Hatchie Press

Five hundred six students graduated from Union University on May 2, 2026, during spring commencement services, including three from Hardeman County. Karlee Lanier graduated with a Doctor of Pharmacy, Candra Woods graduated with a Master of Social Work and Jasmine Gibson graduated with a Master of Social Work Advanced. Andrew Walker, dean-elect of the School of Theology at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, delivered the commencement address.

The UT/TSU Extension will host a Strawberry Jam Water Bath Canning Class on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Dixie Hills Baptist Church. Participants will learn the basics of making and safely preserving homemade strawberry jam using the water bath canning method. The class will cover proper canning techniques, food safety practices, equipment needed for home canning, and tips for preserving fresh strawberries. The cost of the class is $20 per person.

West Tennessee Healthcare is continuing to strengthen critical care services across the region through the expansion of its systemwide eICU program powered by Philips eCareManager and integrated with the hellocare.ai virtual care platform.

Two school board races in the Hardeman County Democratic Primary Election have been overturned. The District 1 Position 2 race, in which Danita Woods initially won against Bradford T. Polk by 23 votes and the District 1 Position 3 race in which Larry McKinnie initially won against Quintessa “Quin” Stewart by 68 votes.

The Hardeman County Arts Council’s (HCAC) production of Always… Patsy Cline hits the stage this weekend. The show is the last theatrical production of the HCAC’s 2025/2026 season and will take place at the Bolivar Central High School Auditorium due to storm-related damage at the Hardeman County Arts Center. Tickets are only $15 each. Purchase tickets at www.hcactn.org or at the door.

The Hardeman County Sheriff’s Office Monthly Arrest and Criminal Report for April 15, 2026, through May 14, 2026, is as follows: 85 – Arrests 47 – Reports on Criminal Incidents 14 – Theft and Buglaries 8 – Assaults 2 – Traffic Offenses 3 – Vandalism 3 – Mental Consumers 3 – Sex Offenses 4 – Animal Complaints 10 – Other – Lost/Found Property/Juvenile/Suicide/Violation of Protection Order/Shooting/Arson Click here to read the April 2026 arrest and criminal report.

The City of Bolivar and Bolivar Main Street are excited to announce the inaugural Make Music Day Bolivar, a free community music celebration taking place on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at the Bolivar Farmers Market. Part of an international event celebrated in more than 1,000 cities across over 100 countries, Make Music Day transforms communities around the world into stages for musicians of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels.

The UT/TSU Extension Office in Hardeman County will host a Herb Garden Kit Workshop on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the UT/TSU Extension Office located at 210 Vildo Road in Bolivar. This hands-on workshop is designed for gardeners of all skill levels who are interested in growing fresh herbs at home. Participants will create their own herb garden kit while learning the basics of herb selection, planting, care, and harvesting.

Local churches are gearing up for Vacation Bible School! Check out which churches are offering programming this summer. Antioch Baptist Church will host “I’m Hooked: Reeled in to Serve God” June 8-12 at 5:30 p.m. nightly. The church is located at 5320 Whiteville-Newcastle Rd., Whiteville, TN 38075. Campbell Chapel Missionary Baptist Church w will hold Vacation Bible School July 6, 7, and 8 at 5:30 p.m. nightly. All ages are welcome. The church is located at 17545 Hwy 125 S, Bolivar, TN 38008.

Photo courtesy of Hardeman County Schools. Aaron Gibson has been named the new principal of Toone Elementary School, bringing more than 16 years of experience in education and leadership to the role. Gibson has spent the past 16 years serving as an agriculture teacher and FFA advisor at Bolivar Central High School. During the last two years, he also served half days as an assistant principal at Bolivar Elementary School.