The countdown has begun as Gibson County gears up to celebrate its rich history and vibrant culture with the highly anticipated Bicentennial Celebration. This momentous event is scheduled to take place on October 21 at the Trenton Court Square at 5 p.m., marking 200 years of community, heritage and progress. Bicentennial Chair Sandy Moss is thrilled to announce that Music by KOTA and No Time Flatt will headline the event. “These two local West Tennessee favorites are guaranteed to be a hit across multiple generations. This is going to be a fantastic day with something for the whole family - music, food trucks and inflatable jumpers.” Music By KOTA is a 5-piece rock and roll band based in Jackson, Tennessee. The group’s versatility shines time and time again, combining rock, blues, and folk elements in every one of their songs. No Time Flatt has proven itself as an entertainment powerhouse on today’s bluegrass music scene, with their audience-oriented live performances. A spectacular lineup of food trucks include Groovy Glaze Doughnuts, 731 Coffee, Miso Hungry, Eatons Hot Diggity Dogs, Lemonade and More, Babe’s BBQ, Coastal Connections, Foggy Hollow BBQ, and MAMA Mayo’s. The support of Bicentennial sponsors: Maclean Manufacturing, Jackson State Community College, Byrd & Byrd Attorneys at Law, Centennial Bank, Gibson County Utility District, Reinhausen Manufacturing, City of Trenton, Jones Family of Companies, West Tennessee Healthcare, City of Milan, Alexander Thompson Arnold Jack Mathis, Gibson County Electric Membership Corp, Gibson County Fair Association, Dyer Foods, City of Dyer, Hickman Realty Group and Chad Butler make this Bicentennial celebration possible. To stay up-to-date, follow the Gibson County Bicentennial on social media at facebook.com/GibcoBicentennial. Agilix Solutions is an independent, full-service distributor of automation, electrical, datacom, safety, industrial, solar, and lighting products and services. Formed in 2021 through the merger of IAC Supply Solutions and French Gerleman, the company dates back over 100 years. In addition to that storied history, Agilix ranks as one of the 50 largest electrical supply distributors in the United States.  As a whole, Agilix Solutions operates 13 locations in six states: Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, Illinois, Missouri, and Kansas. Located at 360 North Royal Street, the local branch here in Jackson serves West Central Tennessee. Agilix has long-standing distribution partnerships with top manufacturers, including Siemens, nVent Hoffman, Panduit, ABB, Southwire, Hubbell, Acuity Brands, 3M, Mersen, and Turck Banner. Flynn York, a long-time Jackson resident, works as the local branch manager. The Jackson office has served the community since the 1970s, supporting a variety of West Tennessee causes, including Habitat for Humanity, The Marine Corps League, Shop with a Cop, The Jackson Firefighters Association, The Dream Center, and King of Kings Ministries.   “Agilix Solutions is our customers’ go-to contact for products from some of the strongest and most reputable brands in the industries we serve,” York said. “But what truly sets us apart is the commitment of our people to provide exceptional services to our customers that go above and beyond what other distributors can provide. We have in-house product specialists who know the products we sell and the industries we serve at an uncommon level.  Learn more about the products and services offered by Agilix Solutions and browse their extensive online inventory at www.goAgilix.com or call your local Jackson branch at 731-424-6000.

“Being a part of the community engagement team allows me to use my passion for relationship-building and helping others to really make an impact in our member's lives,” Evan Flora, Community Engagement Specialist at Leaders Credit Union said.

As a local not-for-profit financial institution, the core of Leaders Credit Union’s mission is to help the community in which it resides to move forward in financial wellness and education. Seeing members succeed by relieving financial stress and achieving their goals is what propels every decision at Leaders. Since the start of the credit union, there has been a component of engagement with the community. Although it may have been called other things like business development, there has always been an outreach component of Leaders to support the employer partners and to teach financial education.

The community engagement team at Leaders is made up of three full-time financial champions, Shea Brown, Director of Community Impact, Carrie Cantrell and Evan Flora, both Community Engagement Specialists. This team is a section of the marketing department because Leaders wants to focus on reaching outside the credit union just as much as it focuses on communicating the mission and brand of Leaders itself.

“The Community Engagement (CE) team looks to serve community partners as a Human Resource benefit that provides free financial wellness tools that help employees achieve financial freedom,” Flora said.

The community engagement team covers most of West Tennessee, including Memphis/Shelby County, to serve the needs of employer partners and to be involved in the community through the chamber and other nonprofits and civic groups. In addition, they teach over 50 financial literacy classes a year. Over the past decade, this team has grown as Leaders has expanded into new markets. For instance, now that Leaders operates three branches in Northwest Tennessee, they now have a team member who covers that territory.

