Pulse Beats
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Written by Pulse Staff
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Tuesday, 11 November 2008 22:38 |
The Goodine Saga Continues
The seemingly never-ending struggle of former Chattanooga Police Officer Lawrence Goodine to get back on the force continues as Goodine has now filed suit in chancery court seeking reinstatement. He was originally fired from the department after being indicted on 20 felony counts involving theft of monies from people he had stopped while on duty. However, after he was acquitted in criminal court of all charges, he took his case to the city council, which heard the case during a marathon session lasting nearly 16 hours. Although council members concluded that all allegations of theft should be stricken from his record, they did agree with Chief Freeman Cooper that Goodine was not to be reinstated and refused to give him his job back. Goodine is suing, claiming that the actions of the council were in violation of the city charter and state law.
Gregg Juster Loses Gracefully
After a highly contested race for Hamilton County School Board, in which initial returns show that George Ricks defeated Gregg Juster by a mere handful of votes, Juster has graciously said it appears that Ricks won “fair and square”. Though he is still awaiting the final certification of election results, he said, “My understanding is that there is no provision for a recount in a close race in Tennessee just because it is close, without my going to court to prove that there are ballots for my opponent that should not have been counted. And if I went to court and won, the entire election would have to be contested again.” It’s refreshing to see a political candidate concede a razor-thin election loss without creating fuss and hassle.
Congratulations To David Carroll
Longtime WRCB Channel 3 news anchor David Carroll has been awarded the Beacon Award for excellence in school reporting. Carroll, who has been covering education issues for many years, is the first Tennessee recipient of the Georgia-based award, which honors media representatives “whose coverage over time has created understanding of public education issues by informing the general public.” Mr. Carroll said, “This is a great honor. I’ve been fortunate to win some awards here in Tennessee, but to be recognized across the state line is very special. We try very hard to cover all the schools in our viewing area, and the students and teachers in Georgia make up an important part of our audience.” We offer our congratulations on a job well done.
Would You Like Some Wood?
The City of Chattanooga Department of Public Works will conduct a wood lottery this Thursday at 10 a.m. in the back lot of the Paul Clark Building, 900 East 11th Street. “This lottery will work the same as the ones conducted in past years,” said City Forester Gene Hyde. “We have some nice pieces of ash, elm, walnut, box elder, and osage orange.” The wood lottery provides, free of change, large pieces of wood that are collected from downed trees in Chattanooga. The wood is given away to carvers, wood turners, and others to use for a variety of purposes. Registration and inspection of the wood will begin at 9 a.m. The lottery process will begin at 10 a.m. with registrants’ names being drawn. The first name will get their choice of the wood lots. This process will continue until all the wood has been given out. For additional information, please contact Gene Hyde at (423) 757-7283. |
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Written by Pulse Staff
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Wednesday, 05 November 2008 14:29 |
The Rob Healy Saga Continues
Former Parks Director Rob Healy continues his mayoral quest, filing a motion in Chancery Court challenging the decision of the election commission stating that he did not meet the residency requirements to qualify for running for office in the March election. At issue is a decision by City Attorney Randy Nelson and the election commission that the city charter was in error in its eligibility requirements, referencing a 1990 ordinance. Healy points out that the charter was voted upon by both the City Council and the citizens of Chattanooga back in 2002, and any earlier wording or resolutions are simply not valid. Now it’s up to the courts to decide if Healy will be allowed to be on the March ballot.
South Chickamauga Greenway Opens
Mayor Ron Littlefield officially opened the first phase of the South Chickamauga Greenway Extension this past Friday at the Sterchi Farm. He unveiled the new canoe/kayak launch and the 1.2 miles of completed walking and biking greenway that will eventually connect the Tennessee Riverwalk System with the current South Chickamauga Greenway along the Brainerd Levee. This marks the latest improvement from what was once one of the most polluted waterways within the city, and adds yet another feather to the cap of the city’s growing reputation among outdoor enthusiasts around the region.
Look, More Trees!
Speaking of green, the Take Root folks are planting a group of Kentucky coffee trees in downtown locations this week, kicking off the first phase of a project that eventually will place 1,400 new trees in downtown. Which will make our downtown cooler, both literally and figuratively. Take Root is not, despite public perception, funded by the city, although the city helps by contributing support from City Forester Gene Hyde and the Tree Commission. Take Root is currently raising more funds to complete the planting (and, we may add, has come up with a groovy market bag for purchase to that end). Visit www.takerootchattanooga.com for information on how you or your business can help.
