Corker calls claims he rewarded payday lenders 'cheap shot' .... U.S. Sen. Bob Corker said Thursday it was a "cheap shot" to suggest he had sought to reward payday lending companies that have contributed thousands of dollars to his political campaigns by pushing to exempt them from new financial regulations. ---- KnoxNews.com has MORE

Rare power failure knocks 911 offline for 10 minutes .... A "fluke" power failure knocked Hamilton County's 911 Center offline for 10 minutes late Wednesday morning. Director John Stuermer confirmed that the center was unable to answer any calls from 11:45 until 11:55. ---- Chattanoogan.com has MORE

Pedestrian struck on Highway 58 has a leg injury

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Chattanooga Police Traffic Investigators responded to a 911 pedestrian struck report this evening in the 4300 block of Highway 58. A pedestrian was crossing Highway 58 near Oak Hill Drive outside of the marked crosswalk when she was struck by a Ford F-150 driven by Daniel Rodriguez, age 37, according to Officer Rebecca Royval, Chattanooga Police PIO.

Investigators say the female pedestrian had a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on her person and they were only able to obtain her first name, Mary. She was transported to the hospital by Hamilton County EMS and treated for a broken left leg.

Rodriguez was cited for driving on an expired drivers license, violation of the financial responsibility law and a vehicle registration violation.

Five hospitalized in Dalton head-on collision .... Dalton Police Department's Traffic Enforcement Unit is investigating a crash that occurred on VD Parrott Parkway, at about 1:10 p.m., Thursday, March, 11th, afternoon. A Jeep Cherokee was traveling south on VD Parrott Pkwy when it crossed over the double yellow line and struck head on. ---- WRCBTV.com has MORE

Bonnaroo 2010 comedy performers include Conan O'Brien ... The Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival has announced its lineup of comedy performers for 2010. This year’s lineup includes former Tonight Show host Conan O’Brien, Parks and Recreations star Aziz Ansari, author and comedian Margaret Cho, and insult comic Jeffrey Ross with a “Bonnaroo Roast”. ----- Examiner.com has MORE

County to pay $180,000 to family of inmate who hanged self .... The Hamilton County Commission has agreed to pay $180,000 to the family of a county jail inmate who hanged himself. County Attorney Rheubin Taylor said the payment will remove the county as a defendant from a lawsuit brought by the family of Joel Viggers. ---- Chattanoogan.com has MORE

State of Tennessee agrees to provide $64.2 million for Wacker project .... The Tennessee Economic and Community Development Department voted Thursday to provide the funding to Wacker Chemie AG plant in Bradley County. ---- Chattanoogan.com has MORE

Two simultaneous home burglaries;
Five caught and jailed the same day

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Officer Rebecca Royval, Chattanooga Police PIO, says around 11:40 a.m. today, a Chattanooga Police Property Crimes investigator saw several black males climbing through a window at a 2300 North Chamberlain Avenue home. As he approached, the three fled on foot. One suspect, Darius Jamehl Oates, age 32, was quickly captured.

The other two suspects, both juveniles, managed to get away from the investigator but he had already radioed for additional officers who arrived in the area in a minute or two and spotted the two younger suspects. In a matter of few minutes, the officers captured the remaining two suspects and transported them to the Hamilton County Juvenile Detention Center.

Oates was transported to the Hamilton County jail. All three suspects were charged with aggravated burglary.

About the same time as the incident on North Chamberlain was unfolding, officers in the Brainerd area responded to 4619 Montview Drive after neighbors there called 911 about suspicious activity and a possible burglary in progress.

A neighbor saw the suspicious looking men leave before police arrived and called in a description of their car.

Officers spotted the car in the 3900 block of Rodgers Road. When the suspects saw the officers coming, they fled on foot. Officers quickly caught the two suspects, Derrick Carnes, age 27 and Eddie Collins, age 26, after receiving calls from citizens about the suspicious looking men running through the neighborhood.

Suspect Carnes confessed to the burglary at 4619 Montview Drive and one at 122 Shawnee Trail. He was charged with two counts of aggravated burglary, two counts of theft and one count of vandalism.

Officer Royval says the stolen property from both residences was recovered. She says more charges may still be pending against all of today's captured suspects.

Juveniles charged with killing Dalmatian and burglary of Bradley County home

One suspect a Hamilton County resident

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Two juveniles are in custody charged with the intentional killing of a Dalmatian dog and the burglary of a residence on Mt. Zion Road.

Bob Gault, Bradley County Sheriff's Office spokesman, says an investigation by the Bradley County Sheriff's Office revealed the dog was confined with a cable on the owner's property. On January 21st the two juveniles allegedly attached two cinder blocks to the cable, wrapped the cable around the dog and threw it into a small pond.

Then on March 6th the youths reportedly entered a residence at the same location and stole a 22 caliber rifle and a laptop computer. Three other guns were used to vandalize vehicles on the property.

The two 15 year-olds are charged with aggravated burglary, theft over $1,000, vandalism over $1,000, aggravated cruelty to animals, and the intentional killing of an animal. One of the suspects is from Bradley County the other from Ooltewah and both are being held at the Bradley County Juvenile Detention center.

Detectives are continuing the investigation. The rifle and computer have been recovered.

Chattanooga Salvation Army to celebrate117th anniversary .... Tuesday, March 16th is the 117th anniversary of The Salvation Army officially beginning its life-changing ministries in Greater Chattanooga. District Officer J. C. Smith arrived in the Scenic City that evening. The next day he greeted Chattanoogans with these timely words, “We (come) with peace, charity and goodwill toward everyone, and we trust we shall succeed in doing good.” ---- Nooga.com has MORE

The History Press to publish book about Chattanooga by local writer ... The Chattanooga Parent Magazine has announced that The History Press is going to publish Chattanooga Landmarks, a book written by Jennifer Crutchfield. ---- Nooga.com has MORE

Another Outlaws biker arrested

Thursday, March 11, 2010

The execution of a search warrant on Feb. 25th at the Outlaws Motorcycle Club on Strawberry Lane in Bradley County has led to the arrest of Terry K. Johnson on federal weapons charges.

Bob Gault, Bradley County Sheriff's Office spokesman, says federal and state officers allegedly found guns in Johnson's bedroom at the organizations clubhouse. With two prior convictions Johnson was indicted last Tuesday by a federal grand jury as a convicted felon in possession of firearms. He was arrested later that day and is being held at the Bradley County jail.

A detention hearing is scheduled Monday before U.S. Magistrate Judge William Carter in Chattanooga.

Powerball soars to $200 million .... The jackpot continues to grow by leaps and bounds with the jackpot for Saturday's drawing at an estimated $200 million to a single annuity winner. The game offers two payment options: the jackpot prize paid over 29 years in 30 graduated payments or the cash option, which is approximately $96 million.

Dodd going on without Corker & Republicans on sweeping bank reform bill .... After months of efforts to craft a bipartisan bill, Senate Banking Committee Chairman Christopher Dodd plans to introduce a revised version of sweeping bank reform legislation on Monday, most likely without Republican support. ---- MarketWatch.com has MORE

Corker says rushing reform would be "travesty" .... U.S. Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., said today he fears that the Senate Banking Committee will rush the massive reform of the financial industry next week. ---- TimesFreePress.com has MORE

Ramsey backs exceptions for English-only drivers license tests .... Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey, the Senate speaker, said Thursday he favors a more flexible approach than a House bill that requires the written portion of all drivers license exams be in English with no exceptions for legal immigrants and visitors such as Volkswagen and Nissan executives. ---- TimesFreePress.com has MORE

Plea reached in child sex case .... A man who US Marshal's helped locate in Sequatchie County took a plea deal on a lesser charge. Fidias Anton,27, was originally wanted for the child rape of a 9-year-old girl. He admitted to criminal attempt of aggravated child abuse. The judge sentenced him to five years, 201 days. He is in federal custody. ---- NewsChannel9.com has MORE

Volkswagen's million-car U.S. march off to slow start .... There's good news, and There's good news, Volkswagen style. The German automaker announced last year that it wants to sell 1 million cars a year in the U.S. by 2018. That goal took a detour when sales slipped in 2009. But at a recent VW investor presentation, that wasn't the story. Instead, VW emphasized how much its brands "over performed.” In plainer terms, its U.S. sales were bad, but the competition did worse. ---- Bnet.com has MORE

Hospice of Chattanooga opens 16-bed inpatient care facility .... Officials say it's the first facility providing continuous hospice care in the Tennessee Valley. ---- Nooga.com has MORE

It will be up to County Commission whether to name interim Commissioner Curtis Adams' successor in early May .... County Attorney Rheubin Taylor said a law was passed in 2008 that allows governmental bodies to leave posts unfilled if there is a scheduled election within 120 days. ---- Chattanoogan.com has MORE

Chattem sale is final .... Sanofi-aventis announced today that it has completed its acquisition of 100% of Chattanooga-based Chattem, Inc., which is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Sanofi-aventis Group. ---- NewsChannel9.com has MORE

Dalton reaches new high in unemployment .... The Georgia Department of labor released its most recent unemployment numbers Wednesday, and it's more bad news. Not only did unemployment for the entire state rise, but the City of Dalton hit a high of 13.1 percent. ---- WRCBTV.com has MORE

Tennessee Judiciary Committees approve legislation to crack down on out-of-state drug trafficking .... The Senate and House Judiciary Committees approved legislation this week to attack a source of illegal drug activity in Tennessee. The bill, Senate Bill 3027 by Senator Steve Southerland and Representative David Hawk, would stiffen penalties against those who get prescriptions in another state and return to distribute the drugs illegally in Tennessee. ---- Chattanoogan.com has MORE

78-year-old driver suffers heart attack
and dies on Gunbarrel Road

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Chattanooga Police Traffic investigators responded to 1300 Gunbarrel Road at Elaine Trail this morning to a single-car crash.

