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■■ NEWS
Commission to weigh options on circuit court raises; approves budget increase for office
By James Coleman Special to The Tri-State Defender
A resolution for cash-strapped Shelby County Circuit Court Clerk employees will receive a side-by-side comparison with a yet-to-be-seen administration proposal next month.
Members of the Shelby County Commission voted 8-3 to send the matter back to committee at the close of the Monday, Oct. 28 meeting.
However, the proposal from Mayor Harris’ team was outlined before the close of the discussion. If approved, the resolution would give the county’s lowest paid employees an 11% raise. For reference, the lowest paid circuit court clerk sta members pull in $31,200 annually.
“It averages about 5%,” said Joyner. “But there’s some that would make more than that,” said Shelby County Circuit Court CAO Michael Joiner.
Further talks are slated for Nov. 13. e alternative will be scrutinized alongside a resolution that seeks to give 28 members of the o ce’s sta raises. For the latter, the costs would be covered by a FY2024 surplus the circuit court accrued.
However, FY2025 projections have not kept pace. If the setback continues, the commission would be on the hook for the costs of the annual raises. It is sponsored by commissioner Erika Sugarmon, who requested the extra round of committee discussion.
A compromise has been in the works with members of the administration and the circuit court clerk’s o ce since the Oct. 23 Budget & Finance committee meeting. Commission chair Mark Whaley, who also chairs the committee, requested a proposal that gives additional pay to all under-compensated county employees.
Shelby County Circuit Court Clerk Jamita Swearengen sco ed at the proposal, saying it would amount to an extra $50 weekly, “not a salary increase.”
Prior to the discussion, members approved a amended resolution to provide $85,400 in additional funding to the clerk’s o ce. It will pay for sundry items and services, like o ce supplies, water and dry cleaning for judicial robes. e outlay includes $30,000 for advertising. e o ce’s FY2024 surplus will cover the costs.
Commissioners approved the item 8-3 on its second reading.
Voting in favor were Charlie Caswell, Edmond Ford, Jr. Britney ornton, Henri Brooks, Mickell Lowery, Avant, Whaley and Sugarmon. Voting against the resolution were Mick Wright, David Bradford and Brandon Morrison. Members also agreed to send a trio of ordinances that reform policies around youth detainment during the meeting.
ey include a request that the Shelby County Sheri ’s O ce provides rehabilitative services to juveniles as they age into the adult criminal justice system.
All three items are also sponsored by Sugarmon.
A companion ordinance is on the works. e ordinance was moved to the Dec. 11 meeting.
It was joined on the calendar by an ordinance that would ask the Shelby County Juvenile Court judge to provide written noti cation of expungement rights to juveniles and their caregivers. Another would request legal representation and recordings of interrogations of minors by the Sheri ’s o ce. State law does not require recordings of youth suspects.
President Calvin Anderson Interim Editor Lee Eric Smith
■■ PERSPECTIVE
A historic closing argument
NNPA NEWSWIRE – Evoking images of marches and a vision of unity, she said, “I grew up as a child of the civil rights movement.” She said, “My parents took me to those marches, pushing me in a stroller through crowds of people of all races, faiths, and walks of life, all fighting for the ideals of freedom and opportunity. I’ve lived the promise of America.”
By Stacy Brown, Sr. and Greer Marshall
With just one week until the pulse of the nation beats at the ballot box and over 51 million votes already cast, Kamala Harris stood before an audience Tuesday night that outgrew its bounds. What was once imagined as an intimate gathering of 8,000 souls evolved into an ocean of hope, a swelling tide of support that illuminated the nal stretch of her journey, with over 75,000 people gathering at the Ellipse in our nation’s capital. At 7:37 pm, under a sky heavy with purpose, Harris stepped onto the stage, embraced by a wave of thunderous love—a scene lit in ashing reds and blues, where applause rolled like a breaking tide. Her spirit was ablaze as she li ed her voice: “Good evening, America!” Each word rose above the chants of her name, pulsing through the crowd, “Kamala, Kamala.” Her gaze remained steady and with reverence for each life present as she continued to speak. “ ank you for taking the time out of your busy lives.” When she paused, it was clear that she was feeling the weight of the moment. With clear conviction, she said, ”One week from today, you will have a chance to make a decision that directly a ects your lives, the lives of your family, and the future of this country. It will probably be the most important vote you’ve ever cast,” she said. Beyond selecting between two parties and two candidates, she said, “It’s about more than just making a choice—of whether you have a country of freedom or one ruled by division.”
