Bartlett Police Chief Gary Rikard closes his career with the suburban department at the end of the year, but the veteran officer has no doubt that the force will be left in good hands when he departs.

Although incumbent Bartlett Position 2 alderman Emily Elliott and challenger Mitch Arnold have similar interests in working hard and supporting the suburb, each has different approaches on reaching their goals. 

Quietly -- almost unnoticed -- last spring, the Tennessee Baptist Children’s Home in Bartlett closed, ending an almost 70-year presence in the suburb.

While incumbent Bartlett Mayor Keith McDonald and challenger John Lackey focus their campaign platforms on different factors, there are common denominators – education and public safety. 

When most people think of bees, they may think of honey, beeswax and maybe even the cute little character on a box of Honey Nut Cheerios. Not Jordan Boss. She sees bees as a way to help those in need of therapeutic peace. Boss is executive director of Thistle & Bee, a nonprofit organization that helps women who have escaped human trafficking and prostitution.

Authorities were on the scene Wednesday morning after an officer-involved shooting led to the death of a man on Stage Road near the Bartlett-Memphis border.

After two months of renovation, Aldi, a discount grocery store with German roots, reopened its doors at 2867 Kirby Whitten Rd. earlier this month.

Bartlett Police Chief Gary Rikard, leader of the suburban department for 11 years, will retire Dec. 31.