Officer Rebecca Royval, Chattanooga Police PIO, says a Chevy Malibu traveling north on Gunbarrel Road left the roadway, hit a trash can and ended up a storm drain.

The driver, Harold Johns, age 78, was pulled from the vehicle and was given CPR by a passing citizen until Hamilton County EMS medics arrived.

Johns was transported to Erlanger by EMS where he was pronounced dead of an apparent heart attack.

Gang summit offers solutions .... Solving the problem of gangs and the violence that swirls around them means getting all levels of the community involved, said participants in the U.S. Attorney's Office Gang Summit, held Wednesday at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. ---- TimesFreePress.com has MORE and VIDEO

Man representing himself in robbery case is found guilty .... The jury in the courtroom of Judge Barry Steelman deliberated an hour and a half before finding Gary Dewayne Thompson guilty of aggravated robbery. ---- Chattanoogan.com has MORE

Corker shaping payday loan rules in financial reform package .... U.S. Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn.., said Wednesday he believes Senate negotiators are close to a bipartisan agreement over a new set of financial industry regulations. ---- TimesFreePress.com has MORE

Corker donor could benefit from payday-loan exemption .... Senate proposals to place a consumer financial agency under existing banking regulators could exempt payday loan companies from the new rules. Executives of Jones Management Services LLC, based in Cleveland, Tennessee, and its loan companies contributed $17,325 to Corker's 2006 and 2012 Senate campaigns, according to the Center for Responsive Politics, a Washington-based research group. ---- Bloomberg.com has MORE

Dalton police nab $10,000 in fake bills .... Angel Wilfred Leguisamon-Pena, 29, was arrested March 5 after he tried to use a counterfeit $100 bill to buy shoes at Journey’s in Walnut Square Mall, according to a news release. ---- TimesFreePress.com has MORE

Crime Stoppers Crime of the Week

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

This week's feature is a Theft of over $100,000 that occurred at a local manufacturer and Chattanooga Police Department Property Crimes Investigators are seeking your help.

The first incident occurred on the night of February 22, 2010 at 959 Wind Tower Drive at SIAG Aerisyn, a local manufacturer of steel towers for wind mills. The unknown suspects entered the property by cutting a hole in the fence that surrounds the business. They removed tarps from the steel towers and cut several sections of copper cable from the inside. The copper that was taken is encased in black rubber. There is no suspect information and no witnesses to this crime.

Investigators believe that the suspects are taking the copper to scrap metal dealers and selling it. If you have information that can help us lead to these suspects, call Crime Stoppers. Your confidential call could make you eligible for a reward of up to $1000. Call Crime Stoppers at 698-3333.

Endangered monkey dies at Chattanooga Zoo .... Chattanooga Zoo staff members announced Wednesday the death of Maya, the cotton-top tamarin born in May, a news release said. The extremely endangered monkey's birth in captivity was widely publicized last summer. ---- TimesFreePress.com has MORE

Lawsuit in Susan Wood death says Billiard Club encouraged employee drinking .... A lawsuit filed in the Dec. 22, 2009, traffic death of Unum employee Susan Wood says Chattanooga Billiard Club management encouraged its employees to drink on the job. The Circuit Court complaint says CBC employee Jeremy Lane was drunk when his Nissan 240 SX struck and killed Mrs. Wood. ---- Chattanoogan.com has MORE

Murray County man charged with impregnating 12-year-old stepdaughter

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Phillip Adam Scarlett, 28, was originally charged with child molestation but now that the girl has been found to be pregnant, Scarlett is now additionally charged with aggravated child molestation and incest. He was to have a bond hearing today in Murray County Superior Court.

The girl's mother reported the original incident to the Murray County Sheriff's Office in Chatsworth Georgia.

People line streets for soldiers return of the soldiers of Charlie Troop ..... At the corner of Crawford Street and Thornton Avenue in Dalton, the family of Spc. William Jackson was waiting to welcome the LaFayette resident home. ---- DaltonNow.com has MORE

Portrait Of America 2010 Census Road Tour coming to Chattanooga .... Sunday, March 14 .... Nooga.com Happenings has MORE

Tonya Craft trial postponed until April 12 .... Catoosa County Judge Brian House has delayed the trial of a fired Chickamauga, Ga. teacher. Craft is accused of 22 counts of child molestation. ---- NewsChannel9.com has MORE and VIDEO

Alexander votes against adding $100 billion to debt

Wednesday, March 10, 2010 -- WASHINGTON

U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today released the following statement regarding his vote against the Tax Extenders Act of 2009, which would increase the federal debt by nearly $100 billion:

"Congress can't keep coming up with grand ideas like this $100 billion jobs bill, pretending it can add to our alarming debt without hurting the economy. The Senate should have passed legislation I voted for that – without adding to the debt – would have extended unemployment benefits, as well as business tax credits and deductions so businesses can create jobs.”

Hamilton County couple charged with TennCare fraud

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

A husband and wife in Hamilton County are charged with TennCare fraud for using another person's TennCare benefits to pay for fraudulent prescriptions.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Danny Lewis, 40 and Mary Jo Lewis, 41, who is also known as Mary Jo Hale, Mary Jo Lyda, or Mary Jo Peterson. They both live in Soddy Daisy and both were booked into the Hamilton County jail, Mrs. Lewis as Mary Jo Lyda.

Both Danny and Mary Jo have been charged with one count of TennCare fraud. They are accused of presenting forged prescriptions for the painkiller hydrocodone, along with xanax – which is an anti-anxiety medication - and atenolol, a drug prescribed for hypertension. The drugs were written for another person, who has TennCare benefits.

The TennCare fraud charge against both could result in a two year sentence, if convicted. District Attorney General William H. Cox is prosecuting.

"we hope everyone is getting the message that we are serious about pursuing TennCare fraud, especially when members of a family are conspiring to get prescription drugs illegally," Inspector General Deborah Faulkner said.

UPDATE: Office fire at College Hill Courts

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

The fire was reported from the College Hill Courts housing section owned by the Chattanooga Housing Authority around 5:30 a.m. this morning, Wednesday.

Bruce Garner, Chattanooga Fire Department Public Information Director, says the they received the alarm and responded to 1300 Grove Street with six fire companies. Smoke and flames were visible when the first firefighters arrived on the scene.

The firefighters eventually got the blaze under control, but the fire damage was extensive. An estimate on the dollar loss was not immediately available. One firefighter received a minor injury when he fell down a stairwell. He was not transported to a hospital.

No employees were in the building at the time of the fire.

Chattanooga fire investigators are trying to determine what started the blaze.

New Race Trac approved for South Broad Street .... The City Council on Tuesday night approved a special exceptions permit to allow a new Race Trac convenience store on South Broad Street in the block bounded by 25th and 26th streets. ---- Chattanoogan.com has MORE

Former CPD officer facing yet more sex charges

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Former Chattanooga Police officer Chad Bradley, age 35, was earlier arrested on charges of statutory rape, statutory rape by an authority figure and tampering with evidence.

Now, four more charges of statutory rape have been placed against him by a Hamilton County grand jury. He was re-booked at the Hamilton County jail today.

Powerball jackpot leaps to $170 million ..... Powerball is moving on at an accelerated speed. The jackpot for Wednesday's drawing is at an estimated $170 million to a single annuity winner. A ticket is $1 per play for an exciting chance to win big bucks.

UPDATE: 18 wheeler crashes on North Access Road; Driver found dead is identified

Wednesday, March 9, 2010

Around 9:10 a.m. Tuesday, Chattanooga police officers were called to 4500 North Access Road where a large truck and trailer rig had left the roadway, crossed a ditch and struck a fence in front of the McKamey Animal Center.

The first arriving officer found the driver, Wallace M. Curtis, 54, dead and slumped over the steering wheel.

It appears Curtis had died of natural causes but an through investigation was started. The body was likely transported to the Hamilton County Medical Examiners Office to determine the actual cause of death as part of the investigation.

