Terry Brimhall, founder and president of Brimhall Foods Co. Inc., has been named entrepreneur of the year by the Bartlett Area Chamber of Commerce.

2. Wright Joins Magna Bank as Senior Vice President - Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Andy Wright has joined Memphis-based Magna Bank as senior vice president and manager of commercial banking. Wright, who previously held senior vice president positions at Iberiabank and First Tennessee Bank, has experience working with a variety of industries, with in-depth expertise in the transportation and logistics industries.

3. Schools Begin Front Office Layoff Process - Monday, April 08, 2013

When Shelby County’s two public school systems went to a single superintendent in March, interim superintendent Dorsey Hopson emphasized that his first priority is a budget proposal later this month for the school system that merges formally with the July 1 start of the fiscal year.

4. Johnican Practiced Political Art of Coalition - Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Minerva Johnican practiced the art of the coalition in a political career that spanned more than 40 years.

The former Shelby County Commissioner, Memphis City Council member and Criminal Court Clerk Minerva died Friday, March 8, at Methodist University Hospital at the age of 74.

5. Family Values Drive Success at United Warehouse Transportation - Friday, March 01, 2013

United Warehouse Transportation, along with parent company United Warehouse & Transit Logistics, is riding an impressive wave of success over the past 18 months.

Near the end of 2011, UWT acquired a small local transportation company and formed United Warehouse Transportation, with projected annual revenues of $895,000. By the end of 2012, that number had grown to $6 million, and company CEO Chris Williams expects it to top $10 million by the summer.

6. Events - Saturday, February 23, 2013

Make-A-Wish Mid-South will host Wine for Wishes Thursday, Feb. 28, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at The Cadre, 149 Monroe Ave. The fundraiser will include food and wine pairings, a silent auction and live music by The Will Tucker Band. Visit midsouth.wish.org.

7. Events - Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Greater Memphis Chamber and Duncan-Williams Inc. will host Job Fuel: 2013 Conference on Job Creation Wednesday, Feb. 20, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Memphis Cook Convention Center, 255 N. Main St. Jim Clifton, chairman and CEO of Gallup, and Dr. Gene Huang, chief economist and vice president at FedEx, will discuss what leaders need to know about the future of job creation. Cost is $50 per person or $450 per table of 10. Visit memphischamber.com.

8. Conference Brings Jobs Creation Into Focus - Monday, February 11, 2013

Jim Clifton, CEO of the Gallup organization since 1998, believes the stakes are extraordinarily high in the global arms race for jobs.

He made the point in stark terms in a recent interview he gave to Forbes.

9. Haslam Proposes Capping Online-School Enrollment - Thursday, January 31, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) – Some Democratic lawmakers say they support a proposal by Gov. Bill Haslam that would place stricter enrollment requirements on online public schools established in Tennessee.

10. ‘Memphis Enthusiast’ Ham Honored by Advertising Federation - Monday, January 28, 2013

Phrases used to describe Cynthia Ham at the Thursday, Jan. 24, American Advertising Federation Memphis meeting included “the Memphis enthusiast,” “the art-aholic,” “the hostess/entertainer,” “a local celebrity” and even “a pushy broad.”

11. ‘Memphis Enthusiast’ Ham Honored by Advertising Federation - Friday, January 25, 2013

Phrases used to describe Cynthia Ham at the Thursday, Jan. 24, American Advertising Federation Memphis meeting included “the Memphis enthusiast,” “the art-aholic,” “the hostess/entertainer,” “a local celebrity” and even “a pushy broad.”

12. CashSaver Trades Hands for $3.2 Million - Friday, December 28, 2012

The CashSaver in Midtown has traded hands. 

Kansas City, Kan.-based Super Market Developers Inc. bought the 69,017-square-foot building at 1620 Madison Ave. at Avalon Street from 1620 Madison LLC for $3.2 million. Fred Monks III, president/chief manager of 1620 Madison LLC, signed the special warranty deed.

13. Good News - Tuesday, December 18, 2012

There’s something newly electric in the air. That’s how the editors of National Geographic Traveler describe Memphis, putting the city in the category of 20 must-see places in 2013.

It’s a description that came at the end of November in the form of something Memphians aren’t altogether used to – the editors of national publications nodding approvingly from afar at a city long relegated to one arbitrary ranking after another.

14. Michigan House Approves Right-to-Work Limiting Unions - Wednesday, December 12, 2012

LANSING, Mich. (AP) – The Michigan House approved the first of two right-to-work bills Tuesday that would weaken union power in the historical labor stronghold as hundreds of protesters rallied at the Capitol.

15. Armstrong Unveils Precinct Realignment - Thursday, December 06, 2012

There still will be nine Memphis police precincts with the new year. But they will each have six wards, new boundaries and handle something closer to the same amount of calls.

And Memphis Police Director Toney Armstrong said police officers will do something they haven’t had enough time to do in recent years in many parts of the city – patrol the areas they are assigned to instead of moving from one call to another.

16. Commercial Advisors Hires Ewen as Controller - Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Erika Ewen has joined Cushman & Wakefield/Commercial Advisors Asset Services LLC as controller. Ewen will direct the accounting department in all accounting functions and financial reporting of Commercial Advisors Asset Services as well as all property management clients.

17. Obama Carries Shelby, Cohen Over Flinn and Two Tax Hikes Defeated - Wednesday, November 07, 2012

President Barack Obama carried Shelby County in unofficial Nov. 6 election returns as his Republican challenger Mitt Romney took the state’s 11 electoral votes.

