DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Farmers will be paid a record $16 billion in crop insurance claims for 2012 because of the widespread drought, a staggering amount that has critics calling for changes to what they say is an inefficient taxpayer subsidy the government cannot afford.

2. Southwind Homewood Suites Sells for $6.5 Million - Monday, December 31, 2012

3583 Hacks Cross Road Memphis, TN 38125

Sale Amount: $6.5 million

Sale Date: Nov. 2, 2012

3. Dollar General’s Net Income Rises 21 Percent - Wednesday, December 12, 2012

GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Dollar General Corp. said Tuesday that its fiscal third-quarter net income rose 21 percent, helped by strong demand for candy and snacks.

But the retailer said that while its sales over the Thanksgiving weekend and the start of the holiday shopping season were encouraging, it remains cautious about the rest of the year, noting that consumer spending remains tight.

4. 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.

5. Regions Financial Shares Drop as Yields Shrink - Wednesday, October 24, 2012

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — Regions Financial Corp. on Tuesday posted sharply higher third-quarter earnings, as the regional bank set aside less cash to cover loan losses. But its shares fell sharply in morning trading after the results showed record-low interest rates cut into interest income from loan and deposits.

6. Cooking Channel Show to Spotlight Main Street - Friday, October 19, 2012

The television food scene has been kind to Memphis this year.

Celebrity chef Guy Fieri recently visited six Memphis-area restaurants for his Food Network show, “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” all of which have opened within the past few years.

7. After Pandit, a Smaller Citigroup Could Get Smaller Yet - Thursday, October 18, 2012

NEW YORK (AP) – The incredible shrinking bank may have to shrink more.

In the hours after Tuesday's surprise announcement that Citigroup CEO Vikram Pandit was stepping down, speculation was rife, and facts scant, about what lay ahead for the nation's third-largest bank.

8. Building Permits Show Little Change - Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Local homebuilders didn’t change much the amount of new home permits they filed during the third quarter compared with the same period last year.

Shelby County homebuilders filed 218 permits during the quarter (July to September), compared with 216 filed during the same period in 2011, according to real estate information company Chandler Reports, www.chandlerreports.com. Third-quarter permits marked a 12 percent drop from the 249 permits filed during the second quarter of this year.

9. Shelby Oaks Red Roof Inn Sells for $1.6 Million - Tuesday, September 25, 2012

6055 Shelby Oaks Drive
Memphis, TN 38134

Sale Amount: $1.6 million

Sale Date: Sept. 19, 2012

10. Middle Class Share of America's Income Shrinking - Thursday, August 23, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – The middle class is receiving less of America's total income, declining to its smallest share in decades as median wages stagnate in the economic doldrums and wealth concentrates at the top.

11. The Least Loved Day is Also the Market's Worst - Monday, August 20, 2012

NEW YORK (AP) – It's not just in your head. Mondays really are the worst.

Monday is the only day the stock market is more likely to fall than to rise. The Dow Jones industrial average has been down 10 of the past 11 Mondays. And the two worst days in market history are both known as Black Monday.

12. Chandler Seminar Pinpoints Real Estate Positives - Monday, August 13, 2012

Shelby County Trustee David Lenoir went out on a limb Thursday, Aug. 9, at real estate information company Chandler Reports’ “Master Your Market: Second Quarter Update,” claiming that the housing market had bottomed out.

13. EW Scripps Posts Q2 Profit on Upbeat TV Ad Sales - Wednesday, August 08, 2012

CINCINNATI (AP) – TV station and newspaper owner The E.W. Scripps Co. said Tuesday that it posted a second-quarter profit, thanks to better-than-expected TV advertising revenue and the acquisition of several stations.

14. American CEO Bashes US Airways; Calls it Desperate - Thursday, July 26, 2012

BOSTON (AP) – American Airlines CEO Tom Horton wants to set the record straight: It was he who approached US Airways CEO Doug Parker about the possibility of combining the two airlines, not the other way around.

15. Mississippi Senate Adopts Its Redistricting Plan - Thursday, May 03, 2012

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) – A majority of Mississippi senators voted Wednesday to approve the chamber's redistricting plan, despite complaints from a few colleagues who think they're treated unfairly because their districts are dramatically changed.

16. Highwoods Properties' Q1 Net Income Rises - Thursday, May 03, 2012

Highwoods Properties Inc.’s first-quarter net income was $16.7 million – up from $10.1 million during the same period last year – the Raleigh, N.C.-based real estate investment trust announced Wednesday, May 2, in its Q1 earnings conference call.

17. Commissioners Out of Probable Cause Biz - Thursday, April 05, 2012

Judicial commissioners are out of the business of holding probable cause hearings for suspects arrested by Memphis Police and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.

