07/31/19

MLGW Issues Warning About Automated Scam Calls

Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division customers are receiving automated scam calls from a 1-800 phone number requesting customers to call back and make payment to avoid their services being cut off.

While MLGW mails cut-off notices to customers and uses auto-dialers alerting them that payment must be made by a certain date to avoid cutoff, we will never ask customers to call a 1-800 number back or buy a pre-paid debit card. If you get such a call, you are urged to do the following:

  • Hang up the phone.
  • Never give out personal financial information over the phone.
  • Residential customers should call 901-544-6549 and business customers should call MLGW’s Commercial Resource Center at 901-528-4270 if they have concerns.
  • Report it to your local police station if you have been scammed.
  • Go to any of the five MLGW community business offices and speak with a credit counselor if you have problems paying your utility bill.

 

07/26/19

Mosquito Control Activities Scheduled for Week of July 29, 2019

MEMPHIS, TN – The Shelby County Health Department’s Mosquito Control Program routinely traps and tests mosquitoes for the presence of West Nile virus (WNV). Mosquitoes positive for the West Nile Virus were identified in the following zip codes last week, the week of July 22, 2019:  38106, 38109, 38135, 38114, 38111, 38128, 38108, 38122, 38002, 38053, 38016.

Since February, the Shelby County Health Department’s Mosquito Control Program has treated areas by applying larvicides to standing bodies of water. These actions are consistent with efforts to be proactive in decreasing the adult mosquito population. Larviciding is the practice of applying an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered insecticide to areas where mosquito breeding has been confirmed. It is the most effective way of eliminating mosquito populations.

Controlling mosquito populations that may harbor the West Nile virus is important because humans can contract WNV through an infected mosquito’s bite. Although WNV can occasionally cause severe disease, most human infections are mild, resulting in fever, headache and body aches lasting only a few days. Symptoms of severe disease include a high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma or convulsions. Individuals over age 50 and those with compromised immune systems are at higher risk of severe disease. They should especially be careful to avoid mosquito bites.

As an additional precaution, SCHD will conduct mosquito control activities, including truck-mounted spraying (adulticiding) of EPA-approved insecticides, weather permitting*, in specific ZIP codes where the West Nile virus has been detected, and portions of adjoining zip codes, according to the following schedule:

Monday, July 29nd

8:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.

ZIP Codes: 38107, 38108, 38112, 38111, 38122, 38104, 38114

Tuesday, July 30th           

8:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.

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

Wednesday, July 31st

8:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.

ZIP Codes: 38111, 38117, 38118, 38119

Thursday, August 1st         

8:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.

ZIP Codes: 38106, 38109, 38113, 38126, 38103, 38104, 38105, 38109

Go to www.shelbytnhealth.com to view the most current schedule and the exact boundaries of each scheduled spray. New maps will be added weekly to reflect updated schedules.

Truck mounted spraying only effectively kills adult mosquitoes currently flying at the time the insecticide is sprayed. Because of this, residents are highly encouraged to be vigilant as it relates to controlling mosquito populations around their homes and businesses and preventing mosquito bites. Individuals are encouraged to practice the 4 D’s:

  • DEFEND yourself by using insect repellent with DEET. Follow label instructions.
  • DRESS in long sleeves and pants. Wear loose and light colored clothing when outdoors. 
  • DUSK/DAWN is the time when mosquitoes are most active. Stay indoors.
  • DRAIN standing water and install or repair window screens.

Individuals with chronic health problems such as asthma or other lung conditions may want to remain indoors during the time of spraying. Citizens who do not want their residences to be sprayed should contact the Vector Control Program at (901) 222-9715.

* To ensure the insecticide is most effective, the scheduled spraying will be canceled if any of the following weather conditions are present for the majority of the schedule spray time:

  • Rain chance of 65% or greater
  • Wind speeds 11mph or greater
  • Temperature less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit

Follow @ShelbyTNHealth on Twitter and Facebook for the most up-to-date cancellations of any scheduled sprayings.

07/22/19

Mosquito Control Activities Scheduled for Week of July 22, 2019

MEMPHIS, TN – The Shelby County Health Department’s Mosquito Control Program routinely traps and tests mosquitoes for the presence of West Nile virus (WNV). Mosquitoes positive for the West Nile Virus were identified in the following zip codes last week, the week of July 7, 2019: 38104, 38111, 38112, 38114, 38115, 38117, 38119, 38122 and 38141.

