The 901: Overton Park Golf Junior Open to be held on redesigned course
Good morning, Memphis, where just across the river, more than 300 employees at the Family Dollar distribution center in West Memphis will lose their jobs after a report that detailed a massive rodent infestation in February.
But, first, Overton Park Junior Open will be held later this summer on a redesigned golf course that promises to be a revelation, Phil Stukenborg reports in his story for subscribers.
A $2 million renovation of the iconic golf course began in January 2021 and grass re-seeding started about a year ago, in April 2021.
“It is exciting, it is so exciting,” said Dwight Drinkard, co-chairman of the OPJO executive committee. “The greens are great. They could be putted on right now. It’s just exciting to see the course taking on a modern look. And once the (fairways) grow in, it’s going to be such a different golfing experience.”
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What’s in the MSCS $1.9B budget?
The $1.93 billion budget approved by the Memphis-Shelby County Schools board reflects hundreds of millions already contracted from federal COVID-19 stimulus money, largely toward building upgrades and supports for students, our Laura Testino reports.
Superintendent Joris Ray made the new county capital request the focus of his introduction of the budget.
"I've spent the last several months echoing the refrain that literacy is life, and that if we don't invest in literacy, our children will end up incarcerated. To put it plainly," Ray said, "I want us to build schools, not jails."
Laura goes into detail about what was requested, where the reimagine 901 buildings plan stands, updates on the new Frayser school and what will be included in MSCS’ budget.
Two children hospitalized in Memphis due to formula shortage
Two children had to be hospitalized at Le Bonheur Children's Hospital due to the ongoing national shortage of baby formula, our Corinne Kennedy and Micaela Watts report.
Both children required a special, amino acid-based formula because they have short bowel syndrome — a condition meaning they are unable to efficiently digest food because they have less intestines.
Over the next few weeks, as formula remains scarce, Dr. Mark Corkins, a pediatric gastroenterologist at Le Bonheur, said he wants parents to know two vital things:
"Don't dilute formula, because you think you're cutting the nutrients in half. And you're not gonna get the salts and stuff you need. And please, please don't try to make formula at home."
Family Dollar distribution center in West Memphis to close permanently
The Family Dollar distribution warehouse in West Memphis is closing permanently following a U.S. Food and Drug Administration report that detailed a massive rodent infestation, our Micaela Watts reports.
In total, 320 employees will lose their jobs with Family Dollar, according to West Memphis Mayor Marco McClendon. The company is one of the largest employers in West Memphis.
William Hughes, one of first Black SCSO deputies, dies at 90
William Hughes, one of four of the first Black Shelby County Sheriff's Office deputies, has died after suffering multiple strokes, our Dima Amro reports. Hughes was 90.
"If he could help somebody along the way then his living will not be in vain," said Elizabeth Merriwether, Hughes' granddaughter. "That's how he lived his life."
Hughes was appointed sheriff's deputy in 1960 and climbed through the ranks as sergeant, lieutenant, captain and jail inspector.
The Memphis and Shelby County Bar Association honored Hughes in 1977 with the "Most Outstanding Deputy Sheriff” recognition.
Tennessee Supreme Court rules in favor of school voucher program
The Tennessee Supreme Court struck down arguments that Gov. Bill Lee’s controversial school voucher program violated the state constitution by only applying to districts in Davidson and Shelby counties, Meghan Mangrum and Adam Friedman report.
Under the education savings account program, eligible students could choose to take public money for their education and apply it to private school tuition instead.
But only some students — specifically those in Metro Nashville and Shelby County public school districts — are part of the three-year pilot program approved narrowly by the Tennessee General Assembly in 2019.
“Every child deserves a high-quality education, and today’s Tennessee Supreme Court opinion on ESAs puts parents in Memphis and Nashville one step closer to finding the best educational fit for their children," Lee said in a statement.
Rural hospitals face uncertain post-pandemic future
Since 2005, approximately a third of the nation’s 181 rural hospital closures have occurred in the South, and the region may continue to see those health care access points shrivel, especially as pandemic-based financial aid draws to a close, Andrew Yawn and Maria Clark report in their story for subscribers.
A recent report measuring the vulnerability of rural hospitals nationwide found the South has some of the nation’s highest rates of rural health care facilities that face risk of closure.
Michael Topchik, director of Chartis Center for Rural Health, said Tennessee and the region could see more if the underlying issues aren’t addressed.
“Without local care, communities dry up and blow away,” Topchik said.
Grizzlies have a Dillon Brooks decision to make: Starter, reserve role or trade?
Dillon Brooks is one of the biggest wildcards into the future of the Memphis Grizzlies.
On one hand, he’s considered the heart and soul of the team by his teammates, a good wing defender and he’s the longest tenured player. On another, his inconsistent shooting numbers have led to questionable decision-making, our Damichael Cole reports.
How the Grizzlies handle Brooks’ role will be one of the biggest things to watch in Memphis. Damichael breaks down the options on Brooks’ future in his latest story.
The 901 is written by Ray Padilla, digital producer for The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached at raymond.padilla@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter at @Ray_Padilla_.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: The 901: Overton Park Junior Open; MSCS $1.9 billion budget
