On the Street

City officials in Memphis, Tenn., plan to offer a letter of intent for Springfield-based Bass Pro Shops to occupy the city’s vacant Pyramid. City and Bass Pro officials are expected to disclose details during a Feb. 24 press conference, according to a Memphis Business Journal report. Among the details would be covering the Pyramid’s debt service; preliminary discussions call for Bass Pro paying at least $1 million in annual rent or tax. The early redevelopment price tag: $100 million. Memphis officials have told its City Council that Bass Pro would be responsible for that amount. It also seems there’s contention over putting a huge Bass Pro logo on the side of the Pyramid. Meanwhile, Bass Pro owner John L. Morris earlier this month toured Buffalo, N.Y.’s Memorial Auditorium hoping to seal a $123 million deal to convert that vacant arena into another megastore. Morris visited the Aud in November 2004, when his company first expressed interest. Off-and-on negotiations first called for Bass Pro spending $57 million in renovations but that has shrunk to $22 million, leaving some feeling deceived, according to Free Buffalo, a taxpayer-interest group. Other major projects are Bass Pro’s pursuit of space in Mall of America’s expansion in Minnesota and plans for a Foxboro, Mass., store near the NFL Patriots’ Gillette Stadium.

Nixon goes gubernatorial

Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon, who is running as the Democratic candidate for governor, has launched a campaign Web site, www.nixonforgovernor.com. The site features Nixon’s biography, his goals for Missouri and an interactive blog, on which Nixon urges citizens to share their thoughts and ideas. It also allows supporters to contribute online. Nixon is currently in his fourth term as attorney general.

St. Pat’s Marshal

Ken Knauer was named grand marshal of Springfield’s 26th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which is scheduled for March 18 in downtown Springfield. Knauer has actively supported the parade since its inception. The parade committee continues to seek float entries; cash prizes of up to $500 will be awarded. Free registration is available online at www.springfieldstpatsparade.org or by calling (417) 689-9321. Parade sponsorships also are available.

Slice of Nice

Retired banker Todd Parnell has compiled a book celebrating his mother’s volunteer service with American Red Cross during World War II. The book, “Mom at War,” features Jean Parnell’s letters to friends and family while she served the front lines in Europe. Jean Parnell is now battling Alzheimer’s disease. Sale proceeds benefit Alzheimer’s Association, Southwest Missouri Chapter and Greater Ozarks Chapter of the American Red Cross. Parnell is reading excerpts at 2:30 p.m. Feb. 24 at The Montclair Retirement Community, 1000 E. Montclair St. “Mom at War” sells for $25, and copies can be purchased by calling (417) 886-2199 or (417) 832-9500.