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The controversial cover of OK! Magazine shows
medics attempting to resuscitate Michael Jackson before
taking him an ambulance

 

Mom of 15-year-old fatally shot by police officer gets lawyer quick .... Nooga.com has learned the mother of 15-year-old Alonzo O’Kelley Jr. obtained an attorney within just a few hours after the boy was shot dead Wednesday night by a CHA police officer in the East Lake Courts public housing project. She will likely file a wrongful death suit against the Chattanooga Housing Authority and/or the City of Chattanooga. The name of of the boy's mother has not been released at this time nor has the name of the lawyer. (Original story below)

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Reader Comment: Wonder who she talked to first, the funeral director or the lawyer? ---- PO

Reader Comment: Close down the projects, tax payers are tired of housing them & feeding them. Then they can get a job like the rest of us, then they would be to tired to shoot each other! ---- Lynn

Reader Comment: The first person should have been the baby-daddy to tell him that he caused a 15 year old kid/son to be killed because of his irresponsible actions and not being a man/parent as a young and dumb kid himself!! ---- Billy

Reader Comment: I wanna know where was the mom when this 15-year-old kid was out at 9 shooting at someone else t... hen when he came at the CHA officer with the same gun and she gets a lawyer cause her son was shot dead the way. It sounds it was gonna happen sooner or later. ---- Matt

 

Pops on the River Saturday

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Celebrate Independence Day on Saturday, July 4th, with a patriotic concert at Coolidge Park produced by the Chattanooga Downtown Partnership and featuring the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera Orchestra, Robert Bernhardt, Music Director and Conductor.

Pops on the River, an outdoor musical concert, will be held from 8:00 p.m. to 9:45 p.m., concluding with a patriotic fireworks finale over the Tennessee River. It is presented FREE to the public by sponsoring organizations Comcast, along with Alstom and Allied Arts. ----
MORE on the Happenings page

 

Bredesen issues writ of election to fill vacancy .... Gov. Phil Bredesen says he's issued a writ of election to fill the House District 62 seat vacated by Democratic state Rep. Curt Cobb. Cobb, of Shelbyville, announced Wednesday that he is resigning to take a judicial position in Bedford County. ---- WRCBTV.com has MORE

 

Man breaks into Fort Payne home, dies .... The Dawson, Alabama man armed with a rifle apparently broke into his ex-wife’s home and was confronted by former family members Wednesday night, according to Fort Payne Police Commissioner Ron Ogletree. Officers received the call just before 8:30 p.m. and responded to a home in the 800 block of Alabama Avenue NW. Ogletree says Charles Elmer Stewart, 41 of Dawson, forced entry into the home armed with a .22 caliber semi-automatic rifle and waited until his ex-wife returned. His ex-wife, her sister and brother-in-law arrived to find the man, Ogletree said. He said one shot was fired during a brief struggle, and all but the man left the home.
Ogletree said tactical officers entered the home and found the man lying in the living room dead. ---- Source: The Times-Journal

 

Bredesen allows proposal for new Tenn. specialty plates to become law .... Gov. Phil Bredesen is once again allowing the latest batch of specialty license plates to become law without his signature. Bredesen, a Democrat, has long complained about the proliferation of specialty tags, urging lawmakers to rein in the number of plates available in Tennessee. ---- WHNT.com has MORE

 

Man who robbed Ringgold Walgreen's may have also robbed East Brainerd store ... Ringgold police detective Patrick Mason said he is going through and following up on leads in the robbery Monday night at Ringgold Walgreen's. After the story was publicized, he received around a half a dozen leads from the public, Mason said. At about 7:40 p.m. on June 29, an unidentified male stole Oxycontin from the pharmacy at gunpoint. The robber entered the store about 30 minutes before the robbery and left a handbag on the shopping aisle in front of the pharmacy. ---- Rome News has MORE

 

Parent company of Channel 9 cuts employee pay by 5% .... Freedom Communications, the parent company of WTVC, Channel 9, in Chattanooga, announced a company-wide wage reduction "as the economy continues to falter." Freedom Communications announced an across-the-board 5% reduction in base pay for employees at all levels of the company. The reduction will be effective July 13. ---- Chattanoogan.com has MORE

 

Update: CHA police officer involved in fatal shooting of 15-year-old

Officer and suspect identified

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Sgt. Jerri Weary, Chattanooga Police spokesperson, says the Chattanooga Housing Officer involved in last night's shooting was responding to sounds of shots fired when he encountered an armed gunman.

Lt. Erik Reeves of the Chattanooga Housing Authority's Public Safety Division says he was on bike patrol around 8:40 p.m. in Eastlake Courts when he heard shots fired by what sounded like at least two different guns.

Lt Reeves said he had parked his bike to investigate the shots fired when he came up on two men in a dispute. He says the two suspects attempted to run into a nearby apartment but couldn't get in. He says it was at this time that he noticed that one of the suspects had a gun. He says he gave repeated commands for the suspect to drop the gun but instead the suspect raised the gun and that is when he opened fire, hitting the armed male.

The fatally injured has been identified as 15-year-old Alonzo O’Kelley Jr. He was rushed to Erlanger Hospital where he died of a single gunshot wound to the upper body. Another juvenile was taken into custody immediately after the shooting and is believed to be connected to the earlier shootings.

Investigators with the CPD say they obtained information that O’Kelley and another juvenile were involved in the shooting incident earlier in the 2600 block of 4th Avenue. The investigators say there were several occupants in two vehicles just before Lt Reeves encountered them.

