There was already a nip in the air at W.J. Freeman Park, but when St. Nick rolled in on his specially modified Harley-Davidson motorcycle, the Christmas in Bartlett Market and Festivities’ cool quotient soared.

Organizers hope the market featuring more than 50 artisans, and festivities at A. Keith McDonald Pavilion in W.J. Freeman Park can open as scheduled Saturday.

Beer permits are issued through the city, while liquor and wine permits come from the state.

With a looming deadline for purchasing the former Tennessee Baptist Children’s Home property in Bartlett, the permits for a mixed-use project are on a fast track for consideration.

Business has been booming for Biscuits & Jams since they opened, and the restaurant could expand to other cities next year. 

Industrial Development Board endorses a tax increment financing proposal for Union Depot, a mixed-use project at the old Tennessee Baptist Children’s Home site in Bartlett.

The suburbs in the northeast quadrant of Shelby County are preparing for the Christmas season with an array of events and celebrations in the coming weeks.

With a respectful, patriotic nod, local Veterans Day events recognized the commitment of those who served in the military.

Several events are scheduled Thursday to honor veterans and their commitment or service to the country.

In other matters, the board approved the naming of the new fleet maintenance facility after Mayor Keith McDonald, who has announced he will not seek another term next year.

Keith Grant aims to transform land at U.S. 70 and Stage Road into a development called Union Depot.

Youth Villages Chief Development Officer Richard Shaw said actress Melissa Joan Hart has worked with the organization supporting them through various initiatives for six years.

The weekend has been full of festivities including a kick-off party, vendor fair, food truck fair, cornhole tournament, concerts, chili cookoff, car show, raffle, online auction and more at the Bartlett church and school.

Add Lakeland to the list of suburban municipalities not in favor of a consolidated Memphis-Shelby County government.

Bartlett aldermen voted in favor of an ordinance amendment on final reading Tuesday, Oct. 12, that allows city residents to temporarily live or sleep in a recreational vehicle during emergency circumstances.

“Jim Coley will go down as a statesman … especially for his work combating human traffic and domestic violence,” said his successor. 

Some parents remain unsure about their children receiving the shot. But one family’s experience of living in Europe and seeing unvaccinated classmates contract chickenpox was a game-changer.

Bartlett Chief Administrative Officer Mark Brown said the six suburban mayors agreed to adopt resolutions in opposition to consolidation that’s recently been brought up again.

Arlington, Bartlett and Lakeland could emerge as the suburban municipalities that benefit most from Blue Oval City given its proximity to the Haywood County site. Arlington and Lakeland also seem prime for more growth in both housing and retail development before Ford’s announcement, this may only accelerate that process.

BPACC begins its 23rd season on Saturday, Oct. 2, running through May 7, 2022.

The giant new Tesla Center at 3020 N. Germantown Parkway has been servicing electric cars for a few weeks.

Three Bartlett couples recently partnered to save the Side Porch Steak House, an important suburban landmark not only to them but the community at large.

Two more votes are required before the ordinance amendment goes into effect.

Bartlett Mayor Keith McDonald said the issue was brought to the city’s attention after a recent house fire there.