Freelance Reporter
Michael Waddell is a native Memphian with more than 20 years of professional writing and editorial experience, working most recently with The Daily News and High Ground News.
There are 1083 articles by Michael Waddell :
His life is a century of travel to spots around the world during a military career that eventually contributed to him landing in Shelby County. It still includes driving himself, golf, church and song.
“We talk about the nursing shortage all the time, but actually there’s a shortage in many disciplines within the health care system.”
After dealing with crime and other unwanted activities at a Lakeland hotel, city officials helped start the demolition of the Econo Lodge, a step in reinventing the area around Canada Road and Interstate 40.
Another potential project at the infamous five way intersection in Bartlett is delayed as planning commissioners want to see what a traffic study means for the confusion junction.
Superintendent Jeff Mayo highlighted the accomplishments of the Arlington Community Schools district in his annual “State of the District” speech before the town’s Chamber of Commerce.
“With this group of mayors, I’ve never been more optimistic about our metro area,” said Shelby County Chamber Alliance and Bank of Bartlett President Harold Byrd.
Several commercial ventures including Lopez Grill and O’Reilly Auto Parts, are nearing completion in as interest increases in the suburb that’s in commuting distance of BlueOval City.
The Board of Commissioners is considering a land trade with a hotel owner to give the city contiguous property on Huff N Puff Road near the old Econo Lodge site.
Holiday Heroes, the annual drive seeking money and donations for Youth Villages children at Christmas, kicks off this week.
Plans are underway for a potential new community center geared to military veterans, part of the redevelopment at the Lakeland interchange of Interstate 40.
A multitude of break-ins led a Bartlett business to install accordion-style gates to thwart criminals. That put him at odds with city leaders, who say the security measure sends the wrong message.
With a growing interest in food trucks, Bartlett wants to set some regulations for the restaurants on wheels so they do not — among other things — hurt permanent businesses in the suburb.
With an increase of residents expected to accompany the construction of BlueOval City, higher-density, New Urbanism could help meet the need for housing.
Residents of Halloween Cove in Bartlett have decreased in number, and annoyances in recent years have led to them not passing out candy, but they still are celebrating the season.
A large residential development south of Interstate 40 in Arlington faced some hard questions leading to a delay in the plan in hopes of resolving the concerns.
The Arlington Planning Commission gave a unanimous endorsement to a $45 million project that could eventually help people with intellectual disabilities.
Bartlett High received recognition recently as an Apple Distinguished School for teachings in technology and innovations in learning.
Rep. David Kustoff was called away to Washington, but state Sen. Brent Taylor filled in for him during the monthly Arlington Chamber of Commerce luncheon.
Patrick O’Mara is leaving the Lakeland parks and recreation director job and heading to Vegas. Andrew Fisher moves into the leadership role.
Lakeland officials have begun the 30-month process to prohibit short-term rentals in the suburb.
A new place of worship for the area’s Islamic community must wait on a traffic study before having a chance of moving forward with the City of Bartlett.
Lakeland school Superintendent Ted Horrell was awarded for continuing to advance the suburb’s education system with a raise for the work he has done.
Lakeland has changed directions on the future for the Relax Inn on Canada Road by buying the property instead of going through the condemnation process.
With a promise of good weather, the Bartlett Festival welcomes musicians, vendors and those looking for a fun time at this year’s event.
From the overall look of Canada Road near the Interstate 40 exit to positioning Lakeland for growth in conjunction with Ford’s BlueOval City, Mayor Josh Roman is moving quickly to improve the suburb.