The Ned R. McWherter West TN Cultural Arts Center’s Spring Break Performing Arts Camp will present Disney’s “The Aristocats - KIDS” in March. This camp will be a fun, creative, and educational adventure into the world of theatre, tailored especially for young aspiring actors ages 6 – 15. No previous performance experience is required for participation; all experience levels are welcome. Highlights of the camp will include: Camp will meet 9 A.M. – 3 P.M., Monday through Friday. On Friday, March 15, at 6 P.M. the campers will present the grand finale: “Disney’s The Aristocats-KIDS” on the Ned’s Main Stage. Spots are limited so consider enrolling today via the link on our Facebook, Instagram, or City of Jackson Website. Registration will end on March 4. Registered campers will audition for parts on March 4 and 5 at the Ned from 4-5:30 PM. Campers should plan to attend at least one of the audition days. All campers will be featured in the final performance. Camp rates are $150 per camper: The Ned’s Performing Arts Camp:

The City of Jackson will celebrate Black History Month during the month of February this year at City Hall by showcasing visual and performing art from members of the city’s Black community.

"Black History is a crucial part of American history, and I'm honored to celebrate the month by featuring our local artists at City Hall," said Mayor Scott Conger. "A special thanks to the talented artists and community for joining us in commemorating and celebrating Black History Month."

The month-long celebration will open with a proclamation from Mayor Scott Conger, and included the opening of visual art exhibits featuring the works of Chrissy White, Tyah Weddle, Valerie Porter, and Ontoni Reedy.

In addition to the visual exhibits, which will be on display throughout the month of February at City Hall, Black culture will be celebrated in the performing arts as well featuring music, poetry, and dance.

City Hall will be lit with red, yellow, and green lights for the month of February in celebration.

Black History Month Live Performance Schedule (all performances will begin at 4:00 p.m.):

 

The Tennessee Legends of Music Museum at the Carnegie and Jackson: Hidden Tracks hosted an official TN Songwriters Week Qualifying Round on Saturday, January 27, 2024.  Judges Dr. Jeremy Tubbs, Ashley Kate Adams and Bryton Wallace – cast the votes. Artist Izzy Arthurs won first prize in the competition with “Long Time Coming. “   Ben Colling won second place with his song, “Hollow” They will advance to the Semi Finals Showcase at Lafayette's Music Room on Sunday, February 18, 2024 - 2119 Madison Ave, Memphis and the chance to perform at the Bluebird Cafe, Nashville. The songwriters will be judged by peers in the music industry. To view the TN Songwriters Qualifying Round – Jackson click here. Additional Songwriters shared their best original music and are as follows: Ellie Austin, Carita Cole, Michael Mayes, Jayland Lyles, Johnna Day, Micheal Timby, Liza Lovelace, Michael Smith, Chance Mitchell, Brooke Cagle, Ben Trainor, Blake Hooks, and Adam Champion Thank you to Becky Fly and Rodger Jowers of the Tennessee Legends of Music Museum, at the Carnegie for hosting the annual event.  Jeff Stephens Video Productions provided incredible streaming services and production guidance.   Finally, the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development for bringing the event to life across the state of Tennessee. “The great thing about this event is the opportunity to experience the talent of the incredible songwriters, musicians, and artists. Our goal as a tourism office in Jackson is to help to promote the music, so this is just another step in that direction,” Lori Nunnery, CEO of Visit Jackson, TN. Tennessee Songwriters Week will take place Feb. 18-24, 2024, and the mission is to inspire travelers to experience the state’s music stories, history, attractions, and venues.  Tennessee Songwriters Week supports music venues, generates awareness of songwriters’ contributions to Tennessee, celebrates the foundation of the craft with live performances at stage across the stage, and paves the way for present and future artists in all seven genres of music home to Tennessee. Whether it’s an annual event or one of our great live music venues, experience the music which could only be Jackson: Hidden Tracks found halfway between Memphis and Nashville in the heart of the Americana Music Triangle! Connect socially on Facebook and Instagram. Visit Jackson TN to connect with what is happening in Jackson and West Tennessee. Connect socially on Facebook. Instagram and Tik Tok.   The Mid-West Tennessee Genealogical Society will meet Tuesday, February 13, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. in the Program Center of the Jackson-Madison County Library at 433 East Lafayette Street in Jackson. Steve Bowers will present "The First 200 Years of The Presbyterian Church, Jackson TN." He will delve into the significant and vibrant history of The First Presbyterian Church in Jackson. Steve is known for his exceptional presentation skills, ensuring that this program will be both enlightening and engaging. Anyone interested in genealogy is invited to attend the meeting.  Annual membership dues are $20 and include quarterly issues of “Family Findings” with West Tennessee genealogical stories and research tips.  Questions should be sent to mwtgs1968@gmail.com.

With a focus on small to medium business owners, Steele Martin Jones CPAs and Business Advisors is a multi-service accounting firm with clients throughout West Tennessee and across the country. It offers a comprehensive range of services, including tax preparation, business advising, accounting, and payroll services.

