Most of the major contenders for Tennessee Governor – Democratic and Republican – were in Shelby County over the weekend in which early voting ended and the campaigns now adjust their last minute efforts to the gap between early voting and election day on Thursday.

2. Hotel Planned For Fourth and Beale Vacant Nightspot - Friday, July 6, 2018

Plans for a five-story 120-room hotel on the northeast corner of Fourth and Beale Street go to the Center City Revenue Finance Corporation Tuesday, July 10, seeking a 15-year tax break for the $16 million project.

3. Hotel Planned For Fourth and Beale Vacant Nightspot - Wednesday, July 4, 2018

Plans for a five-story, 120-room hotel on the northeast corner of Fourth and Beale Street go to the Center City Revenue Finance Corp. Tuesday, July 10, seeking a 15-year tax break for the $16 million project.

4. Gibson Brands Files For Bankruptcy Protection - Saturday, May 5, 2018

The maker of the Gibson guitar, omnipresent for decades on the American rock ‘n’ roll stage, is filing for bankruptcy protection after wrestling for years with debt.

Gibson guitars have been esteemed by generations of guitar legends. After Chuck Berry died, his beloved cherry-red Gibson guitar was bolted to the inside of his coffin lid. David Bowie favored the 1989 Gibson L4 when he fronted Tin Machine. Slash swears by them.

5. Gibson Brands Files For Bankruptcy Protection - Wednesday, May 2, 2018

The maker of the Gibson guitar, omnipresent for decades on the American rock ‘n’ roll stage, is filing for bankruptcy protection after wrestling for years with debt.

Gibson guitars have been esteemed by generations of guitar legends. After Chuck Berry died, his beloved cherry-red Gibson guitar was bolted to the inside of his coffin lid. David Bowie favored the 1989 Gibson L4 when he fronted Tin Machine. Slash swears by them.

6. Guitar Legend Gibson Seeks Bankruptcy Protection - Tuesday, May 1, 2018

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – The maker of the Gibson guitar, omnipresent for decades on the American rock 'n' roll stage, is filing for bankruptcy protection after wrestling for years with debt.

7. Gibson Building Owners to Partner with Orgel Family - Monday, April 30, 2018

The new owners of the Gibson Guitar Factory building in Downtown Memphis have partnered with a prominent local family to bring the prime parcel of land back to life. 

On Monday, April 30, New York-based real estate investment firm Somera Road Inc., which purchased the 150,000-plus-square-foot building and showroom located at 145 Lt. George W. Lee Ave. for $14.4 million in January, announced it would be partnering with Billy and Benjamin Orgel’s Orgel Family LP to redevelop the guitar factory.

8. Realization of ‘Strength in Numbers’ Can Help Women Continue Advancing - Monday, February 26, 2018

The accomplished female panelists at the Women & Business Seminar held by The Daily News Publishing Co. on Thursday, Feb. 22, were living evidence of how much progress there has been for women, even if there are still too many difficult moments.

9. Realization of ‘Strength in Numbers’ Can Help Women Continue Advancing - Friday, February 23, 2018

The accomplished female panelists at the Women & Business Seminar held by The Daily News Publishing Co. on Thursday, Feb. 22, were living evidence of how much progress there has been for women, even if there are still too many difficult moments.

10. Success Requires Aligning Your Life - Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Balance. It’s a tricky word, a word not really rooted in a stable foundation when used to describe what working women with families are trying to do.

“You have to put your life in alignment,” said Dr. Marjorie Hass, president of Rhodes College. “It’s never balance, but alignment. For example, I’ve always lived close to where I work. Walking distance. This is the first job I’ve had that I have to drive a car and I live a mile and a half away and could walk it in a pinch.

11. Last Word: Post Parkland, May County Primary Ballot and Friedman on the Mid East - Friday, February 16, 2018

In the wake of the Parkland, Florida school massacre, local school systems here are talking about their preparations for such instances. And for those who don’t have a child in schools currently, it is something of a commentary about the times many of our children live in. The Shelby County Schools statement Thursday includes the following safety measures already in place:

12. Getting to the Top - Saturday, February 17, 2018

An attorney, a physician and a college president. Three success stories. Three women who made it. They had different challenges, yes, but they also shared obstacles that are ever the same.

Dr. Marjorie Hass, Rhodes College president, recently spoke at a breakfast on campus for female students and alumni. Her message to the young women about to set out on their careers was wrapped in truth. She was encouraging, yes, but she also was not going to make promises that life can’t keep.

