While enjoying a meal near the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Terry Lynch reminisced on the wilting but salvageable Chisca Hotel in Downtown Memphis.

2. Commission Approves Budget and 1st Reading of Tax Rate - Tuesday, June 04, 2013

Shelby County Commissioners approved an operating budget for Shelby County government Monday and approved on the first of three reading a $4.38 property tax rate to fund that budget.

The votes that signal the end of the county’s budget season came after a prolonged commission debate about the basic role of county government.

3. Fisher Named Director Of Economic Development - Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Gwyn Fisher has been named the greater Memphis regional director of economic and community development by the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. In her new role, Fisher will work with companies, municipalities and stakeholders in Shelby, Fayette, Tipton and Lauderdale counties to create jobs, attract new businesses and expand existing businesses.

4. Collierville Office Building Owner Files $1.8 Million Loan - Monday, May 27, 2013

The owner of the 15,632-square-foot office building at 60 Market Center Drive in Collierville has filed a $1.8 million loan on the property.

5. ‘All Options Open’ - Saturday, May 25, 2013

It’s been almost two years since Pinnacle Airlines moved more than 600 employees into the One Commerce Square building Downtown.

Hailed as a victory in the long-running battle to revive Downtown, Pinnacle’s move to the 29-story building at Union Avenue and Main Street was hailed by city, county and business leaders as a signature event that would spur more investment and development in the city’s core.

6. Funding Conundrum - Friday, May 24, 2013

There were times this week at the Shelby County Commission when the debate over school funding and the schools merger made the superintendent of the consolidated school system more spectator than presenter.

7. Shelby County Tax Rate Endgame Takes Shape - Wednesday, May 22, 2013

To some it’s a calculation with no binding effect on what is to come. To others on the Shelby County Commission it is an indication that a county property tax increase is about to be railroaded through.

8. Commission Approves Certified Tax Rate As Prelude To Tax Debate - Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Shelby County Commissioners established a certified county property tax rate of $4.32 Monday, May 20, after much debate about what the calculation means in a reappraisal year where reappraisal values went down instead of up or staying roughly even.

9. Cresthaven Medical Building Sells for $2.5 Million - Tuesday, May 21, 2013

1068 Cresthaven Road Memphis, TN 38119

Sale Amount: $2.5 million

Sale Date: May 2, 2013

10. Renaissance Group Files Loan on Lakeland Office - Thursday, May 16, 2013

Architecture and engineering firm Renaissance Group has filed a $1.7 million loan on its headquarters at 9700 Village Circle in Lakeland.

11. Brimhall Named Bartlett Entrepreneur of Year - Wednesday, May 15, 2013

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

12. Core Focus - Saturday, May 11, 2013

The Great Recession silenced construction crews throughout the Memphis area, and that was especially evident Downtown, where ambitious, skyline-changing projects were put on hold, reconfigured or scrapped altogether.

13. Commission Evades Gun Control Fray - Wednesday, May 08, 2013

From time to time, Shelby County Commissioners hear the siren political call of national issues and movements.

The stronger the lure for some on a commission with deep partisan divisions, the more likely the outcome will be anything but unanimous.

14. Commission Votes Down Second Amendment Gun Resolution - Tuesday, May 07, 2013

Shelby County Commissioners voted down a resolution Monday, May 6, that would have backed the idea of state legislators and county sheriffs across the state “nullifying” federal gun control laws they consider unconstitutional.

15. Events - Saturday, May 04, 2013

In-Synk and The Daily News will host a Leadership Lunch & Learn about Nate Silver’s book “The Signal and The Noise: Why So Many Predictions Fail – But Some Don’t” Friday, May 3, from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Triumph Bank board room, 5699 Poplar Ave. Cost is $20. Register at lnlsignalnoise-rss.eventbrite.com.

16. May 3-9: This Week in Memphis History - Saturday, May 04, 2013

1993: J. Terry Steib became the new bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Memphis.