Emphasizing her focus on “common ground and common-sense solutions,” Harris promised to hold space for all, regardless of creed or corner of the country. “I am not here to play politics; I am here to make progress,” she proclaimed, as “Freedom” and “USA” banners waved above the crowd like living symbols. “Unlike Donald Trump, I don’t believe people who disagree with me are the enemy. He wants to put them in jail. We have to stop pointing ngers and start locking arms. It’s time to turn the page on the drama, con ict, fear, and division,” Harris advises. e atmosphere was pulsating, like a never-ending esta for the soul. To secure her spot, Fatimah Glasnow came ve hours early from Southeast D.C. and said she was deeply moved. “ e feeling here is hope, love, and peace,” Glasnow said. “An America where we can all thrive, regardless of our race or gender. I needed this kind of energy in my life.”
Glasnow felt seen and empowered, and her faith was renewed by Harris’ words, especially on issues of social and maternal justice. “She’s advocated for social justice and, really, justice itself.”
When addressing the fall of Roe v. Wade, her resolve was clear. She promised America, “I will ght to restore what Donald Trump and his hand-selected Supreme Court justices took away from the women of America.” With this pledge, Harris rea rmed her steadfast commitment to preserving and expanding civil rights.
Capitol Hill resident Leander Davis, a social services worker, said Harris’
words resonated deeply. “She’s all of us,” Davis said. “She’s been criticized, ostracized, demonized, and called all sorts of names, yet she hasn’t stopped ghting for what’s right. When she’s president, we will all be better o .”
Harris’ campaign is woven from a life spent challenging injustice and protecting those vulnerable. is was personal. As her words echoed, the crowd’s response was nothing less than electric. Harris made it clear: Her campaign was a call to action. Vowing, “If you give me the chance to ght on your behalf, there is nothing in the world that will stand in my way.”
ough her years as Vice President under President Joe Biden had been an honor, Harris acknowledged the urgency of a new direction. “I have been honored to serve as Joe Biden’s vice president,” she said. “But I will bring my own experiences and ideas to the Oval O ce. My presidency will be di erent because the challenges we face are di erent.”
e vice president confronted the charged topic of immigration, calling for accountability and cooperation. “Politicians have got to stop treating immigration as an issue to scare up votes in an election—and instead treat it as the serious challenge that it is,” she said, “that we must nally come together to solve.”
Harris said while she will focus on prosecuting cartels and transnation-
al gangs, “we must acknowledge we are a nation of immigrants.” Vowing to push for change that would re ect the country’s roots and values. Harris said, “And I will work with Congress to pass immigration reform, including an earned path to citizenship for hardworking immigrants, like farmworkers and our laborers.”
As her speech reached its crescendo, Harris delivered a nal rallying cry. “America, we’ve been consumed by division, chaos, and mistrust for too long. But it doesn’t have to be this way,” she proclaimed, her voice rising with passion. “It is time for a new generation of leadership, and I am ready to o er that leadership as the next President of the United States.”
Evoking images of marches and a vision of unity, she said, “I grew up as a child of the civil rights movement.” She said, “My parents took me to those marches, pushing me in a stroller through crowds of people of all races, faiths, and walks of life, all ghting for the ideals of freedom and opportunity. I’ve lived the promise of America.”
In these nal days of her campaign, Harris stands at the crossroads of dreams and demands. Surrounded by an ocean of optimistic faces, on this night, Harris underscores the magic of the moment. She reminds us that our decision was more than just a vote—it was a breath of courage, a step toward a world remade.
VP Harris closing argument DC (Photo by Mark Mahoney @DreamInColor/NNPA)
By Lee Eric Smith Interim Editor
■■ COMMUNITY
Memphis Metropolitan Green Financial Corp. launched to fund Sustainable Development
e Memphis Metropolitan Land Bank Authority unveiled a Green Bank this week to boost sustainable development in Memphis and Shelby County, aiming to provide critical nancing for projects focused on energy e ciency, green infrastructure, and renewable energy. O cially known as the Memphis Metropolitan Green Financial Corporation, the Green Bank represents a new chapter in local environmental and economic resilience.
e Green Bank is set to begin o ering funds next spring, with a current emphasis on community education. Michael O. Harris, president and CEO of the Green Bank, underscored the collaborative nature of the initiative, which has brought together a broad array of partners and funders.
