Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 8th of May.
Good morning, Jackson.
🏘️ Community
Community members gathered early Thursday at the Carl Perkins Civic Center for the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast (hosted by Mayor Scott Conger with the Jackson Area Ministerial Association), enjoying a breakfast from the Old Country Store and coming together in prayer on National Day of Prayer.
💼 Business
Cold Stone Creamery opened its new shop Thursday morning at 1081 Vann Dr., Ste 114, serving hand-crafted ice cream mixed on a frozen granite stone in a family-friendly setting.
Operated by Lulu Ice Cream Inc., it may expand further in west Tennessee.
Food truck operators at the West TN Strawberry Fest in Humboldt say rising gas prices have nearly doubled their fuel costs — with diesel now topping $5 per gallon, vendors like Megan Seet are adjusting prices as they serve customers from Jackson to other parts of West Tennessee.
They hope fuel prices will soon decline.
🎭 Culture
The Jackson-Madison County School System will host its 2026 International Festival today at 5 p.m. on North Parkway Middle School — the event offers free food, live entertainment and door prizes to celebrate international cultures.
The Big Fair, a traveling carnival hosted by Kissel Entertainment, will run from May 20 through May 24 at Jackson Rockabillys Stadium at 4 Fun Place.
The family-friendly event features rides, games, and classic fair food.
🎓 Education
Tennessee awarded 35,000 Education Freedom Scholarships after expanding its school voucher program for the upcoming school year.
The department prioritized applications by income tiers from 93 counties after receiving over 56,000 submissions.
🌲 Environment
Local experts warn that invasive Asian needle ants can cause prolonged pain and, in rare cases, life-threatening allergic reactions.
The small, dark insects hide under logs and mulch in yards and natural areas and may impact local forests by displacing seed-dispersing species (residents should remain vigilant).
🏈 Sports
North Side Soccer won the district title on May 7 (beating Lexington) in a key match that sets the team up for tougher challenges ahead.
🎉 Jackson Events
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The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
7:30-10 p.m. — The Carnegie Center for Arts and History — Ticket info available — Experience the quirky battle of middle schoolers in a heartwarming spelling competition.
The 4th Annual Misfits Market Expo
10 a.m.-7 p.m. — Jackson Fairgrounds Park — Free admission — Explore a whimsical assortment of vendors offering oddities, handcrafted art, and live entertainment.
Stacy Mitchhart Concert
7:30-10 p.m. — Jackson's AMP at the Market — Free entry — Enjoy a delightful evening of free family-friendly live music in a beautiful outdoor setting.
Jackson Rockabillys Season Opener
7-10 p.m. — Jackson Rockabillys Stadium — Tickets on sale now! — The Jackson Rockabillys kick off the season against the Du Bois County Bombers.
Alton River Dragons vs. Jackson Rockabillys
7-10 p.m. — Jackson Rockabillys Stadium — Free for first 500 fans — Enjoy Mystery Bag Night with surprises for lucky attendees.
Alton River Dragons vs. Jackson Rockabillys
7 p.m. — Jackson Rockabillys Stadium — Family-friendly event — Kick off summer with an exciting baseball game and a fireworks show!
🏠 Jackson Real Estate
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💼 Jackson Job Board
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📣 Jackson Announcements
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