(WMC-TV) - Gov. Bill Haslam signed two bills into law Wednesday that lift the ban on municipal schools in the State of Tennessee. That gives Shelby County's six suburbs the green light to create their own municipal school districts.

Suburban leaders said the new law should nullify court challenges, and there should be another round of referendums as soon as possible.

Germantown Mayor Sharon Goldsworthy and her suburban counterparts said municipal schools are now back on track. This is minus the legal barriers that blocked their creation last year.

"We were thrilled to hear the Governor signing," said Goldsworthy. "It was anticipated, but it's always good to check the next thing off the list of things"

(WMC-TV) - A federal judge in Memphis voided a similar bill last year that would have lifted the ban on municipal schools.

The bill appeared to only apply to Shelby County, which violates the state constitution.

MEMPHIS, TN- (WMC-TV- Heather Palumbo-Jones' estranged husband is locked up at 201 Poplar on a second degree murder charge. Her friends arrived at her church Thursday for a gathering in her honor after what has been an emotionally draining 10 days.

Mixed in with the tears and held hands was a welcome release.

"We've been decompressing today," said friend Joanna Young.

Many couches were filled with friends who spent the past week-and-half praying and searching for their missing friend, Heather Palumbo-Jones.

"She really was an absolute beautiful person. Inside and out. All the time," said friend Dara Newberry.

Newberry lived next door to Heather for years at the Westminster Apartments. She said her friend shed half her body weight through sheer force of will, but kept every last ounce of personality.

"She was larger than life. Even when she was small. Even after all the weight. She just had such a big presence," said Newberry.

MEMPHIS, TN- (WMC-TV) - It has been one week since anyone saw or heard from Heather Palumbo-Jones.

Investigators have been working the case 24/7 since, but Germantown police say they cannot do it alone.

Rodney Bright is the assistant chief at the Germantown Police Department. He says investigators are desperately searching for a break in the case.

"Obviously, you know, we're concerned for her safety," he said. "We're doing everything we can right now. We just really, really need some help."

Palumbo-Jones is a teacher at Frayser Achievement School. She made it home from work last Monday afternoon, but did not show up for work again on Tuesday morning.

Her car was in her driveway, but her purse, keys, and cell phone are missing.

Investigators searched the property and a nearby pond as a proactive measure, not based on legit suspicion.

Now, they are hoping to get the one tip that cracks the case.