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■■ NEWS
Man sues city of Memphis and police officers for wrongful conviction in music club robbery
By Adrian Sainz Associated Press
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — A man who spent more than 20 years behind bars before he was exonerated of robbing a Memphis music club is suing the city and 10 police officers, alleging they made up evidence that led to his wrongful conviction and a lengthy prison sentence.
The federal lawsuit filed Thursday by Artis Whitehead, 61, says Memphis Police Department officers fabricated evidence that led to charges of armed robbery and kidnapping in the 2002 robbery of B.B. King’s Blues Club on Beale Street.
Whitehead, who is Black, was tried, convicted and sentenced in 2003 to 249 years in prison. But Whitehead’s conviction and sentence were thrown out in December 2023 and he was released from prison. A Memphis judge determined that no physical evidence connected Whitehead to the robbery and that police fabricated information about the crime, including false identifications of Whitehead by club employees who had been held hostage and robbed.
The fake evidence included an anonymous tip made by phone against Whitehead by a man detained for two different armed robberies, the lawsuit says. It claims the man who made the call was coerced by officers working the case.
The lawsuit names as defendants the city of Memphis and officers involved in the investigation.
During a news conference Monday, Whitehead said there is “no price tag” for what he and his family have experienced. Whitehead, who currently lives in Nashville and works two jobs, said he missed valuable time with his children and is in the process of re-establishing relations with them.
The Memphis Police Department
declined comment. The city of Memphis did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
On May 9, 2002, a robber entered B.B. King’s and unsuccessfully tried to access the club’s safe. The robber held five people hostage in the basement office, tying their hands and feet. One of the hostages was wounded when he was shot trying to take a gun from the robber, who took some of their money and jewelry before fleeing.
Despite dozens of leads, officers ignored evidence, such as the correct description of the robber, and eliminated leads on suspects without justification, the lawsuit claims.
Whitehead’s lawyers argued, among other things, that the actual robber was
short and slim, while Whitehead was 6 feet tall and muscular. The judge who tossed out the conviction said there was no proof presented at trial that Whitehead had ever been to Beale Street or B.B. King’s or that he was familiar with the building.
The lawsuit was filed days after the U.S. Department of Justice released results of a monthslong investigation into the Memphis Police Department that was initiated after the January 2023 beating death of Tyre Nichols by five police officers who were fired and charged in federal and state court.
The investigation found that Memphis officers regularly use excessive force and discriminate against Black residents of the majority-Black city.
President Calvin Anderson Interim Editor Lee Eric Smith
“[Open carry] definitely presents a challenge. Memphis is an anomaly, but we’re up to the challenge.”
— C.J. Davis
A collision of competing truths
Yes,
crime is down.
Yes, MPD is broken. But DOJ’s consent decree can’t fix problems TN open carry law creates
FROM THE EDITOR:
By Lee Eric Smith Interim Editor
As the City of Memphis and the US Department of Justice haggle over the response to the DOJ’s damning report on rampant misconduct in the Memphis Police Department, I can’t help but think about a chance encounter I had at a local Chinese take-out restaurant. It was a week or so after five rogue Memphis cops brutally and fatally beat Tyre Nichols, and the case was still very much national news. The restaurant is almost pure takeout, only a few tables. I go in to pick up my Hunan Beef, pay for it and step aside to wait. A few minutes later, a young black dude comes in — shorts sagging, socks, slides, the whole nine.
He steps to the countertop to ask
about an alteration to his order — extra sauce or something else that seems like it should be free but was not. A few seconds later, his voice seems to be escalating, and as he uses his hand gestures, his shirt lifts up just a bit. Is that . . .?
Yup. That’s the handle of a gun. So, needless to say, I suddenly had a very keen interest in how this disagreement over extra sauce turns out. I keep quiet but alert and attentive. And it’s a good thing I was paying attention too, because as I notice the gun again . . . is that . . . ?
A clip. That’s not a handgun, it’s a machine gun.