Dodgers Name Lookouts Coaches
Single-A Inland Empire manager John Valentin moves up to the Double-A level and will helm the Chattanooga Lookouts next season, the Dodgers organization has announced. The 41-year-old, who played 11 major league seasons from 1992-2002, guided Inland Empire to a 68-73 record, including a 38-34 in the season’s second half to earn a California League playoff berth. He will be joined by hitting coach Luis Salazar, entering his third season as the hitting coach for the Dodgers’ Double-A club. Prior to this hitting coach stint, he served as the manager for the Vero Beach Dodgers of the Single-A Florida State League in 2006. Pitching coach Glenn Dishman will return for his second season. The former big-league pitcher served in the same capacity with Single-A Great Lakes in 2007. |
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Written by Pulse Staff
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Wednesday, 29 October 2008 19:19 |
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Who Steals A Yard Skeleton?
Organizers of the free Haunted Yard exhibit in South Hixson awoke Sunday morning to discover that during the night someone had cut through a security rope and absconded with an eight-foot-tall “Frankenstein skeleton” from their display. The very large—and very heavy—skeleton, complete with large wooden frame, was a centerpiece of the popular Halloween destination. Owner Jeff Stringer says he can’t understand why anyone would steal something so large and so obvious. If you’ve seen the skeleton, please contact Chattanooga Police at (423) 698-2525.
It Seemed Like A Good Idea
Sometimes getting into the holiday “spirit” causes people to go a bit overboard. Such was the case for the folks at the Goodyear Tire Center on Highway 153 who created a very lifelike Halloween display, complete with overturned car and a sprawled body. A bit too lifelike, in fact, as numerous people called 911 to report a serious accident. After police sent out a request to the media to spread the word that the “accident” was anything but, the display was taken down. The only question remaining was what type of tires were on the crashed vehicle.
Where To Build A Red Bank School?
The continuing debate on where to locate the planned Red Bank Middle School has gotten even more confusing, as county school officials have now come up with six proposed locations. Red Bank Mayor Joe Glasscock is not happy with some of them, as he wants to make sure the school will actually be built in Red Bank, unlike the misnamed Red Bank Elementary School, which he points out is outside the city limits. Among the locations for the new school are the current Red Bank High School site, the current Red Bank Middle School site, or the old Bi-Lo site, the latter being one of the more popular, if expensive, proposed locations.
US-101 Still King Of The Hill
For more than a decade, country giant US-101 has ruled the radio-ratings roost. The most recent ratings report shows no sign of its being knocked out of the top slot anytime soon, as it maintains a comfortable lead over second place Sunny 92.3. Rounding out the top ten are Power 94, which posted their best numbers in more than a year, a rebounding Classic Rock KZ106, the steadily popular Talk Radio 102.3, the “new” 96.5 The Mountain, Classic Country The Legend, Groove 93, Rock 105, and 107.9 The Duke.
Women’s Football Moving On Up
The Chattanooga Locomotion, our fair city’s all-female professional football team, will be moving on up the competitive ladder next season, as they have joined the Independent Women’s Football League (IWFL). In the past eight seasons in their former league, they won their division title four times and had three undefeated regular season. While many scoffed at the idea of women playing pro football when the team was formed, the continued success and fan support for the team (and one very popular calendar) have changed the minds of many Chattanooga sports fans. Go Locos! |
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Written by Pulse Staff
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Wednesday, 22 October 2008 19:42 |
Are You Ready For Flu Season?
The annual fall media frenzy about the onset of flu season has begun, but before you panic and stock up on face masks for a “Captain Trips”-style epidemic, experts predict that this season will be relatively mild. Not only that, this Friday the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department will be hosting flu vaccine clinics throughout the county. The CDC in Atlanta reports that a record 143 million doses of flu vaccine are being produced for distribution in the United States this year, with over 9,000 available for Hamilton County. And to end a long-standing urban myth, taking a flu shot will not give you the flu.
When Will Billy Long Get Sentenced?
The seemingly endless saga of former Hamilton County Sheriff Billy Long took another weird turn when Federal Judge Sandy Mattice delayed his sentencing hearing from next Monday to Thursday, November 13. But even that date is subject to change, as defense attorney Jerry Summers requested yet another date, pointing out that Long’s stepdaughter is getting married on November 15. Summers asked for a sentencing date outside of that week “so as not to interfere with his stepdaughter’s wedding.” For those keeping track, this will be the third delay in sentencing from the original date of August 18.