The week-old General Sessions Court order is in effect at least until a probable appeal to the Tennessee Supreme Court of a March state Criminal Appeals Court ruling that has called into question the way some suspects are held for 48 hours before they are formally charged.

18. Believe Memphis? Not if Lakers in Town - Friday, March 16, 2012

The evening started with such a great vibe. FedExForum public address announcer Rick Trotter just mentioned the visiting Los Angeles Lakers and sweet boos rained down onto the court.

19. Believe Memphis? Not if Lakers in Town - Thursday, March 15, 2012

The evening started with such a great vibe. FedExForum public address announcer Rick Trotter just mentioned the visiting Los Angeles Lakers and sweet boos rained down onto the court.

20. Bynum, Bryant Help Lakers Beat Grizzlies in 2 OTs - Wednesday, March 14, 2012

MEMPHIS (AP) – It took two overtime periods, but the Los Angeles Lakers eventually made sure the Memphis Grizzlies stayed behind them in the Western Conference standings.

Andrew Bynum had a season-high 37 points and 16 rebounds, Kobe Bryant scored 22 of his 34 points after halftime, and the Lakers beat Memphis 116-111 in double overtime on Tuesday night.

21. Roar of the Tiger: Memphis Captures C-USA Championship - Monday, March 12, 2012

Before halftime it was clear that the University of Memphis would be cutting down the nets at FedExForum as champions of the Conference USA Tournament. Again, their defense and athleticism – one and the same for the Tigers – was too much for an overwhelmed opponent as they defeated Marshall, 83-57, on Saturday for their seventh straight win and third consecutive blowout in the tournament.

22. Tigers Advance to C-USA Championship - Monday, March 12, 2012

From the Tigers’ perspective, what wasn’t there to like about a resounding 83-52 victory over Central Florida Friday evening in the semifinals of the Conference USA Tournament at FedExForum?

The Tigers led by as many as 38 points near game’s end and their defense rendered the Knights helpless. Coach Josh Pastner was able to find minutes for Adonis Thomas, playing just his second game since returning from an ankle injury. And Pastner was able to empty his bench. The closest thing to a negative? Forgotten forward Stan Simpson collecting three fouls in his five minutes of playing time.

23. Conley, Gay Lead Grizzlies Over Rockets, 93-83 - Wednesday, February 15, 2012

MEMPHIS (AP) – Tony Allen was determined to stop Rockets leading scorer Kevin Martin.

24. Parker, Duncan Lead Spurs Past Grizzlies 89-84 - Tuesday, February 07, 2012

MEMPHIS (AP) – Tony Parker appreciates San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich's conservation plan.

25. MEM Sees 1.3M Fewer Passengers in 2011 - Friday, January 20, 2012

Memphis International Airport saw about 1.3 million fewer passengers in a challenging 2011, but about the same amount of cargo for the calendar year.

The Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority board reviewed the numbers and took stock of projects in the year ahead when they met Thursday, Jan. 19.

26. Clanton Lifts Central Florida Over Memphis 68-67 - Thursday, January 19, 2012

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) – Keith Clanton's three-point play with 4 seconds to go lifted Central Florida over Memphis 68-67 Wednesday night and gave the Knights their first victory over the Tigers in 11 meetings.

27. Delta Shares Up on Report of Interest in AMR - Friday, January 13, 2012

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) – Shares of Delta Air Lines Inc. rose Thursday after a report that the world's second-biggest airline may try to buy American Airlines parent AMR Corp.

28. Westbrook, Durant Lead Thunder Over Grizzlies - Wednesday, January 11, 2012

MEMPHIS (AP) – Russell Westbrook couldn't hit a shot last time he faced the Memphis Grizzlies.

29. Hamilton, Warren Lead LSU Past Ole Miss 81-55 - Monday, January 09, 2012

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) – It had been a long time since LSU enjoyed such a performance in its Southeastern Conference opener as it did Saturday against Ole Miss.

The Tigers led from start to finish in a dominating 81-55 victory against the Rebels on Saturday. The 26-point margin of victory was the largest for LSU in a league opener since its 92-66 victory against Florida in the 1980-81 campaign.

30. Vintage Homes Helps Buyers Build Credit - Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Vintage Homes LLC created its Home Buyers Connection program two years ago, and the company is forecasting 2012 to be its most successful year yet.

31. US Service Firms Expanded in Nov. at Slower Pace - Tuesday, December 06, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – Service companies, which employ 90 percent of the U.S. work force, expanded at a slower pace in November and a measure of employment at those firms fell.

Separately, the government said orders to U.S. factories dropped for the second straight month.

