Shelby County Appoints New Judge and Enhances Local Services

News Summary

Shelby County is undergoing significant changes with the nomination of Taylor Bachelor as a new judge and plans for healthcare expansion. The county commission’s decisions, including acquiring land for Regional One Medical Center and addressing ongoing educational controversies with former superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins, indicate a commitment to community safety, healthcare enhancement, and support for local educational systems.

Shelby County Shakes Things Up with New Judge and Notable Changes in Education and Healthcare

In the heart of Shelby County, some exciting developments are taking shape that are sure to impact the local community! From a new judicial appointment to significant changes in the education system, there’s plenty to talk about. Let’s break it down!

New Judge on the Block

First on the agenda, the Shelby County Commission has officially nominated Taylor Bachelor as the new replacement for the retiring Judge Bill Anderson. Anderson has notably served for nearly 15 years, and his retirement is set for March 1, 2025. Now, here’s the twist! Bachelor has been serving as a juvenile court magistrate and was selected from a pool of 13 candidates, following a rigorous selection process that included three rounds of voting by the commission.

This change comes amid controversies surrounding Judge Anderson, whose bail decisions led to complaints at the state level and even a federal lawsuit. It seems Bachelor is eager to tackle the challenging role with a fresh perspective. Importantly, she has committed to adhering to clarified bail laws, focusing on what truly matters: the safety of the community when making release determinations. Clearly, a much-needed change is in the air!

Dr. Feagins Addresses the Crowd

Marie Feagins, who has made headlines recently as she publicly spoke for the first time since her untimely termination as the superintendent of Memphis-Shelby County Schools. This took place during a Shelby County Commission meeting that honored her contributions in recognition of Black History Month. What a way to bring attention to important stories!

Feagins was let go by the school board in late January, and it seems the drama isn’t over yet as she is entangled in a legal battle regarding her dismissal. Despite the challenges, she found support at the commission meeting, where members even passed a vote of no confidence against the school board before her termination. It certainly shows strong backing from the community!

Healthcare Expansion Plans Gain Momentum

Regional One Medical Center is also making waves. The county commission has recently made a decision to purchase additional land as part of its reconstruction plans for the medical center. This includes acquiring the old Commercial Appeal building, which suggests ambitious plans for the area ahead!

Dr. Reginald Coopwood, at the helm of Regional One as president and CEO, highlighted the strategic importance of early land acquisition. This initiative will not only aid in controlling future hospital development but will also define what neighboring establishments will look like, catering to the needs of the community.

Final Thoughts

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Additional Resources

• Action News 5
• Commercial Appeal
• Fox 13 Memphis
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Shelby County, Tennessee
• Google Search: Shelby County judge appointment

Author: HERE Memphis