Happenings


84-Year-Old Byrd Installed As Master Of Brainerd Masonic Lodge

Monday, December 21, 2009

Jim Byrd was installed Sunday as Master of the Brainerd Masonic Lodge No. 736 F. & A.M.

A Mason for 61 years, the 84-year-old Byrd never served as Master of a lodge until now.

Jaybird, as he is affectionately known, encountered some unusual circumstances during his Masonic career that resulted in such a long period of time passing before he became a Lodge Master. Each time he relocated to another state, he was required to “relearn” the various rituals associated with each state’s main body rules and constitutions.

Consequently, he served the Craft for 61 years before becoming Master. A huge crowd of friends and family was on hand for the installation ceremony.

Also installed on Sunday were Gardner Scott as chaplin, Don Payne as treasurer, Patrick Shipley as senior deacon, Patrick Spann as junior deacon, John Heilker as junior steward, James Adams as secretary, Larry Kyker as senior steward, Charlie Richardson as senior warden, Mike Sarratore as junior warden, and John Haley as tiler.


Weekly Road Construction Report

I-24 resurfacing beginning west of Chattanooga Creek (LM 6.18 / MM 177) to near Crest Rd. (LM 11.35 / MM 183), including bridge deck repair:  The contractor has completed all contract items. The contractor may need either one lane or two lanes closed (only 10 p.m.-5 a.m.) to address punchlist items.  At least one lane of traffic will be maintained at all times.  THP ... (click for more)

Doonby Opening Feb. 24 At Wynnsong 10

The independent film "Doonby" is set to open on Feb. 24 at the Wynnsong 10. The story surrounds a mysterious drifter who arrives in a small Texas town.  Featuring an all-star cast including John Schneider, who made Bo Duke a TV heartthrob during the early 1980s, will play a modern George Bailey; Ernie Hudson (Ghostbusters, Law and Order) Joe Estevez (Soultaker), Robert ... (click for more)

Prosecutors Asking Maximum Sentence For "Evil" Mother Of Jesse Mathews

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)

Pickup Truck Crosses To Wrong Side Of Hixson Pike: Other Driver Killed

A pickup truck went across Hixson Pike into the opposing lane of traffic on Saturday afternoon, then struck another vehicle. The driver of that car was killed. At 4:51 p.m., Chattanooga Police officers responded to the traffic crash at 4900 Hixson Pike.  The officers found that a pickup truck driven by a 68-year-old man was southbound on Highway 153 and exited onto southbound ... (click for more)

We Are Blessed To Have Ron Littlefield As Our Mayor - And Response (2)

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)

Roy Exum: The Westminster Dogs Bark!

The brightly-lit tower on top of New York City’s Empire State Building is now purple and gold, the traditional colors of the much-beloved 136th Annual Westminster Dog Show that is currently being staged at Madison Square Garden. For a dog lover like me, the televised finals are always a fun-filled delight as the USA and CNBC networks show the spectacular animals on Monday and Tuesday ... (click for more)