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. New County Leaders Face Big Funding Decisions - Friday, May 11, 2018

The new Shelby County mayor and County Commission elected in August will have some major budget decisions to make once they take office Sept. 1, including a new Regional One Health Center building that could cost more to build than the $250 million FedExForum and a permanent source of county funding for the universal prekindergarten effort.

3. Commission To Consider Overriding Adviser Veto - Wednesday, May 9, 2018

Shelby County commissioners vote Wednesday, May 9, in special session on whether to override a veto by Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell of their decision to reappoint attorney Julian Bolton as the commission’s “legislative policy adviser.”

4. Mississippi Judge Cuts Troubled Hospital Pensions 25 Percent - Tuesday, April 17, 2018

PASCAGOULA, Miss. (AP) — A judge is ordering an immediate 25 percent cut to pensions paid to retirees of a Mississippi Gulf Coast hospital system.

WLOX-TV reports the Friday ruling by special Jackson County Circuit Court Judge James Bell came at the recommendation of a financial expert.

5. Luttrell Says County Pre-K Funding Source Likely to Differ From City’s - Friday, April 13, 2018

Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell probably won’t follow the city’s blueprint for funding universal prekindergarten in Shelby County.

6. Funding Plans - Friday, March 30, 2018

The subject of county government’s $18 million to $25 million projected revenue surplus didn’t surface once this week as the Shelby County Commission’s budget committee continues to prepare for budget season. The Wednesday, March 28, committee session was the first since County Mayor Mark Luttrell’s administration said it is estimating the surplus for the current fiscal year, which ends June 30, because of better-than-expected county property tax collections and fewer appeals of property tax reappraisals.

7. Last Word: Shutdown Round Two, The Pastner Charges and 1968 Virtual Reality - Friday, February 9, 2018

The federal government technically shutdown at midnight in Washington, D.C., Friday for the second time in 17 days. But the House and Senate were still going for a vote on a two-year budget compromise before dawn Friday morning as this is posted.

8. Bill Could Expand Residential PILOT - Thursday, February 8, 2018

In an effort to encourage residential infill and density beyond the confines of Downtown and Midtown, new legislation is making its way through the Tennessee Senate and House of Representatives that would allow Shelby County to offer tax incentives to multifamily and hotel developers outside of the central business district.

9. Bill Introduced to Expand EDGE’s Residential PILOT Boundaries - Wednesday, February 7, 2018

In an effort to encourage residential infill and density beyond the confines of Downtown and Midtown, new legislation is making its way through the Tennessee Senate and House of Representatives that would allow Shelby County to offer tax incentives to multifamily and hotel developers outside of the central business district.

10. Shelby County Joins Memphis in Landfill Moratorium - Wednesday, January 24, 2018

Shelby County commissioners approved a six-month moratorium on any new construction landfills in unincorporated Shelby County on Monday, Jan. 22.

The resolution is the companion to a Memphis City Council resolution passed earlier this month that imposed a six-month moratorium on such landfills within the city of Memphis.

11. Commission Adds County Landfill Moratorium to City Ban - Tuesday, January 23, 2018

Shelby County commissioners approved a six month moratorium Monday, Jan. 22, on any new construction landfills in unincorporated Shelby County. The resolution is the companion to a Memphis City Council resolution passed earlier this month that imposed a six-month moratorium on such landfills within the city of Memphis.

12. Some Express Interest in Monuments Removed From City Parks - Monday, January 22, 2018

The private nonprofit that had the city’s two most visible Confederate monuments removed from city parks in December says it has fielded numerous offers to take the statues of Nathan Bedford Forrest, Jefferson Davis and a bust of Confederate Capt. Harvey Mathes in Memphis Park where the Davis statue stood.

13. Greenspace Nonprofit Details Offers For Confederate Monuments - Friday, January 19, 2018

The private nonprofit group that had the city’s two most visible Confederate monuments removed from city parks in December says it has had numerous offers to take the statues of Nathan Bedford Forrest and Jefferson Davis as well as a bust of Confederate Captain Harvey Mathes in the same park where the Davis statue stood.

14. County Commission Approves Sheriff Pay Raise - Wednesday, December 20, 2017

Shelby County commissioners voted 10-0 Monday, Dec. 18, to raise the pay of the Shelby County sheriff elected in 2018 from $116,955 a year to $135,575 annually.

