First issue of 2026

SHOUTOUT MEMORAIL SITE OF SEA OF BLUE

Soup’s up!

Smokey Joe’s Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

Homemade Vegetable Soup Come in or call (731) 645-5188 ORDER NOW

KIDDY’S PEST CONTROL EST

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CRAWLSPACE SOLUTIONS PEST CONTROL TERMITE CONTROL CRAWSPACE ENCAPSULATION CRAWSPACE SERVICES 731-632-1414 340 OLD LAWTON RD ADAMSVILLE TN ADAMSVILLE, TN 38310

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3rd Annual Rockabilly Rodeo coming soon!

Rockabilly Rodeo Returns!

Law Enforcement Memorial Wall hosts Sea of Blue Haywood County Celebrates 11 Years as an Acts of Kindness Community Adamsville recognized

by MSN & Island Magazine SWTTA member spotlight - Besso’s AiM to host artist reception JANUARY EVENTS

The Tourism Association of Southwest Tennessee is dedicated to providing cooperative tourism development and promotion in Chester, Decatur, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, McNairy and Madison Counties.

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RODEO FUN RETURNS

Mark your calendars for two action packed nights of Rodeo action.

February 6th and 7th 2026 Rockin K Rodeo Productions and First Choice Farm & Lawn-Savannah bring professional Rodeo Action back to the dirt in the McNairy County AG Event Center.

Doors will open at 6 pm with the performance starting at 8 pm Tickets at the door $20 for adults and kids 12 and under are free.

SEA OF BLUE HELD AT TENNESSEE LAW ENFORCEMENT MEMORIAL A Sea of Blue was held recently at the Tennessee Law Enforcement Memorial in Selmer, Tennessee in honor of the late Deputy Sheriff Sergeant Rick Finley. The memorial, a passion project of McNairy County Sheriff Guy Buck, was established in 2024 and is the only such memorial in the state. To date, more than 700 names of officers who died in the line of duty are memorialized on the wall.

Battered and bruised from a recent accident he had just a few weeks prior, Sheriff Buck stood at a podium in front of the Tennessee Law Enforcement Memorial Wall and once again shared the importance of the memorial, while also remembering Sergeant Finley. Finley, who was killed in the line of duty in December 2024, is the last name to be etched on the memorial.

“We are proud of the positive impact that the wall has had on our community,” said Sheriff Buck. “It continues and will continue to offer a place where family, coworkers and citizens can pay their respects or see their loved ones honored. We hope that it will be for many years to come.”

The Selmer Police Department helped the McNairy County Sheriff’s Office hold the event.

The Tennessee Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation is a nonprofit that was founded in 2023 to build and maintain the memorial in order to honor and recognize every law enforcement officer who has died in the line of duty in Tennessee.

For more information about the Tennessee Law Enforcement Memorial please visit their website at https://www.tlemf.org.

Thank you David Landreth for use of the photographs.

Reimagine Health Rediscover You

i s h S i s g p g n r i n i ing v n n n a a l p aca s ’ a ttiioo t t n n nn Saa

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Haywood County Celebrates 11 Years as an Acts of Kindness Community on January 13 Haywood County will mark the 11th anniversary of Acts of Kindness Day on January 13, 2026, continuing a countywide tradition rooted in compassion, community pride and intentional kindness.

On January 13, 2015, mayors from every municipality in Haywood County signed a proclamation officially declaring Haywood County an “Acts of Kindness Community.”

That historic moment marked the beginning of a movement envisioned by Dr. Tommy D. Russell III, a retired local dentist who believed kindness could be a powerful force for healing and connection.

“Acts of Kindness Day reminds us that kindness is not just something we talk about — it’s something we live,” said Dr. Russell. “It reflects the values that make Haywood County a special place to call home and a welcoming place to visit.”

Dr. Russell first shared his vision in the wake of the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. In response, he issued a herald’s call to community leaders, urging them to embrace intentional acts of kindness as a way to strengthen the social fabric of Haywood County. With the support of local leaders and the Rotary Club, the initiative took root and quickly became a defining part of the community’s identity.

