$57 million issue lingers as school merger approaches

Submitted by Andrew Douglas on Thursday, May 9th, 5:39 pm

MEMPHIS, TN- (WMC-TV) - With less than two months until the new Shelby County Unified school district officially beginning, an old unresolved problem involving tens of millions of dollars still lingers.

Before classes begin next year and even before the two school systems merge July 1, the City of Memphis and Memphis City Schools may sit down soon to settle a $150 million debate.

"I don't think either party, either the schools or the city, could afford to pay the lump sum to the other," said councilman Jim Strickland.

About four years ago, a judge ruled the City of Memphis owes Memphis City Schools $57 million. It stems from a yearly payment the city did not make in 2008.

The City of Memphis responded by filing a claim. It said Memphis City Schools owes the City of Memphis around $100 million in bond payments issued for previous buildings and school renovations. As of early May, neither issue has been resolved.

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Bartlett Station’s Farmers Market begins May 18th

Submitted by Brent Green

Monday, May 6th, 2013, 9:01pm

Beginning Saturday, May 18th, the 2013 Bartlett Station Farmers Market will get underway at Freeman Park.

Nestled among the shady pines of one the best municipal parks in Tennessee, the 2013 Bartlett Station Farmers Market offers residents access to locally grown, sustainable, fresh produce and value-added products.

The market will be open through October 26, from 7:00 am until Noon each Saturday. The market is a volunteer-driven, not-for-profit, family and nutrition-oriented gather place. The vendors have an incredible variety of fruits and vegetables, with some tasty heirloom strains, jellies, plants, flowers, baked goods, seafood, artisan coffee, fresh chips and dips, fresh squeezed strawberry lemonade, and so much more!

There will also be educational and entertaining programs throughout the season.

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Battle over school property transfer ensues

Submitted by Kontji Anthony, Action News 5 Anchor/Reporter

Monday, May 6th, 2013, 6:05pm

SHELBY COUNTY, TN- (WMC-TV) - The Shelby County municipal schools battle will turn to the issue of school buildings this week. A school board committee will discuss who owns the current buildings in the county's six suburbs.

School merger supporters say if the suburbs do not want to join the Shelby County school system, they should have to buy the school buildings.

Suburban leaders argue that would be a break from tradition.

With plans forging ahead to create six new Shelby County school systems, an ongoing debate could soon get a full public airing: will those six suburbs have to buy the school buildings within their borders?

"We'll probably have some litigation in that regard," said Bartlett Mayor Keith McDonald.

County commissioners, who are still fighting in court to stop the new schools, say they will have to pay to play.

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Pre-business planning workshop to be hosted in Bartlett

Submitted by Bo Bradley, AN5 News Photographer

Monday, May 6th, 2013, 7:48am

Ever thought of starting your own business?

A pre-business planning workshop will be conducted by SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives). on May 16, from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. for people who are thinking about starting their own business.

For more information, go to www.scorememphis.org.

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Rockin Robin to highlight Lakeland Outdoors Festival

Submitted by Brent Green

Tuesday, April 30th, 2013, 7:29pm

The City of Lakeland will host the 2nd Annual Outdoors Festival at International Harvester Park on May 4th, 2013 from 9 a.m.

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New vendors head to Bartlett Station Farmers Market

Submitted by Bernadette Davis, Freelance Writer

Tuesday, April 30th, 2013, 3:32pm

New vendors head to Bartlett Station Farmers Market

Freeman Park has been the home of the Bartlett Station Farmers Market since it opened in 2011 and continues to provide the community with fresh locally grown produce. This year the market welcomes back its favorite vendors along with a new list of new vendors, new programs, and events. The Bartlett Station Farmers Market opens May, 18th from 7am until Noon. Log on to www.bartlettstationfarmersmarket.org for more information.

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Bikes Plus is on the move

Submitted by Bernadette Davis, Freelance Writer

Tuesday, April 30th, 2013, 1:54pm

This year the bike retailer celebrates its 25th anniversary and will relocate to a new 8,000 Square Foot location in Bartlett, at 7007 Stage Road. Bikes Plus says growth of bike-friendly roads in the Memphis and Bartlett areas, the Greenline and Greenway, along with the public’s interest in a healthier lifestyle provided the incentive to grow.

According to Bikes Plus the company was awarded one of the Top 100 Bike Retailers in the country and continues to engage the Memphis biking community. The bike retailer currently supports projects and participates in the MS150, GoJimGo, the Memphis Hightailers, and organizes and conducts rides for beginners and seasoned riders.