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A Tribute to Black History 2025

Posted

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In this issue

  • IN THIS EDITION: A Tribute to Black History

    Tuesday, February 25

    In This Week's Edition The McKenzie Banner pays tribute to Black residents who have made a difference in the area. This edition features interviews from William "Junior" Milam, Sharon Oglesby, Willie Oglesby Jr., Tara Tansil-Gentry, Daisy Nolen Dudley, James Hunt, Charlie Scates, Kim Bell Webb, John D. Williams, Ike Gilbert, and Karlene Brown.

  • McKenzie Banner February 25, 2025

    Tuesday, February 25

  • Gasoline Prices Decline During Week

    Tuesday, February 25

    TENNESSEE (February 24) — Average gasoline prices in Tennessee declined 7.8 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $2.69/g today, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 3,821 stations in Tennessee.

  • Kustoff Introduces Rural Health Innovation Act

    Tuesday, February 25

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Reps. David Kustoff (R-TN) and Chris Pappas (D-NH) recently introduced, H.R.1480, the Rural Health Innovation Act in the House of Representatives.

  • TDOT Launches Pothole Repair After Floods, Winter Storm

    Tuesday, February 25

    NASHVILLE — The recent heavy rains and winter weather have created an abundance of potholes along interstates and state routes. The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has already enacted its statewide effort using all available resources, including contractors, to repair the damaged areas as quickly as possible.

  • State Announces Funding for Rural Healthcare Initiatives

    Tuesday, February 25

    NASHVILLE (February 24) — The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD) has awarded $10.7 million in grant funding to support rural healthcare initiatives across the state.

  • State Launches Educator Survey

    Tuesday, February 25

    NASHVILLE (February 24) — Today, the Tennessee Department of Education and the Tennessee Education Research Alliance (TERA) at Vanderbilt University launched the 2025 Tennessee Educator Survey.

  • Anders Osborne Performs at The Dixie

    Tuesday, February 25

    HUNTINGDON (February 22) — Renowned singer-songwriter and guitarist Anders Osborne took the stage at The Dixie Carter Performing Arts Center as part of their 2025 Performance Series. The performance was Saturday, February 22 and offered a dynamic night of blues, as Osborne’s soulful music resonated with fans old and new.

  • Rotary Hears About Bethel SGA Project

    Tuesday, February 25

    McKENZIE (February 18)— MaKenzie Harden, a member of the Bethel University Student Government Association Cabinet (SGA), was the speaker at the February 18 meeting of the Rotary Club of McKenzie.

  • Heart Health Luncheon Held at Baptist-Carroll County

    Tuesday, February 25

    HUNTINGDON (February 21) — February is Heart Month. It is a time to raise awareness about heart disease, the leading cause of death in the world. During Heart Month, organizations and individuals focus on promoting heart health by providing information, resources, and events to encourage healthy lifestyle choices.

  • Wolfe Hired as HCHS Head Football Coach

    Tuesday, February 25

    Henry County High School has announced the hiring of Coach Josh Wolfe as the head football coach. A familiar face to the Patriot family, Coach Wolfe previously served as an assistant coach with the program.

  • The Dixie Carter PAC Hosts NWTN’s Inaugural Cornerstone Tourism Awards

    Tuesday, February 25

    The Dixie Carter Performing Arts Center has partnered with the Northwest Tennessee Tourism Association (NWTN Tourism) to announce the launch of NWTN’s Inaugural Cornerstone Tourism Awards, an event dedicated to celebrating excellence in tourism across Northwest Tennessee.

  • Living at Lakeside News

    Tuesday, February 25

    Greetings, On February first we got ahead of Punxsutawney Phil with our own Groundhog Day Predictions.

  • McKenzie School Board Agenda

    Tuesday, February 25

    McKenzie Board of Education convenes Tuesday, March 4, 5:30 p.m. at the Board of Education office on Bell Avenue.

  • County Health Department to Offer Telehealth

    Tuesday, February 25

    HUNTINGDON (February 18) — Telehealth appointments are now available at the Carroll County Health Department and other local health departments in Tennessee. Appointments are quick and convenient. These appointments can often be same day allowing the patient to see the provider from the comfort of home.