Crime scene investigators recovered several shell casings believed to have been fired from the two vehicles and also recovered the gun believed to be O’Kelley’s.

The investigation into both shooting incidents is continuing.

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Reader Comment: This is going to cost taxpayers tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, before its all over. Relatives will be coming out of the woodwork to file lawsuits. Wonder of John Wolfe had been to the "courts" today? ---- PO

 

Hamilton County Commission unanimously approves sale of property to Gestamp Corp. .... The VW undercarriage supplier is buying a 20 acre tract at $35,000 per acre and has an option on additional tract of similar size. Gestamp plans to build a $90 million plant near the VW plant now under construction. The City of Chattanooga and Hamilton County jointly own the tract being sold to Gestamp.

 

JJ Grey & Mofro perform at Nightfall this Friday .... Celebrate 21 years of FREE music as the Chattanooga Downtown Partnership continues its 2009 Nightfall Concert Series this Friday, July 3, on the BlueCross Stage in Miller Plaza with JJ Grey & Mofro. ---- MORE on the Happenings page.

 

City firefighters battle late night house fire

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Fire caused substantial damage last night to a large, two-story house located on the south end of Missionary Ridge. Richard and Bea Chadburn told firefighters that they were downstairs and getting ready to go to bed when they heard the sound of a smoke alarm upstairs. When they went to investigate, they said they could "feel the heat." They quickly got out of the house and observed flames coming from the attic vent on the side of the house. ---- Nooga.com has MORE

 

Housing Authority police officer shoots and kills suspect

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

A police officer with the Chattanooga Housing Authority Public Safety Division was involved in a shooting incident tonight after responding to sounds of shots fired in the area.

Sgt. Jerri Weary, Chattanooga Police spokesperson, says around 8:50 p.m. the officer found some people at 2500 4th Avenue who appeared to be involved in a dispute. As he attempted to make contact with the suspects, the officer saw that one of them had a gun. The officer says the armed suspect refused to drop the gun even after several commands to do so.

After the shooting, the suspect was taken to Erlanger Hospital where he died from his injuries despite an extensive attempt to revive him by way of CPR en route to the the emergency room.

Right now, police have not confirmed the identity of the suspect shot. Investigators with the Chattanooga Police Department are working to determine what happened before and after the encounter with police.

Two black males were taken into custody at the scene but their part in the dispute is unknown at this time.

Sgt. Weary says the CHA Officer involved in the shooting was not physically injured during the incident. Sgt. Weary said, "The Chattanooga Police Department will conduct the investigation with the assistance of the Chattanooga Housing Authority in determining the nature of events. An update on this incident will be given tomorrow after more details have been confirmed."

 

CPD officer involved in traffic accident

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Sgt. Jerri Weary, Chattanooga Police spokesperson, says while responding to an accident with injuries, an officer was involved in a separate accident.

The accident occurred just before 7 p.m. today, Wednesday, on North Orchard Knob Avenue when a stopped vehicle pulled into the path of the officer's cruiser.

According to witnesses, the officer was driving with blue lights and sirens activated. Traffic was stopped to allow him to pass but at the last moment, one of the stopped vehicles turned left in front of the officer's cruiser.

The officer wasn't injured however the driver of the other vehicle was taken to Erlanger with minor injuries. Sgt. Weary says no charges will be filed in this accident.

 

Soddy-Daisy police bust meth lab operation

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Five people have been charged with initiation of the methamphetamine manufacturing process inside a house trailer at 11229 Hixson Pike.

  • Kenneth Rogers
  • James Casey Rogers
  • Tiffany Sneed
  • Jamie Akins
  • Carie McGlamery

Officers making the bust said they could smell the meth before entering the house trailer.

 

Former University of Tennessee Professor John Reece Roth sentenced to 48 months in prison for illegally exporting military research technical data

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

John Reece Roth, 72, of Knoxville, Tennessee, was sentenced today to 48 months in prison for violating the Arms Export Control Act by conspiring to illegally export, and actually exporting, technical information relating to a U.S. Air Force (USAF) research and development contract. The sentencing, announced today by United States Attorney Russ Dedrick, took place in U.S. District Court in Knoxville, Tennessee, by the Honorable Thomas A. Varlan, Jr., United States District Court Judge. Upon his release from prison, Roth will serve a term of two years supervised release. ---- Nooga.com has MORE

 

Motorcycle crash kills 18-year-old in Bradley County

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

The crash happened Tuesday night in the 5000 black of Blue Springs Road around 9:30 p.m. John Robinson “Robby” Tyler III, 18, was airlifted to Erlanger Hospital's emergency room but he was pronounced dead later in the night.

The Bradley County Sheriff's Department investigated the single-vehicle accident. Speed was a factor in the crash says officers. Tyler's 2000 Kawasaki motorcycle left the road in a curve and crashed.

