Collierville Mayor Stan Joyner and Bartlett Mayor Keith McDonald talked on “Behind The Headlines” about property tax hikes passed and up for a final vote, respectively, in the cities they lead and why the estimated share of federal ARPA funds in each of their cities took a tumble in the latest estimates.

The Bluff City Balloon Jamboree officially kicks off Saturday, but Friday night it held a special event for some families.

The city’s decision on Nick Toombs’ inflatable items at his home created much discussion on social media. Many showed support for Toombs and/or their disappointment about Bartlett code enforcement’s handling of the matter.

About 25 balloons will fly over Collierville and be visible for many residents.

The suburbs expected more than double the amount they are receiving in federal American Rescue Plan money. Meanwhile, smaller municipalities are receiving more than them.

Germantown will hold its fireworks show on July 4. The event was not held in 2020 due to the pandemic.

The initial draft of a 100-acre park master plan in Lakeland addresses several of the amenities residents addressed in a survey, but also includes needed baseball and softball fields.

The final reading for Germantown’s budget is scheduled for June 28. The board also approved taking the first step toward acquiring soccer fields for the city’s youngest athletes.

Collierville adopted its 2021-22 budget Monday. To support the budget, aldermen also approved a tax rate of $1.72.

Collierville’s Target is closed after a weekend fire. There is no set reopening date, but the closure is expected to be about a month.

Germantown is expecting about $10.5 million in American Rescue Plan funds. The money will be invested in infrastructure, with the majority going towards drainage.

The new grading scale for Germantown schools provides a scale for the smart kids to compete for scholarships. But it might also keep others from trouble.

Lakeland settled on a $1.04 property tax rate to fund its $100.5 million budget. Increased sales tax revenues helped offset the suburb’s spending.

If acquired, the land would likely be transformed into fields for the suburb’s youngest soccer teams. 

Rick and Brenda Frembgen are bringing Carrington Oaks Coffeehouse and Floral, along with their newest franchise — The Exercise Coach — to Phase 1 at the $70 million mixed-use project on U.S. 70 at Seed Tick Road.

The Germantown Municipal School District will offer online learning for students who want to continue learning remotely.

Arlington’s Design Review Commission approved a new office building Tuesday but wanted more revisions to a gas station/convenience store project so it would more closely conform to the town’s character.

Jason Crews is proposing a mixed-use development of more than 250 acres on the west side of town. Aldermen had some concerns and met with Crews and his representatives in a work session.

Tyler Salyer has been appointed principal of West Collierville Middle School after spending the last four years at Collierville Elementary School.

Three job fairs are scheduled for June 22, June 29 and July 20 for applicants interested in working for Youth Villages.

The Germantown Board of Education discussed adding a student board member to its body in an advisory capacity. It also approved a new grading scale.

Based on a scheduling snag, the Bartlett Board of Mayor and Aldermen is delaying key votes on the final reading regarding the fiscal year 2022 budget and tax rate until later this month.

Arlington officials approved the initial proposal of a $1.28 property tax rate. Meanwhile, an emergency department and a veterans home also were approved.

If adopted Tuesday, the change may help Germantown Municipal School District students compete for scholarships. Board member Brian Curry noted that a student earning a 92 might have about a 3 for a grade point average in Germantown. In other districts, it would be a 4.