Since February, the Shelby County Health Department’s Mosquito Control Program has treated areas by applying larvicides to standing bodies of water. These actions are consistent with efforts to be proactive in decreasing the adult mosquito population. Larviciding is the practice of applying an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered insecticide to areas where mosquito breeding has been confirmed. It is the most effective way of eliminating mosquito populations.

Controlling mosquito populations that may harbor the West Nile virus is important because humans can contract WNV through an infected mosquito’s bite. Although WNV can occasionally cause severe disease, most human infections are mild, resulting in fever, headache and body aches lasting only a few days. Symptoms of severe disease include a high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma or convulsions. Individuals over age 50 and those with compromised immune systems are at higher risk of severe disease. They should especially be careful to avoid mosquito bites.

As an additional precaution, SCHD will conduct mosquito control activities, including truck-mounted spraying (adulticiding) of EPA-approved insecticides, weather permitting*, in specific ZIP codes where the West Nile virus has been detected, and portions of adjoining zip codes, according to the following schedule:

Monday, July 22nd

8:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.

ZIP Codes: 38107, 38108, 38112, 38111, 38122, 38104, 38114

Tuesday, July 23rd               

8:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.

ZIP Codes: 38118, 37501, 38115, 38141

Wednesday, July 24th

8:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.

ZIP Codes: 38116, 38118, 38130, 38131, 38132, 38118, 38115, 38125

Thursday, July 18th

8:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.

ZIP Codes: 38111, 38117, 38122, 38152, 38118, 38119

Go to www.shelbytnhealth.com to view the most current schedule and the exact boundaries of each scheduled spray. New maps will be added weekly to reflect updated schedules.

Truck mounted spraying only effectively kills adult mosquitoes currently flying at the time the insecticide is sprayed. Because of this, residents are highly encouraged to be vigilant as it relates to controlling mosquito populations around their homes and businesses and preventing mosquito bites. Individuals are encouraged to practice the 4 D’s:

  • DEFEND yourself by using insect repellent with DEET. Follow label instructions.
  • DRESS in long sleeves and pants. Wear loose and light colored clothing when outdoors.
  • DUSK/DAWN is the time when mosquitoes are most active. Stay indoors.
  • DRAIN standing water and install or repair window screens.

Individuals with chronic health problems such as asthma or other lung conditions may want to remain indoors during the time of spraying. Citizens who do not want their residences to be sprayed should contact the Vector Control Program at (901) 222-9715.

* To ensure the insecticide is most effective, the scheduled spraying will be canceled if any of the following weather conditions are present for the majority of the schedule spray time:

  • Rain chance of 65% or greater
  • Wind speeds 11mph or greater
  • Temperature less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit

Follow @ShelbyTNHealth on Twitter and Facebook for the most up-to-date cancellations of any scheduled sprayings.

07/5/19

More Memphis Streets Are Being Paved

From the Memphis Mayor’s Office – Neighborhood Concerns

The City of Memphis is increasing paving efforts that will lead to smoother streets.

The mayor and city council officials have allocated $19.5 million for Public Works FY20, of that $ 13.5 million is for street paving, it is the largest paving budget —ever.

The continued paving improvements are a real achievement and show the city’s investments in our infrastructure,” Mayor Strickland said.

“With the dedication and the determination of Public Works and Engineering, we have turned the corner from where we were and are moving in the right direction benefiting Memphis residents and visitors. Memphis has 6,818 miles of road excluding state roads to maintain.  We have been able to gradually increase our paved miles each year,” said Robert Knecht, Public Works Director. “The additional revenue has helped us get closer to our goal of repaving 350 lanes miles.

An interactive map was launched last year by the city for residents to view when their streets are scheduled for paving at www.memphistn.gov

Look for the paving schedule icon.

Steve Shular
City of Memphis Mayor’s Office 

07/3/19

City of Memphis Service Changes, Closures for Independence Day

Service changes, closures for Independence Day:

City of Memphis offices will be closed and there will be no solid waste pick up on Thursday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day.

Residents who have garbage and recycling collections by City crews or its contractor on Thursday and Friday will be delayed by one day.

 

To read the entire list please click the link below.

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/TNMEMPHIS/bulletins/24f134b

 

 

06/13/19

MAS Needs Donations

Hey KSANA animal lovers!

Do you have any gently used towels taking up space at your house that you’d like to get rid of? We will put them to good use at Memphis Animal Services–we go through MANY towels at the shelter!

