There have only been three Black drum majors in the more than 150 years since the University of Tennessee marching band was founded.

Maureen Fraser takes the office of mayor in Collierville. Tony Salvaggio’s first elected step in Germantown is as an alderman. And the question of Germantown and a full-time mayor still must be addressed.

Members of the Planning Commission and Design Review Commission provided feedback for plans for the Arthur property near Germantown’s central business disrict.

The Arlington Community Schools board put together its legislative agenda for the coming session with an emphasis on funding for special education and covering meals for students.

Maureen Fraser has lived in many places across the country. But when she finally landed in Collierville, she spent years investing in the suburb. Now, as the new mayor, she’s ready to help it flourish. 

On Dec. 16, a grand jury indicted Stephen Russell Jr. on one charge of felony escape after he reportedly faked a medical emergency when authorities prepared to transport him from the Hernando courthouse Dec. 9. 

“I wanted to create a little neighborhood restaurant you would find in New Orleans or Baton Rouge,” said Mason Jambon. 

Salvaggio took his oath Monday evening. Here’s a look at what he wants to bring to the suburb in his first term.

The suburb has several ways it could’ve changed the mayor’s duties. It chose a referendum.

It’s all about the season at Germantown’s Limelight where General Manager and Executive Chef DJ Pitts curates a menu that changes quarterly.

Alderman-elect Nick Robbins will take his oath next week. In the runoff this past Tuesday, there were 2,593 ballots cast.

The DeSoto County grand jury met with Sheriff Department leaders this week, and no one will say why, leading to another mystery in that soap opera.

The district approved the $3.5 million acquisition of a 20,000-square-foot office building at 3009 Davies Plantation Road in October, and the deal closed last month.

After an inmate briefly escaped custody this week, Sheriff Thomas Tuggle and Chief Deputy Justin Smith were subpoenaed before a grand jury on Thursday, Dec. 12.

However, there are exceptions for church, school organizations or political fundraisers. Events like the Vesta Home Show tours or St. Jude Dream Home are also allowed.

Collierville will begin accepting applications on Thursday. The appointed aldermen are scheduled to take their oath before a January meeting.

Joshua Zimmerman will not face additional charges related to his failure to appear in court last June, but he remains held without bail following a judge’s ruling this week.

Bartlett hires Lori Von Bokel-Amin to replace Ted Archdeacon as the personnel department becomes the human resources department.

Nick Robbins won Collierville’s runoff Tuesday. He takes his oath of office next week.

Mayor Stan Joyner chaired his final Collierville meeting Monday evening. The agenda was fairly routine, but the town took the opportunity to honor his dedication to the suburb.

Stephen Graham Russell, Jr., was at the Hernando courthouse Monday morning for a plea and sentencing hearing when he escaped briefly.

With rising labor costs, the city is reviewing the option of bringing trash collection in-house. This option might involve building a landfill within Germantown.

A new flow of funds to Lakeland will be used to build an early childhood center at the proposed community center, providing a much-needed service to the city.

The third quarter proved decisive as the Oakland Patriots avenged their loss in last year’s title game.

Fewer than 4.2% of registered voters in Collierville took the opportunity to cast early ballots in the suburb’s runoff election. The last chance to vote in the Alderman Position 3 race is Tuesday.