The nine whooping cranes led by ultralight aircraft have been released from a holding pen at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge after Whooping Crane Eastern Partnership biologists attached marking bands and transmitters to help track their movements. “So far the cranes are foraging and hanging around close to the pen and moving into the flooded fields,” said Bill Gates, biologist ... (click for more)

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Commission approved the 2012 special elk hunting season and the addition of a permit for one state resident youth to participate in the elk hunt among its business at its February meeting that concluded Friday.  The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency had made its recommendations for the 2012 elk hunt at the January TWRC meeting. The TWRC ... (click for more)

Prosecutors are asking that the mother of the man charged with killing Chattanooga Police Sgt. Tim Chapin be given the maximum possible sentence, calling Kathleen Mathews an evil manipulator who encouraged Jesse Mathews' criminal endeavors. Sentences within the guideline range are asked for his father, Ray Vance Mathews; sister, Rachel Mathews, and her boyfriend, ... (click for more)

Mark Phillips, 54, was the victim in a fatal Hixson Pike wreck on Saturday afternoon. Police said the driver of the Ford F150 that went out of control and struck the Phillips vehicle was 68-year-old Warren Elliott. He is still listed in serious condition.  Mr. Phillips was driving a Chevrolet Impala when a pickup truck driven by Mr. Elliott went across Hixson Pike into ... (click for more)

Chattanooga is blessed beyond measure to have Ron Littlefield as our mayor.  It is a total travesty our city has had to endure the long frivolous battle with absolutely  no foundation other than disagreement with policy issues.  It has always been a vendetta directed personally at Mayor Littlefield which, if the "interveners" decide to appeal, will be a proven fact.   ... (click for more)

Ah, step into my parlor of first-hand wisdom because, in the School of Hard Knocks, there are priceless lessons that you should know before it becomes your turn to dance. Never in my life have I ever had any back problems but, in early December, I came down with what is called sciatica and I have been a miserable man ever since. There are two big nerves that sprout out of the ... (click for more)