The Harrah’s casino division of Memphis-based Promus Cos. announced plans to build a casino in Tunica on 150 acres of land five miles west of U.S. 61 with an opening date of late 1994.

17. Beyond the Numbers - Saturday, May 04, 2013

It’s that time of year again when thick budget books dominate life for those in the Memphis and Shelby County governments.

But this year’s budget season on both sides of the Civic Center Plaza is more than line items and bottom lines on paper. The deliberations that ultimately determine how much you will pay in property taxes and at what rate go beyond the plans in the books of estimates, projections and the recurring and one-time revenue sources.

18. Commission Receives Schools Financials - Monday, May 06, 2013

Shelby County Commissioners formally get the financials of Shelby County’s two public school systems Monday, May 6, in an action that is not expected to generate much debate.

But the financial statements for the fiscal year that ended June 30 is another step along the path toward the formal merger of both school systems effective at the end of the current fiscal year.

19. Events - Friday, May 03, 2013

Memphis in May Beale Street Music Festival will be held Friday, May 3, to Sunday, May 5, at Tom Lee Park. Single-day tickets start at $35. Visit memphisinmay.org for a lineup.

20. Carlisle Corp. Solidifies Development of Chisca - Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Paul Morris hesitated when he started organizing the project launch two weeks ago for the renovation and conversion of the old Chisca hotel into an apartment building.

21. Chisca Rebirth - Friday, April 26, 2013

“Memphis: The Musical” meets the real life setting Friday, April 26, for the fictional story of a Memphis radio announcer in the 1950s.

Actor Bryan Fenkart will walk about a block on South Main Street from The Orpheum Theater to the old Chisca hotel to perform at the project’s launch party. The party in the hotel’s garage space kicks off the $24 million renovation of the hotel as an apartment building.

22. The New Beale - Saturday, April 20, 2013

Over the last four years, the next chapter in the development of Beale Street has been a stop-and-go affair. First would come announcements followed by silence from official channels.

Along with that silence, though, was quiet activity on the side, a movement that culminated with the March announcement of Memphis Mayor A C Wharton Jr.’s strategic planning committee’s report, “A Framework for Beale Street.”

23. Taste of Jubilee to Benefit Underprivileged Students - Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Founded in 1947, St. John Catholic School at 2717 Lamar Ave. was once the largest Catholic school in Memphis.

24. Schools Could Get Additional $4 Million - Wednesday, April 17, 2013

When Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell presented his consolidated county government budget proposal last week to county commissioners, he made an important change that may have upped the amount of new revenue available for the consolidated school district.

25. Budget Season Opens With Wharton Proposal - Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Memphis Mayor A C Wharton Jr. presents his budget proposal Tuesday, April 16, to the Memphis City Council for the fiscal year that begins July 1.

And council members will probably be listening closely for one dollar amount in particular and how Wharton proposes to deal with it.

26. Carson Takes Charge of Shelby Democrats - Friday, April 12, 2013

The new chairman of the Shelby County Democratic Party says the 2014 big ballot of county elections will require more than a conclusion that there are more Democrats than Republicans in Shelby County.

27. Lynch Looks Ahead to Chisca’s Possibilities - Thursday, April 11, 2013

When the cast of “Memphis: The Musical” opens its run at The Orpheum Theatre later this month, they will include an extra performance the afternoon of April 26.

Cast members will sing several selections at the formal opening of the redevelopment of the old Chisca hotel, the real-life setting for the story of a Memphis disc jockey that is the basis for the fictional story line.

28. School Board Restructure Next for Federal Court - Wednesday, April 03, 2013

All sides in the federal lawsuit over the schools merger will be getting together soon to talk about the Shelby County Commission’s plan to restructure the countywide school board.

A trio of court filings before and after the Easter weekend set the stage for a decision to come by Judge Samuel “Hardy” Mays of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee on the commission’s plan to appoint six new school board members to take office Sept. 1.

29. Commission to Consider Residency Ballot Item - Monday, April 01, 2013

Shelby County Commissioners take a final vote Monday, April 1, on a referendum ordinance that would do away with county government’s residency requirement for employment.