32. Medtronic Beats Estimates on Higher Q2 Sales - Tuesday, November 22, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – Medtronic Inc., the world's largest medical device maker, reported higher-than-expected earnings Tuesday as overall sales edged up despite continuing pressure on the company's best-selling heart and spine implants.

33. Events - Friday, November 04, 2011

The University of Memphis College of Communication and Fine Arts will recognize filmmaker and writer William Bearden with its 2011 Distinguished Achievement Award in Creative and Performing Arts Friday, Nov. 4, at 11:30 a.m. at the Rendezvous, 52 S. Second St. Tickets are $50 per person and $400 for a table of eight. For more information or tickets, call Patty Bladon at 678-4372 or Sara Rose at 678-5086.

34. Events - Thursday, November 03, 2011

Leadership Memphis will host an information session about its fellows program Thursday, Nov. 3, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Junior League, 3475 Central Ave. For more information or to register, email Rod Moses at rmoses@leadershipacademy.org.

35. ICAA Tennessee Chapter to Hold Annual Meeting - Wednesday, November 02, 2011

The Tennessee Chapter of the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art will hold its annual meeting Thursday, Nov. 3, and Friday, Nov. 4.

The two-day event will kick off Thursday at 6:30 p.m. with a lecture and book-signing by architect Russell Versaci at the Madison Hotel, 79 Madison Ave. Versaci is author of “Creating a New Old House.” A social will follow.

36. Touring NC, Obama Seeks Jobs Votes, Piece by Piece - Tuesday, October 18, 2011

FLETCHER, N.C. (AP) – Railing against Republicans, President Barack Obama on Monday pushed for a jobs package that Congress is splintering into pieces, with Senate Democrats planning to start with a plan to help states hire teachers, police and firefighters. In campaign mode on the road, Obama accused Republicans senators of saying no to helping Americans.

37. $18.8M Loan Filed to Build Robinwood Retirement Community - Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Construction Loan For Robinwood Retirement Community
Loan Amount: $18.8 million

Loan Date: Sept. 27, 2011

Maturity Date: Sept. 30, 2014, with conversion option that would extend maturity to Sept. 30, 2016

38. Survey: CEOs of Big Companies Foresee Less Hiring - Friday, September 30, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – Only about one-third of chief executives of the largest U.S. companies expect to hire or spend more in the next six months, down sharply from about half who said so three months ago.

39. Driving the Economy - Wednesday, September 07, 2011

It doesn’t take much to figure out why a stock like AutoZone’s remains a favorite among investors.

There are about 240 million cars on the road in the U.S. right now, according to Morgan Keegan & Co. Inc. specialty retail analyst John R. Lawrence. Meanwhile, the average age of those cars has pushed past the decade mark.

40. Dollar General Brings in the Shoppers; Shares Jump - Wednesday, August 31, 2011

GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Dollar General was able to lure more budget-conscious customers through its doors during the second quarter and it easily beat Wall Street expectations on both net income and revenue Tuesday.

41. AP-GfK Poll: Views on Economy, Obama Role Sour - Friday, August 26, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – Americans' views on the economy have dimmed this summer. But so far, the growing pessimism doesn't seem to be taking a toll on President Barack Obama's re-election prospects.

42. The iPad Trumps Oil: Apple is Most Valuable US Co. - Thursday, August 11, 2011

NEW YORK (AP) – Investors seem to think you want an iPad more than oil, as Apple Inc. became the most valuable company in the United States, surpassing Exxon Mobil Corp. on Wednesday.

43. Southwest Posts Q2 Profit of $161 Million - Friday, August 05, 2011

DALLAS (AP) – Southwest Airlines Co. set records for full planes, and higher fares boosted revenue as the summer vacation season kicked into high gear.

44. Iberiabank Q2 Earnings Fall - Thursday, July 28, 2011

LAFAYETTE, La. (AP) — Iberiabank Corp.'s second-quarter profit dropped 41 percent as the regional banker sustained one-time expenses to complete two acquisitions, the company reported.

45. MC Ionic Solutions US Begins Work on Fite Rd. Site - Tuesday, July 19, 2011

2665 Fite Road
Memphis, TN 38127
Permit Amount: $1.3 million

Permit Date: Applied July 2011

46. Business License Activity Improves 11.4 Percent - Tuesday, July 19, 2011

The number of businesses licenses filed with the Shelby County Clerk’s office increased by more than 10 percent to 1,360 in the second quarter of 2011, up 11.4 percent from 1,221 in the second quarter of 2010, according to The Daily News Online, www.memphisdailynews.com.

47. 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.

48. MCIS Files $1.3M Permit For New Fite Road Facility - Tuesday, July 12, 2011

MC Ionic Solutions US Inc. has begun work on its 2665 Fite Road facility, after being awarded a 14-year payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreement in April.