  • Darby, Stevens Speak at Henry County Forum

    Tuesday, February 25

    PARIS (February 21) — State Senator John Stevens and State Representative Tandy Darby were the featured speakers at a Henry County forum sponsored by the Paris-Henry County Industrial Committee.

  • Flooding, Winter Storm Kingston Bring Severe Weather to Tri-County Area

    Tuesday, February 25

    The tri-county area faced a week of extreme weather, beginning with heavy rainfall and flooding on February 15-16, followed by Winter Storm Kingston bringing snow, ice, power outages, and dangerous road conditions from February 18-21.

  • Accident During Winter Storm Leads to Fatality

    Tuesday, February 25

    McKENZIE (February 19) — One person was killed in a two-car accident on Wednesday, February 19 on State Route 22 just north of McKenzie near the intersection of Tumbling Creek Road on a snowy morning.

  • Ike Gilbert: Preserving the History of Webb School

    Tuesday, February 25

    For decades, Ike Gilbert has worked to ensure that the legacy of Webb School remains alive. As a leader in the Webb School Alumni Association, he has dedicated himself to preserving the memory of the historic Black school in McKenzie.

  • James Hunt: Carrying the Spirit of Webb High School

    Tuesday, February 25

    James Hunt grew up knowing that success meant hard work. At Webb High School, that belief was reinforced daily—by strict teachers, high expectations, and the understanding that nothing would come easy.

  • Charlie Scates: A Teacher’s Impact, A School’s History

    Tuesday, February 25

    Charles “Charlie” Scates has dedicated much of his life to education, both as a student and as a teacher. A native of Trezevant, he attended Webb High School, graduating in 1959.

  • The Lasting Legacy of Daisy Nolen Dudley

    Tuesday, February 25

    Daisy Nolen Dudley, a 1957 graduate of Webb High School, has left an indelible mark on the McKenzie community through her decades of service as an educator.

  • Willie Oglesby Jr.: On the Front Line of Integration

    Tuesday, February 25

    Desegregation began in McKenzie schools in the fall of 1965 when a small number of black students in each grade were selected to transfer from Webb School to McKenzie public schools.

  • Tara Tansil-Gentry: Hall of Famer, Coach, Educator

    Tuesday, February 25

    Tara Tansil-Gentry has built a life of excellence on the court, in the classroom, and within the community. From a standout basketball career to shaping future educators at the University of Tennessee at Martin (UTM), her journey is one of dedication, adaptability, and a deep-rooted passion for service.

  • Karlene Brown: From Champion on the Field to Champion in Her Field

    Tuesday, February 25

    The melting pot that is America offers opportunities to those willing to seize them, but sometimes, what America gets out of the exchange is even more valuable.

  • John D. Williams: A Life Shaped by Webb High School

    Tuesday, February 25

    When John D. Williams looks back on his years at Webb High School, he doesn’t just think about textbooks and lessons. He remembers the guidance, discipline, and sense of purpose that shaped his future.

  • Kim Bell Webb: A Lifetime of Serving Others

    Tuesday, February 25

    Service is second nature to Kim Bell Webb. Whether providing school supplies for children, delivering Thanksgiving meals to families in need, or organizing breast cancer awareness events, her work in the community is constant.

  • Sharon Oglesby: A Pioneer of Acceptance

    Tuesday, February 25

    In the fall of 1965, desegregation began in McKenzie schools. A handful of black students in each grade were selected to transfer from Webb School to McKenzie public schools.

  • William Milam Jr.: A Profile in Service

    Tuesday, February 25

    William Milam, Jr., better known as “Junior,” has dedicated his life to service, both to community and to country. It’s a trait he attributes directly to an act of kindness he experienced in the wake of a tragedy at a young age.

  • Calendar 2-25-25

    Tuesday, February 25

    Black History Program at Webb School Carroll County Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration Committee presents a Black History Celebration Saturday, March 1 at 2 p.m. at Webb School in McKenzie.