This mane can squeeze off a dozen
rounds in two seconds and we up in here fussing over sauce….
The drama concludes there, pretty much, y’all. He didn’t get what he wanted, but he didn’t make a fuss about it. I got my food and headed home without issue. But I couldn’t help feeling like I’d dodged a close call. There are so many ways that could have gone wrong.
With Tyre Nichols and MPD in the news at that time, I couldn’t help but ask myself: Is this what Memphis Police have to deal with all day, every day? When even going to pick up Chinese takeout has the potential to become a mass shooting?
That moment was on my mind as I asked Memphis Police Chief CJ Davis about her department’s response to the DOJ investigation. The DOJ press conference was a stark counterpoint to the optimism we’d seen just weeks earlier.
Not even a month ago, Memphis Mayor Paul Young stood at a podium celebrating $1 million in grants for nonprofits tackling the root causes of crime. A week later, MPD was touting lower crime rates and new high-tech crime-fighting strategies, including AI-powered cameras.
Then, in a matter of days, the tone shifted. The DOJ’s findings delivered a devastating reality check, with Chief Davis and Mayor Young facing far tougher questions.
It all feels like a pile-up on I-240 — a collision of competing truths. Yes, there’s measurable progress, so whatever MPD has been doing these past several months has been working. And yes, the Memphis Police Department is undeniably broken, as is the environment it’s policing. Three things can
Lee Eric Smith
Interim Police Chief C.J. Davis.
From Page 3
■■ PERSPECTIVE
be true at the same time — creating a tension that’s impossible to ignore.
Guns Everywhere, Tension Everywhere
Tennessee’s open-carry law is beloved by suburban and rural conservatives, but in Memphis, its impact feels entirely different.
Here, guns aren’t just a hypothetical constitutional right — they’re a constant, visible reality. The DOJ’s investigation highlighted how often MPD officers escalate situations unnecessarily, but honestly, how do you avoid escalation when nearly every encounter could involve a gun?
“When you have more guns on the street, you have more encounters with police officers, especially in communities that already experience high levels of violence,” Davis said when I asked about the firepower her officers face. “The balance is what we try to get to, to make sure that we have a balance that’s fair and impartial and constitutional as well.”
It was a carefully worded answer. But even Davis’ frustration over the open carry law only scratches the surface of the problem.
In Memphis, gun laws — or the lack thereof — don’t just arm law-abiding citizens. They create a free-for-all environment where firearms are easily accessible, whether you’re a teenager at a takeout counter or a repeat offender walking the streets.
“[Open carry] definitely presents a challenge,” Davis continued. “Memphis is an anomaly, but we’re up to the challenge.”
The “anomaly” Davis referenced has layers. Memphis is not only a majority-Black city with entrenched poverty and systemic inequality; it’s also a border city where criminals can slip across state lines from Mississippi or Arkansas to break the law. These geographic and demographic complexities heighten the
unpredictability police face and exacerbate the tension.
And yet, it’s that very tension — the endless balancing act between lawful rights and public safety — that sits at the heart of reform.
Police Reform Can’t Fix a Broken System Alone
The DOJ’s findings were damning: Unconstitutional stops and searches, excessive use of force, racial disparities in enforcement, and discriminatory treatment of people with behavioral health disabilities. The report makes clear that systemic reform within MPD is essential.
But even the most comprehensive consent decree won’t solve the underlying problem: Memphis is awash in guns, and there’s no national or statewide appetite for meaningful change.
The DOJ’s proposed reforms include better training on de-escalation, clearer policies on use of force, and stronger oversight of officer conduct. These are necessary steps. But will they be enough in a city where officers are forced to operate with the constant fear that any minor stop could escalate into gunfire?
No training manual or policy rewrite can address the gut-level anxiety that comes with policing a city where guns are ubiquitous and tempers can flare in an instant. For real change to take root, Memphis doesn’t just need better police — it needs better laws.
