Absentee voting begins this week for key DeSoto County races in advance of the Nov. 7 elections. At the top of the ballot are races for governor and attorney general, among other statewide offices.

The idea of a new county splitting from Shelby still gets talked about in the suburbs, but the hurdles and the cost of such a move appear difficult to overcome.

Germantown’s Municipal Park will see a new playground suited for those with and without disabilities. The enhancements are funded through a state grant.

Carriage Crossing owners are showcasing potential new tenants Saturday as part if its “Pop Local” contest.

Complaints about short-term rentals in residential neighborhoods have led Lakeland officials to consider shutting down the rental operations over the next 2 1/2 years.

For 20 years, vendors have gathered around the courthouse in Hernando for the Water Tower Festival. The event has grown annually drawing the most vendors ever this year.

Germantown Municipal School District’s Board of Education is formally asking the Shelby County Election Commission to find different precincts than school buildings in light of a new state law.

From downtown Hernando to the residential areas, streets across the city have received approval for repaving and improvements, with funding for the work included in the upcoming fiscal year budget.

A trio of elected Republican state leaders highlighted their accomplishments in Nashville and the benefits for their constituents in Shelby County’ suburbs.

It’s the first time in Collierville Schools history for one of its schools to receive the honor.

“The goal is always (to) call if you can, text if you can’t ...” said the director of the DeSoto County Emergency Communications District. “Sometimes that’s not an option, and when it isn’t, now they have a way to talk to 911.” 

As part of the payment-in-lieu of taxes application, Campbell Clinic plans to retain 48 jobs and add 22 new jobs. Those positions have a $53,000 annual median wage, but an average wage of $112,732.

With new trash and recycling service headed to the unincorporated areas of DeSoto County, customers should be aware of changes in the collection process.

With Jarvis Cook stepping aside for health reasons, Michael Chandler will take his place as the Democratic Party candidate running for state House District 6.

“The Collierville Balloon Festival is important for the entire Mid-South community,” said festival president Susan Ewing. “It is a great event to help with the economic impact in Collierville as well as the entire Mid-South.” 

Frankie Perry and his wife Kaye opened Primos meat market in Hernando, offering quality cuts and longtime family recipes.

A federal jury has ruled in favor of two Southaven police officers in lawsuit regarding the shooting death of a man six years ago.

Richard Hall is retiring as Germantown police chief at the end of the month and taking a new position outside the Memphis suburb.

OSB Services is relocating its headquarters to Olive Branch, an event that drew Gov. Tate Reeves to DeSoto County Friday for the groundbreaking.

Plans for a new Lakeland School System administration building receive endorsement from suburb’s planning and design review commission. The Equestria residential project also gets nod of approval.

Both victims in a weekend homicide in Collierville were separated from their spouses at the time of the incident.

After establishing his food reputation, Guy Fieri expanded his interests, including promoting his Knuckle Sandwich cigars in Lakeland this week.

Representatives from across the region also tackled workforce development, crime overflow from Memphis and charging stations for electric vehicles.

Bartlett aldermen rejected a car wash in the historic district, while approving a $4.3 million contract to convert the suburb’s streetlights to LED.

Southaven aldermen voted 6-1 in favor of a millage increase Tuesday, Sept. 12, as part of the city’s proposed $68.83 million general-fund budget for fiscal year 2024, which begins Oct. 1.