  • Separating the Plastic From the Genuine Article

    Tuesday, February 25

    Melba Montgomery died in January. She was my second favorite all-time female country music singer. George Strait has semi-retired. Alan Jackson is battling health issues. I’m telling you, as real country singers go, Gene Watson and Moe Bandy are about all we have left.

  • ‘Thy will be done’

    Tuesday, February 25

    Out of all the many things I prayed, it was the one phrase I kept buttoned up.

  • A Reader’s Response to the Water Issue in Trezevant

    Tuesday, February 25

    So Trezevant needs a $6 million dollar upgrade to their water system (The McKenzie Banner, 2/18/25). How are they going to pay for it? Well, they are raising their rates so they can get a match for “a federal grant.” Their consultant wants engineers to get working and “start applying for federal funding.”

  • Recipes 2-25-25

    Tuesday, February 25

    Taco Soup 1 pound ground beef 1 onion, chopped 1 package ranch-style dressing mix 1 package taco seasoning mix

  • Lady Bulldogs Edge Lake County in First Round

    Tuesday, February 25

    GLEASON (February 17) — The Gleason High School Lady Bulldogs hosted Lake County Monday for the first round of the District 14A Girls Basketball Tournament. The tight contest went down to the wire as the Lady Bulldogs claimed a 39-27 win to advance to the semifinals.

  • Lady Bulldogs Fall to Dresden in Semifinal

    Tuesday, February 25

    McKENZIE (February 22) — The Gleason High School Lady Bulldogs faced the top-seed Dresden Lady Lions Saturday in a District 14A Girls Basketball Tournament semifinal at Bethel University’s Crisp Arena.

  • Lady Rebels Handle Houston County, Advance to Championship

    Tuesday, February 25

    McKENZIE (February 17) — The McKenzie High School Lady Rebels hosted Houston County Monday for a District 12A Girls Basketball Tournament semifinal contest. The Lady Rebels dominated the second quarter and coasted to a 48-31 win and a spot in the championship game.

  • Fillies Finish as Runner-Up, Mustangs Advance to Title Game

    Tuesday, February 25

    DOVER — The District 12AA tournament continues at press time as snow has pushed the four-school tournament back by two days.

  • District Tournaments Continue After Delays

    Tuesday, February 25

    Area high school basketball teams saw district tournaments disrupted by winter weather last week. Some districts have since completed their tournaments, but others are still in process. Region tournament schedules had not been released as of The Banner’s press deadline.

  • Carroll County Sheriff’s Reports

    Tuesday, February 25

    Burglary/Breaking and Entering — On February 20, two victims reported their home being broken into on Jessie Lane in Huntingdon.

  • Property Transfers

    Tuesday, February 25

    Brenda Marie Joins to Michael Lee Robertson in District 22.

  • Huntingdon Police Reports

    Tuesday, February 25

    Burglary — On February 4, Sgt. Tony King responded to a call of burglary in progress at Sonic in Huntingdon. An employee was watching the store video from another location. As an entry was made the subject was hidden in the office.

  • McKenzie Police Reports

    Tuesday, February 25

    Meth, Criminal Impersonation — Two subjects were arrested after a traffic stop on February 21.

  • Marriage License

    Tuesday, February 25

    Paisley Nell Coffman, 19, of Lavinia, to Malachi Richard Allen, 23, of Lavinia.

  • Lady War Eagles Top Clarksburg in First Round

    Tuesday, February 25

    CLARKSBURG (February 17) — The Clarksburg High School Lady Rockets hosted West Carroll Monday in the first round of the District 13A Girls Basketball Tournament. Clarksburg had the lead early, but the Lady War Eagles took control and pulled away in the fourth quarter for a 64-44 victory and a spot in the semifinals.

  • Rebels Fall to Houston County in Semifinal

    Tuesday, February 25

    ERIN (February 22) — The McKenzie Rebels traveled to Houston County High School Saturday for a District 12A Boys Basketball Tournament semifinal. The game was tied after three quarters, but the Fighting Irish pulled away in the fourth for a 65-51 win and a spot in the championship game. The Rebels will play in the consolation game.

  • NOTICE McKenzie Water Customers

    Tuesday, February 25

  • Notice to Creditors - WENTWORTH

    Tuesday, February 25