The ordinance approved was an amended version of an earlier ordinance that was voted down in November, coming up short of the nine votes – a two-thirds majority – needed to pass. Two related ordinances were also voted down in November that would have raised the pay of four other county elected officials and all 13 county commissioners effective with those elected in 2018. Those two ordinances were not reconsidered by the commission Monday.

15. County Commission Approves Sheriff Pay Raise - Tuesday, December 19, 2017

Shelby County commissioners voted 10-0 Monday, Dec. 18, to raise the pay of the Shelby County sheriff elected in the 2018 elections from the current $116,955 a year to $135,575 annually.

The passage of the ordinance was a reconsidered and amended version of an earlier ordinance that was voted down in November, coming up short of the nine-vote two-thirds majority needed to pass. Two other ordinances were also voted down in November that would have raised the pay of four other countywide elected officials and all 13 county commissioners effective with those elected in 2018. Those two ordinances were not reconsidered by the commission.

16. US Economy Expanded at Brisk 3.3 Pct. Pace in Third Quarter - Thursday, November 30, 2017

WASHINGTON (AP) – Led by a rise in business investment, the U.S. economy grew at an annual pace of 3.3 percent from July through September, its fastest rate in three years.

The Commerce Department estimated Wednesday that third-quarter growth exceeded the 3 percent annual expansion for the period that it had initially reported last month.

17. Graceland vs. Errrybody - Friday, November 17, 2017

When Memphis City Council members were told in an Aug. 22 open committee session about Graceland’s plan to build a 5,000- to 6,000-seat concert venue, it wasn’t the first time local officials heard about the idea.

18. County Delays Convention Center Funds - Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Shelby County commissioners again delayed passage Monday, Sept. 25, of a resolution that would allow the city of Memphis to use surplus hotel-motel tax revenue for Memphis Cook Convention Center renovations.

19. Commission Again Delays Convention Center Hotel-Motel Tax Flow To City - Tuesday, September 26, 2017

Shelby County Commissioners again delayed passage Monday, Sept. 25, of a resolution that allows the city of Memphis to use surplus hotel-motel tax revenue to go toward Memphis Cook Convention Center renovations.

20. UCLA’s Prolific QB Rosen Will Test Tigers D - Wednesday, September 13, 2017

In Week 1, UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen rallied his team from 34 points down to defeat Texas A&M 45-44. It was the second-largest comeback win in FBS history.

Last week in the Bruins’ 56-23 victory over Hawaii, Rosen hit on 22 of 25 passes for 359 yards and five touchdowns. Excluding a one-play drive before halftime, UCLA scored on its first seven offensive possessions.

21. Last Word: Game Day, Corker at Southwind on Taxes and Trump and Hotel Stats - Thursday, August 31, 2017

The game is on rain or shine at the Liberty Bowl Thursday. And the start of the Tigers football season could be a very soggy start with remnants of Hurricane Harvey arriving. So while tailgating on Tiger Lane may involve umbrellas, none are allowed in the Liberty Bowl itself. Ponchos it is for your face time on CBS Thursday evening.

22. Appling Road Greenline Access Awaits Funding - Monday, July 3, 2017

There is a plan designed and ready for an Appling Road access point to the Shelby Farms Greenline and if the response to last week’s opening of the Perkins Road access point is any indication, it shouldn’t be too difficult.

23. EDGE to Test Multifamily Tax Abatements - Friday, May 19, 2017

The Economic Development Growth Engine of Memphis and Shelby County has approved a trial run of a new payment-in-lieu-of-taxes program aimed at encouraging development of multifamily housing the city of Memphis feels it needs to break free of the cycle of stagnant population growth.

24. Deannexation Group Gets Dollar Figures on Leaving Memphis - Tuesday, January 24, 2017

If South Cordova, Windyke and Southwind leave Memphis, the city should get to keep sales tax and property tax revenue generated by commercial properties in those three recently annexed areas.

That, says Shelby County Commissioner Terry Roland, is the deal to be had in ongoing deannexation discussions.

25. Memphis Police Deploy 1,219 Body Cams - Saturday, January 7, 2017

Officers in all nine Memphis Police Department precincts as well as the police traffic precinct have body cameras as 2017 begins, according to a report Tuesday, Jan. 3, to City Council members.

The count of 1,219 body cameras includes only a partial rollout for officers in special operations units. That is the only part of the police department where the cameras, ordered in mid-2015, have not been implemented.

