Ochs Center For Metropolitan Studies Celebrates 50 Years

Celebration Event Is Thursday

Thursday, October 18, 2012

For half a century, the Ochs center for Metropolitan Studies has been providing data and research to Chattanooga and the region to ultimately help community leaders and planners work better and smarter, officials said. Thursday evening at BlueCross BlueShield, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. the organization will celebrate its long history with a reception and will recognize key people who have been a part of Ochs throughout the years. 

The Ochs Center for Metropolitan Studies began serving the Chattanooga community as the Metropolitan Council for Community Services in 1962 and conducts independent data analysis and policy research to improve the quality of life in the Chattanooga region.

The 2012-2013 Board Members are: 

Benjamin Pitts, Chair Bill Johnson
Jeannine Alday, Vice Chair Dan Johnson
Brent Goldberg, Treasurer Mary Elizabeth Lynch
Donna McConnico, Secretary Carol Newton
Dr. Avery Jerald Ainsworth Erskine Oglesby
Domina Coleman Alford Edna Varner
Amanda Carmichael Dr. Nancy Watts
Dr. James Catanzaro Elder Witt Wellborn
Dr. Steven Coulter Dr. Ben Wygal
Doug Fisher

President Roosevelt’s Tree Army Presentations Are June 1-2

In celebration of 80th anniversary of the establishment of the Civilian Conservation Corps, Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park invites the public to attend a weekend at the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center on Saturday and Sunday, June 1-2.  The Great Depression caused stress and desperation among thousands of Americans as the economy fell apart, shattering ... (click for more)

Street Closings Announced For The Weekend

ML King Boulevard between Market Street and Georgia Avenue and Market Street between East 8th Street and ML King Boulevard will be closed from 5:30 p.m.-midnight on Friday, for the Nightfall Concert Series.  The 800 block of Cherry Street will be closed at ML King Boulevard and will only be accessible from East 8th Street. There will be limited handicapped parking in the 900 ... (click for more)

Feds Dismiss Criminal Charges Against Rarity Developer Mike Ross

Federal authorities have dismissed an indictment against Mike Ross, the developer of a floundering Rarity Club project at Nickajack Lake in Marion County. The Maryville developer was charged last November with mail fraud, wire fraud and money laundering. However, in a document filed today, prosecutor John MacCoon said, "The United States hereby moves the Court pursuant to ... (click for more)

Head Of BB&T's Chattanooga Commercial Banking Operations To Plead Guilty To Making Fraudulent Loans

The head of BB&T's Chattanooga commercial banking operations has been charged by federal authorities with making fraudulent loans. Tracy Brown is set to plead guilty to bank fraud on June 4. Authorities said Brown "appropriated the identities of three customers and took out fraudulent loans in their names. In October 2012, a customer of BB&T, D.M., went to the Ooltewah ... (click for more)

Thanks, Sheriff

The Hamilton County Sheriff's Department is very responsive and professional out in Apison, and I appreciate that.  We have some fine deputies serving Hamilton County.    I took a minute to call and tell them thank you, I hope my neighbors will also. Brian Wood Apison (click for more)

Roy Exum: Hypocrisy And Horses

I am still wincing over the fact a horrendous bill passed in the state legislature that would make whistle-blowers into criminals would have actually gone into law had it not been for Governor Bill Haslam’s eleventh-hour veto. Called the “Ag-Gag bill,” similar efforts in other states have also soured because it is no more than a Catch-22 trick to protect those who abuse animals, ... (click for more)