Happenings


Cleveland’s First Armadillo On Display At Museum Center

Monday, September 14, 2009
Dilla, Cleveland's first armadillo
Dilla, Cleveland's first armadillo

An armadillo that crept into Cleveland last summer has been mounted and placed on display at the Museum Center at Five Points.

The pointy-noised varmint, dubbed Dilla the Armadillo after it was killed by a motorist in June, was mounted by WOOP 99.9 FM and the Allan Jones Foundation. The two-foot armadillo is enclosed in a glass case and will be available to view at the museum Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Mr. Jones, the founder of Check into Cash and Jones Management Services in Cleveland, was impressed by the story of the armadillo’s arrival in the South and wanted to preserve it for future generations.

“Armadillos are migrating north into Tennessee in search of the fire ants that they feed on,” said Mr. Jones. “In the next 50 years, armadillos should be plentiful in Tennessee. We’ll be the only community around with enough forethought to preserve the very first one.”

Museum Center Executive Director Lisa Simpson Lutts said the armadillo will be a welcome exhibit. “We’re delighted to have this as it should be of great interest to the local area,” Ms. Lutts said. “We are pleased Allan Jones has made this available to the community.”

Dilla was discovered June 8 after becoming a speed bump to an unidentified motorist traveling east on 25th Street. The armadillo’s demise under the Interstate 75 overpass drew a large response from the Cleveland community, even prompting Police Chief Wes Snyder to visit the scene and investigate. The nine-banded armadillo was eventually taken by animal control and kept until its adoption by WOOP radio.

Dilla was adopted as the mascot of WOOP, a nonprofit, low-power community radio station, after deejay Jeff “Frodaddy” Rentfro read in the newspaper about the need for animal adoption.

A ballad honoring Dilla the Armadillo has also been played over the WOOP airwaves. It was written by Jim Park, the vice president of sales at Hardwick Clothes. The ditty is to the tune of Davy Crockett, who met his demise after leaving Tn. for Tx., an ironic nod to the reversal of fortune for the western-born armadillo. The song honoring Dilla the Armadillo can be heard online at www.woopfm.com.

For more information about the Museum Center at Five Points, call 423 339-5745 or visit www.musuemcenter.org.


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)

Mark Phillips Was Victim In Fatal Hixson Pike Wreck

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)

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)