Voter turnout in the most popular election cycle among Shelby County voters was 61.9 percent, about the same percentage as four years ago. But the 371,256 voters is fewer than 2008 when more than 400,000 Shelby County voters cast ballots. The percentage is about the same because there are fewer registered voters in Shelby County than there were four years ago after a purge by election officials.

18. Haynes Joins Table Group as Principal Consultant - Wednesday, November 07, 2012

Brad Haynes has joined The Table Group Inc. as principal consultant. Haynes will provide executive teams with customized consulting and training sessions built around teamwork, leadership and overall organizational health.

19. Nightmare Election Scenarios Worry Both Parties - Friday, October 19, 2012

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) – Here in a county that knows a thing or two about Election Day meltdowns, both parties are fretting over what might go seriously wrong before, during or just after the Nov. 6 presidential election.

20. Memphis Music Hall of Fame Names 25 Initial Inductees - Thursday, October 18, 2012

Memphis Mayor A C Wharton Jr. joined with representatives from the Smithsonian-developed Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum Tuesday, Oct. 16, in announcing the launch of a Memphis Music Hall of Fame tribute to the city’s musical legends.

21. Memphis Music Hall of Fame Names 25 Initial Inductees - Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Memphis Mayor AC Wharton joined with representatives from the Smithsonian-developed Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum Tuesday, Oct. 16, in announcing the launch of a Memphis Music Hall of Fame tribute to the city’s musical legends.

22. Senior Care Management Solutions Promotes Williams - Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Darla Williams has been promoted to health care administrator at Senior Care Management Solutions. In her new role, Williams will play a critical role in overseeing and customizing clients’ daily care plans to fit their specific needs.

23. Indie Memphis Festival Gets a Tech Feel - Friday, October 05, 2012

Based on a lineup the nonprofit organization released, this year’s Indie Memphis Film Festival will feel a lot like the South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas.

It’s a reflection of the digital convergence of film, music and interactive media. Adding a kind of innovation and technology focus to the festival is something organizers have wanted to add for a while, according to Indie Memphis board president Iddo Patt.

24. Ciaramitaro Joins Grace-St. Luke’s as School Counselor - Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Licensed clinical social worker Courtney Ciaramitaro has joined Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal School as school counselor. She will work primarily with middle school students.

Hometown: Memphis

25. Back to the Gridiron - Monday, August 27, 2012

It was the last day before fall practice would begin. First-year University of Memphis football coach Justin Fuente couldn’t wait to get started.

“This is the longest day of the year,” he said.

26. Suburban School Board Races Almost Set - Friday, August 17, 2012

Races on the Nov. 6 ballot for six sets of suburban school boards took shape Thursday, Aug. 16, at the noon filing deadline for candidate qualifying petitions.

The candidates that made the deadline have another week to withdraw from the races if they wish.

27. Muni Schools Questions Pass, Cohen Wins Big - Friday, August 03, 2012

Voters in each of the six suburban towns and cities in Shelby County approved establishing municipal school districts in the unofficial results of the Thursday, Aug. 2, county general and state and federal primary elections.

28. Muni Schools, Cohen, Weirich, Johnson, Stanton, Kyle Take Early Vote - Friday, August 03, 2012

Voters in each of the six suburban towns and cities in Shelby County were overwhelmingly approving the establishment of municipal school districts and a half cent sales tax hike to fund them in the first vote totals released Thursday, Aug. 2 by the Shelby County Election Commission.

29. Board Approves Formation of Transition Group - Thursday, August 02, 2012

There are recommendations to come, decisions by two school superintendents instead of one about who works on the coming schools merger and more public meetings after 75 already by the schools consolidation planning commission.

30. School Board Votes Not To Renew Cash's Contract - Wednesday, June 20, 2012

The countywide school board voted Tuesday, June 19, not to renew the contract of Memphis City Schools superintendent Dr. Kriner Cash past August 2013 when it is scheduled to run out.

The 14-8 vote came during two back-to-back school board meetings covering five hours in which the board also agreed to talk more about a process for selecting the superintendent of the consolidated school system to come at a meeting next week.

31. Wal-Mart's Proxy Vote Shows Dissent Against Execs - Tuesday, June 05, 2012

NEW YORK (AP) – Wal-Mart's final shareholder vote for its board of directors showed unprecedented dissent against key executives and board members, including CEO Mike Duke, in the wake of allegations of bribery in Mexico.

32. Events - Thursday, May 10, 2012

The Greater Memphis Chamber: International Business Council will hold a seminar on business in the Philippines Thursday, May 10, at 8:30 a.m. at Hilton Memphis, 939 Ridge Lake Blvd. Cost is free. The IBC will also hold a luncheon at noon at the Hilton. Cost is $25, or $15 for attendees of the breakfast seminar. Call Brenda Montgomery at 543-3541.

33. ‘Different Avenue’ - Monday, May 07, 2012

Rudy Williams always knew she wanted to work in a hospital, but after a short stint in community college and a few years in the workforce, the path to her goal was looking like a long haul.

So a little more than a year ago, she gave it another try, enrolling in the 60-week medical assisting program at Vatterott Career College’s campus near her home in Bartlett. Now, she’s getting ready for an externship in a local clinic that could lead to a job in her field.

34. Grisham Joins Growing Jackson Lewis Office - Thursday, May 03, 2012

When Greg Grisham joined the Memphis office of workplace law firm Jackson Lewis LLP as a partner a few weeks ago, it marked the fourth new attorney arrival in the firm’s Memphis office since December.