“We’re currently in an educational phase,” Harris told media following an introductory press conference. “ is initiative is more than just another nancial institution. It is a commitment to creating a greener, healthier city, one where every resident has the dignity of living in a safe, sustainable environment.”
e Green Bank’s initial $150,000 seed funding from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is bolstered by ongoing support through TVA’s Connected Communities Program, which aids cities in establishing sustainable, energy-e cient infrastructure. Mark Yates, TVA’s regional vice president, highlighted TVA’s commitment to advancing both energy and environmental goals.
“TVA is honored to be a part of this exciting partnership,” Yates said. “ e Memphis Metropolitan Green Financial Corporation aligns closely with our mission to enhance lives through
energy, economic development, and environmental stewardship. rough this partnership, we’re making an investment in Memphis’s sustainable future.”
Memphis Mayor Paul Young, a vocal advocate for the Green Bank, framed the initiative as a necessary step to advance sustainability e orts in the region and preserve local resources for future generations.
“Many of you know that sustainability is simply about preserving resources for future generations,” Young said. “ is Green Bank is going to allow projects to move forward that may not be able to get advanced in any other way. Projects like energy e ciency improvements and infrastructure upgrades are critical to our city’s future.”
Young’s vision for the Green Bank aligns with Memphis’s unique infrastructure, which includes rich water resources and extensive transportation assets. Beverly Robertson, board chair of the Green Financial Corporation, emphasized the need to protect and utilize these local resources responsibly to foster both environmental and economic sustainability.
“It is extremely important for us to protect these assets and ensure their perpetuation for future generations,” Robertson said. “ e Green Bank will provide accessible nancing for sustainable projects that reduce energy costs, improve air quality, and create green jobs.”
Robertson stressed that the bank’s mission is to “foster a green, resilient,
and sustainable Memphis and Shelby County,” while focusing on environmental stewardship and economic equity across the region.
e creation of the Green Bank arrives as part of a broader shi toward equity in environmental policy, targeting historically underserved communities that have borne the brunt of pollution and energy inequity. Councilwoman Pearl Eva Walker, a Memphis City Council representative and member of the Green Financial Corporation board, described the bank as a pivotal player in creating a healthier city.
“ e establishment of the Memphis Metropolitan Green Financial Corporation is a signi cant investment in the future of our city,” Walker said. “By prioritizing energy e ciency, support-
Flanked by a broad and diverse array of elected officials, civic leaders and environmental justice advocates, Michael O. Harris (center, in blue suit) announced the creation of the Memphis Metropolitan Green Financial Corporation. Harris, who is president of the “green bank,” said the fund will help bring more sustainable projects to life. (Photo: Lee Eric Smith/Tri-State Defender)
■■ COMMUNITY
“The Green Bank will provide accessible financing for sustainable projects that reduce energy costs, improve air quality, and create green jobs.”
— Beverly Robertson
ing renewable energy initiatives, and enhancing our green spaces, the Green Bank will contribute to a healthier, more livable city for all residents. It’s about economic equity as much as environmental stewardship, ensuring that everyone in Memphis bene ts from clean, a ordable energy.”
In addition to its nancing role, the Green Bank also aims to serve as an educational resource, o ering workshops and programs to increase awareness of energy-saving practices.
Projects funded through the Green Bank will focus on sustainable urban development that reduces the city’s carbon footprint and mitigates the e ects of climate change, including the urban heat island e ect, which disproportionately a ects densely populated areas.
A known environmental justice advocate, Tennessee State Representative Justin J. Pearson, highlighted the importance of directing resources to communities historically impacted by environmental injustice. Pearson, who has long advocated for clean energy and environmental health in Memphis, said that the Green Bank represents a “necessary equity lens” for the city.
“Too many communities have been let down by programs that promised to address environmental injustice but fell short,” Pearson said. “ e legacy of environmental injustice is felt most deeply in our communities of color, where pollution levels are high and health disparities are severe. With the Green Bank, we have a real opportunity to prioritize those who have been harmed the most by ensuring they receive the resources rst.”
According to Pearson, the Green Bank should serve as an agent of trans-
formation, funneling capital into communities that have endured decades of underinvestment and pollution. He emphasized that for this e ort to succeed, it will require continued investment and community collaboration.
“Corporations that want to be here in Memphis should be good corporate citizens and give back to the communities they impact,” Pearson said. “We need to make sure these funds go directly to the areas that have been su ering the most. When billions are being invested in clean energy, the people who have been hit hardest by environmental harm must see those bene ts rst.”
