News

Carver High supporters rally to fight closure

Submitted by Justin Hanson, West Tennessee Reporter

Friday, May 17th, 2013, 5:36am

(WMC-TV) Students and alumni of George Washington Carver High School in South Memphis have been vocal in opposing the plan to close the school and merge it with Booker T. Washington High.

Carver is one of 11 so-called underutilized schools that the Shelby County School board has voted to begin the process of closing. It's part of the Board's effort to help cut merger costs heading into the Fall.

Yesterday, the school board passed a more than $1 billion budget, which included cutting more than 400 teacher and teaching assistant positions.

The budget also Re-instates 40 of the 82 Pre-K classes that were expected to be cut.

The budget is now up for review by the Shelby County Commission.

The district plans to hold its own meetings before any final votes on school closures are made. Meanwhile, Carver High supporters are rallying to keep their doors open.

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Spray schedule for May

Submitted by Bernadette Davis, Freelance Writer

Tuesday, May 14th, 2013, 5:13pm

The Shelby County Health Department (SCDH) has received confirmation of mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus (WNV) within the areas of ZIP codes 38018, 38104, and 38109. Mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus have been previously found in ZIP codes 38116, 38122, 38127, 38133, 38125, 38017, and 38141.

Since April the SCHD Vector Control Program has treated areas by applying larvicides to standing bodies of water. As an additional precaution, the SCHD will also conduct truck mounted spraying of EPA approved insecticides weather permitting, in portions specific ZIP codes according to the following schedule:

Tuesday, May 14

8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

ZIP Codes: 38108, 38111, 38112, 38117, 38120, 38122, 38128, 38134

Wednesday, May 15

8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

ZIP Codes: 38002, 38053, 38133, 38135

Thursday, May 16

8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

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Memphis city access cards to be used for pools

Submitted by Kym Clark on Tuesday, May 14th, 4:21 pm

The cards, like city swimming pools and libraries, are free.

MEMPHIS, TN- (WMC-TV) - The City of Memphis is trying to make it easy for youngsters to, not only, find a cool air conditioned place to hang out and read, but also do a little swimming.

"We have 13 outdoor swimming pools that will start their summer season on June the 8 and those pools will operate through July the 27," said Joseph Lee with Memphis Parks and Neighborhoods.

City pools are free. This year citizens can go to the nearest library rather than stand in line to get a pool card.

"The card would be utilized not only for access to the library, but also to the city swimming facilities," said Lee. "And, what we want to do is really make swimming very comfortable for youth. We have a collaboration with Memphis Splash, and we're continue to encourage all of our youngsters to get exposed to swimming and learn to swim."

Adults may now use their regular library or passport card.

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Mother loses second son in drive-by shooting

Submitted by Jason Miles, Reporter

Thursday, May 9th, 2013, 10:38pm

Deloris Wright's shoes were stained by her 33-year-old great nephew's blood as she held mortally wounded Marcus Mosby in her arms.

MEMPHIS, TN- (WMC-TV) - One Memphis mother lost a second son Wednesday night to tragedy. He was shot and killed years after his brother was struck by a train.

The grieving mother's aunt tried to save the son who was killed in a drive-by shooting, but his wounds were too severe – even for the retired trauma nurse.

Deloris Wright's shoes were stained by her 33-year-old great nephew's blood as she held mortally wounded Marcus Mosby in her arms.

"He was conscious when I got around there to him, and I said, 'Don't try to talk. Keep your eye on me and keep breathing, we're waiting on the ambulance," said Wright.

The shooting happened in the 1600 block of McLemore shortly after what police described as an attempted robbery.

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Reports: Crash results in multiple injuries

Submitted by WMCTV Web Staff

Wednesday, May 8th, 2013, 11:32pm

(WMC-TV) - The Memphis Police Department is on the scene of a crash in the Memphis airport area where there are reports of multiple injuries.

The accident happened at Shelby Drive and Getwell Road. It is unclear how many vehicles were involved at this time.

It is possible some people were ejected from a vehicle, according to police.

Keep checking WMCTV.COM for updates on this developing story.

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Shooting victim walks into Kentucky Fried Chicken for help

Submitted by Janice Broach, Reporter

Wednesday, May 8th, 2013, 10:11pm

MEMPHIS, TN- (WMC-TV) - A man walked into a Kentucky Fried Chicken asking for help after being shot in the hip Wednesday, according to police.

People at a gas station at the intersection of Third Street and Brooks Road heard several shots fired.

"Can't you come and get some gas without having to duck down from bullets? I mean that's a sad situation," said witness Ralph Shipp

According to police, a blue four-door Sedan filled with men shot at the driver of a Jaguar.

The driver of the Jaguar, who was shot in the hip, went into the nearby KFC for help. He was able to limp into the ambulance.

The shooting happened at rush hour. Multiple lanes were closed during the early investigation.

There were at least 16 bullet casings marked by police in the intersection.

The condition of the shooting victim is still unclear.

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Community fights to keep high school

Submitted by Jason Miles, Reporter

Tuesday, May 7th, 2013, 11:04pm

(WMC-TV) - There is a fight to keep a number of Memphis schools off the chopping block. The Carver High School community packed a church Tuesday to begin its planning.

Not a seat was available at Bloomfield Baptist as it was filled with school spirit and community pride. The pulpit provides the most emotion during most any meeting at a Memphis church..

"This is not an event. This is a movement," said the Rev. Ralph White.

Tennessee State Representative Joe Towns called the fight to keep his own alma mater, Carver High, from closing

"You can't justify closing our school, not in this neighborhood," said Towns. "Why would you ever have the audacity to come to our community and talk about closing our school? You're out of your mind!">

Carver High School is one of 11 so-called underutilized schools the Unified School Board voted last week to begin the process of closing.

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