26. Memphis Police Deploy More Than 1,200 Body Cams - Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Officers in all nine Memphis Police Department precincts as well as the police traffic precinct have body cameras as 2017 begins, according to a report Tuesday, Jan. 3, to City Council members.

The count of 1,219 body cameras includes only a partial rollout for officers in special operations units. That is the only part of the police department where the cameras, ordered in mid-2015, have not been implemented.

27. Police Camera Roll-Out Delayed By Technical Problems - Monday, July 11, 2016

The Memphis Police Department is slowing down its already much-delayed roll out of police body cameras and patrol car cameras because of technical problems and how the video is transferred for storage.

28. Police Camera Roll-Out Slowed by Technical Problems - Thursday, July 7, 2016

The Memphis Police Department is slowing down its already much-delayed roll out of police body cameras and patrol car cameras because of technical problems with the cameras and how the video is transferred for storage.

29. Last Word: Mud Island Money, Elvis Mystery and Beyond Barbecue - Friday, May 13, 2016

It looks like the dry rub will be in order for Memphis in May's barbecue weekend with a shower or two keeping the dust down in Tom Lee Park Wednesday.

If you can see it through the smoke, Mud Island might strike a first-tme observer as a marked contrast to all of the activity in Tom Lee Park that goes right up to the bluff's edge.

30. County Commission Questions City Figures on Deannexation - Friday, March 18, 2016

Some Shelby County Commissioners are skeptical about City Hall’s estimate of how much city government would lose in revenue if a deannexation bill in the Tennessee Legislature becomes law.

The commission’s discussion at Wednesday, March 16, committee sessions came as Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland was in Nashville to lobby against the bill in the state Senate.

31. Rallings Names Police Team - Saturday, February 6, 2016

Interim Memphis Police director Michael Rallings has named deputy chief Mike Ryall as his deputy director and has filled other vacancies in the ranks of deputy chiefs.

Rowena Adams has been named deputy chief over administrative services, while Frank Garrett and Terry Landrum are over uniform patrol. Sharonda Hampton is deputy chief investigative services, Clete Knight is deputy chief special operations, and Jim Harvey is deputy chief information technologies.

32. New Brass - Saturday, February 6, 2016

Just days before Toney Armstrong was off the city payroll, his successor as interim director of the Memphis Police Department, Michael Rallings, was getting used to the attention and ring kissing that comes with being the city’s top cop.

33. Rallings Names Police Team - Friday, February 5, 2016

Interim Memphis Police director Michael Rallings has named deputy chief Mike Ryall as his deputy director and has filled other vacancies in the ranks of deputy chiefs.

Rowena Adams has been named deputy chief over administrative services, while Frank Garrett and Terry Landrum are over uniform patrol. Sharonda Hampton is deputy chief investigative services, Clete Knight is deputy chief special operations, and Jim Harvey is deputy chief information technologies.

34. Candidates Play Out Early Voting-Election Day Gap - Wednesday, October 7, 2015

The early vote is in but still to be counted. There is still some television time booked for last-minute appeals to election day voters.

The debates and questionnaires speak for themselves, and no longer have a place on schedules that in the run-up to Thursday’s Memphis election day have become about opportunities to meet and be seen by the most people possible.

35. Strickland's Memphis Mayoral Bid Heats Up - Friday, July 24, 2015

Just hours after he dropped out of the race for Memphis Mayor, James Harvey endorsed mayoral contender Jim Strickland at the opening of Strickland’s Poplar Plaza campaign headquarters.

36. Memphis Mayoral Field Set at 10 - Friday, July 24, 2015

Shelby County Election Commissioners have certified the Memphis election ballot for Oct. 8.

These are the names to appear on that ballot for the 15 elected offices.

The commission met hours after the noon Thursday, July 23, deadline for candidates to withdraw from the ballot if they wished.

37. Well-Known Names Host Strickland Fundraiser - Thursday, March 26, 2015

At $1,500 per person or couple, a fundraiser Tuesday, March 24, for the mayoral campaign of Memphis City Council member Jim Strickland is an indication the campaign to the October city ballot is picking up in intensity.

38. Williams Says Mayoral Bid Based On Change - Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Saying there is a pulse in the city for change, Memphis Police Association President Mike Williams announced Monday, Feb. 23, he will run for Memphis mayor in the October city elections.

