The next Wilson Road Group meeting will be held Tuesday, Sept. 25, 6:30 p.m. at Ridgeland High School Theater at the corner of Highway 2 and Happy Valley Road.  The topic for community discussion will be the upcoming public vote for Walker County Commission on Tuesday, Nov. 6.  "Shall the governing authority of Walker County be changed from a sole commissioner ... (click for more)

Southern Lit Alliance and Chattanooga State Community College’s Writers@Work program present Chattanooga’s first ever young adult book festival, YA-hoo Fest, on Saturday, Sept. 29. The free festival will take place on the campus of Chattanooga State Community College, 4501 Amnicola Hwy., from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.  Featuring 35 authors of young adult literature, YA-hoo Fest ... (click for more)

Authorities said a Hixson man shot and killed his 15-year-old son on Saturday night. A report says Mike McElrath, 46, a former Hamilton County jailer, who was found naked at a neighbor's house, also killed the family dog. County deputies responded at 10:24 p.m. to 1846 Cotter Road. The residents said there was a man on their front porch who said he was "butt naked" and said ... (click for more)

Gary Douglas, 25, was shot early Sunday morning, and Dewayne Stanley, 24, was arrested.   The Chattanooga Police Department responded at approximately  3 a.m.   to a person shot on the 4700 block of Murray Lake Lane. Upon arrival, officers were able to locate Douglas, who was suffering from a non-life threatening gunshot wound.   Investigators ... (click for more)

My dear friend, longtime public servant, Mr. Harold Austin, will be greatly missed. He was with the state of Tennessee and Hamilton County for many years. Doyle Ray Marler * * * Harold Austin was Hamilton County’s crown jewel.   He was beloved by generations in municipal and state government. He knew so many involved in local, state, and federal roadway ... (click for more)

The reaction to my Sunday story, “90% Can’t Do Math,” was fast and furious yesterday. A surprising number of the replies were from teachers, confirming the fact that only nine percent of the pupils in our Hamilton County Public Schools are getting the education that every taxpayer know will actually shape the lives these students will live. Because my stories are shared on the ... (click for more)