Battle over school property transfer ensues

Submitted by Kontji Anthony, Action News 5 Anchor/Reporter

Monday, May 6th, 2013, 6:05pm

SHELBY COUNTY, TN- (WMC-TV) - The Shelby County municipal schools battle will turn to the issue of school buildings this week. A school board committee will discuss who owns the current buildings in the county's six suburbs.

School merger supporters say if the suburbs do not want to join the Shelby County school system, they should have to buy the school buildings.

Suburban leaders argue that would be a break from tradition.

With plans forging ahead to create six new Shelby County school systems, an ongoing debate could soon get a full public airing: will those six suburbs have to buy the school buildings within their borders?

"We'll probably have some litigation in that regard," said Bartlett Mayor Keith McDonald.

County commissioners, who are still fighting in court to stop the new schools, say they will have to pay to play.

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The 5th Annual Symphony in the Garden in Collierville's Historic District

Submitted by Andrew Douglas on Monday, May 6th, 7:16 am

The Germantown Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Dr. Ron Vernon, will provide a relaxing evening of entertainment in the beautiful rose garden at the home of Bob and Mary Jean Smith located in Collierville's lovely historic district. The seated concert features over 1,000 rose bushes as the backdrop for the symphony plus a wine reception. The rose gardens will be open for tours. All proceeds from this event benefit the Collierville Arts Council, a not-for-profit, tax exempt organizaton under IRC 501(c)3. Donations are also welcomed. Tickets are on sale now $25 & $35 a piece. They can be purchased at Banyan Tree Realtors, The Brooks Collection, and The Silver Caboose Restaurant.

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Collierville to host prayer ceremony Thursday

Submitted by Kelsey Jacobson, Digital Content Director / WMCTV.COM

Tuesday, April 30th, 2013, 11:47am

Collierville to host prayer ceremony Thursday

(WMC-TV) - The Town of Collierville is planning a prayer ceremony for Thursday, May 2, in front of Town Hall.

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Do you know your Memphis bragging rights?

Submitted by Greater Memphis Chamber

Saturday, April 27th, 2013, 6:06pm

(Photo Source: Kelsey Jacobson)

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Slain CBHS graduate honored for saving girlfriend

Submitted by Lauren Squires on Saturday, April 27th, 3:20 pm

MEMPHIS, TN- (WMC-TV) - A man who sacrificed his life for a friend is being honored Friday. Memphian Andrew Svgdik died in a crash last week.

Officials in Chattanooga said he pushed a girl out of the way when a car crashed into him.

19-year-old Andrew Svgdik was a graduate of Christian Brothers High School.

Friends said he was a friend who could make everyone laugh. He had musical talent and was an encouraging teammate on the soccer field. It is certainly fitting that they honor him at the very place where he inspired them.

When you lose someone you love, it often makes you realize what really matters.

"If anybody ever needed help Andrew would be there," said coach Rogerio Lima.

When the Christian Brothers Community lost Andrew Svgdik, they came together.

For some it is comforting to know that he was killed saving someone's life.

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Haslam signs municipal schools bills

Submitted by Kontji Anthony, Action News 5 Anchor/Reporter

Friday, April 26th, 2013, 12:44pm

(WMC-TV) - Gov. Bill Haslam signed two bills into law Wednesday that lift the ban on municipal schools in the State of Tennessee. That gives Shelby County's six suburbs the green light to create their own municipal school districts.

Suburban leaders said the new law should nullify court challenges, and there should be another round of referendums as soon as possible.

Germantown Mayor Sharon Goldsworthy and her suburban counterparts said municipal schools are now back on track. This is minus the legal barriers that blocked their creation last year.

"We were thrilled to hear the Governor signing," said Goldsworthy. "It was anticipated, but it's always good to check the next thing off the list of things"

(WMC-TV) - A federal judge in Memphis voided a similar bill last year that would have lifted the ban on municipal schools.

The bill appeared to only apply to Shelby County, which violates the state constitution.

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Body of missing teacher found

Submitted by Michael Clark on Friday, April 26th, 12:43 pm

Heather Palumbo-Jones was last seen Monday, April 15.

MEMPHIS, TN- (WMC-TV) - The body of missing Germantown teacher Heather Palumbo-Jones was recovered in the area of Collierville-Arlington Road and Highway 64 in Memphis Tuesday night.

Family said it has been the hardest week of their life as they waited for answers, trying not to fear the worst – until they learned she was found dead.

"It's difficult to live with," said Heather's grandmother Betty Palumbo.

Heather Palumbo-Jones was Betty and Frank Palumbo's first granddaughter.

"It's been the most difficult week of my life," said Frank.

Heather's estranged husband Chris Jones was charged with second degree murder Wednesday.

Investigators said he confessed to an altercation that led to her immediate death the night before she was reported missing. Germantown Police said he gave information that led them to her body.

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