Once again, Memphis needs help from the Tennessee State Legislature.
A City Demands Change
The DOJ’s recommendations, while thorough, exist in a vacuum if they aren’t paired with meaningful changes to the environment in which police operate. Memphis residents know this. In a November nonbinding referendum, they sent a clear message by overwhelmingly voting for stricter gun laws.
The vote was a rare moment of unity in a city divided by so many other chal-
lenges. Now, Memphis-based legislators are hoping that this mandate from their constituents will help move the needle in Nashville in 2025. But it won’t be easy — not when the “law enforcement party” won’t listen to law enforcement.
Back in 2021, multiple law enforcement agencies across the state opposed Tennessee’s open-carry law, warning it would increase gun violence. Yet, the legislature pushed forward anyway, prioritizing political ideology over public safety.
The consequences of those decisions play out every day in Memphis, where officers face not just violent crime but an entire culture built around fear and distrust. While the DOJ’s consent decree might address police misconduct, it cannot legislate common sense or compassion into a system designed to perpetuate inequality.
Tension + Trauma = Trigger Fingers
The systemic issues plaguing Memphis extend beyond the DOJ’s report. The pressures of policing take a toll on officers, too — something that became painfully clear in the aftermath of Tyre Nichols’ death.
Emmitt Martin, one of the former officers involved, testified that he was struggling to cope with trauma after being hit by a suspect fleeing in a car in November 2022. Diagnosed with PTSD, Martin described sleeplessness, paranoia, anger issues and “homicidal thoughts” — all of which, he admitted, exploded that tragic night.
This doesn’t excuse his actions. But it forces us to confront an uncomfortable reality: Police officers are people, too. They are operating under immense pressure in a city drowning in guns and distrust. Every split-second decision they face carries life-and-death consequences — not just for the citizens they encounter, but for themselves.
And for the rest of us? There’s that universal moment of tension, like the one I felt in that take-out restaurant. The quickened heartbeat, the
hyper-awareness, the feeling that one wrong move could set everything spiraling. Imagine living with that every day, not as a bystander, but as someone tasked with maintaining order in a city where chaos too often feels like the status quo.
Real Reform Requires Real Courage
Memphis finds itself at a crossroads, caught between the DOJ’s call for systemic police reform and the harsh realities of a city flooded with guns, trauma and distrust. The DOJ’s findings demand accountability, and rightly so — excessive force, racial discrimination and unconstitutional policing cannot continue unchecked.
But even the most thorough consent decree won’t change the fact that Memphis officers are policing an environment shaped by Tennessee’s permissive gun laws and decades of systemic neglect. The pressures on MPD are immense. Trauma piles on top of tension, and the cracks in the system widen. If we want Memphis to be safer — for citizens and police alike — it’s going to take more than new policies and revised training manuals. It’s going to take real courage from state lawmakers to address the root causes of the violence that fuels so many of these encounters.
It’s going to take more investment in mental health, education and opportunity. It’s going to take bold steps to get guns out of the hands of those who shouldn’t have them.
Memphians have already spoken. In November, the city overwhelmingly voted for stricter gun laws in a nonbinding referendum. Now, it’s time for Tennessee’s legislators to listen and act. Memphis doesn’t need band-aids. It needs bold, systemic change. The DOJ report is an important first step, but it’s just that: One step. If state leaders fail to meet the moment, then this cycle of tension, trauma and tragedy will continue.
■■ ENTERTAINMENT
Jhené Aiko concludes The Magic Hour Tour with an enchanting finale in Memphis
By Brianna A. Smith-Herman Special to The Tri-State Defender
Memphis became the epicenter of soulful serenity on Saturday night, December 14, as Jhené Aiko’s The Magic Hour Tour concluded its journey at FedEx Forum. The venue was transformed into a haven of introspective vibes, incense-filled air and heartfelt music, creating a truly unforgettable experience for fans.
