The Commercial Appeal (2007-Current)

Ripening Community -- Farmers Market in Hernando Plants Friendship, Leaning

It's early Saturday and the trucks have begun pulling into the spaces around the Historic Square in Hernando. This season the Hernando Farmers Market has been a success, both in terms of the productive nature of this new venture and the overall camaraderie of the participants. New vendors have flocked to the square this year and eager shoppers have supported their talents and hard work. Over the past two months conversations like, "You're a photographer? Ever heard of the photography club?" o...

Real Life Stories / Are You Slowing Down to Save Gas?

When gas prices spiked last summer, I slowed down to 55 mph on Interstate 240 during my commute. Talk about dangerous. If you think crime in Memphis is threatening try driving 55 mph on I-240. I blame NASCAR. I'm writing some real life stories about my family trying to live a little lighter on the Earth. I know that people all over Memphis are trying to go green and not spend a fortune in the process, just like my family. We want to hear your personal adventures in Going Green. Sometimes it w...

Stella Marris Opening Pushed Back, Again -- Cordova Restaurant Faces More Delays

The long-awaited opening of Steve Cooper's Cordova restaurant, Stella Marris, is going to require more waiting. The restaurant, located on Fischer Steel Road near Germantown Parkway, was scheduled to open in late September, then was pushed back to a scheduled VIP opening Wednesday because dishware had not arrived.

Arrest of Dad Raises Questions -- Provision Allows Offenders at Their Children's Schools

The arrest at Ellendale Elementary School of a parent who is a registered sex offender is raising questions about when such offenders can legally be at a school. And Shelby County Schools officials said Wednesday they did not have proper documentation on file for the man to come have lunch with his child Tuesday afternoon.

Music Man Loved Blues -- Brooks 'Was Just a Real Genuine Fan'

Memphis music veteran Dennis Brooks, a behind-the-scenes industry force, served as a tireless champion of the blues. "He's someone in the music business that did a lot of people good, without ever calling attention to himself," musician and Beale Street Caravan producer Sid Selvidge said of his friend.

Police Report

Millington Target shooter uses stolen gun

Mid-South Memories / 'Fast Friends

Oct. 22 25 years ago: 1984

Aunt of Dead 3-Year-Old Arrested -- Woman Had Outstanding Failure to Appear Warrant

The aunt of a boy who died from injuries he suffered in a fire Monday has been arrested for failing to appear in court on three- year-old charges of theft and driving with a suspended license. Marilyn Wilson, 50, is being held in the Shelby County women's jail on $2,500 bond.

Sessions to Plant Seeds of Peace -- King-Gandhi Talks Spread Roots Abroad

The lush gardens that sprout a bounty of vegetables in some of Memphis' poorest neighborhoods are the crown jewel of the social justice programs run by the Mid-South Peace and Justice Center. "It restores that sense of neighborhood back to communities," said director Jacob Flowers. "It's very powerful."

Peta Asks to Lease Elvis Ranch -- Proposes 'Don't Be Cruel Center' to Promote Kindness to Critters

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals wrote a letter Wednesday proposing to lease Elvis Presley's old Circle G Ranch in Horn Lake for use as a "Don't Be Cruel Educational Center" for children. "This would be a good way to let kids know the truth about how cows are suffering before they're turned into burgers or blue suede shoes," said PETA spokesman Ashley Byrne of Washington.

Slaying Suspect Id'd by Woman -- Ex-Boyfriend On Video of Kidnap

Her name still is tattooed on his neck, but Frenchetta Leavy on Wednesday identified defendant and former boyfriend Shannon Shields on a surveillance video where a murder victim initially was abducted in 2004. The body of 31-year-old victim Jerrell Lott was found hours later in an Arkansas field where he had been shot five times, doused with gasoline and burned.

Pane-Staking Effort -- Restoration for Calvary Episcopal's 130-Year- Old 'East Window'

Suspect's Ex Gives Chilling Answers -- Was Offered Victim's Skirt, Woman Recalls

KNOXVILLE - The ex-girlfriend of the accused leader in the torture deaths of a young Knoxville couple said Wednesday she can place him in the victim's shoes, driving the slain woman's car and blaming his brother for the killings. Daphne Sutton's testimony came on the third day of Lemaricus Davidson's murder trial in the January 2007 deaths of University of Tennessee student Channon Christian, 21, and her boyfriend Christopher Newsom, 23.

Finally Telling Her Story, Accepting Self

All along, she was just trying to be good. As a child growing up in Gainesville, Fla., the daughter of a Nazarene minister, Elaine Blanchard wanted more than anything to be good.

Wharton Keeps Working On Cao -- Searching for Those Who Share His Vision

Just after his first major appointee was sworn into office Wednesday, Memphis mayor-elect A C Wharton said he will move deliberately on other personnel decisions, including the crucial post of chief administrative officer. In his first public speech since last week's landslide election, Wharton told the East Memphis Rotary Club he's still on the hunt for a CAO to run the city's day-to-day operations .

Volunteers Help Center Stay Green

Concerned citizens recently gathered at Lichterman Nature Center to hear some good and bad news. The good news?

Going Green Offers Eco-Tips

Liz Barton likes to think and live green, but sometimes it's just not that easy. The retired schoolteacher, who lives in Hernando, dutifully saved her kitchen scraps for compost - and ended up with an infestation of gnats.

In Brief

Guided nature walk On Sunday , meet at the end of Old Forest Lane, next to the Rainbow Lake parking lot, at 10 a.m. for a free guided 1.5-mile walk through the Old Forest at Overton Park. The walk will take about 1 1/ 2 hours. Children are welcome. Questions? E-mail Naomi naomi@spiny.com) or call 278-2396.

Deaths - Thursday, October 22, 2009

SHELBY COUNTY Bethel, Sallie

In Brief

Memphis Officers fired over accident