35. Cohen-Hart in Congressional Race at Filing Deadline - Friday, April 06, 2012

The chairman of the countywide school board, Billy Orgel, was effectively elected to his District 7 school board seat without opposition at the Thursday, April 5, filing deadline for candidates on the Aug. 2 primary and general election ballot in Shelby County.

36. Memphis Company Inks Major Miami Lease - Tuesday, February 07, 2012

Memphis-based commercial real estate firm SMPO Properties Inc. has executed a lease with The Miami Herald Media Co. for the former U.S. Southern Command Headquarters building in Doral, Fla.

37. Companies Sue County Over Minority Contracts - Tuesday, February 07, 2012

Giving minority contractors a bigger share of the pie in doing business with local government is a hot topic at the moment.

City and county officials, for example, have found themselves in recent days under pressure to explain low levels of minority participation in some of the area’s high-dollar capital investment projects.

38. Elite Electric Relocates to Hickory Withe - Friday, February 03, 2012

A local electrical designer is relocating its operations from Collierville to Hickory Withe.

Elite Electric & Lighting Inc. has purchased 5,000 square feet of the former John Deere Landscapes facility at 2875 U.S. 64 from K&L Highway 64 Investments LLC for $425,000.

39. New Fed Voters Likelier to Back Help for Economy - Wednesday, January 25, 2012

NEW YORK (AP) – If Chairman Ben Bernanke decides the economy needs more help from the Federal Reserve this year, he probably won't face as much resistance as he did last year.

Call it the changing of the guard.

40. Ex-Tiger Derrick Rose Says Toe Might be Issue Rest of Season - Tuesday, January 24, 2012

DEERFIELD, Ill. (AP) – Chicago Bulls star Derrick Rose says his sprained left big toe might bother him the rest of the season.

41. Trading Hands - Monday, January 16, 2012

It’s been something of a roller coaster ride for a little more than six months in the drawn-out process by Regions Financial Corp. to sell Morgan Keegan & Co. Inc., its Memphis-based investment unit.

42. Former Tigers Coach Bartow Dies at 81 - Wednesday, January 04, 2012

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) – Gene Bartow, the former Memphis Tigers coach who succeeded John Wooden at UCLA and later began UAB's athletic program, has died, UAB officials said. He was 81.

43. Thomison Joins PGM/Trumbull - Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Dr. John Thomison has joined Pathology Group of the Mid-South/Trumbull Labs LLC.

Hometown: Nashville

44. City’s Story Recounted in ‘Memphis 101’ - Thursday, November 10, 2011

A cross-section of native Memphians and Memphians by choice spent the afternoon of Tuesday, Nov. 9, exploring the stories that shaped the city during “Memphis 101,” a free, public event held biannually at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library.

45. Ark. House Leaders: No New Tax Cuts in '12 - Tuesday, October 25, 2011

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Arkansas House leaders said they want next year's abbreviated legislative session to focus only on passing a budget and that they plan to discourage fellow lawmakers from introducing other measures, including new tax cuts.

46. Schools Get Fresh Start With New Board - Monday, October 03, 2011

The separate Memphis City Schools and Shelby County Schools boards are no more when the end of September rolls over into October.

And the 23 members of the countywide Shelby County Schools board take the oath of office Monday, Oct. 3 at the MCS auditorium.

47. Ole Miss Honors Historian who Fought Racism - Thursday, September 29, 2011

Students of University of Mississippi history professor Jim Silver will gather on the Ole Miss campus Friday, Sept. 30, to honor the historian who left Mississippi in the turbulent 1960s after a prophetic warning about the growing level of violent resistance to racial integration in the state.

48. Obama Tax Cut Would Boost Typical Pay by $1,500 - Monday, September 12, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – Typical workers would get an extra $1,500 in their paychecks next year under a plan by President Barack Obama to expand a payroll tax cut that is scheduled expire at the end of the year. Higher paid workers would get more, and businesses would get tax breaks, too.

49. Events - Tuesday, August 30, 2011

The Memphis Rotary Club will meet Tuesday, Aug. 30, at noon at the University Club of Memphis, 1346 Central Ave. Nancy Williams, executive director of the Memphis Child Advocacy Center, will speak. Cost is $18 per person. For reservations, email Taylor Hughes at taylor@memphisrotary.org.

50. Tennessee Legislators Make Summer Trip to China - Tuesday, August 30, 2011

NASHVILLE – The organizer of a trip by 15 state legislators to China this summer says he returned with a "verbal commitment" from Chinese officials to match up to $5 million in state money for establishing educational ties between the nation and Tennessee.

51. Schools Consolidation Saga Turns Corner - Monday, August 29, 2011

Where does a 23-member countywide school board meet? “FedExForum is open,” replied Shelby County Schools board chairman David Pickler last week to the question from fellow board member David Reaves.

52. Soul Fish Cafe’s Po Boy True Taste of Memphis - Monday, July 18, 2011

The first in an occasional series, “The Anatomy of a Sandwich.”

Just think, if the Earl of Sandwich had been, say, the Earl of Glastonbury, we’d all be going around saying, “Hey, I’m really in the mood for a peanut butter and jelly glastonbury.” Glad that didn’t happen!

53. CrescoAg Inks Lease for New Downtown HQ - Friday, July 15, 2011

Downtown Memphis has landed another corporate headquarters. CrescoAg LLC, an independent information management company, has signed a new lease on 4,594 square feet at 88 Union Ave.

54. Open Houses Create Leads, Networking Opportunities - Monday, July 04, 2011

The return on investment of open houses has long been a debated topic among residential real estate agents.