The evening’s energy was already palpable with a stellar lineup of openers, including Jessie Reyez, Shenseea, Kiana Ledé and UMI. Each artist brought their own unique flair, setting the stage for an unforgettable night of R&B, soul and hip-hop.
DJ Starrza further amped up the crowd, crafting a sonic atmosphere that perfectly complemented the evening’s vibe.
When Aiko took the stage, she did so in spectacular fashion, emerging from a blooming lotus flower—a fitting symbol for her serene and spiritual artistry. Opening with “Guidance,” her ethereal voice immediately captivated the audience, who erupted in cheers. Transitioning seamlessly into hits like “Oblivion” and “Stay Ready,” she delivered a performance that was both mesmerizing and deeply emotional.
Accompanied by a live band, graceful dancers and even a harpist, Aiko brought an earthy and tranquil energy to her set. Each song was enhanced by stunning stage designs and a dynamic backdrop, where introspective words shifted with the music, creating an immersive experience.
Her vocals were as smooth as ever, effortlessly carrying the crowd through a setlist spanning 42 songs. Though many tracks were woven into medleys, the audience didn’t miss a beat, sing-
ing along to every lyric.
A special highlight of the evening was the surprise appearance of Aiko’s sister, Mila J, who joined her on stage for “On The Way.” The bond between the two added a familial warmth to an already intimate show.
The atmosphere hit a peak of gratitude and celebration as Aiko closed the night with “Bed Peace,” joined on stage by her crew, friends, family and boyfriend Big Sean. She expressed her heartfelt thanks to the Memphis audience, whom she hailed as the loudest city on the tour, as well as to her fans and team who made The Magic Hour Tour possible.
The concert was not just a performance but an experience—an evening where music, emotion and connection converged. Memphis couldn’t have asked for a more magical conclusion to Jhené Aiko’s soulful journey.
Jhené Aiko captivates the Memphis crowd with her ethereal presence and soulful performance during the grand finale of The Magic Hour Tour at FedEx Forum. (Courtesy Photo from Jhené Aiko’s Instagram)
Feagins to stay as MSCS Superintendent — for now
Memphians line up around the building to show support for Feagins, who faces allegations of mishandling money and creating a toxic work environment
By Lee Eric Smith Interim Editor
Hundreds of Memphians made something very clear Tuesday night at a special call meeting of the Memphis-Shelby County Schools Board of Education:
If you want to terminate Superintendent Marie Feagins, you’re in for a fight.
As for Feagins, she lives to fight another day. By the end of a meeting where tempers flared, allegations were lobbed and angry citizens were shown the door, the school board voted to take the matter up again in January.
That’s when Feagins will get a chance to formally respond to allegations by school board members that her administration mishandled money, misled the public and presides over a toxic work environment — and therefore must go for the good of the students.
How We Got Here
While she’s enjoyed a lot of public support—more on that in a moment— it’s no secret that early in her short tenure, Feagins has stumbled at times and ruffled feathers at other times. Whether it’s been moving central office staff back into the classroom or botched communications around school shutdowns, she’s made both allies and adversaries.
Plus, the school board that hired her last spring was essentially blown up when five new board members were elected in June. Imagine being hired one day, your boss leaves, but now you have to report to a new boss who had nothing to do with hiring you.
Still, a hastily called meeting to
• Unauthorized Financial Actions: Accepted a $45,000 donation on behalf of the district without Board approval and misrepresented her knowledge of depositing the funds, violating Board policy.
discuss terminating Feagins’ contract blindsided almost everyone. During the meeting, one board member said she had not seen the allegations before the meeting, and Feagins’ said she only learned of the allegations against her as they were being read by Board Chair Joyce Dorse Coleman, who was seated right next to her.
“I understand the gravity of what I am about to recommend,” Coleman told a raucous pro-Feagins crowd. “It is not going to be popular with some, but we were not elected to make popular decisions. We were elected to make
decisions in the best interest of students and families we serve.”