13. Last Word: Corker & The Senate Poll, Memphis BBQ in Texas and Chandler Numbers - Wednesday, February 14, 2018

The new owner of the city’s tallest building has bought two parcels next to the 100 North Main Building as the other part of the plan to bring the 37-story tall building back to life as a combo apartment-hotel building with the Loew’s hotel brand. The row of older buildings on the south side of 100 North Main all the way up to Jefferson would give way to a 34-story tall office tower.

14. Success No Easy Road For Women In Business - Wednesday, February 14, 2018

The inspiration was there early. It will seem strange at first, even Tannera George Gibson herself understands that. But all these years later, she can see the connection.

15. Gibson Guitar Factory Property Fetches $14.4M, New Midtown Tiki Bar Opening Soon - Monday, January 1, 2018

145 Lt. George W Lee Ave.

Memphis, TN 38103

Sale Amount: $14.4 million

Sale Date: Dec. 27, 2017

Buyer: Somera Road Inc., Tricera Capital

16. Gibson Guitar Factory Sold for $14.1 Million - Saturday, December 30, 2017

A warranty deed filed Dec. 27 with the Shelby County Register of Deeds shows that buyers paid $14.4 million for the Gibson Guitar Factory property in Downtown Memphis.

The Daily News first reported that investment firms Somera Road Inc. of New York and Tricera Capital of Miami, Florida, bought the property on Dec. 5.

17. Gibson Guitar Factory Sold for $14.1 Million - Friday, December 29, 2017

A warranty deed filed Dec. 27 with the Shelby County Register of Deeds shows that buyers paid $14.1 million for the Gibson Guitar Factory property in Downtown Memphis.

The Daily News first reported that investment firms Somera Road Inc. of New York and Tricera Capital of Miami, Florida, bought the property on Dec. 5.

18. Out-of-Town Investors Buy Gibson Guitar Factory - Monday, December 11, 2017

145 Lt. George W. Lee Ave., Memphis, TN 38103: Investment firms in New York and Miami have purchased the Gibson Guitar Factory property in Downtown Memphis and an additional warehouse Gibson Brands Inc. owns in Nashville.

19. Outside Investors to Purchase Gibson Factory in Downtown Memphis - Tuesday, December 5, 2017

Investment firms in New York and Miami have purchased the Gibson Guitar Factory property in Downtown Memphis and an additional warehouse Gibson Brands Inc. owns in Nashville.

20. Gibson Plans to Sell Downtown Factory, Build a New One - Monday, October 30, 2017

145 Lt. George W. Lee Ave., Memphis, TN 38103: Nashville-based guitar maker Gibson Brands Inc. confirmed Friday, Oct. 20, it is putting its Downtown Memphis factory on the market and plans to build and lease a new facility nearby.

21. Gibson Confirms Plans for New Memphis Facility - Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Nashville-based guitar maker Gibson Brands Inc. confirmed Friday, Oct. 20, it is putting its Downtown Memphis factory on the market and plans to build and lease a new facility nearby.

22. Gibson Confirms Plans for New Memphis Factory - Saturday, October 21, 2017

Nashville-based guitar maker Gibson Brands Inc. confirmed Friday, Oct. 20, it is putting its Downtown Memphis factory on the market and plans to build and lease a new facility nearby.

The Gibson Beale Street Showcase and Guitar Factory opened more than 16 years ago at 145 Lt. George W. Lee Ave., across South B.B. King Boulevard from FedExForum.

23. Gibson Guitar Factory Looking For New Home - Friday, October 20, 2017

Nashville-based guitar maker Gibson Brands Inc. is putting its Downtown Memphis factory on the market as it looks for a new, smaller home.

The 18-year-old Gibson Beale Street Showcase and Guitar Factory – located on nearly six acres at 145 Lt. George W. Lee Ave., across South B.B. King Boulevard from FedExForum – clocks in at 127,620 square feet and has an adjacent 330-space parking lot. And it could be yours for $17 million.

24. Strickland Calls For Review of City Hall Escort List - Monday, February 20, 2017

Memphis Police Director Michael Rallings is reviewing a list of 81 citizens who cannot come to City Hall without a police escort to wherever they are going in the building after Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland requested the review Saturday, Feb. 18.