Some seasoned professionals with a large referral base and repeat clientele opt out, while others are avid believers.

55. Morgan Keegan Settles Fraud Claim, Sale Possible - Thursday, June 23, 2011

Regulators have announced a roughly $200 million settlement with Morgan Keegan & Co. Inc. in a fraud case several agencies brought against the firm last year.

56. Morgan Keegan Settles Fraud Claim, Sale Possible - Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Regulators have announced a roughly $200 million settlement with Morgan Keegan & Co. Inc. in a fraud case several agencies brought against the firm last year.

57. Dollar General Building Store On Jackson In N. Memphis - Friday, June 10, 2011

Plans for a new Dollar General store in the city’s North submarket are under way. Ware Properties LLC purchased 9,100 square feet of vacant land at 3433 Jackson Ave. from Hector Tejeda in May for $140,000, according to the Shelby County Register of Deeds. The Shelby County Assessor of Property’s 2011 appraisal of the parcel was $109,200.

58. Tenn. Senate OKs Ban on Teaching of Homosexuality - Monday, May 23, 2011

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — State law would forbid Tennessee public school teachers and students in grades kindergarten through eight from discussing the fact that some people are gay, under legislation that passed Friday in the state Senate.

59. Dodging the Deluge - Friday, May 06, 2011

The last time the Memphis river gauge was this high, Memphis was a much different place. In 1937 when the Mississippi River at Memphis topped 48.7 feet, Mud Island was really an island with no levee connecting it to the city and the Wolf River flowing between it and the city proper. Parts of the city were still rural as was the county outside Memphis. Today’s suburban development was a long way off, and Millington was still a few years away from getting the Naval Air Station.

60. Newcomers Highlight BSMF Lineup - Friday, April 22, 2011

Memphis in May’s salute to Belgium will once again kick off with headline musical acts from across the country, singing on the river, in the sometimes muddy Tom Lee Park.

61. Mellencamp Headlines Beale Street Music Festival - Friday, March 04, 2011

MEMPHIS (AP) – Memphis in May officials say John Mellencamp, Wilco, Cee Lo Green, Ke$ha, Stone Temple Pilots, B.o.B. and Godsmack are scheduled to perform at the three-day Beale Street Music Festival this spring.

62. Haslam In Memphis After Signing Schools Consolidation Bill - Monday, February 14, 2011

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam is in Memphis Monday for the announcement that Mitsubishi will be building a plant at Rivergate Industrial Port.

But before he leaves town, Haslam will be asked multiple times, privately and publicly, about his decision to sign the schools consolidation bill as the weekend began.

63. Nevels Takes Reins of BMHC Foundation - Wednesday, January 05, 2011

Jenny Nevels has been promoted to executive director of the Baptist Memorial Health Care Foundation.

64. Bar Prez Plans Year of Service - Thursday, December 30, 2010

During this month’s annual meeting of the Memphis Bar Association, the gavel was passed to a new president who pushed for his colleagues to take summer interns at their firms.

It’s part of a community-minded spirit that private attorney Ricky Wilkins made a theme of his just-ended tenure as the MBA president. And Shuttleworth Williams PLLC partner John Cannon, the MBA’s new president, is picking up right where Wilkins left off.

65. Bar Association Meeting Moves East - Thursday, December 02, 2010

The Memphis Bar Association will announce the election of new officers at its annual meeting Thursday at The Racquet Club of Memphis in addition to handing out awards to hard-working attorneys whose professionalism, volunteer spirit and service to the profession have earned them distinction.

66. Pinnacle Decision, Pep Rally Required Collaborative Effort - Thursday, November 18, 2010

Howell Marketing CEO Amy Howell has a lot to say in a blog she posted this week about her firm’s deep involvement in media strategy for Pinnacle Airlines Corp.’s decision on a new headquarters location.

67. Technological Tactics - Wednesday, November 10, 2010

The sensory system that reports information to the brain center for the Memphis Police Department’s Blue CRUSH initiative is about to be upgraded with new tools.

The high-tech gadgetry includes fixed license plate readers on interstate highways, 1,500 tracking bracelets for repeat offenders out on bond and neighborhood surveillance devices that can pinpoint the location of gunshots.

68. A New Era - Monday, October 25, 2010

As the Grizzlies mark their 10th season in Memphis, whispers of “contender” and “dark horse” can be heard in the halls of FedExForum.

The positive outlook is an encouraging sign for a team that sat at the bottom of the league just two seasons ago and has endured a bumpy ride during its decade-long tenure in Memphis.

69. Lintner Promoted at Obsidian Public Relations - Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Crissy Lintner has been promoted to director of client services at Obsidian Public Relations.

Hometown: Laurel, Miss.
Family: Married to John Lintner, two step-children, Jack, 6, and Sarah, 3
Favorite quote: My show choir director in high school had a saying, “Cope and adjust.” It’s kind of become a mantra over the years. If something goes awry, you just deal with it and move on.
Who has had the greatest influence on you? My grandmother (Mammaw) was a huge influence on my love of music. She introduced me to the piano and encouraged my talents. She also was a genuinely sweet and loving person, and I think she helped shape who I am today.
Why did you pursue a career in public relations? It was the degree that required the least amount of math courses! In all seriousness, I knew I loved writing, meeting and talking to new people, and it seemed like a perfect career for my personality.
What drew you to Obsidian? I had been working in the not-for-profit realm for nearly five years – mostly focused on fundraising – when an e-mail came through my inbox about an open position as an account executive at Obsidian. The opportunity to go back to my PR roots and work for a growing firm sounded like an appealing challenge and is a decision I am happy to have made.
What will your new role at Obsidian entail? I’ll be managing our account team of nine people by providing strategic council on client initiatives, editing writing projects, overseeing day-to-day operations, finding new talent and planning professional development activities.
What do you consider your greatest professional accomplishments? I’m lucky to work in a field where I get to see the fruits of my labor on a daily basis through successful publicity initiatives for our clients. I think I would consider my time so far at Obsidian to be one filled with accomplishment that is tangible and fulfilling.