49. TCAPs Show Gap Between City, County Schools - Tuesday, July 12, 2011

The results of the second year of higher state achievement testing standards for Tennessee’s third- through eighth-graders came with some basic conclusions in the test scores and some mixed signals in the percentage figures in a separate column from the TCAP scores.

50. Local School TCAP Scores Show Struggle and Growth - Monday, July 11, 2011

The detailed TCAP test results are in, broken down by school district and by grade level.

This is the second year for the new tougher statewide standards in the achievement tests given to students in grades 3-8. The categories are reading and language arts, math, science and social studies.

51. Higher Card Use, Better Payments Lift Discover Q2 - Friday, June 24, 2011

NEW YORK (AP) – Discover Financial Services on Thursday said its profit more than tripled in its fiscal second quarter as it added new customers, while existing customers used their cards more and got better about making payments on time.

52. Survey: CEOs Expect Hiring, Spending to Grow - Wednesday, June 15, 2011

NEW YORK (AP) – More than half of the chief executives of large U.S. companies said they expect to spend and hire more over the next six months despite slower economic growth.

The Business Roundtable said Tuesday that 51 percent of CEOs polled expect to increase hiring. Last quarter's level of 52 percent had been the highest since the trade group began surveying its members in 2002.

53. Cautious Consumers Could See Lower Prices Ahead - Wednesday, June 15, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – Consumers are spending cautiously in the face of still-high gasoline and grocery-store prices and restraining the economy’s growth.

But some relief could be on the way: Wholesale food prices dropped last month by the most in a year. And motorists are likely to face lower gasoline prices this summer. CEOs for the nation’s largest companies say they plan to step up hiring over the next six months.

54. Target Raises Quarterly Dividend Ahead of Meeting - Thursday, June 09, 2011

NEW YORK (AP) – Target Corp. raised its quarterly dividend by 5 cents to 30 cents, a 20 percent increase, as it sought to placate investors after a 22 percent decline in its stock price this year.

55. May Manufacturing Activity Cooled to 20-Month Low - Thursday, June 02, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – U.S. manufacturing activity expanded in May at the slowest pace in 20 months, the latest sign that a sharp rise in energy prices is hampering economic growth.

The Institute for Supply Management, a trade group of purchasing executives, said Wednesday that its index of manufacturing activity fell to 53.5 percent in May from 60.4 in April.

56. GIS Maps Pinpoint Flood Response - Thursday, May 12, 2011

Two University of Memphis professors who wanted to see for themselves the local emergency response to the historic rise of the Mississippi River have changed the nature of the local response to flooding and other disasters by posting the information online.

57. H&R Block Tumbles on Fears Regarding Mortgages - Tuesday, May 10, 2011

NEW YORK (AP) – Shares of H&R Block Inc. led the S&P 500 downward Monday on renewed fears that the company will be dragged back into a subprime mortgage mess.

58. Special Coverage: Mid-South Flooding - Monday, May 09, 2011

Mud Island River Park Closed Indefinitely

Mud Island River Park closed Friday for safety reasons as the waters of the real Mississippi River flooded the park’s scale model of the Mississippi River.

59. Revenue Up, Jobs Down at US Casinos in 2010 - Thursday, May 05, 2011

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) – After two bad years in which gamblers either stayed home or held onto their wallets more tightly, the nation's casinos began to slowly rebound last year, with revenue increasing slightly even as the number of jobs declined.

60. Attempt to Revive Redistricting Fails in Senate - Friday, March 25, 2011

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — The Mississippi Senate on Wednesday rejected a proposal aimed at jump-starting negotiations over legislative boundaries — an action that came after nearly all of the chamber's Republican members met privately with Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant.

61. Miss. House Panel Votes to Join Remapping Lawsuit - Wednesday, March 23, 2011

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) – Mississippi's redistricting battle has become more complex, and with less than two weeks left in the legislative session it is unclear whether the debate will be resolved in the state Capitol or in a federal courtroom.

62. Thriving Independent - Monday, January 31, 2011

Matt Martin, co-owner of Midtown’s Black Lodge Video, said his proudly independent movie rental shop is looking to unveil a “midnight movie” series sometime this spring.

Still run by the same two guys who opened its doors in October 2000, Black Lodge also celebrated its 10-year anniversary a few months ago.

63. Obama Goal: 'Putting the Economy Into Overdrive' - Tuesday, January 25, 2011

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. (AP) – More than half the nation disapproves of President Barack Obama's policies to reduce stubbornly high unemployment, a new Associated Press-GfK poll said Friday as Obama refocused his job-creation efforts on a business-friendly vision emphasizing innovation and exports to other countries.