39. Justin Ford: ‘We’re On The Cusp Of Change’ - Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Shelby County commission chairman Justin Ford is running for Memphis Mayor in 2015.

Ford announced his intention to challenge Memphis Mayor A C Wharton Jr. Monday, Feb. 9, joining former county commissioner James Harvey, city council member Jim Strickland, and former University of Memphis basketball player Detric Golden in the growing field.

40. Commission Delays Vote on Lakeland School Site Funding - Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Shelby County commissioners delayed a vote Monday, Feb. 9, on a shift of county capital funds for the Lakeland Schools System to allow the school system to use it to buy land for the new Lakeland Prep grades 6-12 school being planned.

41. Commission Delays Vote on Lakeland School Site Funding - Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Shelby County commissioners delayed a vote Monday, Feb. 9, on a shift of county capital funds for the Lakeland Schools System to allow the school system to use it to buy land for the new Lakeland Prep grades 6-12 school being planned.

42. Size of Mayoral Field Shadows Race - Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Nobody running for election on the Oct. 8 ballot can even pull a qualifying petition to get on the ballot until April, yet February is shaping up as the month when it is determined what kind of challenge and how many challengers incumbent Mayor A C Wharton Jr. will face.

43. County Sees New Faces, New Directions - Thursday, January 1, 2015

There was a lot of moving around in Shelby County government in 2014, much of it the literal kind as the Vasco Smith County Administration Building was remodeled.

Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell got new offices in the renovation and the Shelby County Commission chambers got an upgrade as well with the commission offices and committee room moving from the fourth floor to the sixth floor.

44. Johnson Named Memphis Law School Registrar - Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Jamie M. Johnson has joined the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law as law school registrar.

In her new role, Johnson will have direct oversight of the registrar’s office and duties relating to enrollment verification, managing student’s academic records, and ensuring the accuracy, integrity, maintenance and delivery of all law school institutional data. Johnson will also work closely with the dean of academic affairs to administer exams, determine class rank and report grades.

45. Memphis Police Discover More Rape Kits - Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Memphis Police have found in recent weeks 196 more rape kits in previously unsearched areas where police store evidence, Memphis Police Director Toney Armstrong told Memphis City Council members Tuesday, Sept. 16.

46. Legal Issues Await Mob Attack Investigation - Friday, September 12, 2014

Memphis police could make more arrests in the Poplar Plaza mob attack, but investigators believe they have the teenagers who started the riot on the parking lot of the Kroger supermarket Saturday, Sept. 6, that injured three people.

47. Sex Crimes Unit Completes ‘Eye-Opening’ Training - Thursday, August 21, 2014

Memphis police officers working in the sex crimes unit have been in training this month about neurological changes in rape and sexual assault victims they work with.

The training, along with new positions specifically to handle the city’s rape kit backlog, is among the latest changes in the Memphis Police Department’s approach.

48. Editorial: MPD’s Handling Of Rape Cases Pitiful - Saturday, March 22, 2014

Old-time cops call it the “belt buckle brigade.”

The brigade is summoned when law enforcement in our community calls a press conference to announce something they have done. Usually it’s a case they have solved.

49. Backlog Backlash - Saturday, March 22, 2014

The first thing Veronica Coleman-Davis wanted to do was take a look at where thousands of untested rape kits had been stored over the last 30 years.

The former U.S. attorney is investigating how the backlog came to be. It’s an effort that, until her appointment in February by Memphis Mayor A C Wharton Jr., had been pointed at clearing the backlog with no answers from any of the players in the criminal justice system about how the backlog happened in the first place.

50. Mississippi River Geotourism Effort Touted - Friday, March 14, 2014

The National Geographic Society wants to create an interactive media geotourism project that guides visitors on journeys they can coordinate up and down the length of the Mississippi River.

Jim Dion, coordinator of the Geotourism Map Guides division of National Geographic’s Center for Sustainable Destinations, has been in Memphis this week, meeting with local and regional tourism leaders and possible donors to the effort.

51. Events - Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Volunteer Mid-South will hold its Volunteer Expo Tuesday, Feb. 25, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Oak Court Mall, 4465 Poplar Ave. Dozens of Mid-South nonprofits will be on hand to discuss programs and volunteer opportunities. Visit volunteermidsouth.org.

52. Events - Monday, February 24, 2014

Saint Francis Hospital-Memphis will host a heart-healthy cooking demonstration Monday, Feb. 24, at 5:30 p.m. at the hospital, 5959 Park Ave. RSVP at 765-1849.