70. 'A New Day' - Monday, September 20, 2010

Marvell Mitchell has had it with numbers.

“I’ve read the numbers and I hear people talking about the recession but frankly, there’s an opportunity here,” said Mitchell, who owns Mitchell Technology Group LLC with his wife, Ledelle.

71. Grubb & Ellis’ deWitt Appointed To MAAR Commercial Council - Wednesday, September 01, 2010

Greg deWitt of Grubb & Ellis Co. has been appointed to the Memphis Area Association of Realtors Commercial Council. He will take over one of the council’s director seats next year before becoming the council’s vice president in 2012.

72. Losing Candidates File Suit Over Election Results - Thursday, August 26, 2010

Before the polls closed Aug. 5, a clearly dismayed Shelby County Election Commission chairman Bill Giannini talked about the inevitability of some aspect of holding an election going wrong.

73. Action! We Belong in the Movies - Friday, August 06, 2010

Gene Hackman has a big head.

I’m not talking ego, the man really does have a head the size of a medicine ball. I know because I stood next to him one morning in Court Square chatting about the Hebe Fountain. Okay, he wasn’t actually talking to me, he was talking to the little guy on the other side of him – Tom Cruise. Maybe 5-7, depending on his shoes. They were here shooting “The Firm.”

74. InMotion Cuts Staff by Almost Half - Monday, July 12, 2010

InMotion Orthopaedic Research Center has cut its staff nearly in half as the nonprofit shifts its priorities.

The center laid off six of its 11 employees Wednesday when it closed its osteobiological research program, InMotion executive director Larry Foster said.

75. Voters Back Anti-DC, Anti-Establishment Candidates - Thursday, May 20, 2010

WASHINGTON (AP) – With the electorate’s intense anger reverberating across the country, this is all but certain: It’s an anti-Washington, anti-establishment year. And candidates with ties to either better beware.

76. Ford Wins Democratic Mayoral Primary - Wednesday, May 05, 2010
 

Interim County Mayor Joe Ford became the Democratic nominee for mayor in the August county general elections Tuesday night.

And the August sheriff’s race will be a contest between Democrat Randy Wade and Republican Randy Wade.

All three were among the winners in Tuesday’s low turnout county primaries.

Approximately ten percent of Shelby County’s nearly 600,000 voters cast ballots in early voting and election day polling.

Ford, who was appointed interim mayor in December, beat County Commissioner Deidre Malone and General Sessions Court Clerk Otis Jackson in the Democratic primary. He will face Republican Mark Luttrell who had only token opposition in the Republican primary from perennial contender Ernie Lunati.

Luttrell has raised more money than all three of the Democratic primary contenders combined and began running television ads in the last week runup to election day.

The final unofficial totals in the Democratic mayoral primary are:

Ford 20,360 57%

Malone 12,916 37%

Jackson 2,168 6%

The pair of primaries for Sheriff featured eight candidates, seven of whom either currently work for the sheriff’s department or are past employees. Only Reginald French, in the Democratic primary was not a former or current department official.

Wade was the 2002 Democratic nominee, losing to Luttrell who is leaving as Sheriff after serving two terms. French was the Democratic nominee in the 2006 elections.

Oldham is Luttrell’s chief deputy, the number two position in the department. He is also a former director of the Memphis Police Department.

The final unofficials totals in the Republican primary are:

Bill Oldham 13,821 48%

Dale Lane 7,981 28%

Bobby Simmons 5,886 21%

James Coleman 943 3%

In the Democratic primary:

Randy Wade 22,643 67%

Reginald French 6,777 20%

Larry Hill 2,738 8%

Bennie Cobb 1,814 5%

Voters in the primary elections decided to return six Shelby County commissioners to new four year terms with Tuesday’s results. They also elected six new commissioners. The winner of the thirteenth commission seat will be decided on the August general election ballot in a contest between district 5 Democratic incumbent Steve Mulroy and Republican challenger Dr. Rolando Toyos. The winner of the match up will determine whether the commission remains majority Democrat or goes majority Republican.

Mulroy easily defeated Jennings Bernard in Tuesday’s Democratic primary.

Republican incumbent Mike Ritz ran unopposed as did new Democratic commissioner Walter Bailey.

In the remaining ten contests, the primaries decided who gets the seats since no one ran in the opposing party’s primary.

The most hotly contested contest among the commission races was for District 4 Position 1. Outgoing Probate Court Clerk Chris Thomas beat John Pellicciotti, appointed to a commission seat last year but running for a different position in the same district. Jim Bomprezzi, the former mayor of Lakeland, was the third contender in the contest.

The final unofficial totals in the Republican primary:

Thomas 7,631 52%

Pellicciotti 4,871 33%

Bomprezzi 2,298 15%

In position 2 of the same district incumbent Republican Wyatt Bunker easily overcame two challengers with former Lakeland alderman John Wilkerson finishing second and Ron Fittes finishing third.