 

Playground constructed for Family Violence Shelter clients .... The Partnership for Families, Children and Adults has constructed a playground for children and families receiving services through the Family Violence Shelter. The playground was built by community and corporate volunteers on May 30 and has been in use by Partnership client families since that time. Nooga.com has MORE

 

Michael Jackson photographer grew up in Hamilton County .... Bill Nation says the time he spent with the singer ranks among the most thrilling experiences of his life. Nation, who grew up on Signal Mountain and has relatives in the area, said he photographed Jackson from the end of 1995 until the spring of 1997 as the pop icon recorded videos and prepared for the “HIStory” world tour. ---- TimesFreePress.com has MORE

 

Governor's Highway Safety Office warns Tennesseans not to get "nailed" by the cops this summer

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

The phrase, "I just got nailed by the cops," is taking on a whole new meaning for Tennesseans. Today, the Governor's Highway Safety Office joined AAA and the Franklin Police Department to launch "100 Days of Summer Heat" and unveiled a new "Drive Drunk, Get Nailed" message. GHSO has already spread the message to many in Middle Tennessee in a unique and surprising way. Vehicles with 10 foot nails driven through the hoods have appeared in high visibility locations across Middle Tennessee since June 22 in an effort to spread the word. ---- Nooga.com has MORE

 

CHA proposes adjustments to utility allowances for all CHA owned properties

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Chattanooga Housing Authority officials said effective September 1st it will adjust the maximum allowances for utilities and the rates that will be charged residents for usage overages at all properties owned by CHA. Authority officials said as a part of its funding agreement with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), residents are allowed a maximum utility usage based on a determination of what the normal consumption should be for comparable sized units similarly equipped. “Because CHA receives funding from HUD to pay for normal energy consumption by it residents, we are required by federal regulation to periodically review and update the schedules that set out the maximum allowances and rates to charge for over use,” said Betsy McCright CHA’s Executive Director. ---- Nooga.com has MORE

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Reader Comment: That's wonderful. That will give the residents more money for crack. ---- PO

Reader Comment: Yes, let's give them more reasons to not support themselves. ---- KB

Reader Comment: The Increase for utilities comes with the change of times. If the rate of utilities increase, so should the amount of the utility check. Contrary to what some people think, not all people that depend on this utility allowance are on drugs or abuse it. Some people just so happen to be down on their luck or elderly and only have SSI coming in. ---- Tee

Reader Comment: I too have been "down on my luck" the past three years too with the recession and the thieves in Washington handing trillions over to the banks and corporations. Advertising has been down and I am hurting yet when I owed back taxes on my home ... the government told me to pay up or they would sell my it. There were no "programs" for me to turn to. I paid up to the tune of $8,000 and the money will now go to the people in the projects to provide them with a home, utilities, doctor care and whatever else. You think anyone gives a s----? ---- Rick Igou, Nooga.com

 

Prebul's creditors going after his personal assets including his Signal Mountain home .... Attorney Jerry Farinash, the trustee for the bankruptcy of Prebul's former dealership group, filed the petition in Chattanooga Bankruptcy Court claiming money from Prebul's dealership went into Prebuls's Signal Mountain house. A hearing has been set for next Monday afternoon, July 6th.

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Reader Comment: Take the house ... put in bankruptcy ... if it was me or you they would by all means. ---- jjones

 

Local Army Reserve unit back in the states .... The 591st Transportation Detachment of the Army Reserve has arrived stateside after a year of deployment in Iraq. They are expected back in Chattanooga Saturday when a Independence Day celebration is planned. They are currently in processing at Camp Atterbury in Indiana.

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Zach Wamp reports $1.2 million raised in governor’s race .... Rep. Wamp said his goal was to raise $1 million by June 30. ---- TimesFreePress.com has MORE

 

Officer shooting update .... Just a week after he was shot while trying to take a disturbed man into custody, Officer Mitchell Moore of the Fort Oglethorpe Police Department has reported back to work. Officials say Moore's protective vest likely prevented him from suffering a serious injury or even death.

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Reader Comment: Glad to have Mitchell back at work, I'm a FO firefighter and when we were toned out (fire department) and heard the corresponding 2 GSW's and officer down it was something I'd never ever wanted to hear. Usually the medical calls are followed by a feeling that you helped somebody, but that one was heart-wrenching. ---- dgates1976

 

TBI Most Wanted from Chattanooga captured

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation says Christopher Todd Suttles, age 27, was located and apprehended at 261 West Howe Street in Alcoa, Tennessee.

The Chattanooga man was added to the TBI 10 Most Wanted in early May. He is wanted on numerous counts including attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assault and probation violation by the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office.

Janice Atkinson, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman, says Suttles stabbed a man twice in the back, cut his forearm and cut his right ear down to his neck earning him a spot on the Most Wanted list when police could not find him in Hamilton County including his home at 4007 Teakwood Drive in Chattanooga.

He was serving time in prison until June,2008 for being a felon in possession of a firearm. He was allowed probation but his latest crimes means that probation could be revoked.

Officers involved in the take down of Suttles say he offered little resistance.

U.S. Marshals assisted in locating Suttles.

 

Rocky Face woman perishes in head-on crash on Georgia highway

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Penny Bagby, 50, of 2041 LaFayette Road, was pronounced dead at Erlanger Hospital after being airlifted from the crash scene in which the 2004 Acura she was driving slammed head-on into a truck around 9:45 a.m. today.

The Georgia State Patrol says the accident is still under investigation but did say for some reason, Bagby's car crossed the center double-line on Lafayette Road (Georgia Highway 201) near the insection with Dunnagan Road in western Whitfield County.

 

Robin Smith to make "major announcement"

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Ms. Smith has said she is leaning toward running for the U.S. House seat currently held by U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp, R-Tenn., but she has not formally announced her candidacy. Rep. Wamp is running for governor. ---- TimesFreePress.com has MORE

 

EPB customers to see decrease in cost of electric power

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Lacie Newton, spokesperson for EPB says residential customers will see a decrease in the cost of electric power, due to TVA's quarterly Fuel Cost Adjustment (FCA), on any bill printed on or after July 1, 2009. Newton says this is the third FCA decrease in a row, following the past two quarters' decreases for all bills that were printed on or after January 1, 2009, and on or after April 1, 2009.