Curtis Adams accepts job as Crossville city manager ... Adams is expected to make a formal announcement at Wednesday's Hamilton County Commission meeting. It's believed he will main a commissioner here until the 17th of this month. ---- Chattanoogan.com has MORE

Keele Maynor Payne pleads guilty in cancer scam .... A woman who authorities say scammed agencies and co-workers out of thousands of dollars by claiming she had terminal cancer has pleaded guilty. She will be sentenced May 17 at 1:30 p.m. by Criminal Court Judge Don Poole. ---- Chattanoogan.com has MORE

Most Wanted fugitive Hembree

surrenders at Bradley County jail

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

One of Bradley County's Most Wanted fugitives turned himself in early Tuesday morning.

Earl Lynn Hembree Jr. had charges of reckless driving, felony evading, felony reckless endangerment and drivers license violations when he was added to the fugitive list last week.

In February, Hembree fled when Bradley County deputies tried to stop him on U.S. 64 for a traffic violation.

He was arraigned in General Sessions Court this morning and has been released after posting a $30,000 bond.

Tennessee's sales tax dip pushes budget shortfall near $200M .... State tax collections were less than the year before for a record 21st straight month in February, the Bredesen administration reported Tuesday. Revenue was $47 million less than the state budgeted for the month, increasing the shortfall for the year to $196 million. ---- NashvilleCityPaper.com has MORE

 

UPDATE: Three arrested in Red Bank

home invasion and beatings

Monday, March 8, 2010

Investigators say the trio claimed to be census workers in order to get inside a home on Knollwod Drive in Red Bank.

The three suspects are accused of tying up and beating the two people in the home at the time of their scheme. One on the injured, a woman, was hospitalized while the other, a man, was treated and released.

Steven Hannah, Misty Wilson, and Brandie Brandon were found and arrested in Sevier County.

Brandon, Brandie Claire, 25, Charged with:

• Especially aggravated robbery
• Especially aggravated burglary
• Aggravated assault
• Theft over 1000
• Especially aggravated kidnapping

Wilson, Misty Denise, 29, Charged with:

• Especially aggravated robbery
• Especially aggravated burglary
• Especially aggravated kidnapping
• Aggravated assault
• Theft over 1000

Hannah, Steve Brian, 31, Charged with:

• Especially aggravated robbery
• Especially aggravated burglary
• Especially aggravated kidnapping
• Aggravated assault
• Theft over 1000

Carmike alcohol bill goes to governor .... A bill allowing wine and liquor sales in downtown Chattanooga's recently opened Carmike Majestic 12 theater is on its way to Gov. Phil Bredesen for his consideration. ---- TimesFreePress.com has MORE

Anonymous ad hits city stormwater proposal .... A full-page anonymous newspaper ad hits the stormwater proposal by Mayor Ron Littlefield and touts a less expensive one offered by the Blue Ribbon Water Quality Committee. The ad in the Chattanooga Times Free Press in Tuesday morning editions says it is paid for by "area business organizations, business owners, faith-based organizations and non-profits." ---- Chattanoogan.com has MORE

Student in fight speaks out .... One of the students involved in a fist fight that was caught on tape, speaks out. The brawl happened in the bathroom of the Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy, in December. On Friday we talked with administrators at CGLA who it was all a planned fight. But Monday, we spoke with one of the ninth graders who was throwing punches, who says there was nothing fake about it. ---- NewsChannel9.com has MORE and VIDEO

Emotions high at Normal Park meeting .... Some, who live within walking distance of the school, are upset their kids have to catch a bus to another part of town. ---- WRCBTV.com has MORE

Local planners defer North Market brewery .... City planners voted to defer judgment for 30 days on a rezoning request by a beer brewery which wants to begin operations at 800 North Market St. The Chattanooga-Hamilton County Regional Planning Commission heard objections from neighborhood groups which said they had not been consulted on the $10,000 project, and requested time to air their differences with the applicants. ---- TimesFreePress.com has MORE

City owed $5.2 million in unpaid parking fines .... On the heels of yet another fee increase, Eyewitness News discovered the City of Chattanooga is owed more than $5 million in uncollected fines. ---- WRCBTV.com has MORE

Guthrie sentenced to 11 months & 29 days involving a 2008 traffic related death

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

A criminal court case in Judge Rebecca Sterns courtroom yesterday resulted in Trevor Guthrie, age 42, pleading guilty to providing alcohol to minors and receiving a sentence of 11 months & 29 days. He was taken into custody immediately.

Hamilton County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Janet Atkinson says the plea is the result of a traffic crash that took place on February 3, 2008 in the 9800 block of East Brainerd road at around 6:18 a.m. The crash was investigated by traffic investigator Todd Cook with the HCSO. The incident involved a single-vehicle and the investigation showed that the vehicle was being operated by Ley Meredith Birmingham, age 17, and the passenger/owner was Jonathan Crowe. The driver lost control in a curve and left the roadway, striking a utility pole on the driver's side The driver was pronounced dead at the scene and the passenger was flown by Life Force to Erlanger in critical condition.

As the investigation progressed, Investigator Cook found that both Birmingham and Crowe had been at the residence of Trevor Guthrie who lives in Ringgold, Georgia just a short distance from the crash location. The investigation also provided information that Guthrie purchased alcohol for Ley Birmingham and knew that both parties had been drinking when they left his residence. It was also found that other juveniles were at the Guthrie residence that night and they also had been provided alcohol by Guthrie.

Ms. Atkinson said, "The successful conclusion to this case is due to the experience and professionalism of Traffic Investigator Todd Cook and the Traffic Division with the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office."

Hamilton County judge could be called as witness in Tonya Craft case .... If defense attorneys for former Chickamauga Elementary School teacher Tonya Henke Craft want to tell jurors a potential prosecution witness isn't credible because she was prohibited from continuing to treat alleged victims after ignoring defense subpoenas, they'll have to bring in the judge who removed her. ---- Chattanoogan.com has MORE

UTC Lady Mocs win SoCon .... The UTC Lady Mocs are headed to the "Big Dance" after coming from behind to beat Samford for the championship at the Southern Conference Tournament. The Lady Mocs trailed by 11 points at 50-39 before reeling off 10 straight points. ---- Chattanoogan.com has MORE

Four stores sell beer to underage buyer in police sting

Monday, March 8, 2010

AN 18-year-old was sent to 15 stores that sell beer Friday night to buy beer. The local says beer can not be sold to anyone under 21.

11 stores would not sell the 18-year-old beer but the following four did:

• J.T. McDaniel's Food Mart and Deli at 108 West 38th Street
• Kanku's #5 at 702 Central Avenue
• Kanku's Express at 2115 Dodds Avenue
• United Food and Gas at 2304 Shallowford Village Drive

The stores selling beer to 18-year-old the will be cited to the Beer Board for a hearing.

Update 2: Car crash on Old Dayton Pike kills one, four others hurt

Menisha Vinson died at the scene

Sunday, March 7, 2010

A single-car traffic crash at 6135 Old Dayton Pike ,near Dowlen Road, in Chattanooga, around 2:55 a.m. this morning has left at one person, Menisha Vinson, 31, of Barbee Road in Soddy Daisy, dead and four others injured.

Lt. Kim Noorbergen, Chattanooga Police Department PIO, says it appears the 2004 Chevy Tahoe apparently left the road in a curve and ended up in a creek bed below. Ms. Vinson was ejected from the SUV and had to be extricated by fire firefighters, an operation that required about twenty minutes to complete due to damage to the car, trees and brush in the crash area. She was pronounced dead it the scene.

One 22-year-old female was transported to Erlanger in critical condition with head and other injuries by Hamilton County EMS.

Three other victims were also transported via additional ambulances to Erlanger Hospital's emergency room. Their conditions was were immediately learned all are believed to be at least in serious condition.

According to investigators, the occupants of the SUV had been in a fight at Rob's on Dayton Boulevard and sped away.

Investigators are still trying to determine who was driving the SUV. Occupants of the vehicle are not cooperating with police. The investigators have reportedly taken DNA samples from the vehicle in hopes of determining the driver. The investigation is still underway with charges pending.

The crash is still under investigation by CPD Traffic Investigators. No charges have been filed at this time.

Lt. Kim Noorbergen says alcohol and speed were both factors in the crash.

None of the five occupants were wearing seat belts

The other victim's name will be released after family notifications have been made.

Lady Mocs play for SoCon championship Monday .... The Lady Mocs will play the winner of Sunday, March 7th's Samford vs. Appalachian State game. The Lady Mocs defeated Georgia Southern 60-47 on Sunday in Time Warner Arena in Charlotte, North Carolina.

One-year-old chokes and
dies during church service

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Chattanooga Police Department Major Crimes Investigators were called to T.C. Thompson's Hospital last evening on the death of a one year old.

Officer Rebecca Royval, Chattanooga Police PIO, says the incident occurred at 4303 7th Avenue at Asamblea de Dros during a church service.

According to the parents, they noticed their child choking on something and immediately called for EMS.

