Jackson Sun to continue impactful coverage in new year

Kerri Bartlett, Jackson Sun
·3 min read
Nickeatrice McDowell holds her daughter Faith Cook close to her in the kitchen of her apartment on Wednesday, November 15, 2022, in Jackson, Tenn. "Since I got all girls, I changed everything about myself,” McDowell said. “Now I'm going to help them be the best person they can be. Because I want nothing but the best for them. The best."
Nickeatrice McDowell holds her daughter Faith Cook close to her in the kitchen of her apartment on Wednesday, November 15, 2022, in Jackson, Tenn. "Since I got all girls, I changed everything about myself,” McDowell said. “Now I'm going to help them be the best person they can be. Because I want nothing but the best for them. The best."

Over the past year, The Jackson Sun has brought you impactful news on city government and school board decisions, community features, decisions on development, updates on the restaurant and dining scene and other pertinent issues affecting the community.

Last summer, the Sun was proud to win second place in the Tennessee Press Association for its coverage of the hardships parents face in trying to secure child care. Amid a national and state shortage of child care options, Madison County ranks as the lowest county in the state in child well-being, according to a 2022 report by the Tennessee Commission on Aging and Youth.

With rich photography and in-depth coverage, our staff was able to give readers a look into the plight of single mothers making difficult choices between finding employment and finding child care.

More: Child care options shrink as desperation grows for Madison County families

Throughout the year, our staff has also provided robust court case coverage through following various cases such as the upcoming sentencing of the infamous Jackson "Roc Doc," Jeffrey Young, who was convicted of illegally prescribing opioids and other controlled substances to patients, while also pursuing inappropriate sexual relations with some of them.

The Sun also provided courtroom coverage of testimonies against Kevin Watson, charged in the killing of his ex-wife, Britney Watson in a domestic violence case.

Cindy Rich, a longtime friend of Britney Watson, wipes tears from her eyes while listening with Ashely Brand and Dawn Fisher to the preliminary hearing for Kevin Watson on the charge of first-degree murder of his ex-wife Britney Watson at the Haywood County General Sessions Court in Brownsville, Tenn., on Tuesday, February 21, 2023.
Cindy Rich, a longtime friend of Britney Watson, wipes tears from her eyes while listening with Ashely Brand and Dawn Fisher to the preliminary hearing for Kevin Watson on the charge of first-degree murder of his ex-wife Britney Watson at the Haywood County General Sessions Court in Brownsville, Tenn., on Tuesday, February 21, 2023.

More: 'Be ready next time': 'Rock Doc' sentencing postponed to January

The Sun wrote about the courtroom scene in the sentencing of Joshua Henley, Holladay Church of Christ youth pastor, who received a 45-year prison sentence on sexual abuse charges in the U.S. District Court for the Western Division of Tennessee.

During emotional testimonies, victims spoke of the pastor's grooming, sexual abuse and its negative impact on their lives.

Drag entertainer Genesis Sinclair performs during the Jackson Pride after Dark event inside the Carl Perkins Civic Center on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023.
Drag entertainer Genesis Sinclair performs during the Jackson Pride after Dark event inside the Carl Perkins Civic Center on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023.

Controversial topics in the community have also been tackled such as keeping the community informed about legislation on drag show laws, how elected officials make decisions about it and how it affects the LGBTQ community. The Sun covered the school board's denial of the proposed American Classical Academy charter school last year, highlighting the pros and cons of the establishment of a charter school in Madison County.

More: First Jackson drag show held since state's limiting legislation

One of the community's most memorable moments is when a crowd of hundreds, including a slew of elected officials and community leaders, gathered at the Carl Perkins Civic Center to pay respects to the late Jackson Civil Rights icon Shirlene Mercer, who passed away in August.

Luther Mercer Jr. tells a story about his mother as Tina Mercer cries during Shirlene Mercer's funeral reception inside Carl Perkins Civic Center on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2023.
Luther Mercer Jr. tells a story about his mother as Tina Mercer cries during Shirlene Mercer's funeral reception inside Carl Perkins Civic Center on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2023.

PHOTOS: Legacy of civil rights trailblazer Shirlene Mercer honored at funeral service

Our staff has also enjoyed covering the opening of new restaurants and businesses in the downtown area that have contributed to the ongoing revitalization of downtown. Along with the imminent completion of BlueOval City, the Sun has explored the impact car giant Ford will have on the West Tennessee region's growth and real estate market.

Most recently, the Sun covered the struggles of those unhoused and the city supports available to those seeking shelter, focusing on single mother Krystal , who found "peace of mind" and refuge at the new The Dream Center in Jackson.

With your continued support, we look forward to presenting our readers with more impactful stories in 2024.

With a focus on truth, accuracy and high quality coverage, we are dedicated to serving the special community of Jackson and its surrounding region and people to the best of our ability.

Happy New Year, and we value your readership.

Kerri Bartlett is editor of The Jackson Sun.
Kerri Bartlett is editor of The Jackson Sun.

Kerri Bartlett is editor of The Jackson Sun and deputy editor of the Middle Tennessee Region. She can be reached at kbartlett@gannett.com or 615-308-8324.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Herald: Jackson Sun to continue impactful coverage in new year