In recent months, the firm has added a fourth partner, increased its professional staff, and opened a third location on Trenton’s court square.

New Partner, William Welch

Tom Carson Jones, the firm’s senior partner, attributes the growth to the relationships it builds with its clients. “We’re the CPA firm that talks to our clients,” he said. “We work with our clients all year long to help their business grow, make good financial choices, and optimize their tax commitment.”

The firm’s other partners are Brandon Clenney, Kevin McKenzie, and William Welch, the newest partner. The professional staff also includes Kristi Mendez, Senior Tax Advisor and certified IRS Enrolled Agent, and CPAs Page Cole and Cullyn Moore. Stacey Byrd leads a QuickBooks ProAdvisor team that works closely with clients on their payroll needs. Ten more staff members have college degrees in accounting.

“Our focus is on small-to-medium sized businesses and individuals,” said Clenney. Along with the obvious services of accounting and tax preparation, he added, other services include helping clients with payroll, buying or selling a business, starting a new business, managing financial statements, managing sales taxes, and planning for retirement.

“We also are one of the few firms in the area that actually specializes in tax preparation and working with the IRS,” Clenney said.

McKenzie considers the firm a client’s “non-equity business partner. We get to know our clients well. As a former business owner, I understand their challenges.”

Steele Martin Jones was founded by Mike Steele in 1979. Partner Gary Martin joined in 1982, and Jones joined the firm in 1994. Both Steele and Martin have since retired.

The firm has been active in the Chamber for many years. Founding Partner Steele helped the Chamber create its Business of the Year awards. Steele Martin Jones has won three of those awards: Small Business of the Year, Cornerstone Business of the Year, and a Pinnacle Award. Jones was the founding chair of the Chamber’s Pinnacle Awards. In 2023, the firm was named VIP Magazine’s “Best Accounting Firm in Jackson.”

Steele Martin Jones is at 100 Stonebridge Blvd. The Trenton office is at 109 W. Court Square. The Parsons office is open by appointment only. For more information, visit steelemartin.com or call 731-668-9183.

Due to the potential threat of high winds, winter precipitation, and extremely cold temperatures, the Jackson Fire Department would like to provide some basic and simple safety tips that could potentially save a life. Strong winds and wet ground can take a toll on trees and power lines, thus causing widespread power outages. Prolonged power outages often increase the risk of residential fires. Power Lines: if you must venture outside, be alert to the possibility of electrical hazards:   Loss of Electrical Power: in the event of a power failure these simple tips may help to reduce health and fire-related hazards.   Preparedness The Jackson Fire Department stands ready to respond to any emergency issue. We are taking the necessary precautions to ensure the community and our members remain safe during this potential winter weather event. Please contact Fire Marshal LaTrell Billingsley or Fire Chief Don Friddle at 731-425-8347 for more information.   In preparation for the upcoming freezing weather days from 4 p.m. on January 14, 2024 to 9 a.m. on January 17, 2024, the following plan has been devised to provide emergency shelter for homeless men, women and children seeking aid. Emergency Shelter Location for Homeless Men • Carl Perkins Civic Center (400 S. Highland Ave., Jackson, TN) • The Room in the Inn program will take place at the Carl Perkins Civic Center • The Carl Perkins Civic Center will be closed to the public during this time. Emergency Shelter Location for Homeless Women and Children • First United Methodist Church Mission Center (200 S. Church St. Jackson, TN) Supplies Emergency Management Agency (EMA) and the Jackson-Madison County Regional Health Department will provide cots and blankets, with an estimated maximum capacity of 40 for Carl Perkins Civic Center and 30 for FUMC Mission Center. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks will be provided by RIFA with coordinated efforts with Area Relief Ministries (ARM), FUMC, and other area churches. Material and Monetary Donations The community is encouraged to donate the following items: • Nonperishable food items can be dropped off at RIFA (133 Airways Blvd. Jackson, TN) • Toiletries, t-shirts, sweat pants, socks, and coats can be dropped off at the respective facilities (men’s items at Carl Perkins Civic Center and women’s items at FUMC Mission Center) • Monetary donations will be accepted at Hope and Healing Foundation for this and future emergency response needs. Contact Vicki Lake. Outreach Efforts Area Relief Ministries and Tennessee Homeless Solutions will conduct outreach initiatives at encampments throughout Jackson and will instruct those who seek shelter to be ready for pick up at 3 p.m. on January 14, 2024. The Jackson Police Department will transport those who seek shelter at facilities if requested or if encountered. Animals Service animals are permitted to accompany those who seek shelter. A special thank you to our partners Area Relief Ministries, First United Methodist Church, Jackson Madison County Regional Health Department, Jackson Police Department, Jackson Recreation and Parks Department, RIFA, Madison County Sherriff’s Office, Tennessee Homeless Solutions, West Tennessee COC, and West Tennessee Healthcare.