Millington businessman Terry Roland claimed the third position in the district that takes in all six of Shelby County’s suburban towns and cities.

Roland beat George Chism to take the seat Pellicciotti was appointed to but opted not to run for in deference to Roland.

Heidi Shafer, an aide to outgoing County Commissioner George Flinn, claimed Flinn’s District 1 Position 2 seat over Albert Maduska.in the GOP primary.

District 1 incumbent Republican Mike Carpenter easily beat businessman Joe Baier.

In the Democratic commission primaries, Melvin Burgess claimed Malone’s District 2 Position 3 seat in a field of six contenders. His closest contender was Reginald Milton. Burgess, a city school system audit manager, had run for the seat before. He brought in 54 percent of the vote.

The other hard fought Democratic commission primary saw Justin Ford, son of the interim mayor, claim his father’s District 3 Position 3 seat.

Ford beat Edith Moore, a retired IBM executive, whom the commission appointed to the seat after the elder Ford became mayor.

The final unofficial vote totals are:

Ford 7,342 66%

Moore 3,822 34%

Democratic incumbent commissioners Henri Brooks, Sidney Chism and James Harvey were all re-elected over primary challengers.

The county-wide primaries for seven clerk’s positions saw the return of former Criminal Court Clerk Minerva Johnican 16 years after Republican challenger Bill Key took her job. Johnican decisively beat Ralph White and Vernon Johnson in her first bid for office since the 1994 defeat. She will face Republican Kevin Key, the son of Bill Key in the August general election.

The final unofficial vote totals are:

Johnican 16,381 51%

White 10,170 31%

Johnson 5,954 18%

Former Juvenile Court Clerk Shep Wilbun easily won the Democratic primary with 76 percent of the vote to face Republican Joy Touliatos in August for the office being vacated by Republican Steve Stamson. Touliatos was unopposed in the primary.

Democrat Coleman Thompson is back for another go at incumbent Republican Register Tom Leatherwood.

Aside from Leatherwood, Jimmy Moore is the only other of the seven clerks seeking re-election. Moore ran unopposed in the GOP primary. He will face Democrat Ricky Dixon in August.

Trustee Regina Newman was appointed to her office following the death last year of Paul Mattila. Newman easily overcame M LaTroy Williams in Tuesday’s Democratic primary. She will face David Lenoir, who beat former Shelby County Commissioner John Willingham in the Republican contest.

The final unofficial vote totals are:

Lenoir 15,922 58%

Willingham 11,569 42%

The other six candidate field on the ballot was in the Democratic primary for Probate Court Clerk. Sondra Becton posted impressive vote totals over her rivals, bringing in 35 percent of the vote with Peggy Dobbins her closest rival. Becton, who is making her fourth bid for the office, will face Republican Paul Boyd, who ran unopposed in his primary.

The final unofficial vote totals are:

Becton 10,929 36%

Dobbins 5,366 18%

Annita Hamilton 4,848 16%

Clay Perry 3,549 12%

Danny Kail 3,120 11%

Karen Tyler 2,782 9%

The closest contest of the evening was in the Democratic primary for County Clerk. Wrestling promoter and television personality Corey Maclin won his political debut by less than 1,400 votes over Charlotte Draper and LaKeith Miller. He will face Republican Wayne Mashburn who beat Steve Moore in the companion primary.

Early voting in advance of the Aug. 5 election day begins July 16. The August ballot will also feature state and federal primary elections including the statewide primaries for governor and the primaries for all nine of the state’s Congressional districts.

77. Clerk Races Generate Plenty of Heat - Monday, April 19, 2010

Seven clerks' positions are on the May 4 primary ballot and incumbents are running for re-election in three of them.

None of the seven elections will be decided with the primaries because Democrats and Republicans are battling hard in the countywide races dominated just four years ago by the GOP.

78. Tenn. Rep. Donna Rowland Not Seeking Re-Election - Friday, April 02, 2010

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - The list of Tennessee House members not seeking re-election grew longer on Thursday with Republican Rep. Donna Rowland's announcement she plans to retire after a decade of service.

79. Election Season Influences Legislative Pace - Monday, March 01, 2010

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Election season is a driving factor behind a push by lawmakers for an early conclusion of the legislative session. It might also be to blame for keeping the session from immediately kicking into high gear.

80. Bedside Matter - Tuesday, February 23, 2010

A year ago, Kent Williams came to The Regional Medical Center at Memphis. He wasn’t a patient, but some doubted how long his political life would last.

81. Candidate Filing List -- The Final Version - Friday, February 19, 2010

Shelby County Sheriff Mark Luttrell appeared on his way to the Republican nomination for Shelby County mayor at Thursday’s noon filing deadline for candidates on the May 4 primary ballot.

82. UPDATE: Mayor's Race Grows At Filing Deadline - Thursday, February 18, 2010

Shelby County Sheriff Mark Luttrell appeared on his way to the Republican nomination for Shelby County mayor at Thursday’s noon filing deadline for candidates on the May 4 primary ballot.

Luttrell faces only token opposition from perennial candidate Ernie Lunati.

Meanwhile, the Democratic primary for mayor grew to three contenders as General Sessions Court Clerk Otis Jackson filed his qualifying petition just before the deadline. He joins interim County Mayor Joe Ford and Shelby County Commissioner Deidre Malone.

Luttrell ruled out a bid for Shelby County mayor last year (2009). But when Harold Byrd decided not to run in the Democratic primary, some local GOP leaders asked Luttrell to reconsider.