While the Green Bank’s current funding is a starting point, Pearson and other local leaders see room for further support from government and private entities. e initiative has already attracted attention as a model
for equitable, community-centered sustainability e orts, and organizers hope to leverage additional funding as the program grows.
Michael O. Harris concluded the event by calling on the public to support the Green Bank’s mission, whether through engagement, partnerships, or simply spreading awareness of the bank’s role in creating a sustainable Memphis. “We need the support of each and every one of you,” he said.
“Together, we can create a Memphis that not only thrives today, but ourishes for generations to come.”
With a focus on accessible nancing, the Green Bank aims to transform Memphis into a resilient city that balances environmental health with economic equity, setting a benchmark for sustainable development in the Mid-South.
Get Your Tickets
By TSD Newsroom
As voting for the 2024 Best in Black Awards Memphis draw to a close — more than 7,000 votes cast and counting so far — now’s the time to make sure you’re in the building to nd out who takes home the award!
Celebrate excellence in the Mid-South at the 2024 Best in Black Awards! is year’s event promises to be an unforgettable evening of recognition and celebration for Black-owned businesses, entrepreneurs, community leaders, and creatives. Join us on November 14 at the beautiful Central Station Hotel for a night lled with inspiration, entertainment, and community spirit.
Tickets are available now on Eventbrite, or at tri-statedefender.com/bestinblack. Secure your spot to experience the best Memphis has to o er in Black excellence. Don’t wait—tickets are selling fast, and you won’t want to miss this amazing opportunity to honor the people and businesses making a di erence in our community.
Event Details:
• Date: November 14
• Venue: Central Station Hotel, Memphis
• Tickets: Available on Eventbrite: https://www. eventbrite.com/e/best-in-blackawards-tickets-1044073641367
Gather your friends, family, and colleagues and be part of a memorable night celebrating the Best in Black. Get your tickets today!
Michael O. Harris will serve as President and CEO of the Memphis Metropolitan Green Financial Corporation. (Photo: Lee Eric Smith/Tri-State Defender)
Advocates make fiery case to voters in favor of gun control referendum
By TSD Newsroom
In an impassioned rally outside City Hall last week, Memphis community leaders, victim advocates, and local o cials made their case for the city’s upcoming gun control referendum, calling on Memphis residents to vote “yes” to three gun safety measures in the November election.
With Memphis facing disproportionate rates of gun violence and under Tennessee’s open carry laws, this referendum represents, as several speakers emphasized, a critical moment for the city to determine its own safety standards.
e ballot measures aim to implement strict permit requirements, restrict assault weapons to private or licensed spaces, and establish “extreme risk protection orders” to keep rearms out of the hands of those who may pose a danger to themselves or others.
“ ese aren’t just policy ideas; they’re necessary steps to save lives,” said Raah Muhammad-McCormick, a victim advocate whose personal story re ects the pain shared by so many Memphis residents. Muhammad-McCormick’s son was killed in a gun-related inci-
dent, and she has since committed herself to activism as the director of community outreach for Tennesseans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty.
“For too long, I’ve listened to lawmakers use Memphis crime stats to justify bills that don’t serve us,” she said, her voice echoing across the crowd. “We are closest to the problem; we are closest to the solution.” Muhammad-McCormick urged that Memphis, rather than legislators in Nashville, should have the power to shape the policies that impact its communities directly.
A Call for Change Amid Rising Violence
Recent data supports the urgency that Muhammad-McCormick and other advocates brought to the rally. Tennessee’s rearm death rate is currently over 50% higher than the national average, and Memphis sees a signi cant share of that violence.
Tennessee’s open carry policy, which permits individuals to carry guns without a permit, has come under re from local o cials who believe the policy’s impacts are harmful and should be reconsidered.
Activists join hands in prayer to commemorate loved ones who have died from gun violence and in hopes that Memphians will vote in favor of a referendum to help curb gun violence where gun violence has gone rampant -- and activists believe Tennessee’s “open carry” laws are affecting urban centers like Memphis disproportionately. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender)
■■ COMMUNITY
City Councilwoman Yvonne Cooper Sutton, who has supported the referendum from its inception, spoke passionately about her role. “Memphis isn’t going to be bullied out of protecting our people,” she said, criticizing state interference with the city’s e orts to self-govern. Sutton’s sentiments re ect widespread frustration among Memphis o cials who feel that Nashville legislators have prioritized statewide policies over local safety needs.
