Jesse Watlington, owner of Bleu Fox Cheese Shop, has been open on E. Main Street, and serving beer, sandwiches and cheese plates in a 600-square-foot building. When a larger space became available at 342 E. Main St., he told the beer board members that he took advantage of it because he might not get the chance again in the fast-growing area. The shop is merely moving down ... (click for more)

Mad Priest Coffee Roasters has moved its coffee roastery and production facility to Wilcox Boulevard. The Broad Street espresso bar has been undergoing some renovations to make it "a little, well, prettier," and officials said it's done for now. To share these two spaces with the public Mad Priest Coffee Roasters will host a series of grand re-opening events June 27-30. ... (click for more)

The County Commission voted 5-4 on Wednesday morning against a 34-cent property tax increase for the county schools. Opposed were Greg Martin, Randy Fairbanks, Chester Bankston, Tim Boyd and Sabrena Smedley. In favor were Chip Baker, Katherlyn Geter, Warren Mackey and David Sharpe. County Attorney Rheubin Taylor said the action means that none of the budget is approved ... (click for more)

A fire heavily damaged a Hixson home early Wednesday afternoon. At 1:20 p.m., a neighbor called 911 reporting a house fire at 1833 Bay Hill Dr. The Dallas Bay Volunteer Fire Department responded and arrived on the scene reporting heavy fire on the front door and porch area. Firefighters entered the front and back side of the home to find heavy fire downstairs and heavy smoke ... (click for more)

I want to thank the five county commissioners who voted down the ridiculous property tax increase. Your votes reflected the wishes of the electorate – and that is exactly as it should be. The voting citizen is inundated by “promises” during pre-election campaigns. By casting our vote we select the candidate that will (we hope) best represent our best interests. Yes, there are always ... (click for more)

About 10 years ago, Robert A. Hall, a five-time member of the Massachusetts State Legislature, wrote an essay on “Why I Am Tired.” In 2009 his story was on hundreds of others’ blogs – really made the rounds on the Internet – and thousands adored the Viet Nam veteran's candid assessment of what makes an ex-Marine grow weary. Again, this was written when he was 63. Now he’s ... (click for more)