On average, most residential customers use about 1300 kilowatt hours per month – more in the summer and winter, less in the spring and fall. With TVA's upcoming FCA, a bill for 1300 kilowatt hours will be about $3.90 less than it would have been this quarter, for the same amount of power used.

However, depending on weather and, therefore, how much energy an individual uses, TVA's decrease may or may not make much difference on a customer's bill. Newton says that's why EPB suggests customers visit them online at www.epb.net for energy savings tips. Residential customers are also encouraged to schedule a free EPB Home Energy Audit by calling (423) 648-1EPB (1372).

 

Chattanooga Idol 2009 set for Thursday

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

FOX61 and 96.5 The Mountain are giving you another chance to perform for the American Idol producers in Orlando, Fla.

This year, the event will be at the UTC Fine Arts Center at UTC. Officials say this year's registration will be held in the afternoon from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. so that wannabe stars will not have to camp out.

The first round performance will start at 1:30 p.m. HERE are the contest rules.

 

92-year-old pedestrian dies in
Bradley County accident

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

A 92-year-old woman died on Monday of injuries that she received in a traffic accident last week where Watkins Street and Brownwood Drive meet.

Bradley County Sheriff's Office spokesman Bob Gault says the investigation by their Traffic Unit revealed Hattie Para Lee Haney of Watkins Street was walking on Brownwood Drive when she was struck by a 1999 Pontiac van driven by Chuck Ray Norman, 34, also of Watkins Street. The accident occurred on Wednesday, June 24 around 5:30 p.m. and Haney was airlifted to Erlanger Medical Center in Chattanooga. .

No charges have been filed but the investigation will continue.

 

Cleveland man charged with rape of woman at Chattanooga motel .... The 45-year-old woman says she and Emory Dean Hill, 51, of Cleveland, were both staying at the Motel 6 at 7707 Lee Highway, but in different rooms. She said she met Hill just hours before the alleged incident. ---- Chattanoogan.com has MORE

 

Do you know these people?

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

The Dalton Police Department is seeking the public's help in identifying three suspects who stole a debit card from an elderly woman in Dalton and used it to run up more than $1,000 worth of purchases.

On June 25th, a woman got lost in Dalton on her way back to the interstate. She stopped to ask the three suspects, two white females and one black male, for directions. While giving directions, the suspects asked for a ride to Walnut Square Mall. The woman agreed. According to the police report, the suspects gave the woman confusing directions to the mall, and in the confusion, one of the suspects entered her purse and took her debit card. After returning home, the woman got a call from her bank about suspicious activity on her account. The stolen card was used at locations across Dalton and Whitfield County, including Wal-Mart, Gamestop, Catos, CVS Pharmacy, Kangaroo, Zaxby's, and an Exxon Station. In all, the fraudulent purchases totaled $1,113.82.

During the transactions at the East Walnut Avenue Wal-Mart, three subjects were recorded on the store's surveillance system using the card. Those three individuals are pictured below. Anyone with information on the identity of these individuals or any other information on this crime is asked to contact Detective John Helton with the Dalton Police Department at 706-278-9085, extension 143.

 

Dallas police chase ends with crash Monday

 

 

Bo Watson will not run for Congress; Robin Smith to announce .... State Sen. Bo Watson said he has decided not to make a race for the Third District House seat being vacated by Zach Wamp, but former Tennessee Repubican Party Chairman Robin Smith apparently will. Ms. Smith, who is from Hixson, said she will make an announcement on Wednesday. ---- Chattanoogan.com has MORE

 

Boathouse Restaurant emails spark strong reactions on social networking sites .... Friday morning, Bleu Hayes posted an email forward on Twitter about a customer's recent experience at Boathouse, a local seafood restaurant. The email thread begins with a complaint from customer Craig Johnson — who claims a restaurant employee was unhelpful and misinformed him about health code rules — and follows the exchanges between Mr. Johnson and Lawton Haygood, General Partner of Boathouse. In the 48 hours since it was originally posted, the story has created an uproar in social networking circles, including heated reactions on Twitter and a “Boycott Boathouse” group on Facebook. ---- Chattarati.com has MORE

Reader Comment: Think there should be a class set up to help PARENTS teach their kids the "EAT IT OR STARVE" mentality, while I am at it there should be a KID SECTION set up so we that have raised our kids, don't have to listen to this nonsense. Maybe there is some kind of generation gap here? Hippies raisin Hippies! I think I will go to the Boathouse and by food then go eat it at McDonald's see what they say. Yes I am an OLD Hard ass>>>… Grow up and raise your youngins.. ---- Stringerbead

Reader Comment: I love the Boathouse. Service is always exceptional even when very busy. The Voodoo Chicken rocks!!! ---- Adam

Reader Comment: Is a waiter or waitress really the one he should be asking this? How much do you think they should know other than getting your order correct and filling up your glass with your tasty and frothy beverage of choice. He should have asked the janitor or dishwasher for that matter they would probably have known more, or he might have asked a manager and got the answers he was looking for. It sounds like a set-up to me. ---- JT

Reader Comment: The only thing that ever impressed me about the boathouse was the facility & location. Food, service & attitude have always been substandard. ---- Jim

Reader Comment: There were emails passed around work about this. I think it's completely ridiculous. Totally blown out of proportion. What kind of idiot lets his 3 year old control what she eats? She clearly has control over her diet if she refuses to eat restaurant food to the point where the parents are catering to her and buying her McDonald's beforehand, which, by the way, no child should ever be subjected to...McD's food is horrible for you. I agree with whoever said that the child should learn to "eat here or starve." People let their kids control everything. It's really quite sad. ---- anon1

