The Waynesboro Middle School Wildcats competed in the 2025 James C. Haile Middle School Basketball State Tournament last week. The tournament is hosted by Middle Tennessee Christian School in …

The 10th annual Bob Haggard “WILDCAT” Alumni Game was a huge success. Sunday, February 2, was the date chosen for this year’s game, and the day began with the Lady Cat Alumni facing off against …

The Clifton City Commission met in regular session on Monday, January 27, 2025 at the Columbia State Community College campus in Clifton. The meeting was moved from Clifton City Hall to the college due to the large crowd expected to attend. All commissioners were in attendance, including Mayor Mark Staggs, Vice Mayor Tammy Prince, Commissioner Jeff Letson, Commissioner Dwight Thompson, and Commissioner Michael Francis. Also present were City Manager Doug Kibbey, City Recorder Samantha Haines, City Attorney Mike Hinson, and various city department heads. There was indeed a large public attendance at the meeting as well.

The highly debated Educated Freedom Scholarship Act (commonly known as the school voucher program) headed to Governor Bill Lee’s desk last week after lawmakers passed it on the fourth day of a special session in Nashville.

A residential fire in Collinwood last Thursday resulted in the devastating loss of the home of Brad and April Morris, along with the loss of nearly all the family’s possessions.

The Collinwood Beautification Board members recently agreed to purchase a new handicap swing that was placed in the Ralph M. Hughes, Sr. Memorial Park. The Wayne County Civitan club requested the …

The Butterfly Foundation was organized in 2007 by the Stegall family of Waynesboro. Following the death of Ryleigh Stegall from Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia, her family formed The Butterfly Foundation …

The Wayne County Commission met in regular session on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. at the County Administrative Building. County Executive Jim Mangubat called the meeting to order. Commissioners in attendance were Tom Mathis, Logan Shull, Kathryn Staggs, Sherrie Powers, Colby McDonald, Tyler McDonald, David Martin, Vickie Petty, Jeremy Heard, Stan Hanback, Alvin Creecy, and Rickey Kelley. Also in attendance were County Clerk Stan Horton and County Attorney Andy Yarbrough. Commissioners Patrick Butler and Stephen Pevahouse were absent.

A fire on Monday, January 20, 2025, resulted in the complete loss of a shop building near Waynesboro.

Wayne County High School’s 10th annual Bob Haggard “WILDCAT” Alumni Basketball Game will be held on Sunday, February 2, at 1:30 pm. Please check the WCHS Wildcat Nation Facebook page for more details.

December *The annual Waynesboro Rotary Club Christmas Parade kicked off holiday parade season in Wayne County on Saturday, December 7, 2024. The parade featured lots of horses, emergency vehicles, antique vehicles, beautifully decorated floats, and the WCHS Marching Band. Residents of Waynesboro Post Acute and Rehabilitation even participated in the parade, riding in style in their decorated, lit-up bus.

May *Following a three-day trial at the end of April 2024, John Arlie Rich was convicted on charges of Felony Murder, 2nd Degree Murder, and two counts of Aggravated Rape. The indictments against Rich were handed down in March of 2020 following the death of 25-year-old Brentlyn Hunt. Hunt’s death was initially labeled as “suspicious” after her lifeless body was discovered at John Rich’s Collinwood residence early on Saturday morning, February 1, 2020 following a 911 call that reported concern for Hunt’s well-being. During an investigation conducted by the Collinwood Police Department and the District Attorney’s Office, evidence was obtained that proved Hunt’s death was in fact a homicide. Following a four-year delay during which Rich was free on bond, the three-day trial ultimately took place and resulted in Rich’s conviction. In June 2024, Rich was sentenced to life plus thirty years in prison for the rape and murder of Brentlyn Hunt.

July *Waynesboro’s annual Independence Day Celebration, held on July 3, 2024, brought approximately 3,000 visitors to City Park to enjoy the music, food, fireworks, and fun. Along with Wayne Countians, people from surrounding counties and even some from out of state came to enjoy the festivities. The heat was brutal, but it didn’t stop the good time had by all. Danny Davis, Ben Daniel, and L.D. Money started the music, followed by headliners LoCash. By the time the fireworks extravaganza began at 9:00 p.m., the sun was down for the night and temperatures became more bearable. The fireworks were once again spectacular, and there is no way to even count how many people enjoyed them from all around the city. Wayne Halfway House sponsored the musical entertainment, and the event was organized and co-sponsored by the City of Waynesboro.

The snow event of Friday, Jan. 10, once again showed the dedication of our county employees, area first responders, and towing services. Benton County Highway Department employees, under the …