Resolution Full of Allegations
Coleman read a lengthy resolution aloud, laying out a litany of allegations against Feagins, including financial mismanagement, unapproved transactions and unfounded accusations of employee misconduct. Among them:
• Misleading Statements: Claimed the district paid $1 million in employee overtime for hours not worked, but Feagins failed to provide evidence and did not correct the statement publicly.
• Grant Mismanagement: Claimed federal grant funds for homeless students were still available despite missing deadlines to obligate the funds, resulting in the district having to repay $304,000.
• Communication Failures: Allegedly refused to communicate and cooperate with district partners and failed to promptly report significant matters to the Board.
• Pattern of Detrimental Behavior: Accused of actions and behaviors inconsistent with effective leadership and the best interests of the district and its students.
If released, Feagins could still be contractually owed nearly $500,000 over 18 months, board counsel said.
“Colleagues, we need a leader who
After shouting “I am embarrassed!” at the school board, this ninth grader pleaded with board members to keep Feagins on as superintendent.
MSCS School Board Chair Joyce Dorse Coleman listens to fiery public comment on the fate of Superintendent Marie Feagins, right, at a special meeting called to terminate Feagins’ contract. (Photos: Lee Eric Smith/Tri-State Defender)
■■ COMMUNITY
sets a vision for the district, collaborates effectively with this board, communicates transparently and acts with integrity,” Coleman said. “We have seen a clear pattern of behavior that undermines these qualities and raises concerns about professional conduct, accountability and alignment with the best interests of the district.”
The People vs. The Board of Education
Board members looking to oust Feagins may not have been looking for a fight, but they sure got one. Hundreds packed the board chambers to capacity. Another 50 or 60 watched the meeting in an overflow area down the hallway. And dozens more waited outside the building in line, even as rain threatened, watching the livestream on their phones. That livestream on YouTube had well over 5,000 people watching live at one point. For context: This was how the public responded with just 24 hours notice. In a normal meeting, guests get three minutes to comment. But when it was announced that 57 people had signed up to comment and more wanted to, the board gave each commenter one minute to say their piece.
But in an extremely heated environment, some in the crowd disregarded protocols and shouted their disapproval at the board: “We hired you! If you fire her, we’ll fire YOU!”
“Dr. Feagins has brought hope to this district,” said Sandra Boyd, a retired teacher and union member. “She’s a visionary leader who cares deeply about our children and their future.”
Frederick White, a principal and member of the district’s leadership association, credited Feagins with tackling long-standing challenges.
“She’s worked tirelessly to address teacher shortages, reduce truancy and improve outcomes. Let her finish the job she started,” White said.
The tension in the room occasionally boiled over. At one point, security escorted several attendees out after shouting matches erupted between Feagins’ supporters and critics. Out in the hallway and overflow areas, police officers tried to calm angry citizens still demanding to be let in.
One particularly fiery speaker, Spanish teacher Noah Nordstrom, accused the board of acting illegally before rattling off the exact number of signatures needed to recall each board member who votes against Feagins. “We know
the process, and we’re ready to act!”
A Board Divided
Four board members are clearly in favor of termination: Coleman, Natalie McKinney, Stephanie Love and Sable Otey. And while they understand Feagins’ popularity, they said they have access to information they can’t ignore and a responsibility to act on it.
“This isn’t about popularity or personalities,” Coleman said. “It’s about integrity, accountability and ensuring the future of our district is in capable hands. These allegations undermine trust in our leadership.”
However, the board was far from unified in its stance. Board member Michelle Robinson McKissack pushed back against what she described as a rushed and flawed process.
“This feels like a kangaroo court,” McKissack said. “I only received this resolution hours ago. We are supposed to uphold due process—not undermine it.”
Board member Amber Huett-Garcia added her voice to the opposition, questioning the lack of communication and transparency leading up to the meeting.
“We cannot make decisions of this magnitude without thorough delibera-
tion,” she said. “The stakes are too high to rush to judgment.”
