In case you missed it, here’s a look at news highlights from this past week from NEWS/TALK 101.5 FM & WNWS.COM.
Blackburn Applauds Senate Confirmation Of Tyreece Miller as United States Marshal for Western District of Tennessee
Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released the following statement on Tyreece Miller’s confirmation as the United States Marshal for the Western District of Tennessee.
“Tyreece Miller is a dedicated public servant with over two decades of law enforcement experience. He worked his way up the ladder at the Jackson Police Department, starting as a patrol officer in 1997, and becoming Deputy Chief in 2016. He is a Marine Corps veteran and an active member of his community. Tyreece has the experience and knowhow to get the job done, and West Tennesseans will benefit from his confirmation.”
WIC Farmers’ Market nutrition program in Madison County began July 1
JACKSON, Tenn. – The Jackson-Madison County Regional Health Department is pleased to announce the WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) will kick off July 1 in Madison County.
This program allows Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) participants to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at local farmers’ markets. “It provides WIC participants with locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables,” WIC Administrator Chris Ellis said. “It also supports local farmers and their families.”
Women and children will receive six $5 vouchers to spend at a local farmers’ market. Participants use the paper vouchers like cash. They can only be redeemed in July and August. WIC staff began issuing FMNP vouchers Monday, June 22.
They can be mailed or picked up at the WIC office via curbside service by appointment.
Only authorized FMNP farmers can accept the vouchers. They will be set up at the West Tennessee Farmer’s Market on Saturdays. Participants can redeem vouchers at any farmers’ market in Tennessee.
WIC provides healthy foods for low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children under age five. Women, infants over 4-months-old, and children who receive WIC benefits, or who are on a waiting list for WIC certification, are eligible to participate in the FMNP.
Call the Jackson-Madison County Regional Health Department at 731-423-3020 for more information.
Jackson-Madison County Regional Health Department names new director
The Jackson-Madison County Regional Health Department is proud to announce and welcome W. David Bryan, M.D. as medical director and health officer. Bryan takes over the position recently vacated by the retiring Tony Emison, M.D.
Bryan will be responsible for providing direction, consultation, and direct patient care. He will enforce health and sanitation laws and regulations, direct the work of combating and preventing the spread of communicable diseases, and act as a liaison to the local medical community.
“We’re thrilled to have Dr. Bryan join the health department team,” Regional Director Kim Tedford said. “His experience, knowledge, and professionalism are incredible assets to our community.”
Bryan is certified by the American Board of Family Practice. He is a member of the Tennessee Medical Association, American Academy of Family Physicians, and Tennessee Academy of Family Physicians.
Bryan joins the health department after 31 years in family practice at The Jackson Clinic. He received his Bachelor of Science in Physical Science from Memphis State University and medical degree from the University of Tennessee Center for the Health Sciences. Bryan completed his residency and internship in family practice at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital in affiliation with the University of Tennessee.
Bryan and his wife, Kathleen, are West Tennessee natives and have two children.
Face coverings mandated in Jackson-Madison County
The Jackson-Madison County Regional Health Department issued Order No. 4 Friday, July 3 mandating the use of face coverings or masks in Madison County. The order takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on July 4, 2020.
The order requires everyone to wear masks in businesses, organizations, or venues open to the public in Madison County. Places of worship are exempt. Children under age 2 are not required to wear face coverings.
Businesses are not required to supply face coverings to the public. People dining at restaurants are not required to wear masks while seated at the table eating.
Violation of the order is a misdemeanor offense.
The order remains in effect until 11:59 p.m. on Aug. 29, 2020.
Call the Jackson-Madison County COVID-19 Public Information Line at 731-240-1771 for more information.
Find more information about COVID-19 from the Tennessee Department of Health at https://www.tn.gov/health/cedep/ncov. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated information and guidance available online at www.cdc.gov/COVID19.
JFD rules arson is cause of 2 fires, Wednesday
On Wednesday night the Jackson Fire Department responded to two structure fires within 30 minutes.
Both fires were located in vacant residential structures and located within several blocks of each other.
At 10:15 pm, the Jackson Fire Department responded to a residential structure fire located at 465 North Royal Street.
Upon arrival, Firefighters found a large two-story vacant home with heavy fire on the front porch and the first/second floors of the building.
The unoccupied structure was unstable and contained an excessive amount of storage which hampered the Firefighter’s extinguishment efforts.
After several hours, Crews were able to bring the blaze under control and the fire was totally extinguished around 2 a.m.
While battling the fire on North Royal, the Fire Department received a call for a second house on fire at 350 Fairmont Avenue.
Additional fire units were dispatched to the second fire at 11:01 p.m., Wednesday.
Upon arrival Firefighters found a vacant one-story residential structure with heavy fire located on the back porch and extending into the structure. The fire was brought under control and extinguished by 1 a.m., today.
A total of 27 Firefighters, 7 Engines, 2 Aerial Trucks and several Administrative personnel were on scene of both fires. No injuries were reported and arson has been ruled as the cause of both fires.
Investigators believe the fires were started by the same person due to their close geographical proximity and the common location of the point of origin.
Anyone with information regarding the fires are urged to call the Jackson Fire Department (731)425-8347.
Lt. Mark Thompson, Humboldt native, receives Meritorious Service Medal
Lt. Mark Thompson, Naval Station Great Lakes chaplain, received the Meritorious Service Medal during a ceremony June 24.
The Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) is a military award presented to members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguished themselves by outstanding meritorious achievement or service to the United States.
Lt. Thompson received the award from Capt. Ray Leung, Naval Station Great Lakes commanding officer.
Jackson-Madison County Library closes all locations until further notice
Due to direct exposure to a COVID 19 positive patient, the Jackson-Madison County Library will close both its Main Library and North Branch until further notice while staff quarantines per Health Department guidelines.
During this time, the library will not be offering curbside service and patrons are asked to keep their items until the library reopens. Both locations will also undergo additional sanitization.
“While we have taken precautions to ensure the safety of our staff and our patrons, we know that we are not immune to the effects of this virus,” said Dinah Harris, library director, “Given the guidelines for quarantining after direct exposure, we are unable to offer any services in person or curbside. We will encourage patrons to use our digital services during this time, as well as participating in our virtual summer library program through ReadSquared.”
The due dates on library items have been extended and no patron will incur any fines during this time. For more information on the library’s digital services, visit www.jmclibrary.org as well as the library’s social media channels. The library will also not have staff available to answer phones.
The Jackson-Madison County Library is located at 433 E. Lafayette St. in downtown Jackson, and the North Branch is located at 8 Stonebridge Blvd next to China Pan Buffet. For more information, contact the Library at (731) 425-8600, visit the Library’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/JMCLibrary or its website at www.jmclibrary.org.
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