If you have some you’d like to donate, you can drop them off at 2350 Appling City Cove during our adoption hours daily from 12-4 and until 7PM Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Thank you!

Also this link will take you to a list of items they need on a regular basis.

https://memphistn.gov/animal_services/i_want_to_donate/donate_needed_items

MAS is located off I-40 and Appling Rd.

06/12/19

SCAM Alert – MLGW

SCAM ALERT: MLGW customers are reporting phone calls from someone who claims to be with the utility. The caller threatens to cut off service unless payment is made immediately.

DON’T FALL FOR IT: No matter what your caller ID says – you will never get a personal phone call from an MLGW agent demanding payment, threatening cut offs or asking you to call a 1-800 number or buy a pre-paid debit card.

HANG UP: Call 544-MLGW (6549) for billing questions or get 24/7/365 access with “My Account” via mlgw.com.

05/28/19

Mayor Strickland Letter – May 24

Weekly Update: Power outages, Tom Lee Park, and a new community center

Memphis sent this bulletin at 05/24/2019 04:15 PM CDT

Friends,

Today’s email might be on the long side, but I think it’s important you clearly hear from me about where we stand on a couple of issues that have been on many of your minds this week: 1) power outages and MLGW’s infrastructure, and 2) the future of Tom Lee Park and Memphis in May.

First, let’s talk about power outages.

We had too many of them for too long after Saturday night’s storm. It’s unacceptable.

So, how to fix it?

Let’s all agree, as our colleagues at the Memphis Light, Gas, and Water Division do, that our electric infrastructure is old and in dire need of an overhaul. No question there.

It’s a high-dollar endeavor, though, and paying for it is the challenge.

We are serious about the possibility of finding major savings — which could potentially fund this infrastructure overhaul — if we were to change the source from which MLGW buys its power. Earlier this year, we commissioned a group that’s doing a thorough study of all power sources to find the facts in what is an incredibly complex situation.

Once that work is done, we’ll be in an informed position to make a call about the future of buying power for Memphians — with an eye toward improving infrastructure and keeping bills low. Stay tuned.

Now, as for Tom Lee Park.

Like so many of you, I had a blast at Tom Lee Park this month enjoying Memphis in May.

There is no question that whatever is done with Tom Lee Park must ultimately end up accommodating the continued success of Memphis in May.

There’s also no question that Tom Lee Park can be a better asset for our citizens the other 11 months of the year.

Too many people have tried to characterize that as an either/or. I don’t. I continue to believe that we can have an improved Tom Lee Park, whatever form that takes, that also allows Memphis in May to thrive. Full stop.

The Memphis River Parks Partnership has proposed significant changes to the park, and Memphis in May is concerned about how they would impact the festival. So, I brought both sides into mediation to find middle ground — because while these are two private entities, this is, at the end of the day, still a City asset. We’ve made progress in mediation in recent weeks, but the proposed park changes are now on hold so our partners at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, whose shrewd engineering work created the park some three decades ago, can review MRPP’s proposed design.

This may take a while, of course. But it’s vitally important that any improvements continue to provide for the safe use of the park, and that they don’t affect flood control, the stabilization of the bluff, or the river navigation channel.

Coupling the Corps’ input with the progress of mediation, we’ll eventually be in a much more informed position to match the right changes to the final amount of the fundraising efforts. (Speaking of which, we aren’t spending a penny of general fund dollars on Tom Lee Park. Those go to core services like police and fire.)

Meanwhile, a few things I hope you didn’t miss this week:

  • Working together with the City Council, we appropriated $2 million to ensure that the long-awaited full replacement of Ed Rice Community Center in Frayser gets underway in the 2019-20 fiscal year! And that’s on top of the new Frayser branch library, which we’ve included in our 2019-20 budget proposal that’s in front of the Council now.
  • We also worked with the Council to find funding for a handful of road improvement projects in the industrial area south of the airport, as well as widening westbound Poplar to three lanes over and west of Interstate 240.
  • If you’re on Raines Road in Whitehaven this week, you’ll see paving crews. We’ll keep up the citywide paving blitz this summer as we’ve doubled the amount we spend to repave streets.

Oh, and one more VERY important thing: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MEMPHIS! We’re a city that’s changed the world and continues to change it, and I hope everyone took some time this week to commemorate the 200 years since our founding.

I also hope you’ll make it down to Mud Island River Park sometime this summer to check out this new view of Downtown: