As of last week, there were approximately 3,000 wreaths sponsored for the Dec. 15 ceremony at Chattanooga National Cemetery. "Several large donations, including a 1,000 wreath donation from Unum, have increased that number substantially," officials said. "With more than two dozen non-profit groups still seeking individual sponsorships, we are on pace to reach the 10,000 wreaths ... (click for more)

The board of aldermen met Monday night at the usual place, usual time. There was, glory be, upwards of 30 in attendance - give or take. The meetings always start with a preacher giving the blessing, then there's a time for delegations when Calkins almost always honors somebody. It might be some old lady who's growed a big squash or a schoolkid who's sold 100 bottles of Watkins ... (click for more)

Jon Hembree, 32, of Bradley County, has been arrested on an arson charge in relation to a church fire that happened in Polk County on Aug. 15. A joint investigation by special agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and several other agencies resulted in the indictment and arrest. At the request of 10 th District Attorney General Stephen Crump, on Aug. 16, ... (click for more)

A teen who was on GPS monitoring for prior juvenile arrests was taken into custody on Monday morning at Howard School with a handgun in his locker. Desmond Orando McKevie, who just turned 18 last month, is charged with aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, vandalism, possessing a firearm with the intent to go armed, and carrying weapons on school property At 10 ... (click for more)

As a volunteer at the Humane Educational Society for four years, I have first-hand knowledge of the work this organization does and the conditions it has to overcome to do it. The 118-year-old facility in which the administration, staff and volunteers work every day is at the end of its road. A new shelter space is more than warranted. The good news is that there are county funds ... (click for more)

Just what if … this Thursday you could say "Thank you" to someone who, chances are, you never met nor even heard the other’s name? There is also no way you’ll ever get a thank-you note, nor have your Sunday School class friends at church whisper how much they richly appreciated your kind thoughtfulness, secretly aquiver that you will not tell them what it was that earned such praise ... (click for more)