25. Strickland Calls For Review of City Hall Escort List - Saturday, February 18, 2017

Memphis Police Director Michael Rallings is reviewing a list of 81 citizens who cannot come to City Hall without a police escort to wherever they are going in the building after Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland requested the review Saturday, Feb. 18.

26. Strickland Calls For Review of City Hall Escort List - Saturday, February 18, 2017

Memphis Police Director Michael Rallings is reviewing a list of 81 citizens who cannot come to City Hall without a police escort to wherever they are going in the building after Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland requested the review Saturday, Feb. 18.

27. Final Goodbye: Roll Call of Some of Those Who Died in 2016 - Monday, January 2, 2017

Death claimed transcendent political figures in 2016, including Cuba's revolutionary leader and Thailand's longtime king, but also took away royals of a different sort: kings of pop music, from Prince and David Bowie to George Michael.

28. B.B. King Memorial to Be Dedicated Friday on Beale - Friday, September 16, 2016

After years of discussion, the Beale Street Entertainment District on Friday, Sept. 15, gets a monument in honor of the late blues legend B.B. King who began his career on Beale Street in the late 1940s.

29. New Daisy Planning 74th Birthday Bash - Saturday, May 21, 2016

The New Daisy Theatre is celebrating its 74th birthday in a few weeks and is inviting the public to celebrate it with George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic.

30. New Daisy Planning 74th Birthday Bash - Tuesday, May 17, 2016

The New Daisy Theatre is celebrating its 74th birthday in a few weeks and is inviting the public to celebrate it with George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic.

31. 'King of the Blues' B.B. King Dead at 89 at Home in Vegas - Friday, May 15, 2015

LAS VEGAS (AP) – B.B. King, whose scorching guitar licks and heartfelt vocals made him the idol of generations of musicians and fans while earning him the nickname King of the Blues, died late Thursday at home in Las Vegas. He was 89.

32. Palazzolo Prepares to Lead Germantown - Monday, November 10, 2014

Germantown Mayor-elect Mike Palazzolo was surprised that the mayor’s race became as hard-fought as it was.

But after beating former city division director George Brogdon last week, Palazzolo prepares to take the oath of office Dec. 15, assemble his administration and start work on a new economic development plan.

33. Voters Approve Wine, Amendments - Thursday, November 6, 2014

Shelby County citizens voted 2-to-1 Tuesday, Nov. 4, against a proposed amendment to the Tennessee Constitution that gives the Tennessee Legislature the power to regulate abortion, including in cases of rape or incest.

34. Voters Approve Wine, Constitutional Amendments - Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Shelby County citizens voted 2-to-1 Tuesday, Nov. 4, against a proposed amendment to the Tennessee Constitution that gives the Tennessee Legislature the power to regulate abortion, including in cases of rape or incest.

35. Shelby Early Vote Shows "No" Carry On Abortion Amendment - Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Shelby County’s early vote totals show a defeat for the amendment to the Tennessee Constitution involving abortion and passage of the other three amendments.

The vote count for Shelby County only during the early voting period in advance of the Tuesday, Nov. 4, election day show:

36. Schools, Development Dominate Germantown Races - Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Germantown will have a new mayor once all of the votes are counted Nov. 4 in the city’s municipal elections on the ballot.

But the race between former Germantown Community Services director George Brogdon and alderman Mike Palazzolo likely won’t completely settle the community’s discussion and debate about development and the future of the Germantown Municipal Schools district.

37. McManus Joins Patrick Accounting - Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Michelle McManus, a Memphis native and certified public accountant, has joined Patrick Accounting and Tax Services PLLC as manager. In her new role, McManus will supervise and review the monthly accounting process for a section of clients. She will also prepare and review tax returns and work closely with clients, assisting them with ongoing tax planning.

38. Bible Joins Shea Moskovitz & McGhee - Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Kirkland Bible has joined family law firm Shea Moskovitz & McGhee as an associate. In her new position, Bible will represent clients in a variety of family law matters, including divorce, post-divorce and child custody matters.

39. McDonald Re-Elected at Filing Deadline - Saturday, August 23, 2014

Bartlett Mayor Keith McDonald was re-elected to another four-year term of office at the noon Thursday, Aug. 21, filing deadline for candidates in four sets of suburban municipal elections on the Nov. 4 ballot.

