September 7th was a tremendous day for Lauderdale County. Just a few years ago the Lauderdale County Community Hospital was reeling and surrounded by concern. In September of 2023, a new leaf was turned over when the hospital CEO Norman Hendren cut the ribbon on one of the most technologically advanced hospitals in the United States. National, State, and local teams were present to see years of collaboration and partnerships paid off.

Ethel B Jones and the Ripley Labor Day Committee coordinated the most successful event in recent memory with their 100th celebration! The celebration began on Friday and went through Monday with hundreds in attendance selling out every hotel in Lauderdale County and many in the surrounding counties. The annual events serves as an opportunity for family reunions, graduating class reunions, and an reflection of the history associated with the celebration. Click HERE for parade video.

The Lauderdale County Fair continues their streak of over 20,000 visitors. Saturday had the highest attendance with over 7,000 coming to see the Guns N Roses tribute band. In recent years the fair has grown with entertainment and attractions. KUDOS to the Lauderdale County Chamber and the Lauderdale County Fair Board for their hard work and dedication to grow this free attraction for the community. Attendance in recent years: 20,400 (2023), 22,090 (2022), 12,870 (2021). *Placer Ai.*

TDOT and TN Delta Alliance Co-Sponsored the Henning Community Cleanup. The event had over 30 volunteers and the team collected over 760 pounds of litter in the town. Community volunteers, the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Office and Lauderdale County Maintenance teams were on-site cleaning the downtown area. Thank you to all who volunteered their time to clean up our community.

Stay up to date with County Commission Meetings, Agendas, Minutes, and elected officials via the new website. Click HERE for more

Superintendent Shawn Kimble was asked by the Governor’s Office to join the Superintendents from Tipton and Haywood County to present their HTL University (pilot program) that has been in development over the last 18 months. The regional proposal would be the first of its kind and if approved would require over $17M in seed funding, most of which would come from the State. Ongoing funding for the program would be $4M annually from the State to sustain the program. The program would provide new training tools for each district and new support staff to the region to ensure every high school student will have a high school diploma + (TCAT Certification, an associate degree, or significant hours towards a 4-year degree). The program is still in the developmental phases as State funding has not been allocated to the program at this time. HTL University could drastically change K-12 education in Lauderdale County. To see the presentation Click HERE.

(Click HERE for more)

Lauderdale County Mayor Maurice Gaines and City of Ripley Mayor Craig Fitzhugh visit with Mueller Fittings team. Kevin Gay serves as the plant manager for the Mueller team that has been operating in Ripley since a tornado placed their Covington facility out of commission temporarily. The company formerly known as Mueller Brass currently employs around 70 people (30% of which are Lauderdale County residents). Their facility in Covington is under construction with the hope of returning to that facility in the coming months.

Last month the Alzheimer's Walk the Block event in Halls raised over $20,000 for Alzheimer's research. This month the local Walk leader Amy Elder Gammel is recognized by the National Alzheimer's Association for her local efforts.

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October 1 - Simply Beautiful October Fest for Kids 3-13 at 437 S Washington Street, Ripley, TN at 3pm (Click HERE for more)

October 2 - Henning Town Council Meeting at 5pm

October 2 - City of Ripley Council Meeting at 6pm

October 2 - Gates Town Council Meeting at 6:30pm

October 2 - Halls Town Council Meeting at 7pm

October 5 - Lauderdale County School Board Meeting at Ripley Elementary School at 5pm

October 6 - Ripley Football vs St. Benedict at 7pm

October 13 - Halls Football at Union City at 7pm

October 14 - Free Computer Training Course (Word) at Lauderdale County Library at 3pm (Click HERE for more)

October 14 - Free Solar Eclipse Glasses at Lauderdale County Library

October 14 - Grant Writing Class at UTM-Ripley Campus at 10am (Click HERE for more)

October 16 - Lauderdale County Commission Meeting at 6pm

October 17 - Job Search Workshop at UTM-Ripley Campus at 12:30pm (Click HERE for more)

October 19 - Veteran Museum Ladies Fall Luncheon at 12pm (Click HERE for more)

October 20 - Halls Football vs South Fulton at 7pm

October 20 - Ripley Football at Covington at 7pm

October 21 - Free Computer Training Course (Keyboarding) at Lauderdale County Library at 4pm (Click HERE for more)

October 28 - Fall Fest & National Night Out in Downtown Ripley beginning at 10am (Click HERE for more)

October 28 - Evening Lantern Hike at Fort Pillow State Park at 6pm (Click HERE for more)

October 28 - Carnival at 3691 Arp Central Road at 4pm (Click HERE for more)

October 27 - Boy Scout Troop 63 Hosting Fish Fry Fundraiser at First United Methodist Church, Ripley TN at 4pm *Tickets are pre-sale ONLY* (Click HERE for more)

October 29 - Komatsu Trunk or Treat at 108 Industrial Drive, Ripley, TN at 4:30pm

October 31 - Trunk or Treat in Downtown Ripley at 4:30pm

October 31 - Annual Kids Fall Festival at 2941 S Washington Street at 6pm (Click HERE for more)

Football Schedules HERE

2023 Season Records to Date: Ripley: (4-2) Halls: (1-5)