But board member Sable Otey made a point to speak on behalf of a quieter constituency, telling stories of educators and district employees who were texting her in real time about the stresses of working under Feagins’ regime.
“I’m getting messages from teachers. One teacher, one principal, said they’ve been thinking about committing suicide,” Otey said. “They’re texting me and telling me, ‘Thank you for speaking up, because no one else has done this.’”
“We have to consider the climate, the culture and the well-being of our people—our teachers—because that’s going to trickle down to our children,” Otey continued. “If we don’t address this, it’s not just our educators who are at risk—it’s the students who will feel the impact.”
When it was time to vote, a motion to postpone indefinitely, which would have effectively killed the ouster attempt, failed on a 5-4 vote. McKissack, Huett-Garcia, Porter and Williams voted to postpone; Murphy, Love, McKinney, Otey and Coleman voted against. Feagins: “I’m not a victim.”
Feagins sat silently for nearly two hours as the meeting unfolded and wave after wave of support poured in for her. It was followed by the formal presentation of the resolution to remove her from office and a motion to postpone indefinitely.
When she did lean forward to speak into the mic, she gave a full-throated defense of her record, her team and her integrity, saying “no one would have to dismiss me if I” were standing in the way of students succeeding.
“No one holds me to higher standards than I hold myself,” Feagins said. “I have yet to see the resolution; I only heard it read aloud this evening. What I’ve heard is meritless and baseless. I’ve been transparent and can refute every single claim.
“I’ve been told by some board members that my transparency has been weaponized against me,” she continued.
See Page 8
Police work to keep the peace as emotions flared in the hallways outside the MSCS School Board meeting. Some citizens tried to push past officers to get into the meeting hall, but were gently stopped.
From
Page 7
■■ COMMUNITY
“I’m not a victim. I came here to do a job I was called to do, and I stand by the work my team and I have accomplished since day one.”
Point by point, Feagins briefly countered each allegation, noting that she would gladly prefer to tender a written response to the proclamation before the board votes.
“I knew the challenges when I accepted this role, and I wake up every day ready to do the work Memphis deserves,” she said. “If the board decides I am not fit to continue, it has been an honor to serve.
“I am unapologetic about wanting more for the 901. I’m not apologetic for wanting more for people who want more,” she continued. “I stand by my integrity and my team’s dedication to our mission. If there’s an internal or external review, I’m confident of what would come out of it.”
What Next?
The board voted 5-4 to send the matter to committee, presumably giving Feagins time to prepare a formal response to the allegations, while also allowing other board members time for due diligence. It’s also safe to expect an even larger public turnout for the hearing, currently set for January.
But given how entrenched Feagins’ opposition is on the board, it’s hard to imagine them changing their vote, no matter how vocal her supporters are.
But it’s also hard to imagine smooth sailing if she stays. Even if board members succumb to public pressure and keep her, a heated public ouster attempt has certainly damaged trust between the Board and Feagins, as well as between the Board and their constituents.
The sides would be stuck with each other until at least the next school board election in 2026.
For now, Feagins remains at the helm, determined to continue her work.
“I have absolutely nothing to hide,” Feagins said. “ I still wake up every day excited about the work to be done in Memphis and with Memphis.”
Commissioners approve new Frayser high school, jailhouse repairs
By James Coleman Special to The Tri-State Defender
During the December 16 meeting, Shelby County Commissioners approved a flurry of resolutions to wrap up county business before the end of the calendar year, including a vote to fund a new high school in Frayser.
More than 90 resolutions were included in the meeting’s agenda, which wrapped up in just under six hours. It was the final meeting of the year.
The vote on the proposed Frayser high school comes at a delicate time. The Memphis-Shelby County Schools Board of Education is scheduled to decide on the removal of Superintendent Marie Feagins.
In her short eight-month tenure, Feagins has incurred the ire of several board members. Criticisms include executive decisions without consulting the board. She has also faced accusations of dishonesty.