53. Luttrell Begins Re-Election Bid for Mayor - Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell made it official Tuesday, Feb. 11, filing his qualifying petition with the Shelby County Election Commission to run for a second term of office.

54. Shelby County Schools To Apply For Head Start Funding - Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Shelby County Schools superintendent Dorsey Hopson said Monday, Oct. 14, the school system will apply for $23 million in federal Head Start funding that now goes to Shelby County government.

Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell said Monday, Oct. 14, Porter-Leath children’s service will also make a bid for the Head Start contract county government now operates.

55. Crossing Local Party Lines Becoming Hazardous - Monday, October 7, 2013

Call it fallout from the local Democratic executive committee’s censure last month of Shelby County Commission Chairman James Harvey.

56. Events - Wednesday, August 21, 2013

The Greater Memphis Chamber will host a conversation with Bill Strickland, CEO of Manchester Bidwell Corp. and author of “Making the Impossible, Possible,” Wednesday, Aug. 21, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Peabody, 149 Union Ave. Strickland’s topic is “The Art of Leadership & The Business of Social Change.” Cost is $35 for members and $40 for nonmembers. Visit memphischamber.com or call 543-3571.

57. Events - Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Playhouse on the Square will present a Great Wine Performances wine tasting and theater contest Tuesday, Aug. 20, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Playhouse, 66 S. Cooper St. Characters from “Les Miserables” will serve 10 French wines and tests attendees’ knowledge of the musical for prizes. Cost is $65 at the door. Visit playhouseonthesquare.org.

58. Williams to Lead Marketing at Junior Achievement - Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Priscilla Williams has joined Junior Achievement of Memphis and the Mid-South as director of marketing and special events. In her new role, Williams will work to increase the organization’s visibility, funding and branding.

59. Ramsey Steered to the Right by Harvey, Reagan - Thursday, February 14, 2013

Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey has one issue that has drawn little attention that he wants to pass through this session of the legislature: redrawing the state’s judicial districts.

60. Scott Joins Methodist South as Chief Medical Officer - Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Dr. Howard Scott has been named chief medical officer at Methodist South Hospital. Before joining Methodist South, which is part of the Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare system, Scott served as chief medical officer for West Kendall Baptist Hospital in Miami. He has also maintained an active private practice for 29 years.

61. Wharton, Fullilove & Conrad Re-Elected -- Harris-Ford to Runoff - Friday, October 7, 2011
Memphis Mayor A C Wharton Jr. won a full four-year term of office as mayor Thursday, Oct. 6, two years after he claimed the mayor’s office in a special election.

And all 12 of the Memphis City Council members seeking re-election won new four year terms in the city election cycle, marking the largest return of incumbents to the 13-member council in the 43-year history of the mayor-council form of government.

62. City Candidates Meet in Forum - Wednesday, September 21, 2011

The crowds are small and the questions familiar. The forums for candidates on the Oct. 6 Memphis ballot, in other words, are a lot like past forums.

There were about 25 people in the audience Monday evening, Sept. 19, for the League of Women Voters City Council forum at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library in East Memphis that featured seven candidates for super district seats.

63. Obama Returns to Chicago to Resume Fundraising - Thursday, August 4, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – Trying to make up lost time, President Barack Obama plunged back into the search for money for his re-election campaign Wednesday with a coast-to-coast series of parties marking his 50th birthday after he was forced to cancel fundraisers because of the debt-ceiling crisis.

64. 4 Council Members - All 3 City Court Judges To Run Unopposed In Oct. Elections - Friday, July 22, 2011

Four incumbent Memphis City Council members and all three incumbent City Court Judges were effectively re-elected at the Thursday, July 21, noon deadline for candidates to file their qualifying petitions for the Oct. 6 Memphis ballot.

65. Last-Minute Filers Make Election Deadline - Thursday, July 21, 2011

A flurry of last-minute filings came at the noon Thursday, July 21, deadline for candidates in the Oct. 6 Memphis elections to turn in their qualifying petitions.

Shelby County Election Commission staffers were still checking the signatures on the petitions filed Thursday to make sure those signing were voters and lived in the districts they signed for or the city in the case of the citywide races.

66. County Commission Addresses Paid Leave - Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Shelby County employees can’t get paid leave to go Christmas shopping or in exchange for giving blood or giving to a charity.