“I carry with a permit because I believe it’s the right thing,” she said. “Our city’s people deserve the same assurances of safety.”
Clemmie Greenlee, founder of the advocacy group Mothers Over Murder, addressed Memphis’s higher-than-average rates of poverty and limited resources, describing how these factors contribute to a cycle of violence. Her group, which supports families who have lost loved ones to gun violence, has been instrumental in pushing for the referendum.
“We’re tired of hearing lies from lawmakers and leaders who don’t represent our realities,” Greenlee said. “Our communities are dealing with real issues—food deserts, low-paying jobs, lack of resources for young people. If we don’t have the resources to build safe neighborhoods, we’ll keep seeing these tragedies,” she warned, calling on the crowd to vote in November for meaningful change.
“Enough Is Enough”
Perhaps the most vocal advocate for the referendum was Tennessee State Representative Justin J. Pearson, a rising gure in Memphis politics who was previously expelled from the Tennessee State House for his stance on gun re-
form. His expulsion only strengthened his resolve, he explained, to protect Memphis from gun violence.
“ e people of Memphis, Shelby County, and across this state have faced the consequences of a legislature that has ignored gun safety,” Pearson said. “ ey care more about the NRA than the people who are dying,” he said, referencing the in uence of groups like the National Ri e Association on state policy.
Pearson underscored how these ballot measures, though contentious, give Memphians a unique chance to address a public health emergency directly.
“We’re tired of burying our children, singing sad songs at funerals, and seeing no action,” he stated. In a moment that captured the spirit of the rally, Pearson invoked the words of civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer, proclaiming that Memphis residents were “sick and tired of being sick and tired.” His call to action was clear: “Fight for Memphis. Fight for Shelby County. We’re standing up to Nashville, and we’re standing up to a system that doesn’t prioritize our lives.”
Memphis’ Path Forward
e rally highlighted not only the ballot measures themselves but also the
broader struggle Memphis faces as it ghts for local solutions to pervasive issues. e three-part referendum— requiring permits for handgun carry, restricting assault weapons in public, and allowing extreme risk protection orders—comes a er repeated e orts to pass similar legislation at the state level were blocked. With Memphis leaders standing rm, residents have a direct opportunity to reshape public safety in their city by voting in favor of these measures.
Muhammad-McCormick reminded the crowd that despite setbacks, victories are possible. “When we stood up to legislators who ignored us, we knew we had to bring our voices home. Memphis is showing Tennessee what it means to care about its citizens.”
Cooper-Sutton concluded the rally with a passionate call for every citizen to go to the polls.
“Vote yes on those referendums. Just vote! Get out and vote! Vote, vote, vote!” she said, almost stomping her feet. “My grandmother is almost 96 years old, and she’s gone to the polls to vote! ey understand the importance of voting!
“ ey didn’t have a voice. Some of them got killed for this crap,” she said. “Vote, vote, VOTE!”
Speaker after speaker made impassioned pleas for Memphians to not only vote, but to vote in favor of the gun control referendum. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/ GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender)
■■ ENTERTAINMENT
Just For Laughs: Memphis comics make Vegas debut
By TSD Newsroom
e comedy scene in Memphis is making waves in Las Vegas this October, as two of the city’s top comics recently brought their unique brands of humor to one of the most iconic entertainment stages in the world.
Veteran comedian Rob Love and rising star Jae Henderson made their “Sin City” debuts recently, performing in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, marking a major milestone in their careers.
Rob Love, a 13-year veteran of Memphis’s comedy scene, took the stage at the prestigious Drai’s Comedy Club from October 24th to 26th.
Known for his sharp wit and commanding stage presence, Love has graced stages across the United States, performing alongside notable names like D.L. Hughley, Red Grant, and
Melanie Comancho. His appearance at Drai’s highlights his steady rise from Memphis stages to some of the country’s most well-known comedy clubs.
“I’m excited and thankful. is opportunity has been brewing for a while and is nally coming to fruition,” Love said before heading out west. “It’s a great thing when you get to use your gi to brighten the day of others. I appreciate Drai’s Comedy Club and everyone who made this possible.”
Meanwhile, newcomer Jae Henderson made her debut at Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club on October 25th and 26th.
Known for her clean yet edgy humor, Henderson has quickly become a rising star, captivating audiences with her relatable takes on everyday life, relationships, and her experiences as a woman navigating midlife.