Nevertheless, the up-in-the-air fate of the school system’s leader wasn’t enough to dissuade commission members.
“My vote is still going to be the same as it was on Wednesday,” said Commissioner Edmund Ford Jr. “I have some concern that after this does pass, there might not be a leader at 160 Hollywood.”
After a few tweaks in the language, his colleagues agreed 10–0 to an amended version.
Voting in favor were Miska ClayBibbs, Charlie Caswell, Erika Sugarmon, Mick Wright, Britney Thornton, Henri Brooks, Mickell Lowery, Chairman Mark Whaley, Shante Avant and Ford.
The $33 million school is one of two proposed new high schools paired with the $750-million-plus Regional
One Health hospital campus project. Last month, commissioners rejected a proposed site for the East Region high school in Cordova.
The proposed Frayser school would feature three STEM classrooms, vocal and band performance areas, a broadcast production space, a graphic design classroom, an open learning space with natural lighting, athletic facilities, a community market and a laundry space.
It will replace the aging Trezevant High School, which has long outlived its ability to serve students appropriately. By MSCS admission, Trezevant lacks many of the modern classroom settings and amenities that students at more affluent schools take for granted. Trezevant was built in 1960.
A new football field would also be included. The Bears currently play home games at Halle Stadium and Cordova High School. The distance between the latter and Trezevant is around 20 miles and typically takes a 25–30 minute commute.
“I am supporting this because I think this is a path forward for us to do what we committed to do,” said Vice Chair Avant.
The hospital is also on an extended timeline. In 2022, the commission agreed to fund $350 million toward the proposal. However, Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris has come up short in his bid to find matching funds from the state.
Feagins’ possible removal — and the search for an eventual replacement — could push back the timeline on the Frayser school project. All three projects were originally slated for a 2027 completion. Both schools were placed on a five-year timeline. The hospital has been given 10 years to become a reality.
“If it took two years to put a leader
in place over there, and if this board decides to eliminate a leader, so that we have to wait another two years, that’s going to be a challenge,” said Ford. “Especially since this body is responsible for $427 million of money that goes to Memphis-Shelby County Schools.”
That figure is the FY2025 budget for the school system.
Prior to the vote, members also approved a slate of repairs and improvements to the aging Shelby County Jail, located at 201 Poplar. Along with replacing 184 sliding cell doors with hinged doors, the fixes will include repairs to the jail’s HVAC system, plumbing, floors, cells and pods.
New cameras, lighting fixtures, a walk-in freezer and an industrial dishwasher also will be installed at the lockup. In addition, impact-resistant Lexan glass will be installed on the fifth floor of the facility.
Conditions at the jail have become a concern for the safety of both staff and its 2,000-plus inmates.
The sheriff’s department has already spent more than $5 million on repairs this year. Any expenditure over $50,000 requires county commission approval.
Earlier in the year, commissioners approved $250,000 to study the costs of a new jail. Mayor Harris has said a new facility could cost $1 billion and take 10 years to complete.
With Monday’s vote, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office employees will be outfitted with new uniforms and protective gear. Other resolutions funded psychological support services, marketing, recruiting and security guard services. In all, more than 20 resolutions were placed under the SCSO’s purview during the meeting.
The resolutions passed unanimously during the consent agenda vote, which allows for no debate or comment.
NOTICE TO BIDDERS
Shelby County Government has issued Sealed Bid number I000906 New & Unused 2025 Model Fleet Replacement Vehicles. Information regarding this Bid is located on the County’s website at www.shelbycountytn.gov . At the top of the home page, click on the dropdown box under “Business”, Click on “Purchasing” and “Bids” to locate the name of the abovedescribed Sealed Bid.
SEALED BID I000906 DUE DATE
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2025 AT 2:00 PM CST
(SB-I000906) NEW & UNUSED 2025 MODEL FLEET REPLACEMENT VEHICLES
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Passcode: WR3x3EN2
Shelby County is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer, drug-free with policies of non-discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or military service.
