🌱 How a UT Martin freshman juggles research, donuts and big dreams

Hi Martin! We have the latest buzz right here. Let's keep you in the loop and get this morning started right! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

• How a UT Martin freshman juggles research, donuts and big dreams
• How Martin’s own Ty Simpson just earned major SEC honors
• How a UT Martin expert says Medicare telehealth changes will hit locals

Also on today's calendar: 2025 Santa’s Village in Martin, TN and 2 more events.

Today's riddle: What did one tuna say to the other after getting caught stealing files from work? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Thursday: Rather cloudy and chilly, with a high of 43 and low of 38 degrees.
• Friday: Partly sunny, temps: high: 53, low: 28.
• Saturday: Some sun, then clouds; cooler, with a high of 42 and low of 17 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!

📰 News we're reading

• UT Martin student celebrates his first full year of academic success (thepacer.net) — A UT Martin freshman from Cambodia is thriving in Martin, juggling dual majors in computer engineering and math, research presentations, and shifts at his family’s U.S. Donuts shop on University Street. He’s quickly become known on campus for his scholarship, community connections, and upbeat personality as he settles into life and holiday traditions in Martin.
   

• Three Alabama Players Earn Associated Press All-SEC Status (tuscaloosathread.com) — A hometown connection is shining on the national stage as Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, a redshirt junior from Martin has earned second-team All-SEC honors from the Associated Press after leading the Crimson Tide to a 10-3 season and playoff berth. Two of his teammates made the AP first team, underscoring how strong this year’s Alabama squad has been.
   

• Medicare Coverage Is Changing Next Month (newsweek.com) — Medicare patients in Martin and across the country will keep expanded telehealth coverage through January 30, 2026, thanks to a short-term federal extension. UT Martin financial literacy instructor Alex Beene notes this is especially important for rural communities relying on virtual care, though patients should prepare for possible tighter rules and new AI-based prior authorization after the extension ends.
   

📸 Around Martin

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Martin

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

Thursday December 11

• Jackson North Side Boys Varsity Basketball @ Westview
  Westview High School, 8161 Hwy 45 S, Martin
  7:00 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

Sunday December 14

• 2025 Santa’s Village in Martin, TN
  Ned McWherter Agricultural Complex , 111 Moody Ave , Martin
  1:00 pm
• Champion Christian College Tigers at UT Martin Skyhawk Basketball
  Kathleen and Tom Elam Center , 15 Mt Pelia Rd , Martin
  4:30 pm

Monday December 15

• McKenzie Boys Varsity Basketball @ Westview
  Westview High School , 8161 Hwy 45 S , Martin
  6:00 pm

Tuesday December 23

• Walmart - Martin — Lifeline Blood Services
  Walmart Supercenter , 134 Courtright Rd , Martin
  1:00 pm

📣 Martin Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

Thursday December 11

• 2025 Santa's Village in Martin, TN
  Ned McWherter Agricultural Complex , 111 Moody Ave , Martin
  6:00 pm

Friday December 12

• Obion County Boys Varsity Basketball @ South Fulton
  South Fulton Middle and High School , 1302 John C Jones Parkway , South Fulton
  6:00 pm
• Stewart County Boys Varsity Basketball @ McKenzie
  McKenzie High School , 23292 TN-22 , McKenzie
  6:00 pm
• Dresden Boys Varsity Basketball @ Bradford
  Bradford School , 136 Old Hwy 45 S , Bradford
  6:00 pm
• Huntingdon Boys Varsity Basketball @ Union City
  Union City High School , 1305 High School Dr , Union City
  6:00 pm
• HRBC Boys Varsity Basketball @ Greenfield
  Greenfield School , 319 W Main St , Greenfield
  6:00 pm

Monday December 15

• Bricks and Brews – NUnion City
  Bricks and Brews , 204 S 1st St , Union City
  6:30 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Hut American Group, LLC posted a job opening for Team Member in Martin. Apply here.
• Sodexo, Inc. posted a job opening for Food Service Worker in Martin. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Martin here.

🗞 Nearby News

Greenfield

• West Tennessee high school basketball box scores from Week 4 (milanmirrorexchange.com)

Rutherford

• DA asked to examine issues from 2 complaints on Rutherford County Mayor Carr (dnj.com)
• Carl Boyd announces re-election bid for Rutherford County Commission (mainstreetmediatn.com)
• One Found Dead Following Outbuilding Fire on Ridley Earp Road in Rutherford County (wgnsradio.com)

Ok Martin! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I could get canned for this!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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