With ridership down to about one-third of pre-COVID levels, Whitfield County Transit Service is looking to bounce back, now that vaccinations are increasing daily and expanded safety precautions have been put in place aboard the buses. “COVID has hit us hard,” says Diane Franklin, who was appointed director of transit in mid-February in addition to her duties as Animal Shelter ... (click for more)

Here are the new marriage licenses from the County Clerk's office: MARCUS SHAWN ROGERS SHARON SABRINA BYRD 2001 S LYERLY ST #334 2001 S LYERLY ST #334 CHATTANOOGA, TN 37404 CHATTANOOGA, TN 37404 MATTHEW CHARLES SHORT DANIELLE FORDE MCLAIN 8773 DON RAY WAY 8773 DON RAY WAY OOLTEWAH, TN 37363 OOLTEWAH, TN 37363 JUSTIN ROBERT HARVEY MADISON SARAH MAYS 8319 FAIR ... (click for more)

A house fire at 491 Bicentennial Trail in Rock Spring on Monday morning claimed the lives of two people. Walker Fire Rescue responded to the structure fire at 9:44 a.m. The first unit to arrive reported heavy smoke and fire coming from the home. When they made entry, firefighters found the bodies of 90-year old Clifford William Cason, Sr. and his 89-year old wife Patricia. ... (click for more)

Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Hammond said Monday the county is having difficulty hiring School Resource Officers amid what he calls negative public perception of law enforcement. He said overall, the Sheriff’s Office is short by about 50 staff. “We’re living in a time when police officers are seen in a negative fashion, more so than in the past,” Sheriff Hammond said. “There are ... (click for more)

Roy Exum has once again brought up his support for metro government in Hamilton County. There are some matters that need consideration before putting it to a vote. Why do so many homeowners choose to live outside Chattanooga city limits, whether in other cities within Hamilton County, or in the unincorporated areas? I am sure that part of the reason behind people choosing ... (click for more)

Many years ago I was described as “a pathos writer.” At the time I had no idea what that was, much less what it meant. So, I went to the source and asked him what that meant. He laughed and assured me it wasn’t a negative thing. This magazine editor told me that I had a rare gift: my words can make readers happy or sad, he explained. You can bring laughter one day and tears the ... (click for more)