Good morning, Jackson.

A new community playground in downtown Jackson will host its grand opening on Sunday, Aug.

23 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.—including a ribbon cutting, free cookout, and live music by DJ Von. Local residents are invited to bring lawn chairs and enjoy the celebration.

Jackson Animal Care and Control hosts the 5th annual Pets Rock Fest on Saturday, July 25 at the Jackson Fairgrounds from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event offers free doggie bags for the first 200 guests plus a doggie foam party, Running of the Weiners and rescue adoptions.

Today, the Ned R. McWherter West Tennessee Cultural Arts Center hosts joint art receptions for Rose Newhouse and Omarion Harris from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in its downstairs gallery at 314 East Main Street — both events are free and open to the public.

Gas prices in Jackson rose 12 cents on average this past week, with the local pump now showing $3.65 per gallon.

AAA warns that rising crude oil costs and summer travel demand may drive further increases later this week.

Jackson-Madison County Schools welcomed about 100 new teachers at Community Montessori on Monday, with safari-themed sessions explaining district goals & expectations ahead of the Aug.

3 school session.

Clearloop and Jackson-Madison County schools won the Governor's Environmental Stewardship Award for Environmental Education and Outreach from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.

Their Energize STEM program brings renewable energy lessons to classrooms (boosting teacher training and student engagement).

Toyota Boshoku Tennessee, LLC was named by the Tennessee Department of Conservation as the recipient of the Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Award for Materials Management.

The facility reached landfill-free status in 2025 and set a statewide example for waste reduction (waste is a resource out of place).

Jackson Energy Authority warns customers of a phone scam using a fake automated system that demands personal and financial details immediately.

Residents should avoid sharing private information and call 731-422-7500 for scam-prevention tips.

Jackson launched Civic Dialogues with Change.org to gather community ideas from July 20 through August 16.

Mayor Scott Conger will review proposals submitted on the Ideas for Change website (hosted by Change.org) to turn community ideas into actionable solutions.

Families can join West Tennessee Healthcare’s Baby, Kids Fest 2026 at the Jackson Fairgrounds on Saturday, Aug.

22. The under the sea themed event will feature interactive activities, educational exhibits, and giveaways to help families learn healthy habits and explore community resources.

Trinity Christian coach Darren Bowling is preparing his football team with winter workouts, spring ball and a preseason camp in Middle Tennessee before their home opener against Dresden on Aug.

21. The team is focused on building strength, skills and mental toughness while filling gaps left by key graduates.

Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant Week

Throughout the week — Carl Perkins Civic Center — Admission varies — Celebrate scholarship and community service while watching delegates compete for Miss Tennessee Volunteer.