The commission meets at 1:30 p.m. at the Vasco Smith County Administration Building, 160 N. Main St.

30. Beale District Future Mapped Out in Report - Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Whatever comes next for the Beale Street entertainment district, the city of Memphis isn’t likely to turn over the three blocks of real estate for several decades to a developer and the nonprofit middleman, Beale Street Development Corp.

31. Hagan Named President of Memphis Heritage Board - Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Joey Hagan, principal of Architecture Inc., has been named the 2013-2014 board president for Memphis Heritage Inc. after being nominated and elected by the previous board. Hagan’s primary responsibilities as one of two principals at Architecture Inc. include running the organization, marketing, design and project management. As MHI president, he will strive to continue to make preservation of important properties a priority for Memphians.

32. School Board Restructuring Plan Goes to Mays - Wednesday, March 20, 2013

On the way to U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee Judge Samuel “Hardy” Mays is a plan by the Shelby County Commission to convert the countywide school board to a 13-member single-district body effective Sept. 1.

33. Shelby County Democrats Start Convention Process - Saturday, March 16, 2013

The Shelby County Democratic Party begins the process of holding the group’s local biennial convention Saturday, March 16, with caucuses to select delegates to the April 6 convention.

Both gatherings are at Airways Middle School, 2601 Ketchum Road.

34. Three-Way Race for Local Democratic Leadership - Friday, March 15, 2013

Local Democrats gather Saturday, March 16, for what is already a high-profile race for the chairmanship of the Shelby County Democratic Party.

A straw poll earlier this month at an Overton Square bar featured several dozen teenagers bused in by one of the three contenders that has triggered an investigation by Memphis City Schools officials of the “field trip.”

35. School Board Expansion Advanced - Thursday, March 14, 2013

Shelby County Commissioners advanced in Wednesday, March 13, committee sessions a general plan to restructure the countywide school board.

But the plan to turn the 23-member board into a 13-member board on Sept. 1, instead of the seven-member board it is now scheduled to become on that date, is far from complete. And lots of legal questions remain about the details.

36. Shelby County Democrats Start Convention Process - Tuesday, March 12, 2013

The Shelby County Democratic Party begins the process of holding the group’s local biennial convention Saturday, March 16, with caucuses to select delegates to the April 6 convention.

Both gatherings are at Airways Middle School, 2601 Ketchum Road.

37. 2013 Political Season Begins - Friday, March 08, 2013

There was a brief time last year when it looked like 2013 would be that rare political creature in Memphis politics – an off-election year.

A citywide sales tax increase referendum in the late summer or fall is probably going to continue the unbroken string of more than 10 consecutive years with at least a special election on a ballot locally. Outside Memphis there are municipal elections in Lakeland and Arlington.

38. Martha Stewart Denies Wrongdoing in Penney Deal - Wednesday, March 06, 2013

NEW YORK (AP) – Home diva Martha Stewart testified in court on Tuesday that she did nothing wrong when she signed an agreement to open up shops within most of J.C. Penney's stores across the country.

39. Funding From Suburbs Suggested - Monday, March 04, 2013

Countywide school board members are not the only players in the schools merger feeling pressure, although they may be feeling more pressure than others.

Shelby County Commissioners whose districts include suburban towns and cities have also been hearing a lot from parents in the suburbs who not too long ago had made peace with the idea that they would be part of the consolidated school district for at least the first school year.

40. South Main’s New Life - Saturday, March 02, 2013

The history of the South Main Historic Arts District is as colorful as its present-day users, an alternating rhythm of sorts in Memphis’ songbook.

The area has oscillated from its ritzy suburban roots of the 1800s to the industrial era ghost town of the 20th century and now to its current status as Downtown’s flourishing arts and boutique district and the subject of some $100 million in investment. And it’s all due to stakeholders who braved the status quo in distinguishing the southern end of the Central Business District as that funky place with an indescribable vibe.