“I keep waiting for someone to pinch me and wake me up because this seems like a dream,” Henderson said before the gig. “I’m performing on the Las Vegas Strip at Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club. I am thankful for this unexpected opportunity, and I plan to deliver some great laughs and make Memphis proud.”
Despite the bittersweet reality of losing two beloved comedy venues in Memphis—Chuckles Comedy House and e Comedy Junt—the city’s comedy community remains resilient. Comedians like Rob Love and Jae Henderson are proof that the Blu City’s comedic talent is not only surviving but thriving, continuing to make waves across the nation.
For more on Rob Love, visit www.roblovefunny.com, and for more on Jae Henderson, visit www.thejaehenderson.com.
■■ SPORTS
After breaking barriers, trailblazing Tiger honored with street naming
Breaking Barriers: Glenn Rogers Sr. made history as the first Black football player for the Memphis Tigers in 1968, helping to integrate the team and set the stage for future generations.
A Legacy Honored: In recognition of his contributions on and off the field, Glenn Rogers Sr. now has a street named after him near Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, a tribute to his impact on Memphis sports and the community. Here, Rogers is joined by Memphis Mayor Paul Young, City Council Chair JB Smiley Jr. and others.
Homecoming Recognition: The street renaming ceremony for Glenn Rogers Sr. coincided with the University of Memphis Homecoming events, celebrating not only his athletic achievements but his lifelong commitment to the community. (Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender)
By Terry Davis Special To The Tri-State Defender
e 2024 University of Memphis Homecoming celebration should have been drama-free. e Tigers entered the game as heavy favorites, looking to keep their hopes alive for the American Athletic Conference Championship game.
Memphis secured a last-minute 33-28 victory over the Charlotte 49ers before a crowd of 25,478.
Charlotte opened the game with a 67-yard drive, scoring on a 7-yard run by Cartevious Norton for an early lead. However, Charlotte’s o ense stalled for the rest of the rst half, only gaining 8 yards.
e Tigers responded with a 2-yard touchdown pass from Seth Henigan to Demeer Blakumsee, tying the game. Memphis moved into the red zone several times in the rst half, but a missed eld goal a ected play-calling. e score remained tied at 7-7 at hal ime. Tigers running back Makari Bodiford proved his value a er starter Mario Anderson le the game early in the third quarter. Bodiford rushed for 73 yards and scored a touchdown on one drive. Anderson later returned, adding an 11yard touchdown run to give Memphis its largest lead at 21-7 with 2:23 le in the quarter.
But Charlotte wasn’t done. ey tied the game with two touchdown passes from Jalon Purdie to O’Mega Blake and another run by Norton, making
SPORTS Tigers survives Charlotte’s late charge for homecoming win
it 21-21 with 8:02 remaining.
Memphis made two drives deep into Charlotte territory but failed on fourth down attempts instead of opting for eld goals. However, Tristian Vandenberg later kicked a 27yard eld goal to put Memphis ahead, 24-21, with 1:56 le .
On why they went for it on fourth down rather than attempting eld goals, head coach Ryan Silver eld said, “Our eld goal kicking game isn’t where it needs to be. You don’t want to crush a guy’s con dence. Normally we are pretty aggressive. at was the thought process going in. We were playing complimentary football. You have to do what is best for the entire team.”
Charlotte quickly responded. Two plays later, Hahsaun Wilson scored on an 18-yard rush, giving Charlotte a 28-24 lead with 1:20 le . Henigan, undeterred, connected with tight end Anthony Landphere on third down to keep the drive alive and then found Roc Taylor in the end zone with 31 seconds le , putting the Tigers ahead 31-28. On staying calm under pressure, Henigan said, “Having faith that we will execute. Especially in end-of-game situations. e defense made a great play and gave us the ball on the 12-yard line. A er they scored that touchdown
to take the lead, you can’t be emotional or sad. You have to know you have a job to do.”
Memphis’s defense punctuated the win as William Whitlow Jr. sacked Purdie in the end zone for a safety. e Tigers then recovered Charlotte’s onside kick attempt to end the game.
Roc Taylor (3) catches the go-ahead touchdown in the nal minute of the Homecoming win over Charlotte, giving Seth Henigan the record for most passing touchdowns in Memphis history (91).(Photo: Terry Davis/TriState Defender)
Anderson rushed for over 100 yards against Charlotte, nishing with 141 yards and bringing his season total to 788 yards. Henigan recorded 212 passing yards and two touchdowns, with Taylor adding 6 catches for 99 yards and a touchdown. Henigan’s touchdown pass to Taylor made him the all-time leading touchdown passer in Memphis history with 91 touchdowns.