Reader Comment: Taking into account all of the Food Safety training and related courses I've taken, It's common sense that a customer who wishes to inquire about rules and regulations, There should be ATLEAST one ISO-Certified Food Safety Manager in the store who is well-trained to answer these type of questions. Secondly... I am unclear on why this is such a big deal... Poor service in a food service establishment IS going to happen! I do not care what kind of training you've had, or how much steel is in your nerves, Things go wrong.... If you were the one in the shoes of a waiter, waitress, manager, or cook, You would completely understand. As these reader comments show, Everyone has mixed opinions, or even mixed expectations. Don't be so hard-up on the food service people. If anything, Be a respectful and calm consumer, Ask to speak with a manager or any other person properly trained to answer your concerns and chances are your problem will be resolved as most MANAGERS are trained and authorized to give credits, refunds, or replacements. I have thrown many of over-irate customers out of my store before. Customers are NOT always right, and sometimes they cause hostility. ---- Sheldon

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Funeral today for Chris Leggett, murdered in Africa ... The 39-year-old from Cleveland, Tennessee was shot to death by a group of Al-Qaida terrorists for what they was Leggett was trying to convert Muslims to Christianity. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at First Baptist Church in Cleveland. ---- WRCBTV.com has MORE

 

"Brush on Demand" begins July 1

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Beginning Wednesday, July 1, Chattanooga residents will simply need to call 3-1-1 for any brush pick-up. This new Brush on Demand service will allow citizens to report their brush piles to 3-1-1 for collection as opposed to awaiting their pickup week. Public Works crews will be routed daily to collection locations by request.

This enhancement in brush pick-up, along with biweekly curbside recycling pick-up and a garbage day collection change for approximately 18,000 citizens, will result in an anticipated annual savings of $750,000 - $1,000,000.

Citizens must register to join biweekly curbside collection, and may do so by visiting www.recycleright.org or by calling (423) 643-JOIN. Biweekly pickup for recycling begins September 2009. The garbage day collection change is the result of an employee schedule revision to increase efficiency. Citizens will be personally notified of any changes in garbage pick-up.

For more information about citywide services, please call 3-1-1 or visit www.chattanooga.gov. For more information about recycling in Chattanooga, please visit www.recycleright.org or call 643-JOIN.

 

Murder witness arrested .... Nearly two months after the murder of Richard Ervin, police said the mystery, a possible witness to the crime known only as Gary Johnson, has finally been revealed. Only problem, it wasn't Gary Johnson at all. Lt. Tim Carroll with the Chattanooga Police said, "We do now know that Gary Johnson's real name is Derrick Cunningham. Gary Johnson is the name he gave us back in May when we first investigated the homicide case the he was a witness to." ---- WRCBTV.com has MORE

 

Soddy Daisy 4th of July fireworks show spot causes controversy .... There's been fireworks over Soddy Daisy's July Fourth celebration. After complaints last year, the city was going to shoot the pyro-technics show off from an island in Soddy Daisy Lake this year... But signs call the area a Bird Sanctuary, and that has some park-goers hopping mad. ---- WDEF.com has MORE

 

Writer for Road Rash Magazine dies at 48 ... Ronnie "Rock" Land, managing editor and partner of the popular Chattanooga based motorcycle magazine, says David "Reverend Booger" Pittman died Monday, June 30, of a blood clot. Land says, "We are all in shock."

 

Career criminal here must serve 24 years, 2 months in federal prison .... Federal Judge Sandy Mattice on Monday sentenced "career criminal" Jerome Wesley Jackson today, Monday, June 29, for selling drugs and carrying out a robbery in 1990, and he has 34 other convictions on his record. ---- Chattanoogan.com has MORE

 

Tennessee to begin issuing driver license with easier to read date of birth

Monday, June 29, 2009

On July 1, the Tennessee Department of Safety (TDOS) will begin issuing driver licenses with the date of birth in larger red type designed to make it easier for retailers to read.

"We are pleased to announce that the type size of the date of birth on the Tennessee driver license has been enlarged to comply with the 'Gus Kampas Act', which was adopted by the General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Bredesen in 2008," says Department of Safety Deputy Commissioner Greta Dajani. ---- Nooga.com has MORE

 

The Union Gospel Mission no longer homeless

Monday, June 29, 2009

Less than ten days after becoming homeless for a second time, the Union Gospel Mission (UGM) prepares to move into its new residence. Pastor David Kell with the Signal Hills Community Fellowship, located at 124 Signal Hills Drive at the foot of Signal Mountain, offered up his entire church while making a 150K in-kind donation to the UGM. ---- Nooga.com has MORE

 

PJK815.com has MORE PHOTOS

Firefighters save East Ridge home

Monday, June 29, 2009

Around 4:05 p.m. today, Monday, East Ridge Fire/Rescue and Police responded to 8 Edwards Terrace to a a reported house fire.

East Ridge police and fire spokesman Erik Hopkins says fire unit arrived within three minutes to find heavy smoke and fire coming from the home. He says firefighters were able to save the home by working quickly to establish an "aggressive interior attack of the fire." A second crew using a chainsaw cut a hole in the roof to ventilate the structure in order to reduce the amount of heat and smoke damage.

Hopkins says the fire appears to have started in the kitchen and quickly spread to the attic. The 78-year-old residents was cooking at the time of the blaze but escaped without injury. However she was transported to the Hospital by Memorial EMS observation.