41. Commission’s Schools Debate Has Political Crossover - Wednesday, February 27, 2013

When U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee Judge Samuel “Hardy” Mays summoned attorneys from all sides in the schools merger case to his conference room Monday, Feb. 25, there was someone else in the room.

42. Macy's CEO Testifies in Fight Over Martha Stewart - Tuesday, February 26, 2013

NEW YORK (AP) – Macy's CEO Terry Lundgren testified on Monday that he hung up on home diva Martha Stewart after she called to inform him on Dec. 6, 2011 that the company that bears her name had inked a deal with J.C. Penney to open shops within most of the chain's stores.

43. Several Paths for School Funding Possible - Tuesday, February 26, 2013

The most important number at a weekend Shelby County Commission budget retreat was not the $145 million in new funding the countywide school board has asked for.

It was a percentage – the projection by Shelby County Assessor Cheyenne Johnson that the 2013 property reappraisal by her office will likely reflect a 4.63 percent loss of value on property for taxation purposes.

44. Commission Mixes Residency With Schools Issues - Monday, February 25, 2013

It isn’t hard to get a debate going on the Shelby County Commission about the coming Shelby County schools merger and separate suburban school districts.

A majority of the 13-member body voted to file the second part of the Memphis federal court lawsuit over the connected issues. But there remains a vocal minority of four to five commissioners on both issues as well.

45. Give Up These 40 Things for Lent - Friday, February 15, 2013

40 THINGS TO DO WITHOUT. Lent has begun – a season of reflection and sacrifice for believers seeking spiritual strength, a season bridging the gray gloom of winter and the green promise of spring for those seeking renewal, a season of waffles and chicken hash for those seeking comfort in the caloric basement of Calvary Church – 40 days of all of that for me.

46. County Commission Debates Schools Merger - Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Shelby County Commissioners marked the two-year anniversary Monday, Feb. 11, of the federal lawsuit over schools consolidation and municipal school districts with a running debate across several items about the upcoming schools merger.

47. Commission to Vote on Teacher Residency - Monday, February 11, 2013

Shelby County Commissioners agree on an issue having to do with the coming merger of schools in Shelby County.

At least nine of the 13 commissioners favor giving Memphis City Schools teachers and other system staff who live outside Shelby County five years to move within the county and keep their jobs with the new consolidated school system that takes effect July 1.

48. Filling the Voids - Saturday, February 02, 2013

Last year was a banner year for adaptive reuse projects in Midtown and Downtown.

Developers announced plans for the Sears Crosstown building, Overton Square, Hotel Chisca, James Lee House and old United Warehouse in the South Main Historic Arts District. Construction began on The Pyramid, turning it into a 220,000-square-foot mega-Bass Pro Shop Outdoor World, and Memphis in May moved into its new headquarters at 56 S. Front St., a 14,600-square-foot building that’s on the National Register of Historic Places.

49. Commission to Disband Schools Capital Needs Group - Monday, January 28, 2013

Shelby County Commissioners vote Monday, Jan. 28, on disbanding the nearly 10-year-old Needs Assessment Committee that advised the commission on funding school construction and renovation projects across both public school systems.

50. Bishop Byrne Will Close, Merge With Memphis Catholic - Monday, January 28, 2013

Memphis Catholic Bishop J. Terry Steib likens the coming changes in two well-known Catholic schools with long histories to a nova.

“Later this spring we will reshape Memphis Catholic High School and Bishop Byrne High School into one entity,” Steib said in a recorded announcement Thursday, Jan. 24, as the closing of Bishop Byrne at the end of the current school year was announced. “Like the stars of the universe – a nova that implodes creates more stars – Memphis Catholic and Bishop Byrne have reached their peaks and will now help to build a model diocesan school. The best of Bishop Byrne and Memphis Catholic will be used to create the new star.”

51. Former Harrah's Headquarters Sells for $4.1 Million - Saturday, January 26, 2013

The previous owner of the East Memphis office complex at 1023 Cherry Road has reinvested in the asset for $4.1 million.

