Queen’s “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” was playing on the radio. Anne Frase loved it, and Lee Gardner hated it. The two had been at Gaffer’s Speakeasy Restaurant, and Frase was driving Gardner back to his van. It was drizzling out, and they were heading towards the Perkins Bridge over Nonconnah Creek, where heavy spring rain had raised the water level drastically – and made … Continue reading When a creek becomes a river

It’s a good thing the water we drink is filtrated. According to a study done by the Center for Applied Earth Science and Engineering Research, 10-23% of our drinking water in two Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division well fields comes from the heavily polluted Nonconnah Creek, due to breaches in the Memphis aquifer. Continue reading at The Daily Memphian. Continue reading Nonconnah’s polluted water likely leaking into Memphis aquifer

When Aubrey Smith opened Golf and Games Family Park in 1966, he never imagined it would offer the technology it has today. “When I built this place, I had no idea where the road would lead,” he said. “It’s just been year by year. As technology comes out that the public would like, we put it in.” Continue reading at The Daily Memphian. Continue reading Golf and Games Family Park showcases new attractions

When Jim Dean graduated from the University of Memphis in 1980, he couldn’t wait to leave. “It was just like, I couldn’t stay any longer,” he said. “I’ve got to go now.” Nearly 40 years later, he couldn’t wait to return. Continue reading at The Daily Memphian. Continue reading New zoo president and CEO remembers past, looks to future

Jenny Mitchell woke to the roar of lions in the night. The memphian was lying in a tent just outside Makgadikigadi Pans National Park in Botswana, and the sound was unsettling. “It sounded like lions were right outside my tent,” she said. “They weren’t. They were much further away, but the sound carries a lot better in Africa.” Continue reading at The Daily Memphian.   Continue reading Memphis Zoo employee works with elephant organization in Africa, brings knowledge back home

Knox Martin ambled into the PetVax on Southwind Park Cove on a recent Saturday afternoon, dressed casually in old flannel and New Balance shoes. But in his kennel was something more conspicuous, a red-tailed hawk. Continue reading at The Daily Memphian Continue reading Rehabilitators play key role in helping to preserve wildlife

As the radio plays Bob Seger’s “Old time Rock and Roll,” Josh Burgess slides a tray of baguette dough into the oven and explains what inspired him to launch a bakery committed to paying its employees what is commonly known as a “livable” wage. Continue reading at The Daily Memphian Continue reading Cupcakes, croissants and hope: Lucy J’s Bakery provides work, job training for homeless