Fellowship Bible Church Executive Pastor of Operations and RIFA Board member Randy Pierson has been selected as December 2023 Hub City Hero. According to Pierson’s nominator, “Randy works tirelessly for the community by volunteering his time and expertise to build and repair homes, office buildings, and other needed structures around the City of Jackson such as countless Habitat for Humanity homes, RIFA’s office building, Birth Choice, City of Jackson Fire Department, several JMCSS projects and many others.” “I was a builder to get through college and seminary. I’m a physics and geometry guy so I put my hand to a hammer and saw and it made sense, said Pierson, a native of North Carolina. “The Lord had a reason for it. So, I felt like after seminary, I would just put my hammer down and I’d be done.” During his time in North Carolina, Pierson said that Habitat for Humanity came along and that he built his first house for the organization prior to moving to Jackson where he framed his 6th house. Pierson, who has worked internationally on mission trips in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, has worked on approximately 80 houses—about 40 of those were house-builds in Jackson, TN. Additionally, Pierson has assisted the City of Jackson, TN’s Love Your Block team in their first year through consulting and home repairs. Pierson says that he finds a lot of joy in serving. He says he does so by living his life with an open hand. “I think the joy of serving others is that there's a real synergy there when you're all sweating together and there's sweat equity involved, and it's just something really cool about it,” said Pierson. “I think it's important for me to use my gifts to help others and to basically try to give my life away.” “Hub City Heroes are members of our community who invest their lives, and also find joy, in service. Randy is no exception,” said Mayor Scott Conger. “He know that he has impacted the lives of many people internationally, but we are grateful to have him right here in Jackson, TN.” “Hub City Heroes” selflessly and steadily give of their time and talent to improve the lives of others in the community. Recognition as a hero is one small way to thank these public servants for their efforts and it gives honorees the opportunity to raise awareness for causes that are important to them. Criteria Recipients will be selected monthly and nominations are continuous. To nominate a hero, visit http://hero.jacksontn.gov. Candidates must be a resident of Jackson, Tennessee After a year of heroes have been recognized, one hero will be selected and awarded $1,000 to donate to a non-profit of their choice. For more information, visit http://hero.jacksontn.gov.  

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The City of Jackson is accepting applications for part-time/seasonal positions for the 2024 Season at the West Tennessee Healthcare Sportsplex. All positions at The Sportsplex begin at $13/Hour.  The Sportsplex is hiring groundskeepers, concession cooks, cashiers, runners, janitors, tournament set-up, and gatekeepers.  Most of the work will be on weekends during baseball and softball tournaments, but opportunities for occasional evening shifts mid-week will arise.  Seasonal work will begin in Mid-February and continue through October.  Depending on the position, staff members will average 20-30 hours per week.  We will work with your schedule.  These are great positions for the “First-Time” job as well as for the retired wanting something to do on the weekends. To apply, go to http://careers.jacksontn.gov to fill out an application or visit the City of Jackson’s Human Resources Department, 127 E. Main St., Suite 303. For more information, call 731-425-8267. The West Tennessee Healthcare Sportsplex, 250 BancorpSouth Parkway, has 26 weekends of baseball and softball scheduled in 2024, beginning March 1st.  For more information about the Sportsplex, select the “Jackson Sportsplex” link under the Residents tab at www.jacksontn.gov.   Fans can look forward to opening the Prospect League season at home on Tuesday, May 28th.  The Rockabillys will host one of the newest teams in the league, Full Count Rhythm (Hendersonville, TN) in their Prospect League debut.  The regular season will end at home on July 31st.   All homes games will be at 7:00pm.   Twenty-nine additional home games will follow Opening Night. After the conclusion of the 1st half on June 30th, there will be a first-half champion in each of the four divisions. A second-half champion will be determined at the regular season final games on July 31st.  The post-season playoffs begin, first with each divisional champion, then an Eastern & Western Conference champion, then a best-of-three Prospect League Championship series.  With the addition of the two new teams Full Count Rhythm (Hendersonville, TN) and Dubois County Bombers (Huntingburg, IN) there has been a shift in the Conferences.  The Western Conference now consists of the Southwest Division with Jackson, Marion, Cape Girardeau, Alton, O'Fallon; Northwest Division including Clinton, Burlington, Illinois Valley and Springfield.  The Eastern Conference consists of the Central Division with Normal, Danville, Terre Haute, Dubois County and Full Count Rhythm; the East Division consisting of Chillicothe, Champion City, Lafayette and Johnstown. In 2024, there will be five Friday home games to enjoy celebratory fireworks.  H&R AgriPower again will be presenting a grand fireworks show following the home game on July 4th.  Our second annual Battle of the Billys game will be held on Monday, June 24th. The Battle of the Billys – when baseball went bananas – was the highest attended game in the 2023 season.  A new promotion will be held on Tuesday, June 18th as fans will see a re-enactment of the Rockford Peaches vs. Racine Bells women's baseball game with local talent filling the rosters. Additional promotions will be released in the coming months. Season tickets are available online at www.rockabillysbaseball.com.  Season ticket prices are the same as in 2023 with an option to reserve your seat by making a deposit. Individual game tickets will go on sale in early March.  This is the season to Rock the Goat! For More Information, visit the Rockabillys website or call 731-574-9300.