Damage is estimated at $30,000.

Units responding include East Ridge Quint 1, Engine 1, Engine 2, Squad 2, Support 1, Rescue 1, Rescue 2 and Haz-Mat 1. Fort Oglethorpe Engine 1 responded to the scene on an automatic mutual aid alarm for man power. Due to the extreme heat Hamilton County Rescue Mobile Rehabilitation Unit also responded to the scene for firefighter care.

 

Happy retirement Bill Markham; A look back at the Markham legacy

Monday, June 29, 2009

Bill Markham started in 1983 with WRCB. Together with Cindy Sexton, he became part of the longest running anchor team in Chattanooga TV news history. ---- WRCBTV.com has MORE

 

Greater Chattanooga Sports and Events Committee hires new Director of Operations

Monday, June 29, 2009

The Greater Chattanooga Sports and Events Committee has hired Ben Austin as their new Director of Operations. He will join the GCSEC staff on July 1, 2009.

Austin graduated from Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC where he earned a bachelor's degree in business economics. He was a three-time member of the Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll and was selected to serve on Wofford's baseball head coach search committee in 2007. As a student, Austin worked as an assistant in the Wofford Athletic Media Relations department. ---- Nooga.com has MORE

 

Fort Payne man charged with raping two 14-year-olds ... It's an investigation that has been going on for several months. Christopher Wayne Roden was arrested on a warrant from the DeKalb Circuit Court for 2nd degree rape involving two 14-year-old girls. ---- WAFF.com has MORE

 

Fort Payne man charged with "sexting" messages to 15-year-old girl ... 40-year-old Garry Don Galloway allegedly sent more than 1,600 sexually explicit text messages to a young girl. Galloway is out of the DeKalb County jail now on a $15,000 bond. The messages were discovered when a teacher confiscated the girl's phone because the teen was text messaging during class. Authorities said Galloway sent the messages to the girl over a 30-day period about a year ago.

 

Shooting Sunday night along S. Watkins St.

Monday, June 29, 2009

Several Chattanooga police officers responded to 1208 S. Watkins St. Sunday night around 8:30 p.m. to a 911, shots fired call. On arrival officers found James Williams Jr., age 22, suffering from a gunshot wound to the leg. He was transported to Erlanger Hospital's emergency room for treatment. His injury is listed as non-life-threatening.

According to witnesses a green vehicle occupied by several black male suspects pulled up front of the residence and started a fight with the victim, one of the suspects pulled a gun and fired a shot at the Williams

All of the suspects then fled the scene. Officers located the vehicle used by the suspects abandoned on S Watkins St.

Police are asking for any citizens who have information about the shooting or the suspects to call the Chattanooga Police Department.

 

Cleveland, Bradley negotiate toward new fire contract .... Last week was the deadline for officials of Cleveland or Bradley County to notify the other they are opting out of any future fire protection contract. Instead, City Manager Janice Casteel and County Mayor D. Gary Davis are negotiating a new city-county agreement. ---- TimesFreePress.com has MORE

 

Crime Stoppers: CPD looking for three men, all for domestic violence

Sunday, June 28, 2009

This weekend Chattanooga Police are asking for help from citizens in finding three men wanted by the Department Domestic Violence Unit:

Frederick Snow is wanted for domestic assault, assault and vandalism. He was involved in which he allegedly choked his child and assaulted the mother of the child. He the allegedly vandalized the mother's house. His description:

  • Black male
  • Age 33
  • 6' tall
  • 220 pounds
  • Last known address is 1202 Popular St.

Willis Kemp is wanted for domestic assault after he allegedly assaulted his girlfriend at Coolidge Park. His descritpion:

  • Black male
  • Age 44
  • 5'9 tall
  • 165 pounds
  • Last know address 20 January St., Murfreesboro TN
  • Also known to be in the Westside house development

Alvin Davis is wanted for domestic assault, failure to appear and a juvenile attachment after he allegedly assaulted his pregnant girlfriend. Police say to use caution around Davis because he is considered extremely violent and has a history of carrying weapons.

  • Black male
  • Age 27
  • 5'11" tall
  • 180 pounds
  • Tattoos on his arms
  • Last known address is 2917 12th Ave. Chattanooga TN.

If you have any information on these subjects call Crime Stoppers at 698-3333, your confidential call could make you eligible for a cash reward for up to a $1,000 dollars. Call Crime Stoppers at 698-3333.

 

Choo Choo Amateur 9-Ball Classic Continues .... Thirty-two of the original 61 players who started the day are moving into Sunday play in the Great Southern Billiard Tour's Choo Choo Amateur 9-Ball Classic. The tournament, which is taking place at Diamond Billiard Club in Chattanooga, TN, features some of the most recognizable amateurs in the south to include Landon Shuffett, Mike Laney, Danny Smith and Bill Bailey. ---- InsidePoolMag.com has MORE

 

Fights break out at The Drink night club

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Around 1:30 a.m. this morning several Chattanooga police officers were dispatched to The Drink night club at 5647 Brainerd Road to reports of multiple fights in progress.

As officers began arriving, they found an off-duty officer working a part-time job at the club was swamped with a rowdy crowd as the club was trying to close its doors to an angry group because of possible overcrowding.

A witness told Nooga.com there was as many as four fights going on at one time.

One arriving officer reported "about 500" people were outside the club. He reported a fight was ongoing inside and another on the parking lot.

A Hamilton County EMS medical unit was called to the scene to treat at least two patrons who suffered non-life-threatening cut and bruises while fighting.