40. Bartlett Mayor McDonald Re-Elected at Filing Deadline - Thursday, August 21, 2014

Bartlett Mayor Keith McDonald was re-elected to another four-year term of office at the noon Thursday, Aug. 21, filing deadline for candidates in four sets of suburban municipal elections on the Nov. 4 ballot.

41. Wine Referendums Down to Final Day - Thursday, August 21, 2014

The deadline for signatures to be gathered on the still-forming proposed referendums to allow wine in grocery stores is Thursday, Aug. 21.

The deadline for candidates to file in the set of Bartlett, Germantown, Collierville and Millington municipal elections on the November ballot is at noon the same day.

42. French Quarter Deal Collapses - Friday, November 1, 2013

A Texas-based group had inked a deal to purchase the long-vacant French Quarter Suites Hotel near Overton Square, but the proposed sale fell through the cracks.

Austin, Texas-based ASC Management had until Oct. 31 to close on the purchase of the 105-room inn at the northeast corner of Madison Avenue and Cooper Street but did not complete the sale.

43. Events - Saturday, September 21, 2013

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center will host Line Dancing for BLUES, in recognition of Infant Mortality Awareness Month, on Tuesday, Sept. 24, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the student alumni center, 800 Madison Ave. The event will include a line dance-a-thon, and information on infant mortality and the BLUES Project. Suggested donation is $5. Visit uthsc.edu/blues for details.

44. Events - Friday, September 20, 2013

Memphis Crisis Center will kick off Memphis Crisis Center Awareness Week with community leaders on Friday, Sept. 20, at 10 a.m. in the Health Sciences Park pavilion, 799 Madison Ave. The week aims to raise awareness, funds and volunteers for the center’s 24-hour hotline. Visit memphiscrisiscenter.org.

45. Kramer Given Crystal Award by Carwash Association - Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Bruce Kramer, an attorney with Apperson Crump PLC, has been given the Crystal Award by the International Carwash Association for his 20 years of service as the association’s general counsel. The association, which was started in Memphis in 1955, is comprised of 15,000 professional car wash operators, retailers and suppliers in 25 nations.

46. Keller Named President of Nonprofit Meritan - Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Melanie A. Keller has been named president of Meritan Inc. Keller, who joined the nonprofit social services agency in 2006, previously served as its executive vice president. In her new role, she is responsible for oversight of more than 500 employees and contractors as well as the agency’s $21 million annual budget. Keller also manages its quality improvement and strategic planning efforts.

47. Events - Friday, November 30, 2012

Downtown Memphis Commission will unveil Memphis’ first marker on the Highway 61 Blues Trail Friday, Nov. 30, at 1 p.m. at Third Street and Gayoso Avenue. Visit downtownmemphis.com.

48. 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.

49. 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.

50. Baldwin Joins Trumbull Labs as Pathologist - Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Dr. Heather Sehnert Baldwin has joined Trumbull Laboratories LLC as a pathologist. In her new role, Baldwin will practice a full range of pathology with a focus in hematopathology.

51. Gibson Selling First Guitars With Substitute Wood - Tuesday, November 22, 2011

NASHVILLE (AP) – With federal seizures of large quantities of rosewood and ebony, Nashville-based Gibson Guitar has been forced to get creative.

Gibson operates a plant at 145 Lt. George W. Lee Ave. in Memphis.

52. Gibson Guitar Chief Says Feds Want to Talk - Friday, September 16, 2011

NASHVILLE (AP) – Federal officials have asked to meet next week with owners of Nashville-based Gibson Guitars following a raid last month, the company's CEO says.

Henry Juszkiewicz (JUS'-kuh-wits) said the Justice Department requested the meeting for Wednesday, according to The Tennessean.

53. CCRFC to Act On Financing Amendments - Tuesday, April 12, 2011

The Center City Revenue Finance Corp. board of directors takes up two items at its Tuesday meeting involving a Mud Island apartment complex and the Gibson Guitar plant located south of Beale Street.

54. 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.

55. MED’s Future Becomes Muddier - Friday, February 19, 2010

The Regional Medical Center at Memphis’ future grew more tenuous this week as Gov. Phil Bredesen and the Memphis political community staked out differing political stances.

However, Bredesen and Memphis Mayor A C Wharton Jr. began discussing the future of the county-owned and -funded hospital – even as Bredesen appeared to dismiss efforts by interim Shelby County Mayor Joe Ford to get emergency state funding.

