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Haslam signs municipal schools bills

Submitted by Kontji Anthony, Action News 5 Anchor/Reporter

Friday, April 26th, 2013, 12:44pm

(WMC-TV) - Gov. Bill Haslam signed two bills into law Wednesday that lift the ban on municipal schools in the State of Tennessee. That gives Shelby County's six suburbs the green light to create their own municipal school districts.

Suburban leaders said the new law should nullify court challenges, and there should be another round of referendums as soon as possible.

Germantown Mayor Sharon Goldsworthy and her suburban counterparts said municipal schools are now back on track. This is minus the legal barriers that blocked their creation last year.

"We were thrilled to hear the Governor signing," said Goldsworthy. "It was anticipated, but it's always good to check the next thing off the list of things"

(WMC-TV) - A federal judge in Memphis voided a similar bill last year that would have lifted the ban on municipal schools.

The bill appeared to only apply to Shelby County, which violates the state constitution.

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Body of missing teacher found

Submitted by Michael Clark on Friday, April 26th, 12:43 pm

Heather Palumbo-Jones was last seen Monday, April 15.

MEMPHIS, TN- (WMC-TV) - The body of missing Germantown teacher Heather Palumbo-Jones was recovered in the area of Collierville-Arlington Road and Highway 64 in Memphis Tuesday night.

Family said it has been the hardest week of their life as they waited for answers, trying not to fear the worst – until they learned she was found dead.

"It's difficult to live with," said Heather's grandmother Betty Palumbo.

Heather Palumbo-Jones was Betty and Frank Palumbo's first granddaughter.

"It's been the most difficult week of my life," said Frank.

Heather's estranged husband Chris Jones was charged with second degree murder Wednesday.

Investigators said he confessed to an altercation that led to her immediate death the night before she was reported missing. Germantown Police said he gave information that led them to her body.

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Churches across Mid-South thank teachers

Submitted by Ben Watson, Reporter

Monday, April 15th, 2013, 1:24am

MEMPHIS, TN- (WMC-TV) - The feeling of appreciation was shared for hundreds of Mid-South teachers Sunday as dozens of churches gave special salutes to educators in their congregation.

At Sycamore View Church of Christ and many other congregations, teachers were applauded for hard work and dedication.

"We just want to say thank you. Thank you for being who you are, and what you do," said minister Mark Taylor.

A group called Shepherding the Next Generation helped 75 area churches organize Sunday's morning salutes to teachers.

Veteran educators like Rene Curley of Westwood High School were flattered.

"Its huge. I think that's what motivated teachers," said Curley. "I just know that when I go into the classroom everyday, I take the very best in there that I can and I give to my students 100 percent."

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TN General Assembly to vote on lifting municipal school ban

Submitted by Kontji Anthony, Action News 5 Anchor/Reporter

Monday, April 15th, 2013, 12:35am

(WMC-TV) - The two and a half year Memphis-Shelby County school merger battle hits a landmark Monday. That is when the Tennessee General Assembly votes whether or not to lift the ban on municipal schools.

"I'm optimistic about it, I'm hopeful," said the bill's author Senator Mark Norris of Collierville.

Norris hesitated to claim victory before Monday's vote to lift the ban on municipal schools in Tennessee.

"There's some opposition so you can't be presumptuous about it, but we'll do the best we can," he said.

When the Tennessee House and Senate vote on companion bills 4 p.m. Monday, the powerful Republican State Senate Majority Leader Norris will have a Republican super-majority.

The vote impacts every county in the state.

"I think it's just a reaffirmation of the importance of parental choice, neighborhood schools and options," said Norris.

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Police have yet to identify man killed in officer-involved shooting

Submitted by WMCTV Web Staff

Thursday, April 11th, 2013, 6:05pm

MEMPHIS, TN- (WMC-TV) - Memphis police are working to determine the identity of the road rage suspect shot by an officer late Wednesday night.

Police said the driver did not have any identification on him. He was driving a car with Oregon tags.

It all started on Summer Avenue near Waring Road Wednesday evening at an AutoZone.

Police said the man who wound up dead followed another man out of the parking lot over a five mile stretch to Whitten Road and I-40.

That is where he got out if his car, threatened to kill the man he was following, and spit on his window. That man drove a few blocks to the Appling Farms police precinct looking for help.

When police came out to assist, the man following him sped away eluding police until he wrecked on the on the ramp from Sycamore View.

Police said at the scene of the wreck, he was combative with officers and advanced on them to the point they retreated behind the squad car.

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Bartlett PD: 6 cars crash on Summer Ave

Submitted by WMCTV Web Staff

Wednesday, April 3rd, 2013, 5:50pm

BARTLETT, TN- (WMC-TV) - A crash involving six vehicles happened around 5 p.m. on Summer Avenue at Altruria Road.

According to Bartlett police, there are injuries, but the extent of those is unknown at this time.

Action News 5's Lauren Squires is on her way to the scene to learn more about the accident and the traffic situation.

Stay with WMCTV.COM for the latest updates.

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Easter service remembers murdered teen

Submitted by Ben Watson, Reporter

Sunday, March 31st, 2013, 9:23pm

A University of Memphis sophomore who fell victim to a fatal stabbing outside of Mexican restaurant was remembered at his church during Easter services Sunday.

MEMPHIS, TN- (WMC-TV) - A University of Memphis sophomore who fell victim to a fatal stabbing outside of Mexican restaurant was remembered at his church during Easter services Sunday.

The tragic death of 19-year-old Aaron Vasquez was on a lot of church members' minds at St. Ann Catholic Church .

"He's in a better place, even though it was a horrible tragedy as to what happened," said church member Scott Casey.

Vasquez died a week ago when he was stabbed at work emptying trash in the back of El Toro Loco. Cordricus Arnold, 19, is the suspect charged in the fatal stabbing. He is now in police custody.

Church members said while the case will still have to be proven in court, there is some comfort in knowing that a suspect has been taken into custody.

"I think it will help, probably help, with the healing process and knowing that some justice could be coming soon," said Casey.

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