In a change of political course, the Shelby County Commission this week added the ban to county personnel policy stopping what has been a practice for some elected county officials for years.

67. County Commission Reverses Course on Buying Paid Leave - Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Two weeks ago, Shelby County commissioners were about evenly split on the idea that county personnel policy should prevent employees from “buying” paid leave to go Christmas shopping or get the leave as a reward for giving blood and supporting various charities.

68. Commission Rejects Paid Leave Restrictions - Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Shelby County commissioners were short of the votes Monday to specifically prohibit county employees from getting paid leave for Christmas shopping days or in exchange for donating blood and other charity work.

69. Technological Tactics - Wednesday, November 10, 2010

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

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

70. Committee Wants to Boost Joe Ford’s Pension - Thursday, October 21, 2010

Shelby County Commissioners are recommending that former interim County Mayor Joe Ford get an increased county pension that counts Ford’s time as a City Council member.

71. Luttrell’s Staff Filled With Familiar Faces - Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Shelby County Mayor-elect Mark Luttrell is taking some of his team from the sheriff’s department with him when he switches offices Sept. 1

72. Luttrell Assembles Team - Tuesday, August 24, 2010
As interim Shelby County mayor Joe Ford attended his last County Commission meeting, county mayor elect Mark Luttrell began naming the team he will go into office with on Sept. 1.

73. Luttrell Appoints CAO, Transition Team - Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Shelby County Mayor-elect Mark Luttrell has begun preparing to take office in just a few weeks.

Luttrell, who won last week’s election for Shelby County mayor, takes office Sept. 1.

74. Ford Wins Democratic Mayoral Primary - Wednesday, May 5, 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.

75. Early Voting Begins As Candidate Rhetoric Sizzles - Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Early voting opens Wednesday in advance of the May 4 Shelby County primaries – not a moment too soon in the County Commission primary race that has generated the most political heat.

Shelby County commissioner John Pellicciotti and Probate Court clerk Chris Thomas squared off at Monday’s commission meeting. Both are running in the GOP primary for the District 4 Position 1 commission seat.

76. 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.

77. 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)

78. 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.

79. Bidding Process Almost Over For Monitoring Bracelets - Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Bids are due at the end of this week from companies that can deliver a new high-tech device to the Memphis Police Department that will help officers keep an eye on criminal offenders.

The product is a one-piece ankle bracelet that will be attached to repeat offenders once they’re released from jail. The city has set aside $2 million in federal money to pay for the first year of the project, which reflects MPD’s continued shift toward more data and statistics to aid in crime fighting.

80. 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.

81. 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.

82. Dress Newest Pathologist At Pathology Group of the MidSouth - Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Dr. Matthew A. Dress has joined Pathology Group of the MidSouth PC as its newest pathologist.

Before joining Pathology Group of the MidSouth, Dress served as the chief resident in anatomic and clinical pathology at the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of Tennessee. He then completed a fellowship in hematopathology at the University of Rochester Medical Center-Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, N.Y. 

83. Weekend Events Draw Politicians in Droves - Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Before candidates take their quests for elected office to the public, they usually give them a road test before other politicos – allies and adversaries – to see if this is really what they want to do for the next year or so.

84. Meeting Spotlights Commission Schisms - Wednesday, June 3, 2009

The audience at this week’s meeting of the Shelby County Commission came for the debate over a proposal to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation in county government.

But after the packed chambers cleared, the commission dealt with a more technical issue that generated just as much emotion among commissioners.

85. 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.

86. Monday Vote Could Make — or Break — Bass Pro Agreement - Friday, November 14, 2008

The Shelby County Board of Commissioners’ vote on a development agreement for Bass Pro Shops at The Pyramid will probably be close Monday if this week’s vote by a committee is any indication.

Monday’s vote will make or break the plan to lease The Pyramid to the hunting and fishing retailer. The one-year development agreement to precede a lease goes to the 13-member body with a negative recommendation from the commission’s Economic Development & Tourism Committee.

87. Deadlock Leads To State Legislation - Wednesday, May 7, 2008

One of the two Memphis legislators sponsoring a bill that would keep the Shelby County charter much the same as it is now said he put the legislation in the hopper in Nashville because of fears the Shelby County Board of Commissioners would become deadlocked.

88. Strip Clubs Prepare For New Reality - Friday, April 25, 2008

The line forms at the Shelby County Clerk's office.

