News

Club 152 given permission to reopen

Submitted by Jason Miles, Reporter

Friday, May 24th, 2013, 9:58pm

MEMPHIS, TN- (WMC-TV) - With a big weekend planned to include the Grizzlies game, Red Birds, and the Sunset Symphony taking place – it is no surprise the owners of Club 152 agreed to re-open under certain conditions.

A judge gave the club owners permission to open the doors Friday afternoon.

"I didn't have any money for my bills or anything," said server Amber Norris who is happy to be back at work.

She, and 100 other Club 152 employees, were temporarily out of work for a week following a raid by the Shelby County District Attorney who shut down then establishment.

Investigators charged former employee Frank Gilmore and two others with selling drugs inside the club following a months long investigation.

Gilmore was advised by his attorney not to talk.

An attorney representing the club said the actions of just a few employees penalized everyone.

Club 152 opened under the conditions set out in a settlement Friday morning.

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City mayors place BBQ bet on basketball teams

Submitted by Michael Clark on Friday, May 24th, 5:34 pm

The mayor of the city with the winning basketball team gets a taste of the other city's barbecue.

MEMPHIS, TN- (WMC-TV) - Operation Grit, Grind, and Shine is in full force after the Memphis mayor declared Grizzlies Friday. In turn, the mayor of San Antonio issued a challenge to mayor A C Wharton.

Memphis barbecue and Grizzlies basketball continue as a source of pride for the people of Memphis. So much so that Wharton holds a confident bet he made with San Antonio mayor Julian Castro involving both.

The mayor of the city with the winning basketball team gets a taste of the other city's barbecue.

"We're going to win, take it all, he'll probably have to
send the whole BBQ joint over here," said Wharton.

Out of five tables of barbecue enthusiasts at Rendevous, all of them said Memphis would get the raw end of the bet – if the Grizzlies can pull it out.

"Memphis would be hurting if Texas won, because Memphis has the better brisket," said Todd Pastor.

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Memphis shows Grizz support

Submitted by Michael Clark on Friday, May 24th, 5:33 pm

MEMPHIS, TN- (WMC-TV) - It is Grizzlies Friday, as proclaimed by Memphis Mayor A C Wharton. Many Memphians are getting into the spirit, wearing blue and gold as a showing of support.

All over the Bluff City, Grizzlies flags flew on cars. Blue and yellow can be found on just about everyone around town.

Mayor A C Wharton deemed it Grizzlies Friday, and even employers that you would not expect heard his message loud and clear.

"We're the official hospital of the Grizzlies. Normally as a hospital we wear specific kinds of attire and professional clothes but we said, 'You know, we're part of this team,'" said Marilynn Robinson, St. Francis Hospital.

St. Francis Hospital was not the only one whose employees were sporting Grizz gear.

Banners outside of Le Bonheur Children's Hospital were flew proudly.

The lobby of the famous Peabody Hotel had some grit and grind just above the swimming ducks.

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Memphian Kris Thomas set to sing at Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals

Submitted by Andrew Douglas on Friday, May 24th, 9:15 am

Fresh off making into the Top 10 on NBC's The Voice, Kris Thomas will be singing the National Anthem when the Memphis Grizzlies host the San Antonio Spurs for Game 3 Saturday. He confirmed the news to Action News 5 Friday morning. Tipoff for Game 3 is set for 8pm Saturday May 25th

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Look inside the making of the 'Growl Towels'

Submitted by WMCTV Web Staff

Thursday, May 23rd, 2013, 9:02pm

(WMC-TV) - Growl Towels are a symbol of Grizz Nation, and are seen waving on televisions across the county.

The makers of the iconic towels work out of Nashville. "Something Inked" said it is an amazing feeling to watch their creation on national television.

More importantly, the printing company's president, Oliver Landry said he is stunned watching thousands of fans in the FedExForum wave their flag in person.

He is proud to be part of Memphis and the Grizzlies and said their business has a lot in common.

"Its been great, we've had our ups and downs, we've gritted and grinded through it just like the Grizzlies have," said Landry.

The creators said there are just a few secrets behind making the growl towels, but they cannot share them.

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Memphis mayor raises 'Grit and Grind' flags

Submitted by Nick Kenney, Reporter

Thursday, May 23rd, 2013, 6:16pm

Mayor A C Wharton raised grit and grind flags at the tip of Mud Island after announcing May, 24 would be Grizzlies Day.

MEMPHIS, TN- (WMC-TV) - The Memphis mayor said the weekend will be all grit, grind, and shine. While it is mostly about basketball, there are several reasons all eyes are on Memphis this weekend.

Outside the Presbyterian Day School in East Memphis stands larger than life wooden cutouts of the Memphis Grizzlies.

Art teacher Darla Linerode-Henson supervised nearly 30 people painting for eight days.

"We had a sign up sheet. I made everyone sign up. We had everybody from second graders to adults," said Linerode-Henson.

In downtown Memphis, a huge banner on AutoZone's office building shows their the Grizz spirit.

Mayor A C Wharton raised grit and grind flags at the tip of Mud Island after announcing May, 24 would be Grizzlies Day.

He shared plans to shut down streets for a huge viewing party on the FedEx Forum plaza.

That will extend Beale Street's reach.

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Skateboard shop saved by Grizzlies' big wins

Submitted by Janice Broach, Reporter

Wednesday, May 22nd, 2013, 10:24pm

Hunter Demster started selling "Grind City" T-shirts

MEMPHIS, TN- (WMC-TV) - A Memphis skateboard shop was going under until the Grizzlies' big wins, that is when owner Hunter Demster started selling T-shirts.

The "Grind City" shirts saved his Midtown business which was burglarized twice at the shop, and once his home, in seven months.

"Since I have been selling, started carrying the Grind City Shirts, I have been selling at least 15 a day which as been the difference in having a little bit of money in my pocket and not," said Demster.

He said those customers are also looking at his skateboards.

Mayor A C Wharton said that televised Grizzlies home games, including short views of Memphis attractions, are catching the national audience's eye.

Mayor Wharton has named Friday "Grizzlies Friday", and encouraging people to wear team colors and Grizzlies attire.

Fans all over the Mid-South are excited about Grizz game 3 in the Western Conference Finals Saturday at the FedExForum.

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