"I have never felt so comfortable about being vulnerable regarding my finances,” Latrina Morman, Director of Operation at Lifeline Blood Services said. “The team at Leaders Credit Union has a way of making you feel comfortable and empowered to make great financial decisions. Each one shares insight that makes financial literacy obtainable for our community. "

The CE team looks to serve community partners as a Human Resource benefit that provides free financial wellness tools that help employees achieve financial freedom. As an extension of an employer partner’s HR department, the community engagement team seeks to help members set up their direct deposits and give them specialized savings accounts to fit their needs.

“I love being a part of the Community Engagement team because I believe that it allows me the opportunity to influence others in a positive way,” Carrie Cantrell said. “Being able to spread financial wellness and be involved in the community has been such a blessing to me. It is a joy to come to work every day to work alongside changemakers who are dedicated to serving our community.”

All the financial champions who work for Leaders advocate for their neighbors, employer partners and communities, and they volunteer their time and talents with various civic groups and nonprofits throughout West Tennessee. The Community Engagement team’s passion for financial wellness takes the mission of Leaders outside the four walls and into the community. One of the ways they do that is by becoming certified financial counselors so they can better serve the community and employer partners they interact with. The CUNA (Credit Union National Association) Financial Counseling Certification Program strives to further equip financial professionals with the skills and knowledge they need to help encourage members to make wise financial decisions.

“The Community Engagement Team does just that, engages with our community. I enjoy being able to share about the credit union difference with local teachers, nurses, and employers while also teaching important financial literacy information to students and adults alike,” Shea Brown said.

If you’re interested in becoming an employer partner at Leaders Credit Union, you can visit their Community Engagement page or email ce@leaderscu.com.

Public Notice is hereby given that the Community Economic Development Commission meeting will be held at 4:00 pm, Tuesday, October 17, 2023.   The meeting will be held at 197 Auditorium, Downtown Jackson, TN.   Public comment is offered to matters that are germaine to the items on the agenda for the meeting.  An individual may register prior by contacting the commission at 731-425-8333, or by registering prior on the sign-up sheet at the location of said meeting.   Please confirm your availability by replying to this email or by calling 731-425-8333.

The Prospect League Board of Directors voted to admit the Dubois County Bombers of Huntingburg, Indiana, and the Full Count Rhythm of Hendersonville, Tennessee, to the Prospect League effective today. Both Dubois County and Full Count will field teams during the 2024 summer season.

"The Prospect League is thrilled to add two organizations the caliber of Dubois County and Full Count to its membership," said Commissioner David Brauer. "Both have demonstrated success both on and off the field and are poised to be thriving members of the Prospect League. There is no doubt that adding these teams will further enhance this League's reputation."

The former Ohio Valley League teams will replace the West Virginia Miners (sold to Dubois County) and the Quincy Gems (sold to Full Count).

For Dubois County, the move marks a return to the Prospect League after having been a member from 2005-2012. The Bombers, members of the Ohio Valley League from 2013-2023 and 2021 OVL Champions, play at historic League Stadium in Huntingburg. Originally built in 1894. The stadium was featured in the movies "A League of Their Own" and "Soul of the Game."

"For our organization and for our fans, this is a dream come true. This will allow our team on the field to compete against the very best of the best every night," said Bombers Owner and President Justin Knepp. "The competition will be better, the stadiums are the best in summer baseball, and the national appeal and attention is higher," added Bombers Co-Owner Ara Knepp. "The exposure this will create for our players and for Dubois County is surreal."

The Rhythm, founded by Full Count Ministries in 2020, was a member of the Ohio Valley League for each of its three seasons. The 2022 and 2023 league champions, based just 18 miles from Nashville, partner with the City of Hendersonville Parks Department to host games at Drakes Creek Park.

"We're very excited about joining the Prospect League. We really feel like we're moving up from Triple-A to the big leagues," said Full Count Head Coach and General Manager Josh Carman. "We want to bring a good product to the city of Hendersonville and our entire community. We're going to work really hard to provide good, family fun every night at the ballpark."

The Prospect League comes off a 2023 season that included record-breaking league attendance and the largest attendance gain in all of summer collegiate baseball. The Prospect League traces its origins to 1963 as the Central Illinois Collegiate League, one of the original summer college circuits. Hall of Famers Mike Schmidt and Kirby Puckett are among the most notable names from the league's roots while more recent standouts include Ben Zobrist and consecutive MLB first-round draft picks Trey Sweeney (2021) and Noah Schultz (2022).

"We are excited to welcome the two new members to the Prospect League," said League President Bill Davidson. "Both organizations have a track record of success in summer college baseball and provide an exceptional experience for both fans and players in their respective communities."

