The Jackson County Board of Education (JCBOE) met in regular session last Thursday and reviewed next year’s fiscal year budget. Director of Schools Kristy Brown informed the budget has been balanced and is similar to that of last year. Brown said the budget will not be approved until the Jackson County Commission approves a tax…

Despite annual safety warnings, firework celebrations still end in painful injuries for too many people, including very young children. Yet fireworks can be great fun for families not just on Independence Day, but also Diwali, New Year’s Eve and Chinese New Year. Injury statistics support the advice that the safest place to enjoy fireworks is…

Federal trial dates have been reschedule for two Jackson County men who were charged with embezzlement in 2019. As previously reported in the Jackson County Sentinel, a 48-count indictment handed down in May 2019 charging Patrick Martin, 48, of Gainesboro with two counts of federal program theft, 30 counts of wire fraud, one count of…

Members of the Clay County American Legion are making requests to local government officials for an increase in pay for the Veterans Service Officer (VSO), which has recently become open. The VSO currently serves veterans in both Clay and Jackson County areas. Both Clay and Jackson Counties along with the cities of both Celina and…

A Clay County muralist has been recruited to complete a mural here in Gainesboro as a part of promoting public art and a way to promote local tourism. Artist Manuel Fuentes, 27, of Celina is not new to the mural scene having completed pieces for Clay County and several pieces spread through the Nashville area…

The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce met in regular session last Tuesday and approved adding an Executive Director role to fulfill the many needs of the organization. Chamber President Jordan Hunter informed it has been a necessity for quite some time and as the President he has filled the shoes when needed. He says now…

Jackson County Commissioners met in regular session last Monday and discussed the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System rate (TCRS) and voted to keep it the same. Jackson County Mayor Randy Heady stated the minimum employer contribution is 3.7%; however, the county has been contributing 7% for quite some time. “We recommend we stay at 7%. That…

May is Foster Care Awareness Month, a time to recognize that we can each play a part in enhancing the lives of children and youth in foster care. One local organization has spent the entire month raising awareness and shattering myths surrounding the idea of becoming a foster parent. With more than 700 children in…

Students and educators at Jackson County’s Dodson Branch Elementary School received a visit from Tennessee’s Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn last Wednesday. The school was the launch site of the state’s new Reading 360 At-Home Decodable Reading Series. Earlier this year, the state secured $100 million in funding to launch an initiative called Reading 360 in…

The Town of Gainesboro Board of Mayor and Aldermen met in regular session last Thursday and discussed Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) training for the safety of city employees. Alderman Travis Agee made the recommendation that employees take a 10-hour training course for waterline workers with at least one person having a more advanced…