Officers quickly got the crowd under control at the club but more arguments broke out across Brainerd Road in the Starbucks parking lot. More officers went to that scene and chased off several wanna-be party goers.

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Reader Comment:The drink sucks ... it;s full of brats with attitudes ---- Kelly

 

Car slams into apartment building on Mountain Creek Road, woman hurt .... The crash happened around 9 a.m. Saturday at the Mountain Brook Apartments The woman driving the car was carried to Erlanger Hospital's emergency room with non-life-threatening injuries. The residents in apartment were obviously shaken by the large crash sounds but were injured. Chattanooga are investigating. ---- WRCBTV.com has MORE and VIDEO

 

Man picks fight with Collegedale cops, gets
a shock and a ride to Moccasin Bend

Sunday, June 28, 2009

During the early morning hours of June 27, 2009 Collegedale Police Officers were dispatched to a residence on Central Avenue regarding an adult male who was threatening suicide and had ingested pills. While officers were responding to the location, dispatch advised officers that the 911 caller stated that male would likely attempt to flee from police.

Sgt. Jack Sapp of the Collgedale Police Patrol/Traffic Division says upon arrival officers located the 23-year-male old suspect sitting in a chair on the front stoop of the residence. Bystanders informed officers that the suspect had ingested Xanax pills and had been drinking heavily. Family members of suspect stated that as officers pulled up on the scene the suspect stated that he was going to attempt to disarm the officers and kill them with their own weapons. Officers attempted to speak with the suspect who became violent and lunged towards an officer's gun-belt. A struggle ensued and the suspect aggressively fought with officers who had to deploy Tasers to subdue the suspect and place him into custody. ---- Nooga.com has
MORE

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CarMax planning new superstore location at I-75 and Shallowford Road

Sunday, June 28, 2009

The nation's largest seller of used cars says it has purchased the former Overnite Transportation property for a new retail location.

When construction will be begin has not yet been determined due to the economy says a company spokesman out of the company's Richmond, Va. headquarters.

Carmax usually spends $10 to $20 million dollars for it new locations.

The publicly traded company sold 345,465 used vehicles in their last fiscal year ending in February.

The new store here could produce up to 125 new jobs. CarMax website. ---- TimesFreePress.com has MORE

 

South Pittsburg police want man who tried to rob a bank

UPDATE: South Pittsburg say the suspect in this report, John Floyd Thomas, has been captured. They did not release any details as to how or where the apprehension was made.

Saturday, June 27, 2009

The attempted robbery happened Friday morning around 9 a.m. at the Citizens Tri-County Bank.

A man drove up the drive-in teller and demanded cash by handing over a note claiming he had a bomb that was set to detonate in 30 seconds.

The police report says the teller slipped away from the window and notified other employees inside the bank of the incident. The spooked driver drove off with the money.

The would-be bank robber was quickly identified as John Floyd Thomas because he left his driver's license with the tell. He reportedly called his girlfriend and told her to watch TV because he was about to do "something famous."

Police fear Thomas, obviously disturbed, is both suicidal and homicidal and could force a shootout with police in which he might die by "suicide by cop." They also say his "bomb" could very well be for real.

Thomas' description:

  • White male
  • Brown hair and green eyes
  • Age 32
  • 5'10" tall
  • 170 pounds
  • Has a goatee
  • Has tattoos on his chest and arms

Anyone with information about this man should contact the South Pittsburg PD or any other police agency.

 

Park Service recommends expanded visitor center at Moccasin Bend .... The National Park Service, in a 120-page report, is recommending the construction of an expanded visitor/interpretive center at historic Moccasin Bend. The report puts the cost of the facility at between $13.8 million and $19.1 million. It recommends that the facility be built in partnership with the private group, Friends of Moccasin Bend. ---- Chattanoogan.com has MORE

 

Recent twitter by Rep. Zack Wamp

Nooga.com reports ... You decide

 

Two puppies die in back of McKamey van .... The incident happened earlier this week when the driver was delayed on a call, an official for the animal shelter confirmed Friday afternoon. The puppies were members of a litter of five being transported to the shelter, according to board chair Ann Ball, noting that the other three puppies are OK. ---- Chattanoogan.com has MORE

Reader Comment: This Mckamey center has been nothing but a big joke. ---- Looenytic

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Raw Michael Jackson 911 tape
Notice Jackson in not mentioned in the call
 
 

6-year-old boy struck by
vehicle has critical injuries

Friday, June 26, 2009

Chattanooga police were dispatched to 300 N. Willow Street around 6 p.m. this evening to a 911 reported pedestrian struck call.

On arrival, officers found a child had been struck by a vehicle causing major head injuries.

Hamilton County EMS medics and Chattanooga firefighters arrived quickly and began life-saving efforts. The child was unconscious and breathing was shallow. Medics rushed the child to T.C. Thompson Children's Hospital.

The name of the child has not be released pending proper family notifications. The driver of the vehicle was notified and no charges have been filed at this time.

Chattanooga Police Lt. Kim Noorbergen says more information will be released as the investigation continues.

 

Two arrested on narcotics charges

Friday, June 26, 2009

The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office along with Soddy Daisy Police Department went to 1664 Greendale Way Drive Thursday, June 25th to execute outstanding drug warrants.

Janice Atkinson, Hamilton County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman, says after entering the residence, detectives found items used to produce methamphetamine. Two small children were also found in the residence and were transported to T.C. Thompson Hospital to be examined for possible exposure to any chemicals.

