Germantown has several financial challenges it is facing in its budget in light of the coronavirus pandemic. The board approved its $58.7 million operating budget Thursday evening.

A small group of protesters led by Darin Abston of the Memphis People Coalition started at Shelby Farms on Tuesday night and eventually blocked lanes of Germantown Parkway.

The board also decides to cancel the town’s annual Star-Spangled Spectacular that was slated for June 27.

Germantown is opening The Grove at GPAC outdoor entertainment venue, but for now COVID-19 requirements limit the experience to small groups at the new venue. 

Germantown is following Memphis, implementing a curfew from 10 p.m. Monday until the predawn hours of Tuesday morning.

The Atlanta-based company’s cameras are now used in 38 states and more than 600 cities.

Superintendent Dr. David A. Stephens expects the school reopening plan to cover all contingencies, whether the COVID-19 situation improves or gets worse.

A football field house building, baseball locker room, multipurpose locker room and concessions for football and soccer are part of the project.

The church’s Sonshine Learning Center has about 100 children in its day care and child care system, with many more on a waiting list.

Despite a decrease in sales tax revenue, Collierville is proposing a flat property tax rate. The tax rate will remain at $1.83 per $100 of assessed property value.

Houston High told families it will not hold a traditional graduation in June. Germantown Municipal School District made the announcement Tuesday.

The Shelby County Health Department has advised against large in-person graduation ceremonies, according to a letter by Gary Lilly sent to Collierville seniors and parents.

Arlington High prepared an elaborate virtual graduation experience over several weeks and more than 90% seniors participated for the event that airs at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 21. 

Nordstrom Rack among the local businesses ready to reopen doors this week.

The vice principal at Bartlett High School will take over the reins at the academy beginning July 1. 

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation confirmed there was shooting involving three officers in Germantown on Sunday.

Lakeland would maintain the same $1.24 tax rate if budget passes on second and final reading.

School, hospital and government leaders in northeast suburbs are hopeful businesses will be able to see phase 2 reopenings next week.

The Bible Museum on the Square in Collierville is closing its doors after 25 years in the town. In its time it offered unique experiences and biblical resources for all ages.

Local youth sports venues sustaining substantial losses amid novel coronavirus pandemic, but competitive baseball tournaments could be up and running before the end of May.

The scope of amphitheater seating was scaled back in the design phase, but an open lawn will provide space for visitors to lay out blankets for community events.

Germantown Board of Zoning Appeals denied a request by SCS that would allow a 22,000 square-foot addition at Germantown Elementary School. Board members cited concerns with potential enrollment increases and traffic concerns.

Local elected leaders and health experts differed on the first phase of reopening the Memphis economy. But some mayors say they remain unified as they approach the reopening's second phase.

Negotiations are underway to purchase the land for about $375,000, but officials say construction of an additional new school is not imminent. 

Germantown aldermen voted for a continuing resolution to its budget on Monday. Additionally, they approved a professional services agreement for a new water tower design.