Good morning, Jackson.

Entrepreneurs and self-made business leaders will meet for the Make It Happen Monday session hosted by S.O.U.L.

Collective on December 1 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Jaxon Station — 580 South Royal — to gain clarity in their business through connection, brainstorming and accountability coaching while registration is required.

Jackson Regional Airport and Denver Air Connection are celebrating reaching 10,000 DAC passengers this year by launching a giveaway that will award one entrant 12 round-trip flight vouchers for travel in 2026 to Chicago or Atlanta, and eligible entries have been accepted since November 15.

Ward Grove Christmas Tree Farm will open this weekend and sells real trees — which avoid the tariff hikes on artificial trees — at $8 a foot, with prices staying the same as last year.

The owner said recent rains have helped the crop, and he expects a good season for families looking for traditional trees.

A study by the University of Tennessee Extension shows a traditional Thanksgiving dinner for 10 will cost $128.50 in Tennessee, up $12.50 from last year—rising turkey prices linked to avian flu drove the increase while eggs and dairy saw lower costs.

The report found Walmart Supercenter offered the cheapest prices, whereas Food City in Knoxville was the most expensive.

Jackson State Community College was named a Bellwether Award finalist out of more than 90 colleges and will compete at the Community College Futures Assembly in San Antonio from Feb.

22-24, 2026—its AMT Co-Op program has trained students in manufacturing and led to strong job outcomes.

Jackson-Madison County Library will offer several activities for children during Thanksgiving break, with Story Time scheduled Monday and Tuesday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and a teen area available Monday through Wednesday; additional festive December events will include a craft gift program (Children’s Librarian Jennifer Kilburn confirmed the details) (schedule subject to change).

Union University in Jackson will add civil and computer engineering concentrations to its Bachelor of Science in Engineering starting fall 2026.

The new programs meet growing student interest and local firm demand and will be delivered in the university’s new Ethos Forum (a hub for innovation).

The Jackson Madison County School Board was named Tennessee School Board of the Year by the Tennessee School Board Association for its work in policy development and team collaboration – a success driven by the efforts of staff and teachers for 13,000 kids.

Board members hope this recognition marks the start of even greater improvements in education.

Lane College hosted its latest Voices of Leadership event on Thursday with Beverly Robertson speaking on legacy, leadership, faith and justice—an event that engaged students, campus leaders and the local community.

UT Martin announced its WestStar Leadership Program Class of 2026 at a welcome meeting on Nov 10.

The 33 participants (from 16 counties) will join seven learning sessions starting with an opening retreat on Dec 11-12 and will graduate on June 16 at UT Martin.

Jackson Housing Authority broke ground on BlueCreek Townhomes on Nov.

18 at the corner of Allen Avenue and Sullivan Street near Oman Arena to build four affordable public housing units for low-income families. The $1.2 million project is funded by the Tennessee Housing Development Agency, will be completed by May 2026, and will begin leasing by summer 2026—officials say it will promote economic independence.

Gold's Gym Turkey Day 5K

8-11 a.m. — Gold's Gym — Donations encouraged — Participate in a local charity race benefiting RIFA with awards for top finishers across multiple age divisions.

Jackson’s Hub City Flea Market

All day — Fairgrounds Park — Free entry — Shop unique finds, enjoy live music, and savor tasty food truck treats every first Friday to Sunday of the month.

A Christmas Carol: Scrooge

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Jackson Theatre Guild — Ticket fees apply — Celebrate the season with a heartwarming adaption of the holiday classic featuring Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey of redemption.

Medal Madness Race Series

8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — North Park — Registration required — Compete in themed distances from 1M to a Half Marathon and earn a medal for your effort.