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As of 1 p.m. Tuesday, 900 Jackson County voters had availed themselves of the opportunity to cast early ballots for the July 31 General Primary Election. Early voting will continue at the Jackson County Administrative Building, Athens Street, Jefferson, Monday through Friday through July 27. Voting is from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. In addition, early ... [Full Story »] 

Nobody has been able to determine exactly when Anne Rogers began service on the Jackson County Board of Health, but her fellow board members and health department employees paid tribute last Thursday to her service for “at least” 23 years, by her own reckoning. Mrs. Rogers retired this spring, but returned Thursday to be praised for her ... [Full Story »] 

A Rice Street man returned to his home recently to find that someone had stolen more than $5,000 worth of items, according to a report filed with the Commerce Police Department. The 65-year-old white male said when he walked into the living room, he noticed that his 40-inch TV valued at $500 was gone. He then went into the bedroom to find it ... [Full Story »] 

Another key city of Commerce employee is about to retire. Recreation director Lonnie Dickerson retired in March and city manager Clarence Bryant and city clerk Shirley Willis retired June 30. Now, Bryan Harbin, director of water and sewer operations, retires July 31 after more than 14 years with the city. Harbin originally planned to retire at ... [Full Story »] 

Commerce educators may soon look at larger class sizes – but probably not too soon. The Commerce City Board of Education voted Monday to submit a resolution to the state Board of Education that would authorize the superintendent to increase class size maximums to exceed the current restrictions. Due to the unprecedented downturn in the ... [Full Story »] 

A Banks County man with an extensive criminal history added six new charges to his resume last week, according to the Commerce Police Department. Tommy Faulkner, 49, 124 Chandler Street, Homer, faces charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, illegal discharge of a firearm, speeding, driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol, ... [Full Story »]