Purdie led Charlotte (3-6, 2-2 AAC) with 152 passing yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Backup
quarterback Max Brown added 38 passing yards and an interception. Norton nished with 86 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while Blake had 128 receiving yards on only three catches. Both defenses performed impressively with three sacks each. e Tigers’ defense also notched two interceptions, with DJ Bell and Elijah Herring making the picks. Chandler Martin continued his strong play for the Tigers, recording 10 total tackles and 1.5 sacks.
Re ecting on the Tigers’ defense, Henigan said, “Having a defense like we have this year feels great. ey have played extremely well. To have that faith in your defense, that they are going to make a play, when they need to make a play.”
Memphis (7-1, 3-1 AAC) will travel to San Antonio for a matchup against the University of Texas at San Antonio. e game kicks o at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 2, on ESPNU. is game will be Memphis’s last chance to impress voters before the rst College Football Playo rankings are released on Nov. 5.
Roc Taylor (3) catches the go-ahead touchdown in the final minute of the Homecoming win over Charlotte, giving Seth Henigan the record for most passing touchdowns in Memphis history (91). (Photo: Terry Davis/Tri-State Defender)
Terry Davis
■■ SPORTS
Collierville Dragons quarterback Grant Troutman (center) prepares to lead the offense against Whitehaven’s defense during their 27-6 victory. (Photo: Terry Davis/TriState Defender)
Collierville defeats Whitehaven to keep championship hopes alive
TSD newsroom
With only two games le in the regular season, the Collierville Dragons and Whitehaven Tigers met to stay in the running for the 6A Region 8 Championship. e Dragons entered the game ranked fourth in the state, while Whitehaven was ranked ninth. Collierville went on the road and defeated the Tigers 27-6.
e Dragons took the opening kicko down the eld to Whitehaven’s oneyard line, but the Tigers’ defense held strong, limiting them to a eld goal and an early 3-0 lead. Collierville continued to push the Tigers’ defense, advancing 65 yards on their second drive.
Senior quarterback Grant Troutman scrambled for a 16-yard touchdown to extend Collierville’s lead to 10-0 in the rst quarter. Troutman then used his arm to give the Dragons a commanding advantage, connecting with junior receiver Emmanuel Palmer for a 56-yard touchdown to make it 17-0.
Whitehaven’s o ense struggled against the Dragons’ defense, which logged three rst-half sacks. Special teams, however, delivered for Whitehaven when junior defensive back Quintin Cottrell returned a botched punt for a touchdown, putting the Tigers on the scoreboard at 17-6 before hal ime.
Grayson Lyton added a eld goal, and John Hampton scored a nal touchdown to seal the win for Collierville, 27-6. Troutman had a strong passing game, completing 16 passes for 248 yards and one touchdown. Palmer
tallied 135 receiving yards, and Hampton rushed for 66 yards and a touchdown.
Re ecting on the victory, Collierville head coach Joe Rocconi said, “Just really proud of players and coaches. It wasn’t easy to come over here and get this victory. We are happy to be going home to ring the bell.”
Christopher Tally was limited by the Dragons’ defense, rushing for 64 yards without any explosive plays. Junior Terrance Whitley provided impressive kick returns for Whitehaven, but the Tigers were unable to capitalize on his e orts.
Whitehaven head coach Rodney Saulsberry commented on the game: “Football comes down to basic things like blocking and tackling. It is hard to call plays on o ense if you are not blocking. We have things to work on. e test of a man is, what does he do when adversity comes.”
Looking ahead to the nal game of the season, Saulsberry added, “Everything starts up front. Football is a simple game. Games are won in the trenches. Collierville won the game in the trenches. We have to make sure we do our job on the o ensive end.”
Next up for the Dragons (9-0, 6-0) will be a matchup with the defending 6A champions, the Houston Mustangs (7-2, 5-1). e winner will be crowned region champion. Whitehaven (6-3, 4-2) will face the Bartlett Panthers, with the winner advancing to the playo s. e loser will need to wait for the outcome of other regional games. Both games are set for Friday, November 1, at 7 p.m.
