Good morning, Jackson.

On Thursday morning, people joined the first hike of the year at Middle Fork Bottoms, a new state park, where Park Ranger Jacob Newby highlighted upcoming volunteer events and plans for a visitor's center while visitors enjoyed walking, bird watching, fishing and dog walking.

Residents celebrated New Year's Eve in West Tennessee with fireworks, balloon drops, and midnight festivities, including the first Jackson event with legalized fireworks.

Many enjoyed family-friendly ice skating, local brewery events, and extra food and drinks across downtown.

On New Year’s Day, residents shared ideas to boost small businesses, improve road safety, and create job opportunities for youth by proposing events and traffic fixes; a Jackson City Council meeting on Tuesday (Jan.

6) will allow further public input.

Cheers & Chills Paint & Sip

6-9 p.m. — Lori's Creative Gatherings — $40 — Unleash creativity with a fun evening of painting and a cozy hot cocoa bar amid good vibes.

Sole Mates Paint & Sip

5-8 p.m. — Lori's Creative Gatherings — $35 per painter — Unleash your creativity with paint and wine in a relaxed atmosphere without the Valentine pressure.