About the Dubois County Bombers

The Dubois County Bombers are a summer collegiate baseball team in the nationally renowned Prospect League, a wooden bat league consisting of 18 teams across Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, Ohio, and Tennessee. Players are hand-recruited from colleges and universities from all over the United States and abroad. The Bombers play the highest quality of contemporary baseball in one of the most unique and "throwback" settings imaginable in historic League Stadium–a stadium that's rich in both baseball history and Hollywood history. Dubois County Bombers games are a one-of-a-kind entertainment and fan experience for adults and kids alike. For more information visit dcbombers.com

About the Full Count Rhythm

The Full Count Rhythm are a summer collegiate wood-bat baseball team in the prestigious Prospect League. The Rhythm spent their first three seasons of existence in the Ohio Valley League winning 106 games, making three championship series appearances, and winning back-to-back league titles. The Rhythm were founded to engage players and the community of Hendersonville with the game of baseball and the gospel of Jesus Christ. For more information visit fullcountrhythm.com

About the Prospect League

The Prospect League is a premier Midwestern wood-bat collegiate summer baseball league with 18 teams across Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, Ohio, and Tennessee. The League provides college players a professional setting with excellent competition and high-quality facilities while delivering exciting baseball action and affordable all-ages entertainment to its communities. Known as the Central Illinois Collegiate League from 1963-2008, the Prospect League has a proud tradition as one of the original and most recognizable summer leagues. The League's rich history includes Hall of Famers and NCAA Champions, nearly 200 alumni in Major League Baseball, and more than 800 professional players. For more information visit prospectleague.com.

