Community Focus | The Mckenzie Banner

A $4 milliion gift to Bethel University was given to Bethel University-Tenn. in memory of Vera Low.

Robert Low Donates $4 Million to Bethel University to Celebrate Family Legacy and Love for Education

McKenzie, Tenn. (April 1, 2025) — The administration and students of Bethel University are proud to announce a transformative $4 million gift from philanthropist and businessman, Robert Low and … more

4/1/25

The tornado siren located at the intersection of Eastwood and Paris Avenue.

City Plans to Replace Aging Tornado Sirens

McKENZIE (March 28) — The City of McKenzie’s three aging outdoor sirens are in disrepair with one working consistently and one sporadically. more

By Joel Washburn
washburn@mckenziebanner.com | 4/1/25

Living at Lakeside News

Greetings, how does the saying go? March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb. This refers to the ever-changing weather of the season, and we have surely experienced that here in Carroll County. more

By Sheila Willis | 4/1/25

Local band 24 Seven performed at the Bow Wow at the Barn.

Carroll County Humane Society Hosts Bow Wow at the Barn

McKENZIE (March 22) — The Carroll County Humane Society hosted its annual Bow Wow at the Barn Saturday at The Venue at Waddell Place to raise funds for the non-profit organization’s needs. more

By Brad Sam
brad@mckenziebanner.com | 4/1/25

Rotary Hears about L.I. Smith company during the March 25 meeting. Pictured are Christy Williams, Rotary President; Patrick Smith, President of L.I. Smith; Ashley Horn, Marketing Director of L.I. Smith; and Ricky Price, Rotary Vice-President.

Rotary Members Learn About L.I. Smith

McKENZIE (March 25) — McKenzie Rotary members heard about L.I. Smith, a full-service, integrative engineering and surveying company that provides services to the public and private sectors. more

4/1/25

A group of Bethel students prepare for battle in one of the two laser tag arenas.

WarZone Ax n Tag

WarZone Ax n Tag, located at 12915 US-79, just south of McKenzie, offers endless, affordable fun in a safe, friendly environment. more

By Brad Sam
brad@mckenziebanner.com | 4/1/25

McKenzie Fire Department Offering Free Smoke Detectors

McKENZIE (March 31) — McKenzie residents can now receive free smoke detectors, thanks to a donation from the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office to the McKenzie Fire Department. more

4/1/25

The husband and wife duo, Ken and Amy, work together.

Family Nail Salon Finds a Home

McKENZIE — Ken and his family have been operating their business, Top Nails & Spa, in McKenzie for one year, but their journey started much farther away. more

By Joel Lancaster
jlancaster@mckenziebanner.com | 4/1/25

From (L to R): Nola Hobbs, vice president of the Carroll County Historical Society; Jennifer Waldrup, great-granddaughter of Cpl. Stewart Huffman; and Brent Cox, director of the Gordon Browning Museum, with the new uniform display.

Local Museum Receives Uniform Display

McKENZIE (March 20) — The Carroll County Historical Society and the Gordon Browning Museum recently received a $1,000 museum grant from the Tennessee Society Daughters of the American Revolution. The nomination was made by the Chickasaw Bluff Chapter. more

Courtesy Toni Kee
Carroll County Historical Society | 3/25/25

Brooxie Carlton, Assistant Commissioner of Community and Rural Development, spoke to McKenzie Rotary. Pictured (L to R): Christy Williams, Rotary President; Brooxie Carlton; Tessa Kyle, Business Development Consultant with TNDECD; Monica Heath, McKenzie Industrial Board; and Ricky Price, Rotary Vice-President.

Rotary Rural Development

McKENZIE(March 18) — The McKenzie Rotary Club welcomed Brooxie Carlton, Assistant Commissioner of Community and Rural Development for the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, as its guest speaker on Tuesday. more

3/25/25

Solar Electric Project Continues in Trezevant

TREZEVANT — A large solar array will be providing electricity to Carroll County Electric Department customers. more

3/25/25

Vendors of the women-owned businesses at The Dixie PAC held a ribbon-cutting to kick off the event.

The Dixie Hosts Designing Women Market

HUNTINGDON (March 14-15) — The Dixie Carter Performing and Academic Enrichment Center, along with The Colonial Tea Room and Madi & Co., hosted the Designing Women Curated Market on Friday evening and Saturday afternoon. more

By Brad Sam
brad@mckenziebanner.com | 3/18/25

A full rendering of the Mulberry Soccer Complex through four phases of construction. The total price tag is estimated at $1.8 million over 11+ years.

McKenzie Agrees to Finance Phase I

McKENZIE (March 13) — The McKenzie City Council agreed on Thursday to finance $206,000 of $306,000 for what Mayor Ryan Griffin called Phase I of the Mulberry Soccer Complex. more

By Jason Martin
jmartin@mckenziebanner.com | 3/18/25

(L to R) Pictured are Rotary Vice-President Ricky Price, David Miles and Vice-President-elect Armand Hebert. Miles spoke about the Levi Miles Foundation.

Rotary Hears About Levi Miles Foundation

McKENZIE (February 25) — Members of the Rotary Club of McKenzie heard from guest speaker David Miles of Paris about the Levi Miles Foundation and the work it is performing to assist families and individuals with children who have rare diseases, mobility issues, or those who need specialized equipment to improve their lives. more

3/11/25

McKenzie High School Celebrates Black History

McKENZIE (March 4) — McKenzie High School’s Minority Council hosted its annual Black History Celebration in the school gymnasium, recognizing the contributions of African-Americans locally and nationwide. more

By Joel Lancaster
jlancaster@mckenziebanner.com | 3/11/25

The Coalminers Presented Always Loretta

HUNTINGDON (March 1) — Emily Portman, hand selected by Loretta Lynn herself, offered an authentic tribute to the late Loretta Lynn while singing us a medley of Loretta’s biggest hits - all with Loretta’s original band members on Saturday, March 1 at The Dixie Carter Performing Arts Center in Huntingdon. more

3/4/25

Baptist Carroll County Gets Gold Seal From American College of Radiology

HUNTINGDON (February 26) — The American College of Radiology awarded Baptist Memorial Hospital-Carroll County the gold seal of accreditation, which represents the highest level of imaging quality. more

3/4/25

The Dixie’s Curated Women’s Market Returns

Since 2022, The Dixie has hosted the Designing Women Curated Market, in honor of our leading lady Dixie Carter and her role in “Designing Women.” The event is at the Dixie and three other locations this year. more

3/4/25

Stained Glass Window Installed in Bethel University’s New Chapel

McKENZIE — Bethel University’s campus is expanding with a new 1,058-seat chapel. more

3/4/25

Student speakers and musical performers at the MMS Black History program.

McKenzie Middle Presents Black History Program

McKENZIE (February 25) — McKenzie Middle School presented an exciting, inspiring and informative Black History program Tuesday morning with numerous special guests. more

By Brad Sam
brad@mckenziebanner.com | 3/4/25