Notice of Draft Environmental Document and Public Hearing
The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT), and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) have made available for public review a draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for the America’s River Crossing on I-55 over the Mississippi River Bridge Replacement Project (henceforth referred to as the proposed Project). The Department is proposing to replace the existing I-55 bridge located between Crittenden County, Arkansas and Shelby County, Tennessee. The proposed Project alignment is a result of an effort to minimize adverse human and environmental impacts and to provide a facility able to serve transportation needs into the future. The proposed Project limits begin just west of I-55 Exit 12 (E.H. Crump Boulevard) in Tennessee and extend to just east of I-55 Exit 1 (Bridgeport Road) in Arkansas, a total of approximately 1.5 miles. The proposed Project involves the use of property protected by Section 4(f) de minimis. Although no right-of-way would be acquired from the Big River Trail, the proposed Project would impact a portion of the trail near the trailhead and trailhead amenities, including 24 existing parking spaces, trailhead seating, signing, lighting, and two portable toilets. To mitigate the proposed Project’s impacts to Big River Trail, TDOT would fund a new trailhead located on the footprint of the existing bridge/roadway with the following amenities: a new parking area with approximately 40 parking spaces and lighting; a restroom facility; new benches and a bicycle repair equipment station; reuse of the stone blocks from the existing facility; and realignment of existing Dacus Lake Road and adjacent Big River Trail to accommodate the proposed I-55 alignment and structure and access to a new trailhead parking area. In order to qualify for a Section 4(f) de minimis , it was established that the Project activities would not adversely affect the activities, features, or attributes that make the properties eligible for Section 4(f) protection. The proposed Project involves the use of property protected by Section 4(f) Programmatic Net Benefit. The proposed Project would require the use of approximately 2.05 acres of E.H. Crump Park and 19 existing parking spaces. TDOT would fund a new park trailhead, including 22 parking spaces; and mitigation would also include the construction of a shared use path connecting through E.H. Crump Park, traversing under the proposed I-55 bridge, under the existing railroad bridges (Harahan and Frisco), and connecting north to Martyrs Park and east to the Big River Crossing trailhead. The proposed Project, including proposed measures to minimize harm and mitigation, would result in a net benefit, or overall enhancement, to E.H. Crump Park when compared to both the future do-nothing alternative and the present condition of the park, considering the activities, features, and attributes that qualify the property for Section 4(f) protection. This environmental document was prepared in accordance with 23 CFR 771 and the National Environmental Policy Act. The FHWA approved this draft Environmental Assessment. Comments concerning this Environmental Assessment are now being accepted and should be submitted in writing to TDOT within 21 days after the second public hearing for this Project at the address provided below. Comments must be postmarked on or by December 5, 2024. The draft Environmental Assessment (EA) is available for public review at the following locations: West Memphis Public Library, 500 E Broadway Blvd, West Memphis, AR 72301; and Gaston Park Library, 1040 S 3rd St, Memphis, TN 38106. The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), an equal opportunity affirmative action employer, will conduct two Public Hearings, presenting the same information at each, for the proposed Project. Hearings will be held on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at Central Station Hotel Memphis located at 545 S Main Street, City of Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee, and on Thursday, November 14, at Radisson Hotel West Memphis located at 2007 S Service Road, City of West Memphis, Crittenden County, Arkansas. Both hearings will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., during which time there will be a formal presentation beginning at 6:00 p.m., followed by a question-and-answer session. Before and after the formal presentation, hearings will follow an open-house format. Representatives from the Department will be present to provide information relative to the general location, major design features, the social, economic, environmental, and/or other effects of the proposed Project, the relocation assistance program, the tentative schedules for right-of-way acquisition, construction and any other matters of public interest. The public is invited to ask questions and to make comments during the hearing. The public will be given the opportunity to express their opinions on any aspect of this Project. Persons with a disability, who require aids or services to participate at the meeting, may contact Ms. Shanna Chevalier no less than ten (10) days prior to the date of the hearing: Ms. Shanna M. Chevalier, ADA/504 Coordinator, Suite 1200, James K Polk Building, Nashville, TN 37243, Shanna.Chevalier@tn.gov, Phone: (615) 741-0465, TTY Relay (877) 831-0298. Comment sheets will be available for those who prefer to make written statements at the public hearings, and a court reporter will be available to take verbal comments at the public hearings. Written statements and other exhibits to be included in the Project transcript may be submitted now, and must be submitted within twenty-one (21) days, or by December 5, 2024, after the second public hearing to the following address: Project Comments, Tennessee Department of Transportation, Suite 700, James K. Polk Building, 505 Deaderick Street, Nashville, TN 372430332.
WHEN WE VOTE, WE WIN.
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Election Day is November 5th. Vote for Kamala Harris.