Congratulations to SERVPRO Team Caldwell for being recognized as the Greater Jackson Chamber’s August Small Business of the Month! David and Diane Caldwell laid the foundation for SERVPRO Team Caldwell back in April 1991 in Newbern, TN. Since those early days, they've expanded their reach and now hold three SERVPRO licenses, extending their services across eight counties in Tennessee: Dyer, Lake, Obion, Weakley, Gibson, Carroll, Madison, and Crockett. With building locations in Newbern and Jackson, they have become a trusted name in the region.  While they are highly regarded for their expertise in fire and water restoration, SERVPRO Team Caldwell offers a wide spectrum of services. These include duct cleanings, mold remediation, reconstruction, trauma cleanup, and air quality testing. Their versatility makes them a go-to option for both residential and commercial settings. Clients appreciate that they can rely on SERVPRO Team Caldwell as a one-stop shop for all their restoration needs.  Beyond their array of services, SERVPRO Team Caldwell has embedded themselves in the communities they serve. They actively engage with various organizations, including Leadership Jackson, Greater Gibson Chamber Ambassadors, Greater Jackson Chamber Ambassadors, Weakley County Prevention Coalition, Emerging Leaders, Love Your Block, and numerous boards and chambers. Their commitment to the community extends even further with their annual Golf Outing, a fundraising event for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital—a cause close to their hearts. For them, giving back is not just a corporate responsibility; it's a part of their culture.  But it's not just their involvement in the community that makes SERVPRO Team Caldwell exceptional; it's their unwavering commitment to helping people during their darkest hours. When disaster strikes, they step in to assist individuals and businesses in picking up the pieces. A standout example is their response during the Christmas of 2022 when The Bank of Jackson faced significant damages. Their swift action included packing out the bank's contents and constructing a wall, allowing the bank to continue serving its customers through the drive-thru.  At the core of SERVPRO Team Caldwell's success is their genuine care for their customers and their commitment to the job. With 32 years of experience, they have earned the trust of countless homeowners and businesses. They take pride in their highly trained experts who are always ready to tackle any restoration challenge. Their mission is clear: they are "Here to Help" and create happy customers at every turn. With a rich history, an extensive range of services, a strong community presence, and a sincere dedication to their customers, they are a testament to what a small business can achieve.  For more information about the SERVPRO Team Caldwell, visit https://www.servpro.com.   Nominations for Small Business of the Month are accepted year-round. To nominate a Greater Jackson Chamber member or self-nominate as the Small Business of the Month, click here.  The Gibson County Bicentennial Celebration will take place on Saturday, October 21 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Trenton Courthouse Square. This free event will feature live music, food trucks, children's activities, inflatable jumpers and more. The Gibson Bicentennial Commission has made several collectible items available for purchase to celebrate Gibson County’s 200th anniversary. This includes t-shirts, ornaments, posters and more. Souvenirs can be purchased at any Gibson County Chambers including the Greater Gibson County Chamber of Commerce, Humboldt Chamber of Commerce and Milan Chamber of Commerce. T-shirts are $20, posters are $5 and ornaments are $10. The Gibson County Bicentennial Committee commissioned local artist Kris Stewart to create a poster design that incorporated the unique attributes of each city within Gibson County. From teapots to doodle soup, this design has it all. The posters are the perfect collectible for residents and history enthusiasts alike. Gibson County Bicentennial Chair Sandy Moss expressed her pride and enthusiasm for the bicentennial celebration of Gibson County. "Our celebration is a testament to the enduring spirit of Gibson County and its remarkable history. Through the commemorative items, we honor our roots and look forward to the countless stories yet to be written.” Bicentennial sponsors include Gibson County Utility, West Tennessee Healthcare, Mayor Nelson Cunningham, John Blankenship, City of Milan, Jack Mathis Alexander Thompson Arnold, Lowes, Jackson State Community College, Gibson County Fair Association and Centennial Bank. To stay up-to-date, follow the Gibson County Bicentennial on social media at facebook.com/GibcoBicentennial.   The City of Jackson is excited to announce the launch of the Neighborhood Improvement Project grant, offered through the "Love Your Block" program. This grant opportunity empowers our residents and community groups to lead projects that enhance the quality of life in our neighborhoods. The grant will support projects aimed at: Each grantee team can receive up to $5,000 to bring their project ideas to life. The City is committed to working closely with grant recipients to ensure their success and impact on our community. Applications for the Neighborhood Improvement Project grant will open on September 25, 2023. Interested parties are encouraged to visit http://loveyourblock.jacksontn.gov for more information and to access the application when it becomes available. The Love Your Block team will host a Q&A Zoom session on Friday, September 29 for all interested organizations so that we may make clarifications or answer any questions that arise. If you would like to attend this Zoom, there will be a sign-up on the LYB website beginning on September 25. Click here for the official Request for Proposals document: Neighborhood Improvement Project RFP Final. If you have any questions or need further information, please feel free to reach out to the Love Your Block team at loveyourblock@jacksontn.gov. During the first day of the Battle of Shiloh, Colonel Isaac Campbell Pugh, a Kentucky native and veteran of the Blackhawk and Mexican Wars, took command of a brigade in General Hurlbut's Division, when his commander fell wounded in Sarah Bell's cotton field. Follow Park Ranger Timothy Arnold a he details the officers and men that fought under Colonel Pugh's direction and learn about the struggles they faced while defending against multiple fierce Confederate attacks. The hike will begin at Tour Stop #18 (the Peach Orchard) at 10:00 am. Hikers should be prepared to walk up to one mile on uneven terrain. Sunscreen, a hat, comfortable walking shoes, water and insect repellent are recommended. Pre-registration is required! Your spot can be reserved by calling the Shiloh Visitor Center (731-689-5696) any day between the times 8:00 am-5:00 pm. For more information on this hike and other upcoming events, visit the website www.nps.gov/shil, find NPS on Facebook at www.facebook.com/shilohnmp, or follow NPS on Twitter @ShilohNPS. Want to stay connected with Visit Jackson TN? Social media is the perfect way to remain up-to-date with all our latest news, updates, and engaging content. Enhance your experience further by downloading our app (available on iOS and Google Play) and becoming a part of our dynamic digital family. We look forward to connecting with you about all things Jackson and West Tennessee related. Journey through time at the Bemis Historical Society monthly meeting on Tuesday, September 19, at 6:00 p.m. at the Bemis Mill Village Museum, a historic gem located at 2 North Missouri Street in Jackson. This month's featured presenter, Sue Johnson Roark, will take you on a nostalgic trip down memory lane with her presentation titled "Memories of the Bemis 50th Anniversary Year." A pivotal moment in Bemis history, the 50th-anniversary celebration in May 1950 will come to life through Mrs. Roark's personal recollections. With a remarkable connection to Bemis spanning 91 years, Mrs. Roark's childhood home was at 19 North Missouri Street; and she and her husband Joe raised their children right in the heart of Bemis. The Bemis Cotton Mill, built in 1900, and the accompanying mill village town hold a unique place in the region's history. This journey promises to provide a deeper understanding of the roots and heritage of this charming community. The Bemis Mill Village Museum, a centenarian itself, boasts handicap accessibility and a treasury of artifacts that tell the story of Bemis through the ages. You can also explore the museum's Company Store or visit online at bemishistory.org for a sneak peek. If you would like to become a member of the Bemis Historical Society, a gateway to preserving and celebrating this rich history, annual society membership dues are $25 and can be conveniently paid at the meeting or sent by mail to PO Box 9266, Jackson, TN 38314-9266. For more information about this event or to inquire about membership, please visit the website. Come and join us on September 19th for an unforgettable evening of history, community, and cherished memories at the Bemis Mill Village Museum. Be part of the journey that keeps Bemis's remarkable legacy alive. Website and Social Media Bemis Historical Society    www.bemishistory.org The Bemis Museum Facebook    https://www.facebook.com/The-Bemis-Museum-149237151757283/