Memphis Local, Sports, Business & Food News | Daily Memphian | Michael Waddell

Arlington schools lock in superintendent’s new four-year deal, plan raises and stipends

mwaddell@dailymemphian.com (Michael Waddell) — Tue, 19 May 2026 12:21:42 -0500

Arlington Community School board approves its budget for the coming fiscal year, while recognizing the work of Superintendent Allison Clark with a new four-year contract.

Lakeland gets to work on U.S. 70 streetscape plan

mwaddell@dailymemphian.com (Michael Waddell) — Fri, 15 May 2026 13:44:42 -0500

A Lakeland commission has embraced a corridor study for U.S. 70 through the suburb, complete with a quartet of roundabouts.

Bartlett approves first reading of $189M budget

mwaddell@dailymemphian.com (Michael Waddell) — Thu, 14 May 2026 07:00:13 -0500

Bartlett’s property tax rate could remain unchanged.

Growing district, growing budget: Bartlett City Schools approves $115 million budget

mwaddell@dailymemphian.com (Michael Waddell) — Wed, 13 May 2026 13:09:58 -0500

Bartlett City Schools is considering its annual fiscal year budget with a bump in salaries while trying to work on expensive special education programs.

Lakeland approves first reading for 'inevitable' sewer-rate hike to flush the deficit

mwaddell@dailymemphian.com (Michael Waddell) — Tue, 12 May 2026 06:31:11 -0500

A significant increase in sewer fees is on the horizon for Lakeland residents as the suburb continues to keep pace with providing the service.

Declining birth rates impact enrollment in Shelby County's suburban schools

awarren@dailymemphian.com (Abigail Warren) — Mon, 11 May 2026 09:23:34 -0500

Enrollment is trending downward across Shelby County’s suburban schools, and that impacts funding as the municipal districts are finalizing their budgets.

Vote to give Lakeland elected officials a raise fails

mwaddell@dailymemphian.com (Michael Waddell) — Fri, 8 May 2026 14:37:53 -0500

Lakeland commissioners failed to approve a salary increase for elected officials, leaving the compensation the same as its been for 23 years.

Waiting for the right tenant: A look at some of Bartlett's empty commercial buildings

mwaddell@dailymemphian.com (Michael Waddell) — Thu, 7 May 2026 15:51:34 -0500

Former restaurant and retail spots along Bartlett’s main corridors stand empty.

Arlington board keeps property tax rate steady

mwaddell@dailymemphian.com (Michael Waddell) — Tue, 5 May 2026 11:51:28 -0500

Arlington officials approved the first reading of the town’s budget for a new fiscal year, maintaining the $1.13 property tax rate.

No sweat: Arlington school board candidates enjoy unopposed primaries

mwaddell@dailymemphian.com (Michael Waddell) — Tue, 5 May 2026 09:15:50 -0500

All three Arlington school board incumbents on Tuesday’s ballot are unopposed in the Republican Primary. With no Democrats running for the offices, the trio are set for another term.

Millington secures initial funding for coveted Lone Sailor Monument

mwaddell@dailymemphian.com (Michael Waddell) — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:42:07 -0500

Millington’s effort to secure the 20th Lone Sailor statue around the world, reached fruition Wednesday as the city and organizers signed the contract to locate the work in a plaza near Navy Road and Easley Avenue.

Lakeland considers roundabouts for U.S. 70

mwaddell@dailymemphian.com (Michael Waddell) — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 12:58:15 -0500

A consultant is recommending a series of roundabouts on U.S. 70 through the heart of Lakeland, saying that approach is safer than traffic signals at intersections.

Course correction: Quail Ridge's comeback in full swing

mwaddell@dailymemphian.com (Michael Waddell) — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 07:52:06 -0500

It has been a winding path for Bartlett’s golf course — closed, destined to become a subdivision then saved by the city. With the driving range and clubhouse nearing completion, it’s almost time for Quail Ridge’s comeback.

New restaurant, bowling-alley rebrand latest in evolution of 'eclectic' Bartlett district

mwaddell@dailymemphian.com (Michael Waddell) — Sat, 25 Apr 2026 17:47:52 -0500

Several new businesses and rebrands are emerging along the Stage Road corridor west of Bartlett City Hall, bringing a mix of restaurants and entertainment to the area.

'Misinformation' about Lakeland government change could jeopardize city charter, some officials say

mwaddell@dailymemphian.com (Michael Waddell) — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 06:16:41 -0500

With a petition underway to change Lakeland’s form of government, a commissioner and the former mayor are warning of a scenario where the city loses its charter, causing problems for the school system.

Stalled at the starting line? $60M Memphis raceway reno sitting idle

mwaddell@dailymemphian.com (Michael Waddell) — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 06:21:53 -0500

Stuck in neutral or still on track? If the renovation of the Memphis Motorsports Park is going to be ready for racing this fall, work on the property south of Millington will have to accelerate.

Lakeland dives deeper into discussion on change of government

mwaddell@dailymemphian.com (Michael Waddell) — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:25:31 -0500

Lakeland officials continue to study a possible change in the suburb’s government format with former Collierville Town Administrator James Lewellen explaining the process.

Victim of Shelby Farms senior skip day shooting identified

mwaddell@dailymemphian.com (Michael Waddell) — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 17:12:28 -0500

“It should have been a fun day for the kids to get out and enjoy their last days of high school,” said a family member of the 17-year-old who was shot and killed during a gathering.

Lakeland board recommends pay hike for elected officials

mwaddell@dailymemphian.com (Michael Waddell) — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:05:58 -0500

A Lakeland citizens advisory group thinks the suburbs’ elected officials deserve a bump in salary and have recommended raises for them — a decision that still have several steps to clear before enacted.

Cloud control: Where do Shelby County suburbs stand on vaping regulations?

mwaddell@dailymemphian.com (Michael Waddell) — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 06:31:24 -0500

One Shelby County suburb is putting restrictions on vaping at 21-and-up venues. How are other suburbs handling vaping and smoke shops?