The result touched off a scramble of candidates from both parties for the open sheriff’s office. But before the noon deadline, the initial field of over a dozen possible contenders was narrowed to ten – six Democrats and four Republicans.

The other surprise at the filing deadline was the return of attorney Walter Bailey to the District 2 Position 1 seat he gave up in the 2006 elections. Bailey sought re-election then to another term despite a two term limit on commissioners. Bailey lost to J.W. Gibson who decided not to seek re-election. He also lost a court fight to overturn the term limits.

Bailey was the only candidate who had filed for the seat at the Thursday deadline.

Only one incumbent county commissioner – Republican Mike Ritz -- was effectively re-elected at the deadline because he had no opposition.

All but one of the eleven contested County Commission races will be decided with the May 4 primaries. The only general election battle for the August ballot is the district 5 contest between GOP challenger Dr. Rolando Toyos and whoever wins the May Democratic primary between incumbent Steve Mulroy and Jennings Bernard.

Former County Commissioner John Willingham also returned to the ballot among a field of Republican contenders in the primary for Shelby County Trustee.

And former Criminal Court Clerk Minerva Johnican joined the Democratic primary field for her old job. Incumbent Republican Bill Key pulled petition to seek re-election but did not file at the deadline.

Here is the list of races and contenders from The Shelby County Election Commission. All candidate have until noon Feb. 25 to withdraw from the ballot if they wish.

D-Democrat

R- Republican

I- Independent

Shelby County Mayor:

Deidre Malone (D)

Joe Ford (D)

Otis Jackson (D)

Mark Luttrell (R)

Ernest Lunati (R)

Leo Awgowhat (I)

Shelby County Sheriff:

James Coleman (R)

Bobby Simmons (R)

Bill Oldham (R)

Dale Lane (R)

Larry Hill (D)

Bennie Cobb (D)

Randy Wade (D)

James Bolden (D)

Elton Hymon (D)

Reginald French (D)

County Commission Dist 1 Pos 1

Mike Ritz (R) (incumbent)

County Commission Dist 1 Pos 2

Albert Maduska (R)

Heidi Shafer (R)

County Commission Dist 1 Pos 3

Mike Carpenter (R) (incumbent)

Joe Baire (R)

County Commission Dist 2 Pos 1

Walter Bailey (D)

County Commission Dist 2 Pos 2

Henri Brooks (D) (incumbent)

David Vinciarelli (D)

County Commission Dist 2 Pos 3

Eric Dunn (D)

Norma Lester (D)

Tina Dickerson (D)

Melvin Burgess (D)

Reginald Milton (D)

Freddie Thomas (D)

County Commission Dist 3 Pos 1

James Harvey (D) (incumbent)

James Catchings (D)

County Commission Dist. 3 Pos 2

Sidney Chism (D) (incumbent)

Andrew "Rome" Withers (D)

County Commission Dist. 3 Pos 3

Edith Moore  (D) (incumbent)

Justin Ford (D)

County Commission Dist 4 Pos 1

Chris Thomas (R)

John Pellicciotti (R)

Jim Bomprezzi (R)

County Commission Dist 4 Pos 2

Wyatt Bunker (R) (incumbent)

John Wilkerson (R)

Ron Fittes (R)

County Commission Dist 4 Pos 3

Terry Roland (R)

George Chism (R)

Edgar Babian (R)

County Commission Dist 5

Steve Mulroy (D) (incumbent)

Jennings Bernard (D)

Rolando Toyos (R)

Shelby County Clerk

Charlotte Draper (D)

Corey Maclin (D)

LaKeith Miller (D)

Wayne Mashburn (R)

Steve Moore (R)

Criminal Court Clerk

Vernon Johnson (D)

Minerva Johnican (D)

Ralph White (D)

Michael Porter (R)

Kevin Key (R)

Jerry Stamson (I)

Circuit Court Clerk

Jimmy Moore (R) (incumbent)

Steven Webster (D)

Carmichael Johnson (D)

Ricky W. Dixon (D)

Juvenile Court Clerk

Joy Touliatos (R)

Charles Marshall (D)

Sylvester Bradley (D)

Shep Wilbun (D)

Julia Roberson Wiseman (I)

Probate Court Clerk

Paul Boyd (R)

Sondra Becton (D)

Danny Kail (D)

Annita Sawyer Hamilton (D)

Peggy Dobbins (D)

Clay Perry (D)

Karen Tyler (D)

Shelby County Register

Tom Leatherwood (R) (incumbent)

Coleman Thompson (D)

Lady J. Swift (D)

Carlton Orange (D)

Shelby County Trustee

Regina Newman (D) (incumbent)

M. LaTroy Williams (D)

John Willingham (R)

Jeff Jacobs (R)

David Lenoir (R)

83. Bredesen: Either OK Cable Tax, or Find Alternative - Wednesday, February 10, 2010

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Gov. Phil Bredesen on Tuesday challenged lawmakers to approve his plan to eliminate a tax exemption on cable bills or else find another way to restore funding for higher education and save 200 state employees' jobs.

84. Sharpton’s Peabody Tab Grows With Amended Complaint - Thursday, January 28, 2010

The Rev. Al Sharpton’s nonprofit civil rights group has an unpaid tab that’s now six figures long. It stems from an event at The Peabody in 2008.

Almost $20,000 has been added to the original bill for a high-profile national convention Sharpton’s group brought to Memphis, according to court documents the hotel’s attorneys filed this month.