This week's federal court ruling denying a request by strip club owners to block enforcement of a new county ordinance governing them is set to take effect Wednesday.

89. Arena Talks Appear Fraught With Motives, Real or Imagined - Friday, March 14, 2008

Shelby County Board of Commissioners member Sidney Chism had been talking for months about the county washing its hands of its minority ownership share in The Pyramid. It was his way of expressing his frustration with what he sees as the micromanagement by some on the commission of talks to find a use for the vacant arena.

90. History Lesson Serves As Cautionary Tale For The Pyramid - Monday, December 24, 2007

When Brad Fain of Prosperity International looked at the Memphis riverfront around The Pyramid recently, he saw something that wasn't there. But he also missed a key part of the mental landscape.

Fain's Orlando investment company is one of the two out-of-town financial partners in the Ericson Group's $250 million plan to turn The Pyramid into Pyramid Adventure theme park and develop Mud Island park as well as other parts of the riverfront. The other is Essex Investment Partners of New York.

91. 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.

92. Commissioners Squabble Over TIFs - Wednesday, November 7, 2007

A Shelby County Board of Commissioners tiff over TIF (tax increment funding) wasn't completely settled by Monday's votes in favor of a set of four joint city-county measures.

The three resolutions and one ordinance, which was passed on the first of three readings, set the stage for a TIF zone on Highland Street south of Central Avenue - the University Neighborhood Development Corp. Highland Row Area.

93. The Man Who Would Be President: - Thursday, July 5, 2007

In nearly 45 years of political involvement, Fred Thompson has seen the fortunes of his chosen political party rise and fall several times over.

Those times have changed the nature of the Tennessee Republican party but not a brand of conservatism to which Thompson is expected to give national form as a contender for the White House.

94. Unforgettable - Tuesday, May 15, 2007

"Always remember this: Marines die. That's what we're here for. But the Marine Corps lives forever. And that means you live forever." - R. Lee Ermey in "Full Metal Jacket"

On a day like today, years before their faces crinkled when they smiled, their paces had slowed considerably and they spoke with the soft, honeyed drawl of old men, they were a pair of tough, hardy U.S. Marines.

95. Crye-Leike's Truong Receives Broker's License - Wednesday, February 7, 2007

The Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC) has announced that David N. Truong from Crye-Leike's Quail Hollow office, 6525 Quail Hollow Road, has successfully passed the real estate broker licensure exam and has received his broker's license. Truong completed strict experience and education requirements, including 120 classroom hours of real estate education. He has been a real estate agent for four years in and around Shelby and DeSoto counties, where he specializes in all areas of real estate sales.

96. Prestidge Chosen to Head Kroger Delta Division - Wednesday, October 4, 2006

Mark Prestidge has been promoted to president of The Kroger Co.'s Delta Division. The Delta Division is based in Memphis and includes 111 Kroger stores in Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee. Prestidge succeeds Richard Tillman, who recently announced his retirement after a 42-year career with Kroger. Prestidge previously served as vice president of operations for Kroger's Southwest Division.

97. Kustoff Puts Leadership Skills to the Test As Lead Prosecutor for West Tennessee - Thursday, April 6, 2006

David F. Kustoff, the recently appointed U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, is settling in after almost a week on the job. President George W. Bush nominated Kustoff in February and the U.S. Senate confirmed him in mid-March to replace Terry Harris, who recently accepted a position as vice president for security for FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. As such, Harris is responsible for security operations throughout the company's global network.

98. Archived Article: Coll Retail (lead) - Monday, May 17, 2004
Lead

Collierville Experiences Retail Boom

Open-air mall brings new development south of Poplar

LANCE ALLAN

The Daily News

When Cousins Properties Inc. and Jim Wilson & Associates Inc. purchased 135 acres of land for the much-talke...

99. Archived Article: Calendar - Monday, October 14, 2002
Calendar of events Oct

Calendar of events Oct. 14-Oct. 20

Oct. 14

The Jewish Community Center Theatre, 6560 Poplar Ave., hosts a lottery referendum debate at 7 p.m. Speaking for the lottery referendum is state Sen. Steve Cohen, Student Scho...

100. Archived Article: Comm Focus - Friday, October 19, 2001
Concert for New York with a Memphis touch

Concert for New York has a Memphis touch

By MARY DANDO

The Daily News

Memphis mercantile maestro Paul Tudor Jones is about to pull off one of his greatest feats.

Saturday, some of the greatest...