Over the years, Acts of Kindness Day has brought together students, law enforcement, volunteers, and local businesses. Past efforts have included students assisting residents with groceries at local stores, placing “Kindness Jars” filled with encouraging messages in businesses, and community-wide displays of “Be Kind” messages across storefronts and marquees.

In recent years, the tradition has expanded with the introduction of Acts of Kindness Coins, which are given to individuals who are “caught in the act” of showing kindness. These coins serve as a tangible reminder that even the smallest gestures can have a lasting impact. The 2026 coins are made possible with support from community partners, including Ford Motor Company.

This year’s celebration invites residents across Brownsville, Stanton, and Haywood County to participate by performing an act of kindness and sharing it on social media using #ActsofKindnessHaywoodTN. Selected participants will receive Acts of Kindness Coins in recognition of their efforts.

As the county celebrates 11 years of this meaningful tradition, organizers encourage everyone to remember that kindness costs nothing, yet its impact can be profound.

For more information or to participate, visit Visit Brownsville TN on Facebook or follow along using #ActsofKindnessHaywoodTN.

The Southwest Tourism Association spotlights Besso’s in Henderson, Tennessee.

With a motto, “Coffee, Service & Community,” Besso’s is a perfect representation of the Southwest Tennessee region. Since opening their doors in 2020, Besso’s Coffee has been a gathering place for locals and visitors. Whether you’re grabbing a morning latte, hosting an event, or simply relaxing with friends, Besso’s is here to serve you with exceptional coffee, warm hospitality and a true sense of community.

Visit Besso’s today at their Downtown Henderson location or their grab-and-go cafe at West Tennessee Bone & Joint Institute in Jackson!

Thank you Besso’s for being a vital part of Southwest Tennessee.

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Islands travel magazine says “Tennessee's 'Biggest Little Town' Is A Crossroads Haven With A Low Cost of Living And Famed Museum”

Online travel guide Islands recently spotlighted Adamsville, Tennessee. Southwest Tennessee has long known about the wonderful community known as the Biggest Little Town in Tennessee. Click the imagaes or link HERE to read the article.

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AiM to host Tiffany Dickerson reception

Arts in McNairy will host a reception for artist Tiffany Dickerson on Sunday, January 25th at the Latta Building in Downtown Selmer, Tennessee.

“Come help us celebrate this amazing portrait artist from Savannah. Tiffany’s hyper realistic drawings have amazed us, and we can’t wait to share her work with the community. She gives life to the faces of public figures that we know and love in her beautifully-executed, meticulous work. She has tremendous talent and deserves to be celebrated. Tiffany will be on-site to answer questions, and she will have many originals and prints available for purchase.

This is a free event. Refreshments will be provided. All are welcome. We can’t wait to see you all there.”

For those that can’t make it to the reception, Tiffany’s work is on display at the Latta through the month of January.

The Latta is located at 205 West Court Avenue in Selmer.

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We’vvee got We’ got something something new! new!

Strawberry Açaí Lemonade Lemonade Refresher Refresher

JANUARY EVENTS

Dreams Renewed 2026 | Saturday, January 17 | 5:30 p.m. | The Jackson Fairgrounds We invite you to be our guest for dinner, silent and live auctions, and a concert from Grammy Award-winning group, Diamond Rio! Diamond Rio rose to fame with their 1991 debut single “Meet in the Middle,” the first debut song by a country group to reach No. 1. Known for hits including “One More Day,” “Beautiful Mess,” and “How Your Love Makes Me Feel,” the band has sold millions of albums worldwide and continues to draw fans across generations with their timeless music and engaging performances.

SPONSORSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE (including table(s) and can include media coverage, advertisement, partner recognition, and exclusive meet-and-greet opportunities with Diamond Rio!) $10,000 | $6,000 | $3,500 | $2,500 | $1,500 INDIVIDUAL TABLE SALES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE $1,000 For all sponsorship and table sales, contact our Executive Director, Gail Gustafson at 731613-0741.