52. DeNeuville Assists Women on Life’s Journey - Thursday, January 24, 2013

Last week we shared the success story of a high school student who overcame tremendous adversity to recently be awarded a $200,000 full-ride scholarship to Brown University. This week let us discuss an organization that is working to assist women of all backgrounds and cultures in learning the skills needed to make positive choices for themselves and their families: DeNeuville Learning Center.

53. Stretched Care - Thursday, January 24, 2013

The Herb Kosten Foundation and the International Children’s Heart Foundation (ICHF) are two of many local health care-related nonprofit organizations that face ongoing funding challenges.

A November report from the Alliance for Nonprofit Excellence concluded that, in general, local nonprofits are facing increased costs for running operations, and some cannot fully meet the demand for their services because of funding constraints.

54. Former Harrah’s Headquarters Sells for $4.1 Million - Thursday, January 24, 2013

The previous owner of the East Memphis office complex at 1023 Cherry Road has reinvested in the asset for $4.1 million.

55. Former Harrah’s Headquarters Sells for $4.1 Million - Wednesday, January 23, 2013

The previous owner of the East Memphis office complex at 1023 Cherry Road has reinvested in the asset for $4.1 million.

56. US Service Firms Grow by Most in 10 Months - Monday, January 07, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – A gauge of U.S. service firms' activity expanded in December by the most in nearly a year, driven by a jump in new orders and hiring.

The Institute for Supply Management said Friday that its index of non-manufacturing activity rose to 56.1 in December from 54.7 in November. That's the highest level since February and above the 12-month average of 54.7. Any reading above 50 indicates expansion.

57. Public Relations Society Honors Duncan Williams - Saturday, January 05, 2013

The Memphis chapter of the Public Relations Society of America has named Duncan F. Williams, president of Duncan-Williams Inc., as its 2013 Communicator of The Year.

58. Public Relations Society Names Duncan Williams 'Communicator of the Year' - Thursday, January 03, 2013

The Memphis chapter of the Public Relations Society of America has named Duncan F. Williams, president of Duncan-Williams Inc., as its 2013 Communicator of The Year.

59. Missions Double for Heart Foundation - Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Children around the globe in countries that do not have the medical resources available here in the U.S. are getting a helping hand from The International Children’s Heart Foundation, a local organization targeting congenital heart disease.

60. Commission Finds Barriers to Comparing Pre-K - Wednesday, December 19, 2012

The idea of universal pre-kindergarten in public schools across Shelby County – or at least an expansion of pre-kindergarten access with the coming August merger of city and county schools – is one goal of the schools merger that has a broad consensus.

61. Commission Delays Final Vote on "Wage Theft" Ordinance - Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Shelby County Commissioners delayed Monday, Dec. 17, a final vote on a “wage theft” ordinance.

Commissioner Steve Mulroy, the sponsor of the measure that provides for a county government investigation and possible General Sessions Court proceedings on complaints of wage theft, moved for the delay as he seeks to build public support for the measure.

62. Dozens Sue Pharmacy, But Compensation Uncertain - Friday, December 14, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) – Dennis O'Brien rubs his head as he details ailments triggered by the fungal meningitis he developed after a series of steroid shots in his neck: nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, exhaustion and trouble with his speech and attention.

63. US Economy Could Withstand Brief Fall Off ‘Cliff' - Thursday, December 13, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – It's the scenario that's been spooking employers and investors and slowing the U.S. economy:

Congress and the White House fail to strike a budget deal by New Year's Day. Their stalemate triggers sharp tax increases and spending cuts. Those measures shrink consumer spending, stifle job growth, topple stock prices and push the economy off a "fiscal cliff" and into recession.

64. Donato Named Catholic Schools Superintendent - Saturday, December 08, 2012

Memphis Catholic Bishop J. Terry Steib has named Janet Donato as the new superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Memphis.

Donato had been serving as interim superintendent after Mary McDonald left to form an education consulting firm and write more about education reform.