64. Smith & Nephew Rumors Continue to Swirl - Friday, January 21, 2011

Despite Smith & Nephew’s attempts to quash rampant rumors that it’s being targeted for takeover, Wall Street seems to be sticking with the maxim that where there’s smoke, there’s fire.

65. Architecture Report Brings Cautious Optimism - Monday, January 17, 2011

For two years, architects have dealt with a sluggish construction market that’s kept projects from moving off the boards and employees in a constant struggle for their jobs.

A recent industry report paints a more hopeful picture for the profession as it moves through 2011 and into 2012.

66. Community Health Offers to Buy Tenet for $3B - Monday, December 13, 2010

FRANKLIN, Tenn. (AP) – After being rejected by Tenet Healthcare Corp.'s board, hospital operator Community Health Systems Inc. is taking its $3 billion cash and stock offer for its smaller rival public in a move to rally shareholder support for the deal.

67. Medtronic Q2 Profit Falls 35 Percent on Costs - Wednesday, November 24, 2010

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Medtronic’s fiscal second-quarter net income fell 35 percent as legal and other costs outpaced weak gains in medical device sales, but adjusted results met Wall Street expectations.

68. Medtronic Q2 Profit Falls 35 Percent on Costs - Tuesday, November 23, 2010

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Medtronic's fiscal second-quarter net income fell 35 percent as legal and other costs outpaced weak gains in medical device sales, but adjusted results met Wall Street expectations.

69. The Tsunami Comes Ashore - Tuesday, November 02, 2010

Rick Santelli of CNBC initiated a political tsunami by uttering the words “tea party” in his famous rant from the floor of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange on Feb. 19, 2009.

As the storm strengthened, it produced stunning political upsets in the governors’ races in Virginia and New Jersey, along with a Senate seat in Massachusetts. No seat was safe this summer, as many Washington staples from both parties were shown the door even before the general election. Some fell in the primaries while others decided they did not want to face the wrath of voters and retired altogether. The wave will crest on Election Day, as a recent Rasmussen poll found 65 percent of likely U.S. voters would vote to get rid of the entire Congress and start over if they had the option.

70. Office Depot Chairman and CEO Odland Resigning - Tuesday, October 26, 2010

BOCA RATON, Fla. (AP) – Office Depot Inc.'s Chairman and CEO Steve Odland is stepping down as the office supplier struggles to turn its business around in the face of tough competition.

71. Kroger’s Q2 Net Income, Revenue Rise - Wednesday, September 15, 2010

CINCINNATI (AP) – Kroger Co.’s net income and revenue rose in its second quarter, as cost-cutting and efforts to build customer loyalty against tough competition boosted results at the nation’s largest traditional grocer.

72. GOP Carries Countywide Offices - Friday, August 06, 2010

The only thing Republican candidates in Shelby County were denied in the Aug. 5 elections was a majority on the Shelby County Commission. The local GOP slate swept every countywide partisan race on the ballot with Thursday’s election results.

Voter turnout – early and Election Day – was almost 30 percent of Shelby County’s 600,000 voters. All election returns will be audited and must be certified by the Shelby County Election Commission.

Republican Bill Oldham, the former chief deputy of the Sheriff’s Department under outgoing Sheriff Mark Luttrell, beat Democrat Randy Wade in the race for sheriff.

The unofficial returns with all precincts reporting were:

Oldham: 89,613 (52%)

Wade: 82,981 (48%)

Wade, who was the Democratic nominee for sheriff in 2002, linked his 2010 campaign to the re-election bid of Democratic U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen. Wade, a former sheriff’s deputy, is Cohen’s district director.

Oldham campaigned on continuing the policies of Luttrell. But his campaign faltered when Oldham was forced to resign his job as chief deputy – the No. 2 position in the department – following a complaint to the U.S. Justice Department that his candidacy violated the Federal Hatch Act.

The civil complaint investigated by the Justice Department’s Office of Special Counsel left Oldham with the choice of either quitting the job or quitting the race. To keep both could have jeopardized federal funding the department receives.

The complaint was unique because deputies and high-ranking officers running for sheriff has been a regular feature of the sheriff’s race for decades. It wasn’t until 2002 that those in the department were required to take a leave of absence if they ran.

In other general election races, challenger Ken Hoover lost to Shelby County School Board Chairman David Pickler in the race for the District 5 seat on the seven-member board.

Pickler has been chairman for 11 of the 12 years the school board has been an elected body. Pickler ran on his record as chairman. Hoover also ran on Pickler’s record, saying his leadership style was too autocratic and not transparent enough.

The unofficial results were:

Pickler: 5,123 (51%)

Hoover: 4,956 (49%)

In the two other contested school board races, former Bolton High School principal Snowden “Butch” Carruthers beat Millington parent Charlene White in District 1. And political newcomer David Reaves beat fellow newcomer Lara A. McIntyre, both of Bartlett, for the District 3 seat.

