Community Focus | The Mckenzie Banner

Bethel University students enjoy the solar eclipse on Monday.

CARROLL COUNTY (April 8) — On Monday, many in North America stopped mid-day to gaze in wonder at the total solar eclipse, a rare event that won’t be visible again from the contiguous United States until August 23, 2044. Carroll Countians experienced 97.9% coverage of the sun. more

By Brittany Martin
brittany@mckenziebanner.com | 4/9/24

Miss McKenzie — Brett Toombs is the 18-year old daughter of Casey and Johnna Toombs. Brett plans to attend the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and pursue a career as a Child Life Specialist.

McKenzie Beauty Review Winners

McKenzie Marching Rebels hosted the annual McKenzie Beauty Reviews on Saturday, April 6 at Bethel University’s Bouldin Auditorium. more

4/9/24

New MHS Football Coach Keith Hodge, his wife, Ashley, and children, Elle and Maddox were welcomed to McKenzie during a reception on Saturday, April 6 at Hometown Hangout. Pictured are members of the McKenzie School Board, Director Justin Barden, and the Hodge family. (L to R) LaShonda Williams, Misty Aird, Justin Barden, Maddox Hodge, Keith Hodge, Ashley Hodge, Elle Hodge, Bobby Young, George Cassidy and Chad Brown.

Coach Hodge Welcomed to McKenzie

McKENZIE (April 6) — Keith Hodge, the new head football coach at McKenzie High School, was welcomed to McKenzie on Saturday, April 6 during an informal meet and greet at Hometown Hangout. more

4/9/24

The first responders and participants in the mock crash.

West Carroll High School Hosts Mock Crash

ATWOOD — West Carroll High School hosted a mock crash illustrating the danger of drunk driving. The event was held in advance of the Junior-Senior Prom to emphasize the impact of irresponsible behavior behind the wheel. more

4/9/24

McKenzie Youth Soccer Kicks Off Season

McKENZIE (April 6) — On Saturday morning, despite cool temperatures, the McKenzie Youth Soccer League kicked off its season. With a full day packed of matches, players, parents, grandparents, fans and food trucks filled the fields adjacent to McKenzie Middle School. The four age groups, 3 to 4, 5 to 7, 8 to 10 and 11 to 14 were excited to start the season. more

4/9/24

Attending the summit from McKenzie were (L to R) Ladona Herrin, Nicole Tippitt, Kelly Spivey, Susan Dyer and Ashley Lowe.

McKenzie School Representatives Attend Education Summit

MARTIN (March 22) — The mental health crisis in schools was discussed during the 2024 West Tennessee Education Summit held Friday, March 8, at the West Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center in Jackson. more

4/2/24

Faith Lynn French and Haizley Mann enjoy the swing ride at the free carnival hosted by Overflow Church, Highland Drive McKenzie.

Overflow Church Hosts Carnival to Celebrate Easter

McKENZIE — Each year on Easter weekend, Overflow Church hosts a celebration for the town by offering a free carnival for children in the area. It is in celebration of the fact that through Jesus’ death on the cross, Jesus defeated death and sin and through his resurrection, He made a way for new life, righteousness and forgiveness, according to the local church. more

4/2/24

Pictured (L to R): Rotary Vice President Christy Williams, Representative David Kustoff and Rotary President Jason R. Martin.

Representative Kustoff Visits McKenzie Rotary

McKENZIE (March 26) — On Tuesday, Congressman David Kustoff of Tennessee’s Eighth Congressional District visited with the McKenzie Rotary Club. He spoke at length on various issues taking place in Washington, D.C. more

4/2/24

Jeremy Pate was honored for 25 Years of Safe Driving by UPS on March 28. He is joined by his family, Lydia, Gina, Emma and Sydney.

Jeremy Pate Honored for 25 Years of Safe Driving

PARIS (March 28) — Jeremy Pate was honored for 25 years of safe driving with United Parcel Service during a brief ceremony at the Paris Tennessee distribution center. Pate, a McKenzie resident, his wife Gina, and girls, Emma, Sydney and Lydia were in attendance. more

By Joel Washburn
washburn@mckenziebanner.com | 4/2/24

The many parts for the playground at the Carroll County Inclusion Park arrived last week on two tractor-trailers. The parts, shown here, will be assembled into various playground equipment.

Playtime is Coming Soon

HUNTINGDON — Playtime for many youngsters is limited because of their personal limited mobilities. Well, there is a new inclusion park headed to Carroll County - slated for the summer of 2024. more

4/2/24

Easter Art Gallery

3/26/24

Preston Caldwell, director of schools, reads to the elementary-aged children during ‘Let’s Glow Read.’

West Carroll Elementary Hosts ‘Let’s Glow Read’

TREZEVANT (March 21) — Teachers and administrators at West Carroll Elementary School in Trezevant hosted ‘Let’s Glow Read’ at the school on Thursday. more

3/26/24

Sherrye Washburn, chairman, along with auctioneers Chance Steed and David Jackson.

Annual Cancer Bake Auction is Underway

CARROLL COUNTY — The annual Carroll County Relay For Life Cancer Bake Auction is underway this week. more

3/26/24

Lori Dillahunty, representing Carroll County Inclusion Park and McKenzie Rotarian Joel Washburn.

Rotarians Hear About Inclusion Park

McKENZIE (March 19) — Lori Dillahunty, chairperson of the Carroll County Inclusion Park, spoke to the Rotary Club of McKenzie on Tuesday, March 19. The non-profit organization is constructing a recreational area for people with limited mobilities and/or sensory issues. more

3/26/24

The photo shows contractors replacing the sidewalks along Broadway.

Construction Continues in Downtown McKenzie

McKENZIE — Construction of sidewalks and new decorative lighting continues in downtown McKenzie. more

3/26/24

Approximately 2,000 of the eggs were dropped from a helicopter as the eager hunters of eggs awaited their turn.

Third Annual McKenzie Chamber Egg Hunt was Great Success

McKenzie (March 23) — McKenzie City Park was filled with excitement as children from throughout West Tennessee gathered for the third annual McKenzie Chamber of Commerce’s Easter Egg Drop. more

3/26/24

(L to R): Christy Williams, Rotary President Jason R. Martin and Titans Announcer Mike Keith.

The Voice of the Titans Visits Rotary

McKENZIE (March 12) — The McKenzie Rotary Club had Mike Keith, the Voice of the Titans, at its program on Tuesday. Keith spoke about his time with the Titans and working in the NFL. more

3/19/24

Niece’s Collection — T. J. Heard of Jackson shows Huntingdon Mayor Nina Smothers some of the homemade jewelry offered by the shop.

The Dixie Hosts Third Annual Designing Womens Curated Market

HUNTINGDON (March 15) — Downtown Huntingdon was filled as ladies shopped the third annual Dixie Carter Designing Women Curated Market on Friday, March 15 and Saturday, March 16. more

3/19/24

Optometry Field is Changing

Dr. Brooke Spivey spoke to the McKenzie Rotary Club about the innovative changes occurring in the field of optometry. more

3/19/24

Waddell Clinic Primary Care and Aesthetics held its grand opening on March 15 in Henry. Donna Waddell cuts the ribbon as associates, friends and family look on.

Waddell Clinic Opens in Henry

HENRY (March 15) — Waddell Clinic Primary Care and Aesthetics opened its new clinic in Henry on Friday, March 15 and held a grand opening and ribbon cutting at 3 p.m. to great fanfare. more

3/19/24