The child was pronounced dead at T.C. Thompson's Hospital. Officer Royval says the case is pending the outcome of the Medical Examiner's findings.

Chattanooga Police SWAT Team to show off new armored vehicle

Sunday, March 7, 2010

The Chattanooga area news media have been invited to view a new armored vehicle to be used by the CPD Swat Team during high risk situations such as hostage rescues, barricaded gunmen, warrant service, protection details, officer and civilian rescues, and other incidents that an armored vehicle would be needed to provide protection.

Lt. Kim Noorbergen, Chattanooga Police Department PIO, says the Lenco Bearcat Armored Vehicle and other similar vehicles have saved officers lives across the United States during high risk situations.

The media will have a chance to photograph and videotape the vehicle at the Chattanooga Riverpark tomorrow, Monday.

Lt. David Roddy SWAT Commander will be on hand to answer questions from the media and members of the Chattanooga Police Command Staff will also be on hand.

CLICK HERE to view the Lenco Bearcat Armored Vehicle website.

Powerball rolls to $170 million; Mega win in California .... More than 30,000 Tennessee Powerball tickets were winners in Saturday night's drawing as the popular game's jackpot continues to grow, now estimated at $170 million. Meanwhile, a lucky Mega Millions ticket purchased in California won Friday night's jackpot worth an estimated $133 million.

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Chattanooga Fire Department spokesman Daniel Hague says round 10:50 p.m. Saturday night, the Hamilton County 911 center received numerous calls about a structure fire in the 8000 block of Shallowford Road. Due to the close proximity of the Chattanooga City Limits, both the Chattanooga Fire Department and the Tri-Community Fire Departments were dispatched. On arrival, it was determined that the fire was located at 8012 Shallowford Road inside the city limits of Chattanooga. Firefighters from Quint 8 reported a fully involved structure fire.

Hague says the structure had been vacant since a previous fire in December and the decision was made to fight the fire in a "defensive" nature. Large hose streams were used from the outside of the structure since the house had significant damage from the previous fire and considered too unsafe to enter.

Hague says vehicular traffic on Shallowford Road between Jenkins Road and Ranch Hills Road had to be closed due to fire hoses being stretched across the roadway.

Firefighters from Quint 8, Quint 13, Quint 21, and Squad 3 fought the fire for approximately 30 minutes until the fire was declared under control. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Chattanooga Fire Department, Fire Investigation.

No injuries were reported and no estimate of damages was made due to the previous fire.

The Chattanooga Fire Department was assisted by the Chattanooga Police Department, Hamilton County EMS and the Electric Power Board.

Hamilton County property tax records show the owner of the property as Pinnacle Point Partners LLC.

No. 16 Tennessee routs Mississippi State 75-59 .... J.P. Prince had 16 points, Scotty Hopson added 14 and No. 16 Tennessee held Mississippi State scoreless for the first 6:10 and never looked back, finishing the regular season with a 75-59 win Saturday night. ---- AP has MORE

Child struck by pickup truck in
East Ridge critically hurt

Saturday, March 6, 2010

This afternoon, Saturday, around 4:21 p.m., East Ridge Police and Fire/Rescue responded to the 5300 block of Lazard Street to reports of a child having been struck by a vehicle.

East Ridge Public Safety PIO Erik Hopkins says the first officer arrived on the scene in three minutes to find a 9-year-old boy laying the roadway. The boy had been riding a scooter when he was struck by a Chevrolet 1500 pick up truck.

The driver of the pickup truck, Mandi Hutsell, age 23, of Ringgold, GA was traveling west on Lazard when she struck the child.

The boy was transported to T.C. Thompson's Children's Hospital by Lifeguard EMS in apparent critical condition.

East Ridge Traffic Investigators have charged Ms. Hutsell with reckless driving. She is scheduled to be in East Ridge Municipal Court on May 11th at 5 p.m.

History Day winners announced

Saturday, March 6, 2010

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga History Department and the Chattanooga History Center hosted the 2010 Southeast Tennessee District History Day competition on Saturday, February 27, at the UTC University Center. Students from Hamilton, Bradley, Polk, Marion, Grundy, Franklin, and Sequatchie Counties were eligible to compete for awards in exhibit, documentary, papers, performance and website design categories. Top winners in the junior and senior divisions earned the privilege of advancing to the Tennessee History Day competition in Nashville, where another set of winners will qualify for the national level of competition to be held in College Park, MD. The 2010 district winners are:

Group Documentary, Junior Division

1st Place – Allison Anderson, Alexandra Knox, Santana Mendoza (Jam School - Home School), “The Reluctant Mother: Amy Carmichael Changes the Lives of Untouchables”

2nd Place – Dakota Dunn, Ben Lowrance (Lookout Valley Middle/High School), “The Innovation of Weaponry During Flight”

3rd Place – Jarrett Kilgore, Preston Evers (Lookout Valley Middle/High School), “The Henry Ford Assembly Line

Individual Documentary, Junior Division

1st Place – Todd Simmons (Lookout Valley Middle/High School), “Weaponry Through Time”

Individual Documentary, Senior Division

1st Place – Vivian Hughbanks (Home School) , “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness: The Ideas That Changed the World”

2nd Place – Anthony Joslin (Polk County High School), “The Assembly Line: A Technological Innovation That Connected the Social Classes”

3rd Place – Kym Matthews (Polk County High School), “Where Am I?: The Impact and Innovation of the GPS”

Group Documentary, Senior Division

1st Place – Derek Roberts, Keoni Vidrine (Polk County High School), “Wired to Wireless: The Impact of the Telephone on Communications”

2nd Place – Lloyd Mashburn, Tim Edgemond (Polk County High School), “Nuclear Fission: The Radical Concept That Impacted Life and Death”

3rd Place – Grant Smith, Robert Hernandez, Wayne Moats (Polk County High School), “Black and White to Color: The Impact of TV on Society”

Individual Exhibit, Elementary Division

1st Place – Alyssa Neuhoff (Walden Home School), “From Nuisance to Innovation: Velcro”

2nd Place – Philip Pedigo (Signal Mountain Home School History Club), “Improving Submarines”

Individual Exhibit, Junior Division

1st Place – Turner Beth Bryant (Bryant Home School), “Coca-Cola Bottling”

2nd Place – Grant Stafford (Signal Mountain Home School History Club), “The Comfort of Cobblestone”

3rd Place – Andrew Sabin (Signal Mountain Home School History Club), “The Hunley: Early Hunter”

Individual Exhibit, Senior Division

1st Place – Caitlyn Sudkamp (Walden Home school), “A Matter of Time: John Harrison’s Sea Clocks”

Group Exhibit, Junior Division

1st Place – Charis Dowell, Cotie San (Lookout Valley Middle/High School), “The Printing Press: The Bible to Twilight”

2nd Place – Danielle Whited, Caitlin Dowell (Lookout Valley Middle/High School), “Plowing Through History”

3rd Place – Gavin Thacker, Taylor Sewell (Lookout Valley Middle/High School), “Innovations in Gunpowder”

Website

1st Place – Bobby Hernandez, Gary Moats (Polk County High School), “Lights, Camera, Action: The Impact of Television on Children and Adolescents”

2nd Place – Earl Joslin, Montana Bazzell (Polk County High School), “The Assembly Line: A Modern Innovational Change to an Ancient Concept”

3rd Place – Tyler Mashburn (Polk County High School) “For Better or Worse: The Impact of the Atomic Bomb”

Chattanooga Police: "Officers followed protocol" .... A trip to the hospital is never the way the Chattanooga Police Department (CPD) wants their officers to end a shift. It started out as one of those common mysterious calls, then turned into what the officers thought was a fire. After entering the meth house twice, the men finally realized what was really happening. ---- WRCBTV.com has MORE

Home invasion & beatings reported in Red Bank

Saturday, March 6, 2010

A Nooga.com reader reports a man and woman were beaten after three males who forced their way in posing as Census takers and ransacked their home on Knollwood Drive this morning.

The woman was hospitalized due to her injuries. Her boyfriend was treated and released.

The three suspects were armed with pistols and they fled from the residence in an black, older model Camaro.

There has been no official information from the Red Bank Police Department about the incident at the time of this report.

Saturday, March 6, 2010

The photos above are of officers from Chattanooga Police Department who had participated in the Read Across America, Pre K through 5th Grade, at Lakeside Academy last week.

Lt. Kim Noorbergen, Chattanooga Police Department PIO, said, "As you can see, it was a great experience!"

UPDATE: Driver injured in Friday night crash on Highway 153 succumbs

Alcohol and high speed blamed

Saturday, March 6, 2010

Officer Rebecca Royval, Chattanooga Police PIO, says last night's single-car crash in the 3600 block of Highway 153 at I-75 South around 11 p.m., has resulted in the death of the injured driver.

Phillip Anthony Jackson, age 39, of Ringgold, GA died during surgery late last night due to a liver laceration.

Jackson was ejected from the BMW as it went out of control and slammed into a guardrail and flipped. Chattanooga firefighters extricated Jackson from underneath the demolished car and Hamilton County EMS medics attempted to keep the man alive as they rushed him to Erlanger Hospital's emergency room.

The passenger, Roy Malone, age 28, of Chattanooga, is in stable condition. According to CPD traffic investigators, alcohol and speed were factors in the crash.

Crime Stoppers
Weekend Edition

Saturday, March 6, 2010

This weekend Chattanooga police are looking for two suspects who are using credit cards that were stolen from a car in the downtown area.

The burglary of the car occurred on February 27, 2010 at 1 Broad Street between 2 and 5:30 p.m. The victim was unaware that her purse had been stolen until she received a call from Ft. Oglethorpe, GA Police stating that they had located her purse in their city. When she retrieved her purse, she noticed several items missing, including a debit card, a wallet, cash and credit card information. The next day, she received a phone call from her bank that her debit card had been used at Shoe Carnival and Home Depot, both on Gunbarrel Road in Chattanooga.

Investigators with the Chattanooga Police Department were given photos of the two suspects as they used the stolen credit cards at both Shoe Carnival and Home Depot. The white female suspect is wearing a brown leather jacket and jeans and has brown hair. The white male suspect is wearing a dark short-sleeved t-shirt with imprinting, jeans and has gray hair and a beard.

If you can identify these suspects, or have any information that can help in this case, call Crime Stoppers. Your confidential call could make you eligible for a reward of up to $1000. Call Crime Stoppers at 698-3333.

Hembree wanted by Bradley County Sheriff

Saturday, March 6, 2010

The Bradley County Sheriff's Office has added Earl Lynn Hembree Jr. to its Most Wanted fugitive list.

Hembree is being sought on felony counts of evading and reckless endangerment.

In mid-February a patrol deputy tried to stop a vehicle on Highway 64 for a traffic violation. After a short pursuit the vehicle stopped on a dead end road but then sped away when the deputy got out of his patrol car. During efforts to elude arrest the lives of three deputies were placed in danger.

One of the deputies recognized Hembree as the person behind the wheel. Warrants were taken out for one count of reckless driving, three counts of felony evading, three counts of felony reckless endangerment and one count of drivers' license violations.

Hembree is 36 years old, approximately six feet tall and weighs around 150 pounds. He is described as having brown eyes and brown hair.

Anyone knowing where Hembree can be found should contact the BCSO's Crime Tip Hotline, 423-728-7336.

Crash on Highway 153 leaves
driver in critical condition

Saturday, March 6, 2010

A single-car accident happened around 11 p.m. Friday night on Highway 153 South at I-75 South.

Witnesses say the car was traveling at a high rate of speed in a curve, went out of control, struck a guardrail and flipped onto it's side. The driver was partially ejected and the car landed on top of him. Chattanooga firefighters arrived quickly and extricated the victim in about ten minutes.

CPD officers redirected traffic off Highway 153 during extrication and cleanup.

Officer Rebecca Royval, Chattanooga Police PIO, says the victim was unconscious but breathing when he was transported to the hospital by Hamilton County EMS.

Joe Prebul given the maximum, 1 year sentence plus 400 hours at soup kitchen .... Former Chattanooga auto dealer Joe Prebul was sentenced Friday to the maximum one year in federal prison and 400 hours community service at a soup kitchen. Judge William H. Pauley III set the sentence after Prebul's sister, Lillie Bensusan, asked for the maximum sentence and said, "I will never forgive him." Prosecutors said Prebul used almost $7 million sent by the Bensusan family to be invested for his own personal use and to bolster his failing car dealerships. ---- Chattanoogan.com has MORE

Memphis prosecutor Bill Gibbons files official paperwork to run for governor .... He says his top priorities will be more jobs, better schools and safer communities. ---- WREG.com has MORE

Lady Mocs down UNCG to advance to semis .... Senior Shanara Hollinquest (Sylacauga, Ala.) led five Chattanooga players in double figures as the Lady Mocs defeated UNC Greensboro 82-64 in the quarterfinal round of the Southern Conference Tournament at the Bojangles Coliseum. ---- GOMocs.com has MORE

UPDATE: CPD identifies five arrested at working meth lab bust

Friday, March 5, 2010

Chattanooga Police have arrested and charged 5 subjects with Initiating Manufacturing Methamphetamine, possession Methamphetamine for Resale and possession Drug Paraphernalia in connection with the discovery of a working methamphetamine lab last night at 5216 Tanner Avenue by Chattanooga police officers while answering a suspicious activity call.

Two police officers that were the first to arrive at the scene were later taken to Erlanger to be checked out after they experienced difficulty breathing fumes from the lab.

One officer was treated and released the other was kept over night for further observation.

Those arrested were identified as:

• Jarod Green, 28
• Scott Wilkey, 28
• John Roach, 37
• Thomas McKeehan, 38
• Jodi Graham, 41

All of the suspects were booked at the Hamilton County Jail where they were given a court date to answer to their charges.

Girls fighting at Chattanooga Girl's Leadership Academy school video found on YouTube .... Directors at the school claim the fight was staged. ---- WRCBTV.com has MORE and VIDEO

Fight at East Ridge High results in student tased

Friday, March 5, 2010

This afternoon around 12:46 East Ridge Police patrol and tactical officers responded to East Ridge High School at 4340 Bennett Road after the school resource officer radioed for backup from more officers.

The SRO had been summoned to the area of the school's gymnasium on a reported fight between two female students. When the SRO arrived, a teacher was attempting to break up the fight and was being assaulted by one of the students involved. The SRO in an attempt to protect the teacher fired a taser. A third female student, who was not involved in the original fight, was attempting to help the teacher, stepped into the path of the taser's dart and was accidentally tased.

The 17-year-old female student who was tased was treated at the scene by fire rescue first responders, and then transported to Park Ridge Hospital by LifeGuard EMS for evaluation.

East Ridge Public Safety PIO Erik Hopkins says the student tased was identified by both the SRO and school officials as a good student and not part of the fight but was just trying to assist. No other injuries were reported.

The two students involved in the fight were taken into custody and charged with assault and disorderly conduct. The 17-year-old female student was transported to the Juvenile Detention Center. The 18-year-old female student,identified as Dearia M. Higgins, was transported to the Hamilton County Jail. She is due to be in East Ridge Municipal Court on Tuesday, March 30th, at 5 p.m.

CPD officer arrested

Friday, March 5, 2010

Lt. Kim Noorbergen, Chattanooga Police Department PIO, says says a joint investigation by the Chattanooga Police Department Internal Affairs Division and the Major Crimes Division (Domestic Violence Unit) has led to the arrest of a Chattanooga police officer.

Officer Carlos Woodruff, a 15 year veteran, was placed under arrest after police were called to his residence and were told by his wife an the assault.

Officer Woodruff has been relieved of duty and charged with domestic assualt.

Lt. Noorbergen says because of the ongoing investigation, no other details of the assault and arrest can be revealed now.

EPB announces winners of its

Black History Month Essay Contest

Friday, March 5, 2010

Thursday night, March 4, EPB held a banquet to honor the winning students of their sixth annual Black History Month Essay Contest.

A celebration of diversity and education presided over by EPB President and CEO Harold DePriest and Hamilton County Mayor Claude Ramsey, the event recognized nine top essays chosen from more than 70 submitted by public and private middle and high school students within EPB's service area.

Participating students were asked to write an essay which focused on contributions of African Americans throughout history.

The winners of the 2010 EPB Black History Month Essay Contest are:

Grades 6 and 7

• 1st Place -- Jonathan Sanders of Silverdale Baptist Academy
• 2nd Place -- Dan Harper of McCallie Middle
• 3rd Place -- Katrina Mauldin-Raley of Silverdale Baptist Academy

Grades 8 and 9

• 1st Place -- Nikki Davis of Grace Baptist Academy
• 2nd Place -- Jake Simpson of Grace Baptist Academy
• 3rd Place -- Madison Leonard of Grace Baptist Academy

Grades 10 through 12

• 1st Place -- Adriane Gutillo of Soddy Daisy
• 2nd Place -- Seth Atchley of Soddy Daisy
• 3rd Place -- Matthew Masters of Soddy Daisy

All winners were awarded cash prizes, as well as certificates and medals. Teachers of first place winners received gift cards to be used towards school supplies. To learn more about the contest, visit www.epb.net.

TBI names state winner in

Missing Children Poster Contest

Friday, March 5, 2010

Today, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation announced the winner of
the first-ever statewide Missing Children Poster contest. The winning poster (pictured
below) was created by Destiny Carter of Pineview Elementary School in Rockwood, TN. ---- Nooga.com has MORE

Tennessee named finalist in
'Race to the Top' competition

Friday, March 5, 2010

Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen announced today that Tennessee is one of 16 finalists in the first round of the federal government’s Race to the Top competition, which will award $4.35 billion in competitive grants designed to encourage and reward states that are pursuing education innovation.

The U.S. Department of Education announced the first-round finalists earlier today. Forty states and the District of Columbia submitted applications in January. ---- Nooga.com has MORE

Update: I-24 crash results in death

Friday, March 5, 2010

Lt. Kim Noorbergen, Chattanooga Police Department PIO, says during the morning rush hour today, Chattanooga Police traffic officers investigated a fatal accident along I-24 East at Browns Ferry Road.

Witnesses told police a 1998 Chrysler Sebring driven by Ruby D. Payne 57, of Whitwell, Tennessee was weaving in and out of traffic when she left the roadway and struck a guardrail. She then went back into traffic and collided a 2006 Ford F-250 pickup truck driven by John L. Taylor 63, of Sequatchie. The pickup left the roadway, hit a embankment and rolled several times. Taylor was ejected from his truck suffering multiple injuries. He was transported to Erlanger Hospital by Hamilton County EMS where he was pronounced dead.

Ms. Payne was taken to Erlanger with minor injuries. Lt. Noorbergen says charges are pending against the woman and Payne's death is the 3rd traffic fatality in Chattanooga this year. ----- Photo courtesy of TDOT

Tennessee Republican candidate for Congress carries pitchfork with him on campaign trail .... Where Van Irion goes, so does his pitchfork. The Republican congressional candidate — and avid Tea Party supporter — running for east Tennessee's 3rd District seat keeps the farm tool at his side, whether he's giving speeches or glad handling constituents, as a reminder of what his candidacy is about. Irion, 42, practices civil law in Knoxville and is hardly a Tennessee farmer, but he said his campaign prop "represents the angry mob.” ---- DailyCaller.com has MORE

Police busy with serious Friday morning rush hour wrecks .... Around 8:30 a.m. a crash on I-24 East at the Cummings Highway exit left at least one person in serious-critical condition. Police say the victim was ejected from one vehicle. Traffic was heavy and slow moving.

Also around 8:30 a.m., first responders were dispatched to a motorcycle accident with serious injuries at Broad Street and St. Elmo Avenue. Nooga.com will update as soon as possible.

Unsung hero of Chattanooga rap music scene Derrick "Fat Cat" Fuller dies .... With the recent news of hip-hop luminary Guru of rap group Gangstarr suffering a heart attack, it also fitting to pay homage to a man who was a pioneer in Chattanooga's local music scene: Derrick "Fat Cat" Fuller who passed away this past weekend due to injuries sustained in a hit and run incident in Louisville, Kentucky. ---- Examiner.com has MORE

Kanku’s agrees to beef up security .... The owners of a convenience store where three shootings have occurred in the last eight months agreed Thursday to hire more security officers in an effort to help curb the violence. ---- TimesFreePress.com has MORE

Jeremy Lane indicted in death of pedestrian Susan Wood

Thursday, March 4, 2010

A Hamilton County grand jury has been formally indicted Jeremy Lane in the death of Susan Wood, a Unum employee who was alledgely struck and killed by the 25-year-old on the morning of December 23, 2009.

Police say Lane was driving drunk when he hit Mrs. Wood and sped away from the Fourth Street scene. Investigators say Lane called 911 minutes later and reported he had been car-jacked and his sports car was taken which turned out to be untrue.

The charges against Lane on the indictment are:

• Vehicular homicide
• Leaving the scene of an accident involving death
• Marking a false police report
• Driving under the influence

Lane's next court appearance will be an arraignment on March 26 in Hamilton County Criminal Court.

East Ridge paid part-time city attorney $162,450.11 last year .... City Manager William Whitson said the city got "great value for what we spent." John Anderson formerly billed the city $250 per hour, but starting last July the city began paying him a $90,000 per-year retainer. He also bills the city for litigation under the new arrangement. ---- Chattanoogan.com has MORE

Latest Tennessee jobless rate unchanged at 10.7 percent .... Labor Commissioner James Neeley said Thursday there was a 3,400-job increase in employment, and 2 of the three largest gains were in manufacturing. ---- WRCBTV.com has MORE

Deal pushes back resignation from U.S. House .... He says he changed his mind after President Barack Obama pledged to push for a quick vote on health care. ---- WRCBTV.com has MORE

North Georgia judge slaps Tonya Craft with gag order .... A former Chickamauga elementary school teacher scheduled to go on trial in Catoosa County Superior Court on March 15 for sexual abuse charges now faces a possible contempt citation and jail time for talking to reporters about the allegations against her. Defense attorneys, prosecutors are also prohibited from talking to reporters about the case. ---- Chattanoogan.com has MORE

Wrecker operators speak out on non-consent towing fee .... Numerous wrecker companies on Thursday addressed the Chattanooga Beer and Wrecker Board about a proposed fee cap for towing a vehicle from private property without the owner's consent. Amid rumors that the fee might be set as low as $75 or $85, operators urged the board to keep it in line with the fees authorized in the city code for towing cars involved in an accident. ---- Chattanoogan.com has MORE

PETA to protest at Ringling's opening-night
performance in Chattanooga, as usual

Thursday, March 4, 2010

In a press release today, PETA says, "Have you seen the newly released photos that were taken by a Ringling Bros. whistleblower of baby elephants as they were being bound and electro-shocked by Ringling's trainers? If not, check them out. After you do, you'll understand why we're inviting you to come out and speak up for animals at a demonstration protesting Ringling's arrival in Chattanooga."

The press release also says, "Please join other local activists in protest outside Ringling's opening-night performance in Chattanooga (Thursday, March 11, 6–7 p.m. at UTC McKenzie Arena). Your presence will make a world of difference to frightened baby elephants who scream, cry, and struggle as they are stretched out, slammed to the ground, struck with bullhooks, and shocked with electric prods. Their plight has touched the hearts of people everywhere, making widely attended and exciting opening-night demonstrations a cruelty-free tradition that's on the rise in every city that Ringling visits—let's not let Chattanooga be the exception. We wouldn't want Ringling to think that it's welcome in town, would we?"

Alexander promises effort to repeal the health care bill

Thursday, March 4, 2010 -- WASHINGTON

Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, today made the following remarks about Democrats' plans to force a vote in the House on the Senate's health care bill:

"What the President is really asking House Democrats to do is hold hands, jump off a cliff and hope Harry Reid catches them. And, Harry Reid will have no incentive to catch them because by the time he gets to the reconciliation bill, the President will have already signed the health care bill into law.

"If that should happen, I'm absolutely convinced there will be an instant effort in this country to repeal the health care bill that will go until November and define every Congressional race."

School district and businesses to
train aspiring principals

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Today marks the official launch of Superintendent Jim Scales venture: the Principal Leadership Academy. The program is a joint effort by the Hamilton County Department of Education, PEF, UTC and the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce as well as Unum, who is providing an initial $100,000 investment. ---- Chattarati.com has MORE

Female Brainerd High student tased during fight

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Hamilton County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Janet Atkinson says a fight broke out between two female students at Brainerd High School today at around 1:30 p.m.

Atkinson says one female student entered a classroom during class and started assaulting another female student. The School Resource Officer was called and responded to the classroom where she attempted to intervene and stop the fight. When the female student who initiated the assault, refused to comply with numerous verbal commands to stop, she was tased.

The Hamilton County Emergency Medical Services was called to check out the police per school policy and transported to an area hospital after she complained of shortness of breath. She was charged with simple assault and disorderly conduct.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Hamilton County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Janet Atkinson says there have been several arrests made recently involving people listed on the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office "12 Most Wanted." Listed below are three new additions that will take their place on the list.

The first addition is Mary Jo Lewis aka Mary Jo Lyda, a white female, age 41, 5' 8", weighing 145 lbs. and a last known address of Mountain Creek Road, Chattanooga. She is wanted for fraudulently obtaining TennCare benefits, driving under the influence and reckless driving.

Second is Ronald Crumsey, a black male, age 19, 5' 11", weighing 165 lbs. and having a last known address of Shore Manor Lane in Chattanooga. He is wanted for evading arrest and theft of property.

The third is Danny Lewis, a white male, age 39, 6' 3", weighing 200 lbs. and was last known to live on Telepha Lane in Chattanooga. He is wanted for fraudulently obtaining TennCare benefits.

Anyone with information on the three new additions or others shown on the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office "12 Most Wanted" is requested to contact the HCSO Fugitive Division at 423-209-7140 or the dispatcher at 423-622-0022.

East Hamilton cheerleader/coach report released .... East Hamilton teacher/cheerleading coach Stephanie Knox has been notified of a recommendation to proceed with the termination of her employment. --- WRCBTV.com has MORE and VIDEO

Rally planned at Kanku's on Wilcox Boulevard ... Commissioner Greg Beck and other community leaders will meet at the Kanku's convenience store at the corner of Wilcox Blvd. and Tunnel Blvd. at 5 pm. Friday. Planners say they are hoping to find solutions to curb violence on the parking lot of the business.