White and McIntyre both called for change in school board methods during their campaigns.

District 7 school board member Ernest Chism ran unopposed.

The even-numbered district school board seats are on the 2012 county ballot.

After running for Probate Court clerk three other times, Democratic nominee Sondra Becton could not claim the office on her fourth try – even with the incumbent she campaigned against the three other times out of the race. Republican contender Paul Boyd easily beat Becton in the race for the office Chris Thomas gave up to run for and win a seat on the Shelby County Commission.

Becton lost to Thomas by 604 votes four years ago and was among the four Democratic challengers who unsuccessfully challenged the results in Chancery Court. This time she lost by more than 6,500 votes.

The vote totals were:

Boyd: 82,259 (52%)

Becton: 75,702 (48%)

Republican Tom Leatherwood easily defeated Democratic challenger Coleman Thompson to remain Shelby County register. The two faced each other in 2006, with Leatherwood winning.

The results Thursday were:

Leatherwood: 96,531 (58%)

Thompson: 68,784 (42%)

As early voting began, Thompson’s Pyramid Recovery Center was evicted from its longtime South Memphis space that was also an early voting site and an election day polling place. The landlord agreed to leave the voting sites up and running. But the possibility of a change in polling places served to highlight Thompson’s financial problems.

Late publicity about financial problems took a toll on another Democratic contender.

Newcomer Corey Maclin began campaigning early for Shelby County clerk, with incumbent Republican Debbie Stamson not seeking re-election. Maclin lost to Republican nominee Wayne Mashburn, the son of late county clerk Sonny Mashburn.

The unofficial returns were:

Mashburn: 88,619 (55%)

Maclin: 72,651 (45%)

Stamson’s husband, Steve Stamson, retired as Juvenile Court clerk, setting up the race that was won by Republican nominee Joy Touliatos, the chief administrative officer of the clerk’s office. She beat Democratic nominee Shep Wilbun, who won appointment to the clerk’s office in 2000 but lost to Stamson in the 2002 election and was beaten by Stamson again in 2006.

With all precincts reporting, the numbers were:

Touliatos: 85,849 (51%)

Wilbun: 73,345 (44%)

The remaining votes went to independent candidate Julia R. Wiseman.

Also seeking a return to countywide office was Minerva Johnican. Johnican, the Democratic nominee for Criminal Court clerk, lost to Republican nominee Kevin Key, the son of outgoing Criminal Court Clerk Bill Key and an administrator with the Circuit Court Clerk’s office.

The results were:

Key: 79,755 (49%)

Johnican: 74,831 (46%)

Independent candidate Jerry Stamson: 8,581 (5%)

Johnican, also a former Memphis City Council member and Shelby County Commissioner lost the clerk’s job in 1994 when she was upset by the elder Key.

Incumbent Republican Circuit Court Clerk Jimmy Moore easily defeated Democratic challenger Ricky Dixon. Although Dixon was part of the effort by Democratic party leaders to get voters to vote the entire party slate, Moore continued to show up at Democratic functions and make his case for crossover votes.

Regina Morrison Newman, the third Shelby County tustee in four years, lost her bid for a full term in the office to Republican challenger David Lenoir. It was an impressive political debut for Lenoir, who had heavy backing from the local GOP.

The results were:

Lenoir: 77,166 (49%)

Newman: 72,618 (46%)

Independent candidate Derrick Bennett: 6,353 (4%)

Newman was appointed to the office by the Shelby County Commission following the 2009 death of Trustee Paul Mattila. Mattila was appointed to the office and won a special election for the position following the 2008 death of Bob Patterson. Patterson was re-elected to a four-year term in 2006.

In the judicial races:

Attorney Bill Anderson Jr. emerged atop a field of 20 candidates for General Sessions Criminal Court Judge Div. 7 with 15 percent of the vote. Assistant County Attorney Janet Lansky Shipman was second and the only other contender to go into double digit percentages. The 20 candidates were the largest field in any race – primary or general – on the Shelby County ballot.

Prosecutor Bobby Carter, who had the backing of District Attorney General Bill Gibbons and former District Attorney General John Pierotti, was elected judge of Criminal Court Div. 3 in a close race with attorneys Glenn Wright and Latonya Sue Burrow.

Carter got 26 percent of the vote to Wright’s 25 percent and Burrow’s 24.7 percent.

The results in the three other special judicial races saw the three appointed judges rejected by voters.