65. Commission Approves Legal Fees in Schools Fight - Wednesday, December 05, 2012

A week after they won a major argument in the federal court fight over municipal school districts, Shelby County Commissioners approved Monday, Dec. 3, an additional $473,549 from its contingency fund to pay its legal fees in the lawsuit.

66. Commission Approves Pidgeon Land Sale, Weighs Schools Moves - Tuesday, December 04, 2012

Shelby County Commissioners approved Monday, Dec. 3, the purchase of 33.6 acres of land in the Frank C. Pidgeon Industrial Park by Carolyn Hardy for the Hardy Investment Trust.

67. Donato Named Catholic Schools Superintendent - Tuesday, December 04, 2012

Memphis Catholic Bishop J. Terry Steib has named Janet Donato as the new superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Memphis.

Donato had been serving as interim superintendent after Mary McDonald left to form an education consulting firm and write more about education reform.

68. Mrs. Olds: Fire Lighter - Friday, November 30, 2012

TEACHERS, NOT SCHOOLS, TEACH. If you’re wondering how many pieces of notebook paper it takes to produce a truly impressive spitball, it’s 10, give or take.

Terry was occupying most of the rear corner, busily inserting one piece of notebook paper after another into his mouth. Known for both gross weight and behavior, Terry was larger and older than us; the former the result of being so fond of everything in the cafeteria that he went back again and again, and the latter the result of being so fond of several grades that he went back for those, too.

69. Retailers Report Weak Sales Gains for November - Friday, November 30, 2012

NEW YORK (AP) – Black Friday was no match for Sandy.

Major retailers such as Kohl's, Target and Macy's on Thursday reported weak sales in November as a strong start to the holiday shopping season – including a good showing on the day after Thanksgiving – wasn't enough to fully offset the damage caused by Superstorm Sandy earlier in the month.

70. Federal Reserve Survey: US Economy Growing at Steady Pace - Thursday, November 29, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – A pickup in consumer spending and steady home sales helped lift economic growth in October and early November in most parts of the United States, according to a Federal Reserve survey released Wednesday. The one exception was the Northeast, which was slowed by Superstorm Sandy.

71. Rheumatology Clinic Buys Germantown Office Building - Tuesday, November 27, 2012

7660 Poplar Pike Germantown, TN 38138

Sale Amount: $986,850

Sale Date: Nov. 14, 2012

72. Southland Development Sells 53 Lots in Wesley Forest - Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Southland Development Partners of Memphis sold 53 lots in the Wesley Forest Subdivision for $1.1 million to a partnership called Windsor Pointe 2011 LP.

The sale occurred Nov. 15. It included all but 12 lots in the 18.35-acre subdivision that sits along the west side of Neely Road, north of East Raines Road, in Westwood’s 38109 ZIP code.

73. Jones Back in Familiar Post at Millington City Hall - Friday, November 16, 2012

After four years away from City Hall, Terry Jones returns to the Millington mayor’s office in January.

74. Development Accelerator - Friday, November 16, 2012

The city of Millington didn’t have a city engineer until 2008 when it had to have one in order to have local control over the Veterans Parkway road construction project.

“I thought it was kind of my cross to bear since I was hired in 2008,” Millington City Engineer Darek Baskin said this week of the road.

75. 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.

76. Shelby Early Vote Shows Cohen Winning - Two Tax Questions Losing - Wednesday, November 07, 2012

Early vote totals from Shelby County were released just before 10 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 6, after the vote count was delayed in part by long lines of voters waiting to vote at the 7 p.m. closing of polls.

77. Decision Day - Tuesday, November 06, 2012

The last election of 2012 will be one where questions continue to command as much attention if not more than candidates.

The polls are open Tuesday, Nov. 6, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Voters come to the polls in this election to vote in the presidential general election. That is what drives the only election cycle in which more than half of the county’s registered voters consistently show up.