Two Chattanooga men arrested in Maryville on sex charges involving a minor

Thursday, March 4, 2010

David Mark Leleaux, 24, of Chattanooga, was arrested and jailed in the Blount County Detention Facility on bonds totaling $65,000 around 5:30 a.m. Sunday.

Police there say Leleaux was spotted in his car with a 15-year-old Blount County girl. Both the girl and Leleaux admitted having sex. The met on MySpace.com according to police.

Leleaux is to be in court March 5th in Blount County General Sessions Court.

A second Chattanooga man, Jay Alex Murphy, 49, was also arrested on solicitation of a minor charges last week.

Haslam leads gubernatorial candidates in new MTSU poll .... According to the poll, Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam has the highest visibility of all the candidates with 19 percent name recognition. Rep. Zach Wamp had the second highest at 10 percent. ---- VolunteerTV.com has MORE

Crime Stoppers Crime of the Week

CPD hoping for information leading
to Ace Hardware burglar

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

This week Chattanooga Police Property Crimes investigators are seeking clues to help solve a recent burglary at a local business.

The burglary occurred on February 13, around 2:40 a.m.

Unknown suspects drove a vehicle into the window of Ace Hardware at 2700 Broad Street. Once they made entry into the business, the suspects took 17 brown Carhartt jackets valued at around $1300, similar to the one pictured.

Officer Rebecca Royval, Chattanooga Police PIO, says there was no camera surveillance of the incident from inside the store. However, the surveillance system next door did capture a gray or silver Chevrolet Impala as the suspects drove into the window of the business.

If you have any information that could assist investigators in solving the burglary at Ace Hardware, call Crime Stoppers. Your confidential call could make you eligible for a reward of up to $1000. Call Crime Stoppers at 698-3333.

Police release identity of 18-year-old found dead in a UTC apartment

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Lt. Kim Noorbergen, Chattanooga Police Department PIO, says the cause of death of 18-year-old Gregory Don Hall II of Jackson, Tennessee. is still undetermined and is pending toxicology report. Major Crimes investigators are awaiting the results of an autopsy and other reports so they continue their investigation.

Hall was apparently visiting friends in the Guerry apartments near the corner of Douglas Street and MLK Boulevard when he died.

The university's newspaper, UTC Echo, says it has not been able to get a comment from Bob Ratchford, chief of UTC police, saying he has been "unavailable for comment."

Murder suspect put on probation day before alledgely killing a man.... Terrance Etchison, charged with killing a man Feb. 27 at the Kanku's on Wilcox Boulevard, was given a 30-day suspended jail sentence and put on probation by a local judge just a day before a fatal shooting. Police say Jamaal Byrd, 29, fatally shot victim Terrance Etchison and even was caught on video committing the crime. ---- TimesFreePress.com has MORE

Wamp won't resign to campaign for Tennessee governor .... Rep. Zach Wamp, R-Tenn., said running for governor while serving in Congress is a "challenge, but you have to be incredibly well organized and disciplined." ---- TimesFreePress.com has MORE

TennCare mental health patients may see changes in benefits .... Tennessee's governor has proposed millions of dollars in budget cuts, and some TennCare benefits have found their way onto the chopping block. ---- VolunteerTV.com has MORE

Prosecutor wants Joe Prebul behind bars for a year ... Prebul recently pleaded guilty a misdemeanor charge involving a $6,783,082 loss to his brother-in-law. Prebul is to be sentenced Friday at 3 p.m. in a New York City federal court Friday, March 5th. ---- Chattanoogan.com has MORE

Robbery in Fort O and a police chase ends with arrests in Hamilton County

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

A robbery occurred at a Walgreens pharmacy in Ft. Oglethorpe, Georgia, Monday around 7:15 p.m.

The Catoosa County Sheriff's Office spotted the suspect's vehicle, described as a 1994 grayish-blue Toyota Camry, on Dietz Road and attempted to make a stop. The vehicle sped away, entered I-75 North and crossed into Tennessee.

Hamilton County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Janet Atkinson says the fleeing suspects merged onto Highway 153 and off 153 and north on Highway 58. During the chase, the male suspect reportedly fired a gun at pursuing officers at least two times.

Hamilton County deputies used spike strips to stop the suspect car on Jewell Road in the Harrison area. Both suspects attempted to run from officers but they were quickly captured.

Atkinson says the suspect's getaway car was found to be stolen and deputies found a handgun along with a large amount of drugs were found inside. Both the the male suspect and the female suspect were in possession of a large amount of cash.

The male suspect was identified as Alex Sauseda, a Hispanic, age 29, and the female suspect as Jaime Patton-Steele, a white female, age 27. The two were transported to the Hamilton County Jail and charged with theft over $1000 and three counts of felony possession of controlled substance for resale. Sauseda was also charged with carrying a dangerous weapon while Patton-Steele was additionally charged with accessory after the fact.

Sauseda and Patton-Steele have other charges pending against them in Hamilton County as well as holds placed by law enforcement authorities in Georgia and South Carolina.

Chattanooga's Thomas Brothers Construction gets $9.77 million Volkswagen contract .... The work is for preparation of the area where vehicles produced at the $1 billion plant will be placed onto trucks or rail cars for shipment. ---- Chattanoogan.com has MORE

CPD investigating death of 18-year-old found at Douglas and ML King at UTC

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Chattanooga Major Crimes Division detectives are attempting to identified and determine the cause of death a body or a human being found this morning at a parking lot at the intersection Douglas Street and Martin King Boulevard.

Lt. Kim Noorbergen, Chattanooga Police Department PIO, says the teen was visiting with students at UTC but he was not a student.

Nooga.com will update as soon as possible.

Five Mocs make the All-SoCon Team .... The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga wrestling team had five student-athletes named to the All-Southern Conference squad today. Senior Josh Statum (133), sophomores Demetrius Johnson (125) and Brandon Wright (165) and freshmen Niko Brown (197) and Josh Condon (157) were all honored for their success in the 2009-10 season. ---- GoMocs.com has MORE

Chattanooga heads to Charlotte to defend crown .... Final exams are coming for the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga's men's basketball program as it heads to Charlotte, N.C., for the 2010 Southern Conference Tournament March 5-8. Chattanooga, the North Division's No. 3 seed, opens with a first round game on the fifth against Georgia Southern, the South's No. 6, 30 minutes after the 7 p.m., contest. ---- GoMocs.com has MORE

Littlefield recommends dropping back stormwater fee for business; Defends city program .... Mayor Ron Littlefield on Tuesday recommended keeping the residential stormwater fee at $9.60, but cutting back the business fee to $6.50. However, he recommended raising the business fee by 75 cents a year until it catches up with the residential charge that is based on an ERU, or Equivalent Residential Unit, which is equal to 3,200 square feet. ---- Chattanoogan.com has MORE

Mom of deceased 2-year-old charged with his "murder"

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Ashleigh Pauline Hallett has been indicted by a Hamilton County Grand Jury on murder charges in connection with the death of her 2-year-old son, Christopher Landen Patton.

The step-father of the boy, Justin Loines, was charged with murder earlier, just after the child was taken to T.C. Thompson's Children's Hospital with his body nearly covered with bruises. ---- Chattanoogan.com has MORE

Seeing double: Mega Millions, Powerball top $100 million ... Mega Millions and Powerball are on the double with both jackpots surpassing $100 million. The jackpot for tonight's Mega Millions drawing is at an estimated $112 million to a single annuity winner. The jackpot for Wednesday's Powerball drawing is at an estimated $114 million to a single annuity winner. It only takes $1 for each drawing for a chance to double up and win big. Mega Millions drawings are held on Tuesdays and Fridays. Powerball drawings are held on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Sheriff's Office notes road problems due to snow and icing ... Tuesday, March 2 at 11 a.m. the W Road, Roberts Mill Road, Fairmont Pike, Montlake Road, Mountain Road and Mobrey Mountain Road are closed. The following roads are icy and slick due to the weather and motorists should use caution: Ooltewah-Georgetown Road and Taft Highway.

Hamilton County Schools closing early Tuesday

7:15 a.m start – 10:15 dismissal

8-8:30 a.m. start – 11:00 dismissal

9:00 start – 12:00 dismissal

Buses will run based on this dismissal schedule. Buses will run snow routes were needed. Buses will not run mountain routes. This includes Signal Mountain, Mobrey Mountain, Flat Top Mountain, Big Ridge, Bakewell and Sale Creek.

Child care will be open until 4:00

All evening activities are canceled.

National Weather Service

Winter Weather Advisory
Hazardous Weather Outlook
Short Term Forecast

Tuesday, March 2, 2010: Snow. High near 35. North wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Total daytime snow accumulation of around an inch possible.

Tuesday night, March 2, 2010 : Snow likely, mainly before 7pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30. North wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Supreme Court turns down Chattanooga man's appeal challenging lethal injection ---- Edward Jerome Harbison was convicted in the 1983 beating death of an elderly woman in St. Elmo. ---- AP has MORE

Red Bank looking at budding new city hall .... City Manager Chris Dorsey said Red Bank officials are planning to meet with an architect to draw up plans for a new city hall. Dorsey said an old fire hall at the rear of the city hall on Dayton Boulevard is serving as a locker area for police officers, but he said it is "in a sad state of repair." ---- Chattanoogan.com has MORE

Tyner Middle School student caught with drugs .... A 13-year-old girl and a 13-year-old boy were transported to the Hamilton County Juvenile Detention Center Thursday and charged with possession of marijuana for resale. The two had four plastic baggies filled with marijuana.

Hamilton County Schools change wording in social networking policy ... The school board is refining it's proposal that teacher's make sure their social networking stays separate from their work. The first draft brought a lot of criticism. ---- WDEF.com has MORE

Only on 3: Tonya Craft in her own words .... In two weeks, a former North Georgia kindergarten teacher goes on trial for child molestation charges. Three young girls tell detectives Tonya Craft molested them in Catoosa County. In an unusual step, Craft made the decision to open up to Channel 3 Eyewitness News about the case before her day in court. Channel 3 Eyewitness News Reporter Melydia Clewell talked with her and joins us now with Craft's story.... ---- WRCBTV.com has MORE

Athens bank robber caught fleeing on a bicycle .... Jack Lee Braden, 20, alledgely robbed the Athens Federal Community Bank today but didn't get too far. ---- WDEF.com has MORE

Detective says underwear-clad biker threatened to kill officer and family .... A Bradley County detective testified Monday that a motorcycle gang member, clad only in his underwear in 23-degree weather, threatened to kill one officer and his family. Det. Carl Maskew testified at a detention hearing for 40-year-old Daniel Decker. ---- Chattanoogan.com has MORE

Pellet gun sieged at East Ridge Middle School

Monday, March 1, 2010

Around 1:03 p.m. today, the East Ridge Police SRO responded to East Ridge Middle School after a report of a weapon being found on campus.

East Ridge Public Safety PIO Erik Hopkins says a teacher had received information that a student could have a student's locker. A pellet gun was found inside the locker.

The child was taken into custody by the SRO without incident.

The 14 year old male student was transported to the Hamilton County Juvenile Detention Center and charged with possession of a weapon on school property.

Monday, March 1, 2010

Three men were arrested during the early morning hours Sunday for robbing and viciously beating an acquaintance on South Crest Road.

23-year-old Justin Hulgan reported to officers he was visiting friends at 802 S. Crest when he went outside to find that his vehicle had been vandalized.

Hulgan says as he was repairing the damage done to the car, three acquaintances; Michael Barker, Anthony Barker and Zachary Watkins attacked him and began punching and kicking him until he fell to the ground. After beating him down, they went through his pockets and took his cell phone, wallet containing $200 cash and some prescription medication.

Sgt.Weary says officers subsequently caught the three suspects and arrested them after finding them in possession of evidence from the robbery. Hulgan was treated and released from a local hospital for minor injuries sustained in the incident.

Chattanooga man on death row appealing case .... Edward Jerome Harbison was convicted of murdering a woman in St. Elmo in 1983. He's now claiming he has evidence of police misconduct in the case. ---- TimesFreePress.com has MORE and AUDIO

Georgia Rep. Deal resigning from congress to focus on governor's race .... Rep. Nathan, a Republican, Deal held a news conference Monday to announce his resignation effective next Monday. ---- FOXnews.com has MORE

Whitfield ready to comply in test check .... The Whitfield County Schools system must comply with state orders after an analysis showed one of its schools had more changed answers on a statewide test than average. ---- TimesFreePress.com has MORE

Halloran gets 93-month prison term in drug case .... Chattanooga police on Feb. 1, 2009, used a confidential informant to set up a marijuana deal with John W. Halloran. Video and audio recording devices were set up in the informant's apartment. Halloran finally came after being called three times. ---- Chattanoogan.com has MORE

Dalton police search for man wanted for questioning in child molestation case .... Pascual Tercero-Bautista, 37, has eluded police. If you know the whereabouts of this man call Detective Barry Woods with the Dalton Police Department at 706-278-9085, extension 163. ---- Chattanoogan.com has MORE

Arrest in Saturday night's murder

Monday, March 1, 2010

A suspect wanted by police for the shooting death of Terrance Etchison last night at the Kanku's convenience store has been arrested by investigators with the CPD Fugitive Division.

< 29-year-old Jamaal Byrd has been arrested and charged with 1st degree murder for shooting Etchison on the parking lot of Kanku's. He was taken into custody at the Hamilton County Jail after negotiating his surrender with fugitive investigators. Byrd is the individual identified from surveillance video.

No motive has been determined in the shooting because the investigation is on-going.

Byrd was charged for unlawfully carrying a weapon and assault in 2009. His first court hearing is set for Wednesday, Feb. 3 at 8:30 a.m. in Judge David Bales courtroom.

TDOT traffic camera

Sunday, February 28, 2010

CPD officers and Chattanooga firefighters responded to an 18-wheeler crash around 2 p.m. this afternoon along Moccasin Bend.

Traffic was at a standstill both eastbound and westbound.

Two men, both from the wrecked 18-wheeler, were transported to Erlanger Medical Center with painful but non-life-threatening injuries.

The rig's trailer was loaded with thousands of pounds of potatoes.

Sgt. Jerri Weary, Chattanooga Police public information officer, says the driver of the tractor; 38-year-old Alex Brailey of Elberton, GA, was trying to negotiate the curve. when he lost control of the big rig. Charges are expected against Brailey but are pending further investigation. Traffic in both directions of I-24 reopened at 6:15 p.m. following clean up of the wreckage and spilled fuel.

Security camera photo of murder suspect

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Around 9:45 p.m. Saturday night, officers began investigating a murder. The victim, 27-year-old Terrance Etchison, was discovered laying in a pool of blood on the parking lot of the Kanku's Convenience Store at at 3440 Wilcox Blvd. The victim had been shot in the chest and was unresponsive when officers arrived. He was pronounced dead by Hamilton County EMS medics.

Sgt. Jerri Weary, Chattanooga Police public information officer, says after speaking with witnesses, police learned that Etchison and an unidentified black male had words inside the Kanku's. The exchange carried over to the parking lot when the victim exited the store. During the conversation outside, the suspect pulled a gun and shot , got into his car and left.

Police are working to identify the suspect in the photo above. The large black man was driving a gray 4-door car, possibly a rental car. Anyone with information on his identity is asked to call the Chattanooga Police Department.

Etchison's murder is the second in two months in Chattanooga.

Lottery jackpots roll on .... The Tennessee Lottery's jackpots are on a roll, with a weekend that brought over 39,000 winners and growing prize amounts. POWERBALL stands at $114 million, MEGA MILLIONS at $112 million and PICK 5 at $60,000.

Update: Arrest made in second shooting
in Chattanooga Saturday

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Chattanooga police reports say a person was shot several times along 830 Dodson Avenue around 11:00 p.m. Saturday.

The victim, Cecil Franklin Stodghill, was transported to Erlanger Medical Center's ER in and into emergency surgery with critical injuries however; his current condition is not known.

Sgt. Jerri Weary, Chattanooga Police public information officer, says according to information obtained from witnesses, Stodghill was bartending at the L G Lounge. The suspect, Leon Holmes, attempted to take money from Stodghill's tip jar which resulted in a fight between the two men. After the fighting incident, Holmes returned and shot Stodghill in the chest and abdomen.

Investigators with the CPD Fugitive Division were able to take Holmes into custody this morning at 6515 Ringgold Road after learning of his whereabouts. He is currently being interviewed by investigators and is expected to be charged with attempted murder, reckless endangerment and unlawful possession of a firearm.

Sgt. Weary says this shooting is not believed to be related to the fatal shooting along Wilcox Blvd shooting earlier in the evening. She says officers are following suspect leads in the case.

Cookeville Times runs "Meet the Candidate" exclusive with Zach Wamp .... The paper's website says, "In our continuing meet the candidates series, we asked Wamp questions about his agenda and strengths as a candidate." ---- CookevilleTimes has MORE

Birchwood Pike home burns Saturday evening

Sunday, February 28, 2010

Amy Maxwell, Hamilton County Emergency Services spokeswoman, says around 6:40 p.m. last evening, Saturday, a family called 911 to report a house fire at their home.

Highway 58 Volunteer Fire Department firefighters responded to 11624 Birchwood Pike arriving to find heavy smoke and fire in the home.

Fire Chief Danny Wright says, "The firefighters extinguished the fire within minutes and we were able to save the family's possessions inside the house".

Chief Wright says the roof and ceiling of the house suffered significant damage and the loss was estimated at at $120,000. He said the fire started in the fireplace area and flames escaped the chimney area and crawled in the ceiling and roof line of the house.

The residents tried to put the fire out with a garden hose before calling 911 but were not successful. Hamilton County property records show the owner of the property as Malcom D. Hess.

The American Red Cross assisted the family.

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