• Lee Wilson, the appointee to General Sessions Criminal Court Judge Div. 10, lost to former General Sessions Court Clerk Chris Turner by more than 64,000 votes. Turner’s victory was the strongest proof of the strong Republican turnout for races across the general election ballot. Turner had been the General Sessions Court clerk until 2006, when he was upset by Democratic challenger Otis Jackson. He is also a former Republican state legislator.
• Lorrie Ridder, the appointee to Circuit Court Judge Div. 4, lost to attorney Gina Higgins by about 5,000 votes.
• Rhynette Northcross Hurd, the appointee to Circuit Court Judge Div. 8, lost to attorney Bob Weiss by more than 12,000 votes.

Ridder and Hurd had been appointed to the Circuit Court vacancies by Gov. Phil Bredesen, who picked them each from a list of three finalists from the Judicial Nominating Commission. Bredesen even taped a robo-call on behalf of Hurd, his first robo-call for any candidate in the state.

Wilson was appointed to the General Sessions vacancy by the Shelby County Commission and adopted a domestic violence case docket for the court.

73. Your Business Might Qualify for This Tax Credit - Friday, August 06, 2010

Is your business eligible for the new small employer health insurance credit? Here’s how to decide.

One of the requirements for meeting the definition of “small employer” is that 25 or fewer “full-time equivalent employees” worked for you during the year.

74. Historic Restaurant to Begin New Chapter in New Locale - Monday, August 02, 2010

Jim’s Place restaurant was founded Downtown in 1921. Eighty-nine years later, the Taras family still owns Jim’s Place East, on Shelby Oaks Drive, and Jim’s Place Grille, in Collierville, though a major change is coming for Jim’s Place East in the next few months.

75. Merck’s Consumer Products Show Q2 Sales Increase - Monday, August 02, 2010

Sales of consumer care products for Merck & Co. totaled $422 million during the second quarter of this year, an increase over the $381 million in sales from the same period a year ago.

76. Economists Say Recovery Continues, But Pace Slows - Tuesday, July 20, 2010

NEW YORK (AP) — Economists say the U.S. recovery continued during the second quarter of this year with more businesses hiring workers and fewer cutting jobs, but the pace of growth has slowed, a new survey shows.

77. Permit Numbers Good News for Homebuilders - Wednesday, July 14, 2010

The success of the Vesta Designer Home Showcase, which ended earlier this month, can be measured in the number of tickets sold – 13,600.

And the show, featuring custom-designed residences in Germantown’s Neshoba Grove Subdivision, can be measured in the number of homes that sold – five.

78. Reaching New Heights - Wednesday, May 26, 2010

When giving to Fayette Cares dipped during the recession, the nonprofit organization shook off its fundraising woes by offering unique advertising vehicles and throwing a party.

Fayette Cares, which serves families in crisis, raised $14,000 last month from a golf tournament and $30,000 last fall from the first-ever Night of Southern Elegance.

79. West Memphis Mojo Rises - Monday, May 24, 2010

On the night of the worst civic tragedy in West Memphis’ history, blues stood up and did its thing.

The “Blues Trail to Chicago” concert was briefly canceled before officials decided to go with the show in honor of the two second-generation law enforcement officers who were shot and killed earlier Thursday.

80. Big Tobacco Cutting Contracts with US Farmers - Thursday, May 20, 2010

CYNTHIANA, Ky. (AP) - After years of faithfully supplying leaf to tobacco giant Philip Morris International, farmer Jess Burrier received a postcard, thanking him for his contributions and telling him his service wasn't needed this year.

81. 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.

82. Lasting Legacy - Wednesday, March 31, 2010

His name is emblazoned on the modest sign identifying 52 S. Second St. as the home of the world-famous barbecue establishment he founded in 1948.

83. Consumer Confidence Extends Rise in Dec. - Wednesday, December 30, 2009

NEW YORK (AP) – A more upbeat outlook on jobs pushed Americans’ confidence in the economy higher in December for the second month in a row, a survey released Tuesday said.

Consumers’ expectations for the job market over the next six months reached their highest level in two years, but Americans remain gloomy about their current prospects.

84. Commercial Real Estate Hits Doldrums - Friday, December 18, 2009

When it comes to trends, commercial real estate usually lags residential real estate, sometimes by as much as a year. So with the housing market showing its first signs of improvement during the last month or so, the commercial sector needs to prepare itself for a long, bumpy road to recovery.

85. Painted Planet Comes Back to Life - Monday, November 23, 2009

The Painted Planet Art Space has re-emerged in Memphis after a two-year hiatus.

Donna Bowers has reopened the art gallery in a smaller space at 798 S. Cooper St., its sixth location since she founded the business in 2000. She has taken the business back to its roots.

86. Housing Divided - Monday, November 23, 2009

A couple of years ago, when Clay Thompson of Memphis decided it was time to stop renting, he set his sights on the Downtown condominium market. He was especially interested in the old warehouses in the South Main Historic Arts District that had been converted to condos.

