WASHINGTON, DC — The United States Postal Service announced today that it has delivered more than 270 million COVID-19 test kits to American households as part of President Biden’s plan to distribute free at-home tests to Americans for free. The Postal Service reported over 68 million test kit packages (with four tests per kit) have been shipped to American households across all states, Tribes and territories; each package contains four individual test kits. On average, it takes just 1.2 days for the Postal Service to deliver a test kit package once it has been received from the manufacturer, kitted and entered into the mailstream. On Tuesday, Feb. 22, the Postal Service delivered over 6 million COVID-19 test kit packages — the highest single day volume delivered since shipping began at the end of January. “There are few assignments the Postal Service has received that better exemplify our public service mission than the request of the Biden Administration to deliver America’s COVID-19 test kits,” said Postmaster General and Chief Executive Officer Lou more

NASHVILLE — Gov. Bill Lee and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) Commissioner David Salyers today announced a $2 million loan for the Town of Huntingdon to improve water infrastructure. more

McKENZIE (December 14) — McKenzie Mayor and Council appointed a new water superintendent and four members to the McKenzie Industrial Development Corporation Board of Directors. more

GLEASON (December 16) — The Gleason Lady Bulldogs’ 1999 state champions were honored on the 25th anniversary year of the year. The cheerleaders, coaches, and booster club president were also recognized during the event between the Lady Bulldogs’ and Bulldogs’ game versus Bradford. 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

NASHVILLE (December 14) — Nearly 190 Soldiers from the Tennessee National Guard’s 730th Composite Supply Company returned to Tennessee after a successful ten-month deployment overseas, December 14. more

I didn’t see it by accident. It was right in the front window. On the top shelf! I did a quadruple take and eased up on my tiptoes to get a better look. And stuck my nose to the glass…. more

Few holiday traditions can boast the enduring legacy impact of Tennessee’s Santa Train. Originating in 1943 as a goodwill gesture by the Louisville and Nashville Railroad, this annual event has become a beacon of festive cheer, winding its way through the landscapes of Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia for over seven decades. more

So this may come as a surprise to some or maybe no one at all but Brenda Lee, age 79, has been at the #1 spot on Billboard’s chart for the second week in a row. “Rocking Around the Christmas Tree” was originally cut in 1958, when she was 13 years old. more

McKENZIE, Tenn. (December 12, 2023) —The Bethel University Board of Trustees Presidential Search Committee announced the three finalists in its search for the University’s next president. … more

McKENZIE (December 9) — On Saturday, Hometown Health Clinic hosted the free community event “A Very Merry Hometown Christmas” and held a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the opening of its newly renovated pediatric center. The event provided children with a chance to get their last-minute gift requests into Santa Claus along with a petting zoo, gift shoppe, a food truck and giveaways to Santa’s lucky little ones. more

The City of McKenzie Board of Mayor and Council meets Thursday, December 14, to approve four appointments to the McKenzie Industrial Board. Those include the reappointment of Ricky Price (2 year term) and the appointment of six year terms to Mark Anderson II, Chuck Sisson and John Wright. Also up for discussion and approval is the recommendation of Earnest Umstead to the position of Water/Sewer Department Supervisor. If approved, Umstead’s promotion will take effect January 1, 2024 with the retirement of Billy Wood. more

HUNTINGDON — Huntingdon annual Christmas Parade is rescheduled to Saturday, December 16 at 6 p.m. in the downtown area. It was originally scheduled for December 9, however, severe weather was predicted and the city leaders correctly chose to delay the event. more

McKENZIE (December 9) — Eddie L. Shaw, 40, Cedar Street, McKenzie and Jaclyn N. Dodd, 32, McDonald Avenue, McKenzie, were charged with several drug charges after a traffic stop due to a display of registration violation. more

ATWOOD (December 7) — Students, faculty, and staff of West Carroll now have a medical clinic on campus, thanks to an agreement with Evans Clinic of Huntingdon. The contractual arrangement provides for a medical practitioner to visit the three campuses each Tuesday to serve the people at West Carroll schools. more

McKENZIE (December 5) — Nine teachers in the McKenzie Special School District were granted tenure during the December 5 meeting of the school board. more

McKENZIE (December 7) — A two-car collision at the intersection of State Route 22 and Connie Allen Road sent one of the drivers to the hospital via air ambulance. more

DRESDEN (December 9, 2023) — On Saturday, one day shy of the two-year anniversary of the long track EF-3 tornado that churned through the heart of downtown Dresden, residents found themselves … more

HUNTINGDON (December 6) — Baptist Memorial Hospital-Carroll County has received a 2023 Performance Leadership Award for excellence in outcomes and quality. more

The very best thing about December is it comes around every year. Like clockwork! And you don’t have to “Deck the halls with boughs of holly” to enjoy it. You don’t have to find a pony under the tree every year; or, as you get older, wake up to a brand new red Mercedes Benz sitting in your driveway. more