Good morning, Jackson.

Dr. Sterling Ruffin Craig, a longtime dermatologist who served Jackson for decades, passed away on Jan.

6. A memorial service to honor his life will be held on Saturday, Jan. 17 at 11:00 a.m. (the family gathered for a private interment beforehand).

On Jan. 9, local businesses supported law enforcement by donating snacks and treats to honor officers.

The Beauty House of Highland and Trang’s Kitchen provided snacks for the Jackson Police Department (thanking officers for keeping them safe) while 7-3-1 Cookies made custom cookies for the Madison County Sheriff Department.

Downtown Jackson welcomes the new Monarch Collective, which hosts seven small businesses offering services from hair care to tattoo artistry.

Appointments must be scheduled by calling 731-609-3295 - creatives and business owners are invited to join the space.

Governor Bill Lee unveiled Tennessee: The Original Frontier, a short film narrated by Dolly Parton that spotlights Tennessee's defining people, places and events.

The film was released ahead of America 250 celebrations, and the governor will visit all 95 counties as part of the year long commemoration.

Jackson is part of the West Tennessee Music Census – a new initiative launched by TNECD, TEC, TDTD and Visit Jackson Tennessee to gather community feedback during its discovery phase and shape the region’s music strategy.

Brandi Vestal, who teaches preschoolers at Nova Early Learning Center in Jackson, is recognized as Educator of the Week by the Tennessee Education Lottery.

She said connecting with parents and watching kids grow is the best part of teaching (making her eligible for Educator of the Month).

The Tennessee Department of Transportation unveiled plans to upgrade portions of US-51 into I-69 along routes from Dyersburg to Troy and Union City to South Fulton; construction will begin in about two years (per its 10-year plan) to improve travel safety and reduce congestion.

Recent restaurant inspections in West Tennessee show high scores for many Jackson eateries — Pizza Hut and Burger King earned 100 while A1 Pizza received 83, with scores reported across Gibson, Hardin, and other counties between Jan.

1 and 8.

Penn State linebacker Amare Campbell will transfer to Tennessee football, reuniting with defensive coordinator Jim Knowles who values his game experience; his Instagram commitment came yesterday and the 6 ft, 231 lb player played 37 games with 193 tackles at Penn State and North Carolina.

Today, the Tennessee Sports Writers Association released its 2025 all-state football teams for Class 4A, 5A, and 6A after the TSSAA season, including Javonte Smith from Jackson North Side among the defensive backs.

USJ won a district game against Jackson Christian during Friday Night Hoops as Zach Jones led the team.

The pickup match showcased local basketball talent in a competitive contest.

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.

2026 Annual Celebration and Awards

11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. — Carl Perkins Civic Center — Free entry — Celebrate achievements and network with business leaders in an informal social setting.