News

When the latest COVID-19 numbers were released Monday evening, July 26, the Tennessee Department of Health reported active cases to be at 66 in Dyer County, up from 21 active cases a week prior (July 19).

At approximately 10:30 p.m. Friday, July 23, Dyersburg Electric System experienced a power outage, leaving many customers without electricity for an extended period of time throughout the night.

A system-wide, any Dyer County school, summer registration will be held Thursday, July 29 at Dyer County Central Office from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. This is for students new to the system wishing to register with any Dyer County School for grades pre-K-12th. Please bring the following documentation: certified birth certificate, Social Security number, proof of residency, and the student’s last report card. Registration is limited to one parent/guardian...

To celebrate the county employees, the Dyer County Mayor’s office held an Employee Appreciation Day on July 23 that included a barbecue meal prepared by two local restaurants.

Mark your calendars for Saturday evening, August 7 for the annual Transitions fundraiser. The theme for this year’s event is “God Bless the USA”, and it will be in the Fellowship Hall of the First Baptist Church at 6 p.m. Transitions is a ministry organized for the purpose of transforming the lives of women with life-controlling issues. The mission of Transitions is to nurture and disciple women who desire a new beginning through the life-changing power of Jesus Christ...

MERYL CAMPBELL mcampbell@stategazette.com Lenox Fire Department announced Tuesday they are the recipient of an America’s Farmers Grow Communities non-profit grant of $2,500. Each year America’s Farmers Grow Communities distributes grants through Grow Communities donations, sponsored by Bayer Fund. ...

Students planning to attend Dyersburg State Community College this fall will be able to attend an in-person New Student Orientation. During the orientation events, students will have an opportunity to interact with faculty and staff and ask questions. Students will learn more about courses and majors, financial aid, student services, tutoring, student life organizations and will be able to register for classes, all in one day. As a reminder, fall semester classes begin Aug. 23...

UNION CITY, Tenn. – Discovery Park of America has announced that Debra Craig, an experienced financial professional, has joined the organization’s leadership team as director of finance. She will manage the business-and finance-related functions of Discovery Park...

The Dyer County Historical Society is once again hosting a meeting for those citizens who are interested in their family history. Many people have expressed an interest in learning how to do research on their family's past. The meeting will take place Tuesday, July 27 at the Professional Development Center, located at 305 College St. in Dyersburg, at 5 p.m...

On Thursday, the 29th Judicial District Attorney’s Office presented cases on individuals alleged to be local members of either the Vice Lords or 87 Kitchen Crips. A total of six individuals were issued injunctions in an effort to curtail the violence reportedly occurring between the two rival gangs...

A Dyersburg woman was taken into custody Thursday afternoon after allegedly running over her son with a car. Judy Barham, 65, was arrested by Dyersburg Police on charges of aggravated assault and tampering with evidence.

A local man was arrested for reportedly selling drugs through the drive-thru window at a Dyersburg fast food establishment. Dennis Jeffrey, 33, of Dyersburg was taken into custody by Dyersburg Police on charges of possession of schedule II and possession of schedule IV with intent to sell.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Department of Health and community partners across the state join together for the third consecutive year to participate in the Red Sand Project during Human Trafficking Awareness Week, recognized July 26-31, 2021. The Red Sand Project is a participatory art installment designed to shed light on human trafficking. ...

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Governor Bill Lee convened the Law Enforcement Training Advisory Council on Thursday to discuss progress on improving information sharing and increasing officer training, amid a national surge in violent crime. One of the attendees of Thursday’s meeting was Dyersburg Police Chief Steve Isbell.

The Dyersburg Board of Mayor and Aldermen convened Monday evening in the Municipal Building Courtroom at 7 p.m. Five items of new business were listed on the agenda, including a public hearing for a text amendment, an approval for a public hearing pertaining to rezoning, the attorney invoice, a resolution for the City to participate in the TML Safety Partners grant program, and a review of approved bids...

On Tuesday evening, the Newbern Board of Mayor and Aldermen convened inside the Newbern Courtroom at 5:30 p.m. All board members were in attendance. The agenda included two new items of business such as the reviewing the summary of facts pertaining to the March 5, 2020 termination appeal of former Newbern Police investigator Rodney Wright and appointing Mitzi Willis to director of the Newbern Library. Additionally, the board recognized former Newbern Elementary School Principal Betty Jackson.

Dyersburg State Community College President Karen Bowyer has announced that Rodney Alford has been named director of workforce development and continuing education. As the director, Alford will oversee non-credit learning opportunities through certificate programs, workforce development and customized training, personal enrichment, and youth programs...

MARTIN, Tenn. – Chris Donaldson and Dakota Simpson, both of Dyer County, graduated from the WestStar Leadership Program’s class of 2020-21 during the organization’s graduation ceremony and reception June 22 in Jackson. Donaldson, owner and operator of Tencom Services, serves on the boards of the Lifebeat Family Resource Center, Dyer County Chamber of Commerce and TCAT-Newbern. ...

MARTIN, Tenn. – Brooxie Carlton, deputy assistant commissioner of rural and community development for the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, received the 2021 Jimmy Daniel Make-A-Difference WestStar Leadership Alumni Award during the organization’s graduation ceremony and reception June 22 in Jackson. Carlton is a member of the WestStar class of 2014...

The Dyer County 4-H program hosted two day camps in the county this summer. The 4-H Day camps were in place of the normal camps that are generally held each summer all over the state. The 4-H Day camps were in conjunction with the summer school programs at Newbern Elementary and Fifth Consolidated Elementary Schools and reached over 350 students. ...

Dyersburg police officers arrested a local man Monday afternoon after responding to a call of a domestic assault with injuries. Bobby Ashley, 20, of Dyersburg was taken into custody on charges of aggravated assault, violation of an order of protection, and vandalism over $1,000 after he allegedly struck a female victim multiple times in the face.

On Friday, July 16, Modern Woodmen of America presented a matching-fund donation check in the amount of $2,500 for Sgt. Stan Langley of Dyersburg Police Department. On June 18 the DPD sponsored a “Stan Strong” hamburger lunch benefit fundraiser at the Downtown Storm Shelter where more funds were raised for Langley.

The Dyersburg-Dyer County Arts Council is set to present their upcoming comedy production, “The Murder Room,” Friday, July 23 and Saturday, July 24 at 7 p.m. with a matinee showing Sunday, July 25 at 2:30 p.m. Shows will be held at The Newbern Depot, located at 108 Jefferson St. in downtown Newbern.

After being forced to reschedule on three occasions due to COVID-19, the We Are Messengers concert is set to take place Thursday, August 5 at First Christian Church, beginning at 7 p.m. The show is being presented by the FCC – Dyersburg Concert Ministry...

MERYL CAMPBELL mcampbell@stategazette.com Tennessee Department of Corrections needs help finding meaningful employment for individuals released from TDOC facilities. District 61 Employment specialist Officer Mary Raney and Public Information Officer Tylee Tracer welcome any company willing to work with TDOC to offer meaningful work for these individuals...