Mayor requests section of Mississippi River to be renamed

McClendon: ‘We’re not trying to take the whole river, just the best part’

By THE TIMES NEWS STAFF

news@theeveningtimes.com

Good one, Mr. Mayor…

West Memphis Mayor Marco McClendon turned some heads last Tuesday on the city’s official Facebook page when the “news” broke that McClendon had officially requested federal approval to rename a portion of the Mississippi River to …”The West Memphis River.”

“We’re tired of Mississippi getting all the credit,” said Mayor McClendon. “It’s time

See RENAME, page A2

The West Memphis River? On Tuesday, April 1, Mayor Marco McClendon says he has put in an official federal request to have the section of the Mississippi River between the two bridges renamed. While not any worse an idea than “Gulf of America,” the Facebook post announcing the change was in fact an April Fool’s Day prank.

Photo: City of West Memphis RENAME

From page A1

to put West Memphis on the map – literally.”

The proposed section would span from the I-55 Bridge to the I-40 Bridge. “We’re not trying to take the whole river,” Mayor McClendon said. “Just the best part.”

The rebranding, he promised, would come with new signage, tourism campaigns and possibly West Memphis may soon be home to a West Memphis River cruise port. Passengers can board for scenic tours newly renamed West Memphis River, taking in the sights and sounds of the Delta in style.

The city announced the petition had been submitted to the U.S. Board on Geographic Names and is now in the hands of President Donald Trump.

Of course, many of the folks who follow the city on social media failed to realize the date – April 1st – aka April Fool’s Day. And yes, the post was just a bit of fun for the city … or was it?

Oh, OK. Yes, we’re being told it was indeed a joke.