56. 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)

57. Surprises Possible as Primary Filing Deadline Nears - Thursday, February 18, 2010

Although today marks the filing deadline for the May 4 Shelby County primaries and independent candidates on the Aug. 5 county general election ballot, plenty of political drama remains.

In fact, the filing deadline is often just as important – and surprising – as election day.

58. Temporary MED Fix Just That: Temporary - Wednesday, January 27, 2010

The Regional Medical Center at Memphis will get $10 million from Shelby County government to keep its emergency room open through June 30, the end of the current fiscal year.

The Shelby County Commission’s 9-3 vote this week takes the money from the county’s $73 million reserve fund.

59. Events - Friday, December 4, 2009

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center will hold a seminar today from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the UTHSC, 800 Madison Ave. The seminar will discuss HIV/AIDS in the Mid-South. For more information, call 218-5511.

60. County Mayor Deadlock Moves to Next Week - Wednesday, November 11, 2009

The pressure of 24 roll call votes didn’t change any minds. Attempts at persuasion between the votes didn’t change any votes on the Shelby County Commission.

So now commissioners on both sides of the body’s deadlock over an interim county mayor are counting on another tactic to break the draw between Commissioners Joe Ford and J.W. Gibson – time.

61. Commission Deadlocked On Next County Mayor - Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Joyce Avery will serve as Shelby County Mayor until Dec. 10.

Shelby County Commissioners decided Monday that she will serve the full 45 day period in the county charter. But they weren’t able to decide who will be mayor after Dec. 10.

62. UPDATE: County Commission Deadlocks On Mayoral Choice - Monday, November 9, 2009

Joyce Avery will serve as Shelby County Mayor until Dec. 10.

Shelby County Commissioners decided Monday that she will serve the full 45 day period in the county charter. But they weren’t able to decide who will be mayor after Dec. 10.

63. Commission Expected to Choose County Mayor - Monday, November 9, 2009
 

This could take awhile.

Among the items on today’s Shelby County Commission agenda is the appointment of a mayor to serve the remaining 10 months left in the term of A C Wharton Jr. Wharton became Memphis mayor in the Oct. 15 special election to replace Willie Herenton, who retired in July.

The meeting will begin at 1:30 p.m. at the County Administration Building, 160 N. Main St.

Three Shelby County commissioners and a former suburban mayor are vying for the appointment to serve as the next Shelby County mayor.

They are County Commissioners J.W. Gibson, Joe Ford and George Flinn and former Collierville Mayor Linda Kerley.

The Daily News will tweet the outcome this afternoon and a full account will be posted later today at The Daily News Online, www.memphisdailynews.com.

Commission Chairwoman Joyce Avery is serving as mayor for up to 45 days. She is not among the four contenders who filed an application and underwent a background check.

Issues to consider

Each of the four contenders identified the financial crisis at The Regional Medical Center at Memphis as a top priority if they are selected. All said they would not be a candidate in the 2010 county elections. Flinn qualified that slightly by saying he would not run in 2010 if he wins the appointment.

“The biggest challenge facing this interim mayor will be The MED,” said Flinn, who is a physician and radiologist. “Closure or scaling back of The MED will be devastating to the community as a whole.

“Yet, we know our severe limitations financially in the county. This is a serious challenge and I’m the only one here with 35 years of medical experience … to meet this.”

Gibson also accented his business acumen as CEO of Gibson Cos., which includes a commercial printing operation, land development services and a wholesale medical supply company.

“I would like to deal with trying to stabilize the Regional Medical Center,” Gibson said as he also talked of improving the access locally owned small businesses have to government contracts and to economic growth in general.

Gibson was appointed to the Metro Charter Commission, and reaffirmed last week what he said in October when his appointment was confirmed by the County Commission. He will resign the charter commission position if he wins the appointment as county mayor.

Ford, who is the longest-serving member of the current commission, talked of his reluctance to seek elected office despite being part of the city’s best-known political family. He retired in 2008 from the family business, N.J. Ford and Sons Funeral Home, and started his own funeral home that same year.

“I had no desire to be in politics,” the 11th of 12 Ford children said as he outlined his bid for the Memphis City Council seat his late brother James Ford gave up when elected to the County Commission. “The citizens in the district came to me … and said, ‘You’ve got to run.’”

Kerley opted not to seek re-election as mayor of Collierville in 2008, saying she needed to devote more time to her real estate company during the recession.

Like Ford, Kerley said she was approached about seeking the appointment and initially said no.

“But the more I thought about it, the more I thought I might be an alternate choice to have as a temporary solution,” she said.

Partisan politics

There are a few parliamentary wrinkles going into today’s decision.

It will take seven votes for someone to claim the county mayor’s office. But the three commissioners seeking the job won’t be able to vote even if they are eliminated over several rounds of voting. The ruling by Assistant County Attorney and parliamentarian Christy Kinard means the winner will have to get seven of nine available votes on the commission if all three commissioners stay in the running.

Picking one of the three commissioners also would mean the commission would then have to fill a vacant seat on the body as well.

Kerley touted her experience running the thriving suburb.

Kerley’s name was among those considered by the commission earlier this year for a vacancy on the County Commission that ultimately went to Democrat Matt Kuhn.

Democratic backers of Kerley identified her as a Republican, but that didn’t draw enough Republican support for her to claim the seat in predominantly Republican commission District 4.

“I do miss it. I didn’t think I would,” Kerley said of the practice of politics as she talked of her partisan political identity. “I’ve been called a Democrat by Republicans and a Republican by Democrats. I’m not a card-carrying anything. … I never thought it was fair for me to join any party since I could not give my total support to that party. I wanted to be very clear about that.”

Kerley estimated she has voted for Republican candidates approximately 95 percent of the time.

The distinction is important because unlike Memphis and Collierville municipal elections, county elections for non-judicial offices feature partisan primaries before general elections. The primaries apply to commission races as well. Flinn is a Republican. Gibson and Ford are Democrats.

64. Former AG Gonzales Speaks at UT Martin - Monday, October 26, 2009

MARTIN, Tenn. (AP) – Former U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales got a mixed reception during a speech at UT Martin on Thursday.

Gonzales resigned in 2007 amid accusations that he had authorized the torture of terrorism suspects.

65. Commission to Appeal Second Juvenile Court Judgeship - Wednesday, October 14, 2009

The battle over more than one Juvenile Court judge is on its way to the Tennessee Supreme Court.

Shelby County Commissioners voted this week to appeal an earlier ruling by the Tennessee Appeals Court to the high court. The Supreme Court could choose to hear the case or deny the request for an appeal, which would leave the appeals court ruling in place.

66. Comprehensive Pharmacy Services Brings on Johnson as CFO - Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Brian Johnson has joined Comprehensive Pharmacy Services as chief financial officer.

Johnson previously worked as a public accountant at Ernst & Young. Prior to his time at Ernst & Young, he worked at U.S. Office Products and Accredo Health.

67. Health Care Administrator Gives Back to Community - Friday, August 7, 2009

Shantelle Leatherwood decided early in her career as a health care administrator to forgo the quest for a corner office in a hospital or executive suite and instead be closer to people.

She opted to work in community health centers. Leatherwood is the practice administrator at Christ Community Health Services.

68. Events - Wednesday, July 29, 2009

The Shelby County Commission will hold committee meetings today beginning at 8:30 a.m. in the fourth floor committee room of the Shelby County Administration Building, 160 N. Main St. For more information, call Steve Summerall at 545-4301.

69. County Leaves Wiggle Room In Tax Rate - Friday, July 3, 2009

In setting the Shelby County property tax rate for the coming fiscal year, county officials have planned for the loss of as much as $1.06 billion in tax value from successful challenges to property value this year.

70. Events - Friday, June 12, 2009

The University of Memphis will host the “We Are One!” library conference, expo and concert today. The circulation conference will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in McWherter Library. The expo will be held from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the Rose Theatre lobby and the concert will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Rose Theatre. For more information, contact Sonji Wright at 678-2203 or slwright@memphis.edu.

71. Events - Thursday, June 11, 2009

The Downtown Parking Authority will meet today at 9 a.m. in the Center City Commission conference room, 114 N. Main St.

72. Not So Fast - Thursday, May 28, 2009

A proposed ordinance to prohibit employment-related discrimination in Shelby County government based on sexual orientation failed in a County Commission committee Wednesday morning on a 5-5 vote.

The measure, sponsored by Commissioner Steve Mulroy, will head to the full commission Monday for a vote on first reading but without the support of committee approval behind it. If Monday’s vote results in another tie or clear defeat, the measure at that point will have died.

73. Democrats Pull Off Commission Trick - Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Before this week’s meeting of the Shelby County Board of Commissioners, Commissioner Steve Mulroy was offering magic tricks. Moving a foam cup with static electricity was the trick of the day at that point.

74. Bass Pro Deal Trundles On - Wednesday, November 19, 2008

The same team that negotiated the development agreement with Bass Pro Shops will do the talking for city and county governments on a lease of The Pyramid to the fishing and hunting retailer.

Earlier this week, the Shelby County Board of Commissioners approved the yearlong development agreement on a 9-3 vote. It’s the same agreement approved in October by the Memphis City Council.

75. Bass Pro Development Agreement Approved On 9-3 Vote - Tuesday, November 18, 2008

There is a development agreement between Bass Pro Shops and Memphis and Shelby County governments.

The Board of Shelby County Commissioners approved the development agreement Monday afternoon on a 9-3 vote. The Memphis City Council approved the same agreement earlier this month.

76. Bass Pro Development Agreement Clears Last Hurdle - Monday, November 17, 2008

There is a development agreement between Bass Pro Shops and Memphis and Shelby County governments.

The Board of Shelby County Commissioners approved the development agreement this afternoon on a 9-3 vote. The Memphis City Council approved the same agreement earlier this month.

77. Pyramid Decision Sets Stage For Further Debate - Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Shelby County government will stay in The Pyramid business for now.

A move to sell the county’s share of The Pyramid, The Mid-South Coliseum and Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium to the city of Memphis for $5 million failed this week on a 5-6 vote of the Shelby County Board of Commissioners.

78. Commission Moves Forward With More Charter Changes - Friday, August 15, 2008

The Shelby County Board of Commissioners will meet twice next week for the second and third readings of two new sets of county charter changes for voters to consider.

During two days of deliberations this week, the commission approved proposed changes to five countywide offices – sheriff, trustee, register, county clerk and assessor – that would fix legal problems in the current county charter noted in a 2007 Tennessee Supreme Court ruling. Those changes are the same ones voters rejected by a narrow margin in the Aug. 7 elections. But on the August ballot they were attached to a term limits proposal.

79. Commission Delays Courtroom Security Resolution - Thursday, August 7, 2008

Budget shortfalls are a main reason Shelby County judges could begin seeking alternative courtroom security arrangements.

A resolution that would encourage judges to consider outside security methods such as incorporating the use of part-time retired Shelby County Sheriff’s deputies has been proposed by Shelby County Board of Commissioners member Wyatt Bunker.

80. Commissioners Work Through Frustrations, OK Schools Funding - Wednesday, June 18, 2008

With some reluctance this week, members of the Shelby County Board of Commissioners put aside any threat of cutting funding to city and county schools.

It came the same day that Memphis Mayor Willie Herenton and Memphis school board members were weighing next moves in the pending money scrap between the city and the city school system.

81. Thompson Trial Set for March 31 - Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Former Shelby County Commissioner Bruce Thompson's pending corruption trial appears to be on a fast track. U.S. District Jon P. McCalla this week set a March 31 trial date on the charges of extortion and mail fraud.

82. Commission Distances Itself From Salton Cos. - Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Shelby County Commissioners have taken at least a temporary step back from a construction contractor whose name has surfaced in the most recent federal corruption investigation.

The two-week delay this week in approving a $274,422 contract with Salton Cos. LLC came less than a week after former County Commissioner Bruce Thompson was indicted on federal extortion and mail fraud charges.

83. Vote Delayed on Chamber Funding of Interest Groups - Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Members of the Shelby County Board of Commissioners had a lot to say Monday about whether nonprofit civic groups with ties to groups that endorsed or ranked candidates in recent elections should get any money from the Memphis Regional Chamber Foundation and under what terms. But they ultimately delayed a vote on the terms for up to $1 million in funding.

84. Commission Drills Down Further On Ethics - Wednesday, October 10, 2007

The Shelby County Commission is tinkering with county government's ethics ordinance three months after it took effect. Free tickets to University of Memphis football games and the use of the word "or" in a crucial part of the ethics rules are behind the proposed change.

85. Benefit Concert HeldFor Church Health Center - Wednesday, July 18, 2007
     Several Memphis bands will play a benefit concert next week to support The Church Health Center, a nonprofit health and wellness clinic that provides care to thousands of uninsured Memphians.
    

86. Events - Thursday, June 7, 2007

The Aging Commission of the Mid-South and the Alzheimer's Association will present a free educational conference for caregivers today from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Germantown Centre, 1801 Exeter Road.

87. Events - Wednesday, June 6, 2007

The Alliance for Nonprofit Excellence will hold a workshop titled "What If...? Crisis Management and Disaster Planning for Nonprofits" today from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Assisi Foundation of Memphis Inc., 515 Erin Drive. The event is $99 for members and $150 for nonmembers.

88. Events - Tuesday, June 5, 2007

The Alliance for Nonprofit Excellence will hold a workshop titled "What If...? Crisis Management and Disaster Planning for Nonprofits" Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Assisi Foundation of Memphis Inc., 515 Erin Drive. The event is $99 for members and $150 for nonmembers.

89. Events - Monday, June 4, 2007

The Engineers' Club of Memphis hosts its weekly meeting and lunch today at noon at the Holiday Inn-University of Memphis, 3700 Central Ave. Darren Sanders, deputy Shelby County engineer, is the guest speaker. Cost is $12 and no reservations are required.

90. Events - Friday, June 1, 2007

The Memphis Potters' Guild presents its annual Spring Show & Sale today through Sunday at The Memphis Botanic Garden at 750 Cherry Road in Audubon Park. The opening reception will be today from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The show is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call 458-2354.

91. Construction Begins On Memphis' Ground Zero Blues Club - Wednesday, May 9, 2007

Memphis' status as Home of the Blues will grow this summer with the addition of a Ground Zero Blues Club. The original club is in Clarksdale, Miss., and is co-owned by Academy Award-winning actor Morgan Freeman and lawyer Bill Luckett.

92. Events - Tuesday, March 20, 2007

The National Association of Women Business Owners holds its monthly membership luncheon today from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Holiday Inn-University of Memphis, 3700 Central Ave. Wendi Thomas, a journalist at The Commercial Appeal, will be the presenter. The cost is $20 for members and $25 for nonmembers. To RSVP, call 844-3738 or visit www.nawbomemphis.org.

93. Events - Monday, March 19, 2007

The Engineers' Club of Memphis Inc. holds its weekly meeting today at noon at the Holiday Inn-University of Memphis, 3700 Central Ave. The topic is "Cold Formed Steel Trusses." The meeting costs $12 and includes lunch. No reservations are required.

94. One More Time - Wednesday, March 7, 2007

Memphis long has been known as the home of the blues - and it's no wonder, considering the city's rich musical history.

It's home to Elvis Presley's Graceland mansion, B.B. King's Blues Club, Isaac Hayes' restaurant in the Peabody Place mall and Beale Street, among other venues.

95. Events - Friday, February 2, 2007

Inside Sounds and Daddy-O Records present Blues Showcase Memphis Style Saturday from 9:30 p.m. to midnight at The Gibson Lounge, 145 Lt. George Lee Ave. Performers include The Billy Gibson Band, Charlie Wood and Daddy Mack Orr. Cost is $10. Call 452-9696 for more information.

96. Commercial Advisors' Jensen Voted Commercial Broker of the Year - Wednesday, April 12, 2006

Larry Jensen has received the 2005 Pinnacle Award for Commercial Broker of the Year from the Memphis Area Association of Realtors' Commercial Council. Jensen is president and CEO of Commercial Advisors LLC. He has more than 30 years of experience in real estate.

97. Future Westin Hotel Financed for $29.5 Million - Tuesday, December 6, 2005

0.67 acres near
Third Street
Cost: $11.9 million

Borrower: Senate Hotel Partners Memphis LP

Lender: First Tennessee Bank NA

98. Archived Article: Hotel (lead) - Thursday, February 26, 2004
Within the next month, plans are likely to be finalized that would bring construction of a new major hotel across from the Fed

Downtown Readies for Upscale Hotel

Westin near arena to round out entertainment corridor

ANDREW BELL

The Daily...

99. Archived Article: Newsmakers - Wednesday, December 10, 2003
Chancellor Arnold Goldin and General Sessions Judges Phyllis Gardner and Gwen Rooks completed a Judicial Academy conducted by

Local Judges Complete State Judicial Academy Chancellor Arnold Goldin and General Sessions Judges Phyllis Gardner and Gw...

100. Archived Article: Daily Digest - Thursday, April 3, 2003
National group taps

National group taps

Gibbons as officer

Shelby County District Attorney General Bill Gibbons was elected treasurer and a board member of the American Prosecutors Research Institute, a nonprofit research and program develo...