78. Bartlett Zoning Case Tops Commission Agenda - Monday, November 05, 2012

Shelby County Commissioners take up a proposed assisted living facility at their meeting Monday, Nov. 5, that doesn’t yet require approval from the city of Bartlett but which is in an area Bartlett is seeking to annex.

79. Hotel Chisca Gets New Owners, Art Facelift - Tuesday, October 30, 2012

The chain-link fence surrounding the dilapidated Hotel Chisca in Downtown Memphis is a little bit easier on the eyes as of Saturday, Oct. 27.

That’s because it now boasts 30 colorful banners created by students of St. Louis Catholic School, under the leadership of art teacher Robin Durden. The art exhibit, “Memphis Music Icons,” pays tribute to the Hotel Chisca’s legacy of being the location where Elvis Presley was first played on Dewey Phillips’ “Red, Hot and Blue” radio show from the WHBQ studios in 1954.

80. Hotel Chisca Gets New Owners, Art Facelift - Monday, October 29, 2012

The chain link fence surrounding the dilapidated Hotel Chisca in Downtown Memphis is a little bit easier on the eyes as of Saturday, Oct. 27.

That’s because it now boasts 30 colorful banners created by students of St. Louis Catholic School, under the leadership of art teacher Robin Durden. The art exhibit, “Memphis Music Icons,” pays tribute to the Hotel Chisca’s legacy of being the location where Elvis Presley was first played on Dewey Phillips’ “Red, Hot and Blue” radio show from the WHBQ studios in 1954.

81. Voter ID Law Controversy Could Continue - Monday, October 29, 2012

Memphis Mayor A C Wharton Jr. gave a lawyer’s answer when asked what would happen if the Tennessee Legislature might amend the state law requiring a photo voter ID in light of the Thursday, Oct. 25, Tennessee Court of Appeals ruling on the matter.

82. Brinkley Plaza Sells to Olymbec for $7.2 Million - Monday, October 29, 2012

Downtown’s Brinkley Plaza has sold for $7.2 million to a Canadian real estate investment firm.

Montreal-based Olymbec USA LLC, an entity of Olymbec Corporate Group, acquired the 219,557-square-foot tower at 80 Monroe Ave., its ground lease and the adjacent 300-space covered parking garage.

83. Brinkley Plaza Sells to Olymbec for $7.2M - Friday, October 26, 2012

Downtown’s Brinkley Plaza has sold for $7.2 million to a Canadian real estate investment firm.

Montreal-based Olymbec USA LLC, an entity of Olymbec Corporate Group, acquired the 219,557-square-foot tower at 80 Monroe Ave., its ground lease and the adjacent 300-space covered parking garage.

84. Food Banks See Shortage as Stimulus Drops Off - Thursday, October 25, 2012

Food banks are hurting as a federal economic stimulus program that helped provide surplus food is coming to an end.

The Tennessean reports food banks rely on surplus from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Emergency Food Assistance program to supplement donations from the public. In 2009 and 2010, funding for that program doubled in Tennessee as part of President Obama’s economic stimulus package.

85. ‘Behind the Headlines’ Explores Fixes for County’s Election Woes - Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Some early voters in Shelby County are snapping pictures of their completed ballots with their phones to verify their votes. Other voters are delaying their trip to the polls because they anticipate problems in the opening days of the voting period that ends Nov. 1.

86. Commission Argues Racial ‘Resegreation’ With Districts - Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Attorneys on all sides of the federal court case over municipal school districts are waiting for a ruling from U.S. District Court Judge Samuel “Hardy” Mays on issues involving the Tennessee Constitution.

87. Commission Debates Schools Court Moves, Ends Redistricting Case - Tuesday, October 09, 2012

Shelby County Commissioners have dropped their appeal in the Chancery Court lawsuit over redistricting and ended the protracted political dispute.

But the commission also voted Monday, Oct. 8, to replenish its contingency fund with $800,000 for the legal fees in the continuing federal lawsuit over municipal school districts.