Hamilton County Early Voting Way Up
With one of the most anticipated presidential elections in U.S. history just weeks away, a record number of Hamilton County residents have already taken advantage of early voting. More than 22,000 voters have cast their ballots so far, and more are lining up every day. Election Administrator Bud Knowles said he expects at least 50,000 county residents to take advantage of the opportunity to vote early this year, an increase of more than 10,000 from the 2004 Presidential election. For those wanting to get their vote out of the way, early-voter centers are set up at election commission headquarters on Amnicola Highway, the Brainerd Recreation Center and Northgate Mall.
Stringer’s Ridge May Get Developed
Even after months of controversy, and a united effort by residents and the Trust for Public Land, it appears that Stringer’s Ridge landowner Jimmy Hudson may indeed develop part of the property unless the land trust steps up to the plate. Hudson informed the Red Bank Planning Commission that the trust had only agreed to buy 37 acres of the property, but that he hopes that they will be able to come to an agreement on the remaining 55 acres. He and partner Mike Bryson said they need a fall-back plan for developing the site. Rick Wood, director for the land trust, was surprised by the announcement, stating that he had an oral agreement that the 55 acres would be donated once the first 37 acres were purchased.
Benson Wants To Change Blue Laws
Following a recent Beer Board meeting, Chattanooga City Councilman Jack Benson said that it may be time to change the city code precluding businesses that sell alcohol from being within 200 feet of a church. The issue came up when a Pentecostal Church of God challenged the beer license of a convenience store on North Orchard Knob Avenue that was only 184 feet away from the church. The board overruled the challenge on a 5-4 vote after testimony that the church had no power, no working plumbing, and the yard had been overgrown with nearly waist-high grass until just the past week. Board member Christopher Keene told the pastor of the Atlanta-based church that it was hard to believe the church was active under such conditions and that by all appearances that church was closed and had been so for some time. |
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Written by Pulse Staff
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Wednesday, 15 October 2008 19:52 |
October Power Bills Are Shocking
If you get power from the Electric Power Board, be prepared for some “statement shock” when you open your current bill. The recent 20 percent rate increase from TVA has been included in the current bill. Lacie Newton with EPB explained that TVA’s increases were calculated beginning October 1, so that EPB decided to place the increase in any bill that went out on or after the first of the month, regardless of when the power was used. Naturally, this has some people a bit annoyed, but Newton was quick to point out that EPB wasn’t benefitting in any way from the rate increase; that all the extra money was getting passed along directly to TVA.
Will Anyone Recognize The City Council Come Next March?
With last week’s announcement by City Council member Dan Page that he will not be running for re-election to the District 3 seat, we are now faced with the reality that at least one third of the council will be made up of new faces next year. Page joins Debbie Gaines in deciding to not run again, and combined with the special election next month to fill the District 5 seat once held by John “Duke” Franklin, that gives us three seats to be filled. Combine this with some highly contested races in other districts—most notably in District 6 where former councilwoman Marti Rutherford has announced plans to take on incumbent Carol Berz—and we may have a substantially different look to the council next March.
How To Honor Luther Masingill
A plan to rename a section of South Broad Street in honor of radio legend Luther Masingill was derailed last week when City Attorney Randy Nelson uncovered a city ordinance that forbade the renaming of streets or public buildings after people who were still alive. The resolution was apparently passed in response to the renaming of streets after singer Usher Raymond and Olympic sports hero Venus Lacey, which annoyed some members of the council at the time. We at The Pulse have a suggestion to solve the problem: Erect a life-size bronze statue of Luther in front of the McKamey Animal Care Facility, complete with a small spotted puppy frolicking at his feet.
Renovating The Fireman’s Fountain
The Fireman’s Fountain memorial at Fountain Square across from the county courthouse will finally receive a long-delayed facelift. The statue, erected in 1887 in memory of two firemen who died in the Bee Hive store fire the previous year, has deteriorated beyond the scope of normal maintenance. The Robinson Iron Corporation will oversee the restoration, which promises to restore the statute and the fountain to a “like new” state, for a total cost of nearly $76,000. This is one of the city’s oldest and most poignant landmarks, and it is reassuring to know that it will no longer be neglected.
Can You Hear Me Now? No? Sorry…
The controversial plan to erect a 180-foot cellular tower in the middle of the burgeoning Main Street arts district has been withdrawn by officials at Wireless Properties. The company says it reserves the right to renew their application at a later date, but for the time being have capitulated to pressure by business merchants and residents in the area. One resident told the Variance Board that the tower would be a death knell to the district while artist Terry Cannon, profiled in The Pulse two weeks ago, predicted that the tower would be a major setback to the revitalization of the area. Wireless Properties say they are now looking at alternate locations within the area, which still has some connectivity issues. |
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 15 October 2008 19:53 )
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