My journey continues in the news business, despite the speculation that I retired. Yes, it is true, I sold the newspaper and printing business to my daughter, Brittany and her husband, Jason R. Martin. That was October 1, 2023. They operate the only home-owned media company in Carroll County. I continue as the news editor and publisher emeritus. more

My first wife has left me….again. This time for a whole week! She was thoughtful enough to leave a pan of her world famous lasagna. She also cooked a passel of hamburgers so all I’ve got to do is heat them in the microwave. more

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

McKENZIE (February 8) — The naming of the school’s football stadium in honor of Coach Wade Comer was postponed by the McKenzie Special School District Board of Education in the February 8 meeting. more

HUNTINGDON (March 13) — The Carroll County Commission met Monday at the Carroll County Complex with a light agenda. The Commission adopted Resolution 3-02-2023 to pledge $500,000 of American Rescue Plan Act Funds for maintenance, repair and improvements to the Carroll County Office Complex. The $500,000 for the Carroll County Office Complex for maintenance, repair and improvements would include, but are not limited to, ADA (The Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant facility entrances and exits, ADA compliance in bathrooms, new flooring, interior painting, exterior painting and cleanup. more

HUNTINGDON (May 4) — An investigation by the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office and Carroll County Sheriff’s Department resulted in the indictments of William “Lin” and Malisa “Lisa” Smith, who served respectively as the fire chief and treasurer for the Carroll County Volunteer Fire Department District 8 – Mixie station. William serves as an elected member of the Carroll County Commission. more

McKENZIE (September 11) — With the passage of Tennessee House Bill 0938, Holland Farms, located in McKenzie along Carroll Street, which is the residence of former McKenzie Mayor Jill Holland, has requested through a petition to begin the de-annexation process. The bill, passed in April 2023, in essence allows for the de-annexation of agricultural property meeting certain guidelines. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 6, Chapter 51, relative to municipal boundaries. more

REAGAN (September 15) — On Friday night, McKenzie High School Football Head Coach Wade Comer picked up his 200th win as a head coach. What is even more remarkable is that all the wins come from his tenure at McKenzie High School. more

Christmas is less than a week away! Christmas and New Year’s fall on Mondays this year. Our normal deadline and press time are on Monday, which means early deadlines for the next two editions. The deadline for the December 26 edition is Friday, December 22 at NOON. Deadline for the January 2 edition is Friday, December 29 at NOON. The Banner office will be closed on Monday, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Thank you for allowing our staff this time with their families. more

Last week, I started the trek through the 1970 archive book. As I went deeper and deeper, it was amazing to see so many faces that helped make McKenzie great. more

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

JACKSON (February 7) — Southwest Tennessee Development District announces Jill Holland as its Local Government and Special Projects Coordinator. more

The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office has received three reports of scammers calling citizens from 731-418-6093. The phone number used is not affiliated with Carroll County Sheriff’s Office. Please do not call this number. The scammer is claiming to be Kris Taylor from the Sheriff’s Office. The caller is telling people they have missed court and have a Failure to Appear warrant. The scammer will tell them to come to the jail or make a payment over the phone. more

McKENZIE — Bethel University’s 2023 nursing class achieved a 100 percent first-time pass rate on the NCLEX exam for nursing licensure. The 14 students in the class graduated May 6, 2023, … more

HUNTINGDON (September 9) — The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life fund-raising event was held Saturday after a three-year absence due to the COVID pandemic. The scaled-down event was a good start to reinvigorate the event that once raised significant funds for the eradication of cancer. more

It is time once again to celebrate Huntingdon Heritage Day Festival with the Town of Huntingdon. On Saturday, September 23, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., all are invited to Huntingdon’s historic Court Square to join this free all-day special event honoring the rich history of Carroll County and its county seat, Huntingdon. more

My name is Virginia “Ginger” House and I am asking for your vote for Carroll County Commissioner for District 7. more

The recent series of earthquakes in Mexico got me thinking about the New Madrid Earthquakes of 1811-1812. For those unfamiliar with the New Madrid Earthquakes, these were a set of three earthquakes and aftershocks that led to the natural creation of Reelfoot Lake in Lake and Obion counties. more

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

McKENZIE (February 9) — During the February meeting of the McKenzie City Council, on the first reading, the legislative body voted in favor of Ordinance #550 amending the text of McKenzie’s Zoning Ordinance Chapter 9, “Provisions Governing Industrial Districts”, Section 11-902 to include general merchandise in M-2 district (heavy industrial districts). This would allow for a proposed store like Dollar General to operate near the intersection of Highway 22 and University Drive. Once the second reading of Ordinance #550 is approved, the Dollar General developers will go back before the McKenzie Regional Planning Commission and present their design and other aspects to the commission before they begin construction. more