Michael Riddley, age 39, and Tina Dawson, age 35, were transported to the Hamilton County Jail on the following outstanding warrants:

Riddley:

  • Two counts of theft of property
  • Burglary of an auto
  • Two counts of possession of methamphetamine for resale
  • Possession of hydrocodone for resale
  • Three counts of possession of drug paraphernalia
  • Failure to appear

Dawson:

  • Theft of property
  • Outstanding warrant from Rhea County Sheriff's Office

Spokeswoman Atkinson says charges for Initiating the Process to Manufacture Methamphetamine will be placed later by the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office Narcotics Division.

 

Penguin report: Baby Macaroni Penguin
growing by leaps and bounds

"Paulie” & "Chaos” kept busy feeding the hungry chick

Friday, June 26, 2009

One week after being born at the Tennessee Aquarium, an adorable macaroni penguin is keeping its parents quite busy. "We've recorded them feeding the baby 18 to 20 times from 7 am to 5 pm each day,” said senior aviculturist Amy Graves. "And I'm sure they are feeding throughout the night as well." ---- Nooga.com has MORE

 

Life Care Center of Red Bank nursing home suspension lifted .... The Tennessee Department of Health says the 148-bed licensed nursing home located at 1020 Runyan Drive has returned to substantial compliance for state licensing purposes. ---- Chattanoogan.com has MORE

 

Chattanooga jobless rate up to 9.3 % .... The jobless rate in the six-county Chattanooga metro area rose during May by 0.7 percent to 9.3 percent — the highest rate for the area since August 1983. Over the past 12 months, employment in metropolitan Chattanooga has shrunk by more than 5.2 percent, or 12,350 jobs, according to state employment figures. ---- TimesFreePress.com has MORE

 

Settlement reached in case involving shoving of Walmart greeter .... William Walker will get $10,000 from the City of Chattanooga and $10,000 from officer Kenneth Freeman in connection with a Christmas Eve incident in which the 71-year-old greeter was shoved to the floor at the Collegedale Wal-Mart. ---- Chattanoogan.com has MORE

Reader Comment: When I first saw this story on the news. I thought at the present moment, that this man was going after money.The media made this to be bigger then it really was.If it wasn't for the age of the greeter would it have been such a big deal. First of all you don't touch anyone if you don't know what their reaction would be. The officer isn't the first to walk out the door without stopping, there are times that the cashier fails to deactivate items. ---- TN

Reader Comment: Clearly the previous poster did not see footage of the incident, otherwise the poster would not make such an ignorant statement. Mr. Freeman was absolutely 100% out-of-line. He knocked the man down! Where you come from that may be a normal reaction, however, I hate to burst your bubble and tell you- it is not. Mr. Freeman should be fired. He obviously has some serious issues and at the least needs anger management and counseling. What a sorry excuse for a representative of the police department. ---- Cindy

Reader Comment: You are both wrong. It was a hate crime. If it would have been Walt from Gran Torino we would have seen a different outcome, but now that I think about it, it was like the ending of Gran Torino only without the guns. ---- JT

Reader Comment: OK the above statement was so ignorant. ---- Alli

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ER police looking for armed home invaders

Friday, June 26, 2009

The East Ridge Police Department is asking for help in identifying a suspect involved in an aggravated robbery on June 24th around 10:00 p.m. The robbery occurred at 201 Eads Avenue in East Ridge.

The black female suspect knocked on the victim's door. The victim opened the door and a black male wearing a ski mask and armed with a handgun forced his way into the apartment. The male pushed the victim down and held her at gunpoint while the female took property from the apartment.

Woman's description:

  • Light-skinned black female
  • About 28-29 years old
  • 5'7" to 5'10" tall
  • Slender build
  • 130-140 pounds
  • Black hair in a pony tail

The female suspect was last seen wearing a white top with a tank-top underneath; a pair of Capri pants, and tennis shoes. She was possibly driving a gold 2003 Altima. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the East Ridge Police Department at 423/867-3718 or the confidential tip-line at 423 867-0016.

 

Family's Pet Cats die in Tyner area house fire

Friday, June 26, 2009

Bruce Garner, Chattanooga Fire Department spokesman, says firefighters rushed to the scene of a house fire shortly after 3:00 this morning at 6804 Ty Hi Drive. Resident Jerry Pelham said he was asleep in bed when his wife woke up and noticed "a glow from the bedroom window." The couple discovered moments later that there was a fire in their screened-in porch. They smartly called 911 and got out of the house.

Captain Jeff Eldridge with Quint 8 said the rear of the house was fully engulfed in flames when the first firefighters arrived on the scene. As the flames spread into an attached garage and the attic, the firefighters had to tear down a portion of a wooden fence to gain access to the back of the house. It took roughly 30 minutes before the firefighters could get the blaze under control. The dollar loss was estimated at $105,000, which included damage to a Volvo in the garage. No injuries were reported.

The couple had three pet cats. Captain Eldridge said two perished in the blaze. The third cat could not be located. Volunteers with the local Red Cross were called in to provide assistance to Mr. Pelham and his wife. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

 

Former Bradley County teacher indicted on sex charges involving a minor

Friday, June 26, 2009

BCSO spokesman Bob Gault says after an extensive investigation by the Bradley County Sheriff's Office, in conjunction with the District Attorney's Office, the Bradley County Grand Jury indicted Casey Brock, a former teacher at Lake Forest Middle School, on two counts of sexual battery by an authority figure and two counts of solicitation of a minor.

Brock, 32, turned herself in at the Judicial Center on Thursday. Bond was set at $2,500.

 

 

 

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