By order of LEE HARRIS, MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT
PUBLIC NOTICES / CLASSIFIEDS
NOTICE TO BIDDERS
Shelby County Government has issued Sealed Bid number I000907 Emergency Equipment for Law Enforcement Vehicles. Information regarding this Bid is located on the County’s website at www.shelbycountytn.gov . At the top of the home page, click on the dropdown box under “Business”, Click on “Purchasing” and “Bids” to locate the name of the abovedescribed Sealed Bid.
SEALED BID I000907 DUE DATE THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025 AT 2:00 PM CST (SB-I000907) EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT for LAW ENFORCEMENT VEHICLES
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Short-handed Lady Tigers fall 85-67 to Troy, lose 6th consecutive contest
By LiAudwin Seaberry Special to The Tri-State Defender
With injuries decimating the Memphis Tigers’ rotation, Womens’ Head Basketball Coach Alex Simmons knew her team would be in a tough predicament. Only eight players were available for Saturday’s game against Troy (5-5).
Despite putting up a valiant effort in the second half, the Tigers (2-7) were eventually overwhelmed and fell 85-67 to the Trojan, giving Memphis its sixth straight loss.
Guard Tanyuel Welch was a bright spot for the Tigers, pouring in a career high 21 points while forward Alasia Smith contributed 19 points and grabbed eight rebounds and three assists.
Troy’s scoring attack varied from guards Ashley Baez and Zay Dyer, who scored 16 points each, to forward Brianna Jackson, also contributing 16 points as well.
The Tigers could hardly buy a bucket in the first half, as the squad shot just 34 percent from the field. They also couldn’t stop anybody on the defensive end, as Troy shot a scorching 55 percent in the half. The Tigers went into halftime in catch-up mode, trailing 45-31.
Memphis showed more fight and firepower after the half, as senior guard Elauna Eaton scored five of her 10 points in the third. Welch also chipped in 10 points and as a team, Memphis made 10 of 11 field goals during the third quarter. But the defense still didn’t get stops, and the Tigers only outscored Troy 21-19 in the process.
Memphis had one more rally in them early in the fourth quarter, getting as close as seven points in the frame. But Troy simply squashed any opportunity of the Tigers making a serious comeback, giving up just four total field goals to Memphis in the final frame of play.
The Tigers haven’t won since Nov. 10.
Despite the loss, freshmen Bailey Gilmore and Tamya Smith were effective in their roles Saturday, standing out through hustle plays and rebounding, areas that Memphis sorely needed reinforcements within. Speaking of reinforcements, point guard DeeDee Hagemann is slated to return Wednesday night for Memphis as they take on Tennessee (7:30 p.m).
MASE Championship parade set for Dec. 20 along Poplar Ave.
TSD Newsroom
The Memphis Academy of Science and Engineering (MASE) is set to honor its historic victory as the first charter school to win the 1A TSSAA BlueCross Bowl High School Football Championship with a citywide parade on Friday, December 20, at 9 a.m.
The parade will begin at the intersection of Poplar and Avalon and conclude at the school’s campus at 1266 Poplar Avenue.
“This accomplishment speaks to the continuous growth of educational options for Memphis-area students,” said Rod Gaston, Executive Director of MASE. He highlighted that the event is not just about celebrating their own success but also honoring the achievements of students across the Greater Memphis area. MASE has invited several other
public and charter schools to join the parade.
The MASE Phoenix Football team’s championship win is a testament to the school’s commitment to excellence both on the field and in academics.
Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best high schools in the state, MASE prides itself on being a leader in STEM-focused education while offering a full athletics program and extracurricular activities.
The parade will serve as a celebration of teamwork, dedication, and community spirit, reinforcing the school’s mantra: “Excellence is the Standard.”
Event Details:
• What: Championship Parade
• When: Friday, December 20, 9 a.m.
• Where: Begins at Poplar & Avalon, ends at 1266 Poplar Avenue
