With open areas and a future bright with developments such as Ford’s Blue Oval City, Lakeland leaders want to make sure they are in control of growth.

Southaven Mayor Darren Musselwhite passionately voiced concerns that three DeSoto County legislators could kill the extension of a local 1% tax on restaurant food and beverages — revenue that helps fund parks. Olive Branch’s mayor has similar concerns. 

“We’ve really got a problem,” Mayor Stan Joyner said, adding the town is “searching for solutions.”

The Whataburger location in Arlington has received site plan approval from the town’s Planning Commission, moving it closer to construction.

Tennessee senators delayed action on a bill impacting Germantown’s namesake schools. The bill will go before a house committee later this week.

Tennessee senators will vote on legislation affecting Germantown’s namesake schools next week. If the legislation becomes law, there is still much work on the local level.

Don Gammage’s departure, effective June 30, caps a 37-year law enforcement career.

A project at Canada and Davies Plantation roads is reaching some of the goals Lakeland officials want for the site, but there are still concerns with the plan for Ashmont.

After selecting the low bid for construction of an animal shelter, Hernando leaders delayed starting the project after nearby homeowners expressed concerns about noise.

The developer of The Lake District in Lakeland is teaming with the owners of Osaka Japanese Cuisine and Germantown Village Wine and Liquor to collect supplies for Ukrainian citizens.

An auction held by parents associated with Lakeland Elementary School raised thousands of dollars for improvements at the suburban school.

A bill sending ownership and operation of Germantown Elementary, Germantown Middle and Germantown High schools from Memphis-Shelby County Schools to Germantown Schools passed the state’s Senate Education Committee Wednesday.

Aldermen approved a development at Maywood despite concerns about traffic, apartments and the views of current residents.

Manjit Kaur will likely challenge Alderman Scott Sanders in Germantown’s November election.

Topgolf looks like it might finally be headed to Memphis. An application for a large golf and entertainment venue was submitted to the Memphis and Shelby County Land Use Control Board. 

IMC Companies chose Collierville for its new headquarters. The building in Schilling Farms is high-end and high-tech for about 400 employees.

Hernando, Horn Lake are seeing an increase in stray animals.

Buddy Billings remembers when Collierville was less than 4,000 people. After 44 years, he’s ending his career in the town he loves.

Horn Lake Alderman Robby Dupree points out the traffic hazards associated with street parking, and Mayor Allen Latimer said, “I think parking on the street cheapens the look of a neighborhood.”

The Lakeland School System will soon move its offices out of City Hall and occupy a renovated house near the Lakeland Prep campus.

Lakeland leaders have voted to take over all sewer operations in the suburbs and to buy more Flock Security cameras. 

Junior Jaylah Sheree Whittaker and senior Amelia Maria Wood anticipate continuing to write books after their first accomplishments.

“This couldn’t be a more transformative project,” says Aaron Stewart. “The suppliers are already looking. ...”

Germantown Half Marathon and Mayor’s Cup 5K is back after a year hiatus, causing a number of street closures in the northern part of the city.

The Arlington Board of Mayor and Aldermen unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the purchase of nearly 16 acres at Airline Road and Village Center Street. The asking price is $2.45 million.