The Buchanan Realty Group CLICK HERE is a boutique commercial real estate firm that specializes in all aspects of commercial leasing to clients across the Southeast.
With attention to detail, and client oriented goals, the team, under the direction of principal agent, Brandon Buchanan, successfully represents owners & tenants who want to see growth in their prospective investments or businesses.
BRG agents are leaders in the investment sales and acquisition department, and pride themselves in their abilities to successfully negotiate the best deals for their clients. The team has represented clients focused on retail, hospitality, C-store, medical, industrial, and multi-family sectors.
Simmons Bank Foundation awards $24,875 grant to ‘Friends of Heart’ for Lifesaving AED Initiative
Jackson, Tenn. — Friends of Heart proudly received a $24,875 Make a Difference Grant from the Simmons Bank Foundation during a check presentation reception held today at the Jackson Country Club. The check was presented by Simmons Bank representatives to Sarah Smith, Managing Director of Friends of Heart, in front of community leaders, school board members, educators, and supporters.
The grant will fund the purchase and installation of 15 Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), outdoor weather cabinets, and pediatric pads for five high schools in the Jackson-Madison County School System. The initiative also includes training for faculty, staff, and coaches to ensure full compliance with Tennessee’s Smart Heart Act.
Collectively, the five targeted high schools serve more than 3,200 students, including an estimated 1,500 student athletes. The placement of AEDs and training of personnel will significantly strengthen emergency preparedness during athletic practices and events.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Simmons Bank Foundation for believing in this mission,” said Sarah Smith, Managing Director of Friends of Heart. “This grant is about more than equipment — it’s about protecting students, supporting schools, and giving families peace of mind. When seconds matter, access to a working AED can mean the difference between life and death.”
Smith also recognized Vicki Lake for her work and advocacy in supporting the initiative.
In addition to expanding AED access, Friends of Heart is continuing its free EKG screening program for middle and high school students across West TN and hopes to have all Jackson-Madison County schools included in this program. Earlier this year, screenings at a High School in West TN identified a student with Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome (WPW), a potentially life-threatening heart condition that often goes undetected without screening. Early identification allowed the student to seek medical treatment.
“Our goal is prevention,” Smith added. “Through AED placement and free heart screenings, we are building a culture of preparedness across West Tennessee.”
This partnership with The Simmons Bank Foundation’s Make a Difference Grant marks a significant investment in student heart health and safety in Madison County.
Friends of Heart is a West Tennessee-based nonprofit dedicated to improving heart health through education, prevention, and emergency preparedness initiatives.
For more information about Friends of Heart or to support its mission, visit www.friendsofheart.org.
5 resolutions approved by Jackson Energy Authority’s Board of Directors during monthly meeting
The Jackson Energy Authority’s Board of Directors approved five resolutions during their monthly meeting at The Tennergy Center, Tuesday.
“JEA’s board of directors approved five resolutions today involving items such as construction of electric lines, policy revisions, telecommunications services, banking services, and an appointment to a benefits committee,” Monte Jones said. “A recap of the recent cold weather event was given by the CEO, and JEA’s employees were recognized for their outstanding work and preparation.”
Monte Jones is the chairman of the board of directors at Jackson Energy Authority.
“JEA’s response to the event helped to minimize impact to services. Several crews were sent to other local utilities to help in their recovery efforts,” Monte said. “Financial results were reviewed, and each division continues to perform well.”
Resolutions –
Authorized a labor-only construction agreement with Delta Services, LLC for constructing the SR Denmark Transmission Line. The Board approve a contract with Delta Services, LLC of Louisville, KY based on their low bid of $553,768.72 for the construction of the SR Denmark transmission line.
Approved revisions to the Jackson Energy Authority Policy and Procedure Manual for the Electric Division. The Board adopted the Jackson Energy Authority Policy and Procedure Manual as amended and revised on February 24, 2026, to reflect the changes to the Meters and Other Authority Facilities section of the Electric Service Policy.
Approved adopting telecommunications service rate adjustments. The Board adopted and approved adjustments to the cable television rates to be effective April 1, 2026 – which equals a 9.6% average increase in programming costs.
Authorized banking services – the following named institutions are hereby designated as depositories for JEA –
- First Horizon Bank
- Regions Bank
- Cadence Bank
- First Bank
- Simmons Bank
- The Bank of Jackson
- Local Government Investment Pool
- U.S. Bank
- Robert W. Baird
- Community Bank
- Brean Capital
- Centennial Bank
- Huntingdon Bank
Appointed one (1) member to the Employee Health and Welfare Benefits Committee. Grace Basa – Business Systems Analyst I – has been appointed to serve as a member of the Employee Health and Welfare Benefits Committee, fulfilling the term expiring June 30, 2030.
Union University wins 2026 National Collegiate Innovation title
From Union University –
Meet your 2026 National Collegiate Innovation Champions!
Dr. April Rowsey and students Noah Mullis, Isaac Hoover, Catherine (Grace) Hester and Dehlia Placie traveled to Nashville this week to compete head-to-head with top universities from across the country — and brought home the win!
After advancing through multiple rounds, the team secured the title with a final-round victory over Baylor University.
We are so proud of the students’ commitment to hard work, innovation and entrepreneurship!
Saucy Jake’s reopens in downtown Jackson
Saucy Jake’s Street Food has made a flavorful return to the downtown Jackson scene, reopening this past Friday night inside the historic Neely House at 575 South Royal Street.
The popular local spot, known for its saucy wings, juicy burgers, Philly Cheesesteak egg rolls, and bold street food flavors, is now operating directly from the Neely House, no longer a food truck. (Food truck closed in 2024)
The reopening aligns with the Richmond family’s vision for the venue, which they recently purchased and transformed into a hub for their dining ventures.
The Buchanan Realty Group CLICK HERE is a boutique commercial real estate firm that specializes in all aspects of commercial leasing to clients across the Southeast.
With attention to detail, and client oriented goals, the team, under the direction of principal agent, Brandon Buchanan, successfully represents owners & tenants who want to see growth in their prospective investments or businesses.
BRG agents are leaders in the investment sales and acquisition department, and pride themselves in their abilities to successfully negotiate the best deals for their clients. The team has represented clients focused on retail, hospitality, C-store, medical, industrial, and multi-family sectors.
