News | The Mckenzie Banner

Keli McAlister with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation speaks to reporters as Carroll County Sheriff Andy Dickson, Public Safety Director Walter Smothers, and McKenzie Chief Ryan White await their turn to speak to reporters.

Massive Undercover Drug Operation Nets Numerous Arrests

HUNTINGDON (January 10) — Carroll County Jail was filled to capacity after an undercover operation spanning 15 months into the sale of illicit drugs throughout Carroll County has resulted in the indictment and arrest of dozens of individuals. more

1/17/23

Bethel Scholarship Established in Memory of Dale Kelley

Bethel Senior Director of Athletics, Brad Chappell said, “Student-athletes will benefit from this fund for as long as Bethel exists. more

1/10/23

Patrick Willis and high school coach Rod Sturdivant.

Willis is a Finalist for NFL Hall of Fame

The Pro Football Hall of Fame revealed the modern-era finalists for the Class of 2023 on Wednesday, highlighted by three players who made the cut in their first year of eligibility: defensive end Dwight Freeney, cornerback Darrelle Revis and left tackle Joe Thomas. Among list of NFL standouts is Carroll County native Patrick Willis. more

1/10/23

West Carroll Elementary School flooded on December 26 from a burst water pipe.

West Carroll Elementary Floods During Winter Freeze

TREZEVANT — One West Carroll school flooded from a burst water pipe and problems at another school were narrowly adverted over the Christmas holiday. more

By Joel Washburn
washburn@mckenziebanner.com | 1/10/23

Earth-moving equipment is preparing the site of the new multi-purpose building on the campus of McKenzie High School.

Construction Begins on MHS Multi-Purpose Facility

McKENZIE — Construction for a new multi-purpose sports and physical education facility began December 1 at McKenzie High School. Immediately as the MHS football team departed the school en route to Chattanooga for the championship game, earth-moving equipment excavated the football practice field and started construction of a new multi-purpose building. more

By Joel Washburn
washburn@mckenziebanner.com | 1/10/23

The steel is being erected for the new chapel on the McKenzie campus of Bethel University.

New 1,058-Seat Chapel is Under Construction at Bethel University

McKENZIE (January 2022) — The steel is being erected on Bethel University’s new chapel adjacent to the Vera Low Center for Student Enrichment. more

1/10/23

The Lady Rebels won the Class 1A Basketball Championship.

McKenzie Brings Home Two Gold, One Silver Ball in 2022

The year 2022 was a highly successful year for the Lady Rebels and Rebels. more

1/3/23

Rural Home Destroyed by Fire

GLEASON — A rural home was destroyed and the resident injured with burns following a fire Thursday, December 29 between McKenzie and Gleason. more

1/3/23

The Carroll County 1000-Acre Recreational Lake was bought by the State of Tennessee on July 1 and is now owned by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.

Top Stories from 2022

Houses, Structures Razed for Trezevant, Atwood Bypass JANUARY 2022 — After more than 20 years of the proposed construction work has begun, beginning with the razing of structures and removal of trees and other objects that are in the path of the U.S. 79/State Route 76 bypass around Atwood and Trezevant. more

1/3/23

Wall Heater Causes Fire

McKenzie Fire Department responded to an apartment fire at 525 Forrest Avenue. more

12/27/22

McKenzie Industrial Board is purchasing the former Dana, Cachengo industrial building at the Carroll County Airport. It is the only available building in the McKenzie South Industrial Park.

McKenzie Industrial Board Receives Grant, Purchases Building

McKENZIE — The year 2022 was a successful year for the McKenzie Industrial Board, landing new jobs for the county of Carroll. and city of McKenzie. As a year-end announcement, Tennessee Economic and Community Development announced the receipt of a $417,525 grant for the McKenzie Industrial Park-South at Carroll County Airport. more

12/27/22

Frozen water pipes were a real problem for homeowners and businesses. McKenzie First Cumberland Presbyterian Church held its Christmas Eve candlelight service. The Sunday morning services were canceled when a pipe burst, flooding the church.

Sub-Zero Temps, Snow Wreak Havoc at Christmas

A sudden drop in temperatures, mixed with rains that turned to snow, coupled with sub-zero temperatures wreaked havoc person in the Eastern United States. more

12/27/22

Cassidy, Sumrok Named Mr., Miss McKenzie High School

Jackson Cassidy and Lilly Sumrok were selected as Mr. and Miss McKenzie High School by their fellow students. more

12/20/22

Dr. Walter Butler, president of Bethel, presents a diploma to Emma Martin of McKenzie. Martin graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree.

Bethel Graduates 252 in Winter Commencement

McKENZIE — Bethel University conferred 252 diplomas during its winter commencement on Saturday, December 10 in the Crisp Arena. more

12/13/22

Huntingdon High School Band students march and play a holiday selection.

Town of Huntingdon Holds Christmas Parade

HUNTINGDON (December 11) — The Town of Huntingdon held its annual Christmas parade Sunday afternoon. more

12/13/22

Gibson County Mayor Nelson Cunningham, Brig. Gen. Warner Ross, Tennessee’s Assistant Adjutant General-Army, Milan Mayor B.W. Beasley, State Representative Brock Martin and Carroll County Mayor Joseph Butler cut a ceremonial ribbon at the Milan Volunteer Training Site during a ceremony in Milan on December 6.

Tennessee National Guard Hosts Site Opening Ceremony

MILAN (December 6) — The Tennessee Military Department hosted a ceremonial ribbon cutting at the Tennessee National Guard’s Milan Volunteer Training Site celebrating the beginning of expanded operations on Tuesday, December 6. more

12/13/22

Watkins is Retiring From McKenzie School District

McKENZIE (December 6) — Lynn Watkins, 59, is retiring from his position as director of schools on June 30, 2023. more

By Joel Washburn
washburn@mckenziebanner.com | 12/13/22

Jackson Cassidy wears the Titans jersey gifted to him by the Titans Foundation.

Jackson Cassidy Named Mr. Football

NASHVILLE (December 7) — Jackson Cassidy is the Class 1A Mr. Football. The senior quarterback for McKenzie was one of three finalists including Kumaro Brown of Memphis Academy of Science and Engineering and Isaiah Thomison of Fayetteville High School. more

By Joel Washburn
washburn@mckenziebanner.com | 12/13/22

Santa greeted the spectators along the parade route.

McKenzie’s Annual Christmas Parade

McKenzie’s Annual Mistletoe Christmas Parade was Saturday, December 3, 4 p.m. in the historic area of McKenzie. The parade began at McKenzie Middle School and ended downtown. more

12/6/22

One-Vehicle Accident Claims Life of Huntingdon Man

HUNTINGDON — A single vehicle accident claimed the life of Mason Pillow, 26, of Huntingdon. more

12/6/22