88. Shelby County Redistricting Process to Formally End - Monday, October 08, 2012

Shelby County Commissioners will vote Monday, Oct. 8, on putting a formal end to the redistricting process, 10 months after the new district lines were due.

The commission meets at 1:30 p.m. at the Vasco Smith County Administration Building, 160 N. Main St.

89. Events - Wednesday, October 03, 2012

Talk Shoppe will host a free discussion by Lance and Terry Walker of Walker Auctions on how to buy at auction, followed by an auction to benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation Wednesday, Oct. 3, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Better Business Bureau, 3693 Tyndale Ave. Visit talkshoppe.biz.

90. Broadway Pizza Buys Building for East Memphis Expansion - Tuesday, October 02, 2012

627 S. Mendenhall Road Memphis, TN 38117

Sale Amount: $365,000

Sale Date: Sept. 13, 2012

91. Arkansas Lawmakers Reject Changing Panel Rules - Monday, October 01, 2012

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) – Arkansas lawmakers on Friday rejected an effort to change the way certain committees vote after Republicans said they were worried it was aimed at easily implementing parts of the federal health care law and other controversial matters before a potential GOP takeover of the Legislature.

92. Crews Holdings Files Loan on 34 Lots in Wolf River Ranch - Thursday, September 27, 2012

Crews Holdings has filed a $1.5 million loan through Triumph Bank on 34 lots in Wolf River Ranch Planned Development in Collierville.

93. Election Reform Advisory Board Approved - Wednesday, September 26, 2012

A new Election Reform Advisory Board approved Monday, Sept. 24, by the Shelby County Commission is to report its recommendations by the end of March to the Shelby County Election Commission.

And the Election Commission is under no obligation to act or even accept the recommendations, although election commissioners Steve Stamson and Norma Lester are also on the committee of 12.

94. Luttrell Dumps Garbage Collection Proposal - Monday, September 24, 2012

A proposal by the county administration to start a single system of garbage collection for all of unincorporated Shelby County for a $25 monthly fee is off the table, Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell told a town hall meeting Thursday, Sept. 20, at Bolton High School.

95. Luttrell Scraps Unincorporated County Garbage Collection Idea - Friday, September 21, 2012

A proposal by the county administration to start a single system of garbage collection for all of unincorporated Shelby County for a $25 monthly fee is off the table, Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell told a townhall meeting Thursday, Sept. 20, at Bolton High School.

96. Terry Dedicates Career to Betterment of Community - Friday, September 14, 2012

Memphis native Laura Terry, development officer at The MED Foundation, has dedicated her career to bettering the community by working in the Bluff City’s nonprofit sector – something she attributes to her parents’ influence.

97. Ritz Settles In as Commission Chairman - Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Shelby County Commissioners had some new seating arrangements and committee assignments Monday, Sept. 10, as commissioner Mike Ritz began his yearlong term as chairman of the body.

Former chairman and Democrat Sidney Chism was seated next to former chairman pro tempore and Republican Wyatt Bunker.

98. Commission to Appoint School Board Members - Monday, September 10, 2012

Shelby County Commissioners will appoint two new members to the countywide school board at their Monday, Sept. 10, meeting.

The commission meeting is at 1:30 p.m. at the Vasco Smith County Administration Building, 160 N. Main St.

99. Main Connector - Monday, September 03, 2012

The attention Downtown Memphis’ South Main Historic Arts District and its surrounding areas has received this year has far-reaching implications for future development.

Recent high-profile deals the community has seen get the green light include the Chisca Hotel redevelopment, Storefront Improvement Grant Program, branding efforts with North Star Destination Strategies, growth at The Orpheum Theatre Memphis and Memphis Central Station, a flurry of apartment and loft rehabs, and retail activity with a new athletic club and restaurants.

100. Funding Cut Underscores Gov. Divide - Thursday, August 23, 2012

Consider this the latest dust-up on the city-county government divide. Some Memphis City Council members who voted this week to end city funding for vehicle inspections at the end of June 2013 see the decision as one in a series of challenges to the long-held definition of what city government does and what county government does.