. more

By Kesley Colbert | 1/24/23

Public Invited to Attend Governor Lee's Second Inauguration

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennesseans are invited to join the inaugural ceremony and worship service for Tennessee Governor Bill Lee’s second inauguration on January 21, … more

1/19/23

Sick Raccoons Reported in West Tennessee

JACKSON, Tenn. (January 18, 2023) - The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency has received numerous reports of sick raccoons with symptoms consistent with rabies or canine distemper infections. Members … more

1/18/23