87. AIDS Patients to President: Send More Money South - Tuesday, November 17, 2009

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - When Robin Webb lived in New York City, he was treated by HIV specialists and had access to counseling and nutritional programs. Now he lives in Mississippi, where few of those services exist.

88. CVS Caremark Q3 Profit Up But Loses Big Contracts - Friday, November 06, 2009

NEW YORK (AP) - CVS Caremark disclosed more multibillion dollar contract losses in its pharmacy benefits management business and said the head of the unit will depart.

CEO Tom Ryan said CVS, which also runs the nation's second-biggest drug store chain, won't reach its goals in 2010 because of the sharp reversal of fortunes at the Caremark unit, which administers drug benefits for employers. CVS shares plunged 20 percent.

89. Q3 Biz Permit Dip Not as Steep - Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Recession casualties in the business sector could be easing, according to the most recent numbers for privilege licenses in the greater Memphis area.

The number of business permits issued during the third quarter slipped by 2.8 percent from the same period a year ago, according to The Daily News Online, www.memphisdailynews.com. That compares to an 8.8 percent drop in the second quarter.

90. Events - Friday, October 16, 2009

The University of Memphis College of Communication and Fine Arts will recognize filmmaker Craig Brewer today at 11:30 a.m. at Charles Vergos Rendezvous, 52 S. Second St. Brewer will receive the 2009 Distinguished Achievement Award in the Creative and Performing Arts. Cost is $50 per person and $350 for a table of eight. For reservations, call 678-5086 or 678-4372.

91. Events - Thursday, October 15, 2009

The Alliance for Nonprofit Excellence will hold a workshop today from 8:30 a.m. to noon at its office, 5100 Poplar Ave., Suite 502. Ken Kimble, director of development and marketing for Boy Scouts of America Chickasaw Council, will speak. Cost is $65 for members and $125 for nonmembers. For more information, call 684-6605 or visit www.npexcellence.org.

92. Panel Says Spend More on National Parks - Monday, September 28, 2009

WASHINGTON (AP) - Spending on national parks should be increased by at least $700 million over the next seven years, an independent panel urged Congress on Thursday .

The additional spending should bring increased tourism, promote enjoyment of the outdoors and help preserve national treasures for future generations, the panel said.

93. Houseless, Not Homeless Stay at Tenn. Campground - Monday, September 28, 2009

LEBANON, Tenn. (AP) - Terry Lee Ballard holds a sign when he goes looking for work in front of hardware stores. It reads: "No job. No food. Almost homeless."

94. FedEx Boosts Q1 Forecast, Signals Global Recovery - Monday, September 14, 2009

NEW YORK (AP) - Memphis, Tenn.-based FedEx Corp., the world's second largest package delivery company, on Friday offered a signal that the global economy is improving, as it raised its first-quarter earnings forecast on better-than-expected international shipments and cost cuts.

95. Harley-Davidson Looks at Four States in Plant Move - Monday, August 24, 2009

NEW YORK (AP) - Harley-Davidson Inc. is considering sites in four states for a possible relocation of its main motorcycle plant in Pennsylvania, a company spokesman said Friday.

96. Analyst Upgrades AutoZone to 'Buy,' Shares Climb - Wednesday, August 19, 2009

NEW YORK (AP) - Shares of AutoZone Inc. climbed on Tuesday as an analyst upgraded the stock to "Buy," saying the auto parts retailer's do-it-yourself business is in better shape than investors think.

97. Retailers' Results Top Estimates; Wariness Remains - Wednesday, August 19, 2009

NEW YORK (AP) - Target Corp. and Home Depot Inc. on Tuesday posted lower profits that still topped Wall Street expectations, but economic worries are likely to keep shoppers tight-fisted in the months ahead, executives predicted.

98. AutoZone Shares Slip as Analyst Downgrades - Friday, August 14, 2009

NEW YORK (AP) - Shares of AutoZone Inc. declined Thursday after an analyst downgraded the auto parts retailer, saying the do-it-yourself car repair business is showing signs of slowing.

The stock fell $7.16, or 4.8 percent, to $141.33 in Thursday morning trading.

99. Luminex Shares Fall on Q2 Report, Outlook - Monday, August 10, 2009

NEW YORK (AP) - Shares of Luminex Corp., which makes testing systems for biotechnology companies, fell Friday, after the company reported lower-than-expected second-quarter profit and reduced its revenue outlook for the year.

100. SunTrust Banks Posts Smaller Q2 Loss - Thursday, July 23, 2009

SunTrust Banks Inc. on Wednesday reported a $164 million loss for the second quarter, hurt by higher credit costs and the absence of a gain on the sale of stock a year earlier.