85. Howard Named Prez-Elect Of Collegiate Registrars And Admissions Officers - Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Kate Howard has been named president-elect of the Tennessee Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers.

86. Dewald Selected to Chair Life and Health Insurance Foundation - Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Jack Dewald will serve as chairman of the board for the Life and Health Insurance Foundation for Education.

Dewald is president and owner of Agency Services Inc.

87. Docs Deflect Increasing Malpractice Claims - Tuesday, January 05, 2010

Tennessee doctors continue to fend off the vast majority of malpractice suits filed, but the five-year trend is unmistakable: The price of success grows higher every year.

Physicians and their insurance companies traditionally close up to 85 percent of malpractice cases without paying a penny to plaintiffs. But in the latest year of data available, 2007, the cost of those wins was up 17.5 percent, following an 8.4 percent rise a year earlier.

88. Byrnes to Take MAHBA Reins - Thursday, December 24, 2009

Tommy Byrnes of Byrnes Ostner Investments Inc. will serve as 2010 president of the Memphis Area Home Builders Association, the group’s executive director, Don Glays, said this week.

89. Alabama Casinos Go Upscale to Rival Mississippi - Tuesday, December 22, 2009

SHORTER, Ala. (AP) - Alabama casinos are making a $500 million bet that luxury hotels, celebrity restaurants and big-name entertainment will give southbound tourists an alternative to Mississippi's Gulf Coast gambling destinations.

90. Stephens Named Executive Director Of Exceptional Foundation of West Tenn. - Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Jeni Stephens has been named the executive director of the Exceptional Foundation of West Tennessee.

Stephens was appointed following a national search conducted by the EFWT.

She joins the EFWT with a 14-year background in nonprofit administration. She most recently served as deputy director of development for the Pink Palace Family of Museums. She also has served as director of marketing and development for the Memphis Bioworks Foundation and the Memphis Academy of Science in Engineering.

91. Events - Monday, December 14, 2009

InMotion Orthopaedic Research Center and the Memphis Bioworks Business Association will present the Memphis Orthopaedic Research Lecture Series today from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Memphis University School, 6191 Park Ave. The speakers will be Drs. John Coleman and John Williams of Medtronic Inc. For reservations, call 866-1452.

92. Memphis Bar Association Names New Board Members - Tuesday, December 08, 2009

The Memphis Bar Association has appointed new officers and new members to the board of directors for 2010.

Ricky E. Wilkins of the Law Offices of Ricky E. Wilkins will serve as president. John Cannon of Shuttleworth Williams PLLC will serve as vice president and Gary K. Smith of Apperson Crump Maxwell PLC will serve as treasurer. Linda Warren Seely of Memphis Area Legal Services Inc. will serve as secretary.

93. Memphis Bar Assn. Elects New Officers, Board Members - Monday, December 07, 2009

At the Memphis Bar Association’s Annual Meeting Thursday at The Peabody hotel, the MBA announced its 2010 officers and new members of its board of directors.

Immediate past president Art Quinn passed the gavel to incoming president Ricky E. Wilkins of the Law Offices of Ricky E. Wilkins. John Cannon of Shuttleworth Williams PLLC and Gary K. Smith of Apperson Crump & Maxwell PLC automatically move to the positions of vice president/president-elect and treasurer, respectively. Linda Warren Seely, director of pro bono projects at Memphis Area Legal Services Inc., was chosen as secretary.

94. Dems, Republicans at Odds over BofA, Merrill Deal - Wednesday, November 18, 2009

WASHINGTON (AP) - A senior House Democrat says the government didn't force Bank of America to take over Merrill Lynch, but a bank board member said much pressure was applied and Republicans charged that a committee inquiry was covering up the role of an Obama administration official.

95. Calvary Noon-Hour Concerts in Full Swing - Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Driving Downtown for the Calvary & the Arts concert every Wednesday has become an autumn ritual for Skip Daniel.

Last week, he listened to the Celtic music of Planet Reel in the sanctuary of Calvary Episcopal Church at 102 N. Second St. Wednesday, he plans to hear the Memphis Jazz Orchestra play a Veterans Day tribute.

96. Bloodworth Named Chair of Urban Land Institute’s District Council - Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Russell Bloodworth has been named chair of the Urban Land Institute’s District Council representing Memphis and the Mid-South. He most recently served as assistant chairman to the previous chair, Frank Ricks of Looney Ricks Kiss.

97. Tenn. Legislative Staffers Laud Diversity Training - Thursday, October 01, 2009

NASHVILLE (AP) – Tennessee legislative staffers who attended mandatory diversity training say it was worthwhile and they plan to adhere to what they learned.

State Rep. John Deberry, a Memphis Democrat, held two diversity training sessions this month following the revelation in June that a Tennessee legislative staffer sent a racist e-mail about President Barack Obama from her state computer.

98. Union: Pinnacle, Other Regional Airlines Pressuring Pilots - Friday, September 25, 2009

WASHINGTON (AP) - The regional airline that operated a plane that crashed and killed 50 people in upstate New York has been pushing pilots to fly even if they say they are too sick or too tired, a union official told Congress on Wednesday.

99. Union: Regional Airlines Pressure Pilots - Thursday, September 24, 2009

WASHINGTON (AP) — The regional airline that operated a plane that crashed and killed 50 people in upstate New York has been pushing pilots to fly even if they say they are too sick or too tired, a union official told Congress on Wednesday.

100. Filmmaker Brewer to Help Memphis Symphony - Thursday, September 24, 2009

Filmmaker and native Memphian Craig Brewer will collaborate with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra at its first performance this season.