JANUARY EVENTS

Come on out to experience the night sky in the same manner the Indigenous people of Pinson would have. Join the Rangers of Pinson Mounds to learn about stargazing practices during the Woodland period and how it helped to shape the construction of the Pinson Mound Complex.

After a brief presentation by the Rangers, we will take time to relax under the stars!

You will need to bring: -A picnic blanket or lawn chair -Weather appropriate clothing ( It may be cold! ) -A bottle of water or warm drink -A red light flashlight ( White light can interfere with the night sky viewing experience) -A positive attitude!

Participation in this program comes with some perks!

Hot chocolate will be available during the program!

Registration for this program is required. This is a Fee based program at $5 per attendee.

Please Check in with the Ranger stationed at the entrance when you arrive.

Tickets must be purchased through either the park office at 731-988-5614 or on the official Pinson Mounds State Archaeological Park website. No third party tickets will be honored.

JANUARY EVENTS

Join CCYT as we plunge beneath the waves in Finding Nemo Jr., a musical celebration of courage, family, and finding your way home. The beloved Pixar tale comes to life onstage with the characters you know and love and songs you'll be humming for weeks. Swim alongside Marlin and Dory as they cross the ocean in search of Nemo in this heartfelt adaptation that's perfect for audiences of all ages.

JANUARY EVENTS

🎶

Join us for the Tennessee Songwriters 2026 Qualifying Round!

Come out and support local songwriters as Visit Jackson, TN hosts one of the Tennessee Songwriters 2026 Qualifying Rounds on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Hub City Brewing!

The competition will take place from 3-7 PM, followed by a concert by LOLO at 7 PM. Grab a themed cocktail or Hub City beer, kick back, and enjoy an afternoon of original music from 20 local and regional songwriters as they compete for a chance to advance to the Semi-Finals in Memphis, and possibly perform at the legendary Bluebird Cafe in Nashville!

Event Highlights: Live performances by 20 songwriters Free concert by LOLO at 7 PM Featuring DJ Von Great beer, food, and community spirit at one of Jackson’s favorite music venues This event is free and open to the public, so bring your friends, family, and anyone who loves live music. Let’s cheer on the next wave of Tennessee songwriters!

Sign up to compete as a songwriter by visiting: https://forms.gle/wAbNCLATkwzdWwaF6 For questions, contact Visit Jackson, TN at 731-425-8333 or email paigek@visitjacksontn.com Songwriter Registration closes January 12, 2026, at 3 PM.

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JANUARY EVENTS

Step into Old Hollywood glamour at the reimagined Crystal Ball, chaired by Elizabeth Farris, benefiting the programs of The Jackson Symphony. Think red-carpet arrival, classic elegance, and an unforgettable night supporting music education, community concerts, and music & healing events across West Tennessee.

Saturday, January 31, 2026 • 6:00 PM Carl Perkins Civic Center Reserve your table or tickets now call (731) 427-6440. Ticket link coming soon!

Dress to dazzle, bring your friends, and celebrate the arts with YOUR Jackson Symphony.

148 W COURT AVE SELMER, TN (731) 434-0344

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damsville Welcome to

Food, leisure & so much more!

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HISTORY, CULTURE

& SO MUCH MORE! HISTORY, CULTURE

& SO MUCH MORE!

Welcome to

SELMER, TENNESSEE

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i i m m n n o o o o l l a a P P l l E E Reessttaauurraanntt R n n a a c c i i xx e e M M

La Familia Salute

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731-646-0040 780 Mulberry Avenue Selmer, TN

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McNairy County

AG EVENT CENTER

AGRICULTURE, RODEOS, CONCERTS, & MORE! 851 High School Road, Selmer, TN

(731) 439-0866

Visit these great Chamber & Tourism organizations

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