Good morning, Jackson.

The West Tennessee State Fair started its 170th edition Thursday night — featuring music and celebrations that honored Henderson’s work on a new fairground — and will run until October 26.

The Jackson International Food and Arts Festival celebrated the debut of its new mural today at the corner of East Lafayette and North Church Streets.

Local artist Rose Newhouse created the artwork to show the diverse cultures in our community — city leaders including Mayor Scott Conger spoke at the dedication.

Clare Markos, a Junior Cubs teacher at University School of Jackson, is named Educator of the Week by the Tennessee Education Lottery—she has taught for 14 years.

She is now eligible for the Educator of Month award—voters can support her nomination online.

The Madison County Imagination Library will host its 3rd Annual Dolly Day on October 25 from 9 a.m. to noon at Gylden Bake House, 202A West Lafayette Street — a family-friendly program that will celebrate literacy with local vendors, music and activities.

Proceeds will support the free book program that benefits more than 4,500 children each month while businesses are welcomed as sponsors.

Pope School in Jackson held a ribbon cutting for its grand reopening after its new building opened in August to serve pre-kindergarten to eighth-grade students.

The project started with a petition in 2019 and received district funds in 2022—superintendent Dr. King said the facility now features advanced technology and hosts 15 languages.

Restaurant inspection scores for West Tennessee establishments were released from October 10-16 — eateries in Jackson and nearby counties earned scores ranging from 85 to 100.

Several Jackson spots, including Jersey Mikes and LAYERED Bakeshop, received high marks while a few, like Besso’s Coffee, scored lower.

Madison County Health will host its free Flu Fight event on October 21 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.—participants can get a flu shot with no appointment at 804 North Parkway in Jackson and call 731-423-3020 for details.

West Tennessee high school football teams played Week 9 games on Oct.

17 — scores showed a strong performance by local teams such as Jackson Christian, which won 48-14 over Harding Academy, along with many other results from across the state.

Football Friday Night reported final scores for Week 10 with games featuring wins by South Gibson, Giles, Southside, Riverside, Union City, JCM, Dyer Co, Milan, Humboldt, Lexington and Haywood.

South Gibson beat Crockett Co 24—14, Giles won 47—21 over Northside, Southside edged Hardin 35—20, Riverside beat Scotts Hill 39—0, Union City defeated Gibson Co 48—0, JCM won 40—0 against Liberty Tech and 48—13 over Harding Academy, Dyer Co edged USJ 27—26, Milan won 37—0 over Halls, Humboldt beat Lake Co 47—42, Lexington bested Lewis 37—28 and Haywood won 42—40 over MBA.

Dancing With the STARS

6-10 p.m. — Carl Perkins Civic Center — Fundraiser for The STAR Center — Celebrate 10 years of community impact with dancing and competition from local stars.

Hub City MMA 11

6:30-8 p.m. — Fairgrounds Park — Exciting amateur MMA fights — Experience a night of action-packed bouts featuring the best local fighters.

Halloween at the Market

6:00 – 8:00 p.m. — West Tennessee Farmers Market — Free entry — Enjoy a family-friendly night filled with fun, games, and plenty of treats!

Candlelight: Coldplay vs. Imagine Dragons

4:30-5:30 p.m. — Le Memphis Cabaret — Tickets required — Experience the enchanting music of Coldplay and Imagine Dragons in a unique candlelit setting.

Lane College Dragons vs. Kentucky State Thorobreds

8:00 p.m. — Lane Field — Tickets from $54 — Witness the thrilling college football clash between the Dragons and Thorobreds.