November 13, 2007
More Marti Moves
Here’s today’s latest installment of “As the Marti Turns.”
When we last tuned in, Mayor Ron Littlefield had brought a new player onto the scene to represent the administration in the struggle over Rutherford’s health insurance benefits – attorney Walter Williams.
Today, the mayor announced that Williams found a case that settled the issue once and for all. And the case didn’t help Rutherford.
“I must concede that the matter has been previously determined by the courts, and there is little, if any, reason to pursue the matter further,” Littlefield said in a statement made to council members Tuesday afternoon. “Accordingly, I have advised our human resources administrator of this finding and have instructed the department to take appropriate measures to honor the actions of the City Council confirming that the date of Ms. Rutherford’s exit from her position shall be as stated in their Resolution of October 9, 2007.”
It basically shows that her verbal statement of resignation, made to the media and to Council Chairman Dan Page, was on October 1, and was effective immediately.
So, case closed, right?
Who knows? You just might have to tune in tomorrow for a new twist in response to this turn, too.
Posted by pulseblogger at 04:14 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
October 09, 2007
What's the scoop?
. . . Uh, poop.
The City Council is going to take a look at adding two new ordinances
concerning the pick-up of doggie droppings in area parks that allow
pets.
Staffers at the city attorney's office presented the puppy proposal in
today's Legal & Legislative Committee meeting.
Continue reading "What's the scoop?"
Posted by pulseblogger at 05:51 PM | TrackBack
October 01, 2007
Word On The Street Is...
Marti Rutherford is prepared to vacate her home on the City Council, which should reduce her number of hangouts to just her three houses in Brainerd. We're working on the story and should have more to say this week in The Pulse.
Posted by pulseblogger at 12:00 PM | TrackBack
August 28, 2007
Our Updated Marti Rutherford Update Has Been Updated Again
Visit our Web site for the latest developments concerning the residency dispute involving Chattanooga City Councilwoman Marti Rutherford.
UPDATE: The new twist? The SEIU.
The SEIU doesn't like the new city budget. Marti voted for it. The SEIU wants Marti gone.
MOST RECENT UPDATE: We have reprinted Marti's statement made at tonight's City Council meeting. Also, Manny Rico and Linda Bennett still don't where she lives.
Good times.
Posted by pulseblogger at 10:00 PM | TrackBack
October 24, 2006
Updated: Murder Charges Against Edward "Meatloaf" Jones Thrown Out
Murder charges against Edward "Meatloaf" Jones in the killing of Don Airline were thrown out this morning.
Click here to read WDEF's story.
Click here to read Chattanoogan.com's story.
Developing...
Read Aaron Mesh's coverage of the case:
Chillin’ in Jail: The bonds get steeper after more Meatloaf charges
"The End of My Time": Don Airline survived a hurricane. He didn’t survive Chattanooga
Posted by pulseblogger at 02:01 PM | TrackBack
October 11, 2006
ESPN reports that the plane that crashed in NYC was registered to Yankee pitcher Cory Lidle; Lidle died in the crash
Developing...
Posted by colrus at 05:02 PM | TrackBack
September 29, 2006
We Blame Robert T. Nash for This
For the first time since the U. S. Senate race began, Slate's daily polls coverage shows Harold Ford, Jr. leading Bob Corker. Ford's trending up, too.
Just thought you should know.
Posted by mesh at 04:57 PM | TrackBack
September 13, 2006
Max Gerskin Responds...
Web traffic, E-mails and reader comments are flowing at a furious pace in response to Max Gerskin's "Cat Lady" controversy.
Click here to read part one.
Click here to read part two.
The Times Free Press published a piece about it this morning, all the local TV stations covered it this evening, the AP picked up the story this afternoon and both the "Cat Lady" and myself appeared on Robert T. Nash's radio show this afternoon. Max appeared on WGOW this morning. Channel 9 did a follow-up piece -- including an an interview with Max -- on their late news broadcast. The Times Free Press will also be running a follow-up in tomorrow's paper.
The Red Bank Police Department has dropped the case, and an inspector from the Humane Society visited Max's home this evening. He told Max that he is not doing anything wrong. He also told Max that, in the future, he would arrange to pick up any trapped cats.
You can read Max's response in this week's edition of The Pulse.
Posted by colrus at 12:48 AM | TrackBack
September 12, 2006
Red Bank Police Department Investigating Pulse Writer Max Gerskin
Red Bank police said Monday they are investigating animal cruelty allegations against a contributor to a weekly publication who has written about launching a "feline jihad" to rid his neighborhood of stray cats.Max Gerskin of 3616 Oakland Terrace is credited with a two-part series in the Chattanooga Pulse about his alleged attack on local strays. The first installment, "Madder Max: The Cat Lady and My New Dog," was published Aug. 9, and the second, "Feline Jihad: The Cat Lady, Part II," on Wednesday.
In his commentary, Mr. Gerskin said the strays fed by a "neighborhood cat lady" have brought filth and disease to his home, and the "Red Bank Humane Society was somehow completely unable to help."
As a result, he writes, "I’ve officially become a trapper and it’s time to take a walk to the river."
From today's Times Free Press.
Max's response to the allegations will run in this week's Pulse.
Posted by colrus at 11:02 AM | TrackBack
September 11, 2006
Watch Out for Falling Chances: Corker Must Give Deposition in Wal-Mart Case Prior to Election
Chancellor Howell Peoples ruled Monday that Republican Senate nominee Bob Corker will have to give a 3-hour deposition, though his attorney said he is too busy with the election.
From Chattanoogan.com
Posted by pulseblogger at 12:21 PM | TrackBack
September 08, 2006
The Signal Mountain Mountain Lion
Here's a shot of the ever-elusive Signal Mountain Mountain Lion:
(Click for bigger view. Photo courtesy of Robert T. Nash.)
Posted by colrus at 10:44 AM | TrackBack
June 26, 2006
Kenardo Curry Indicted
Former city Neighborhood Services Director Kenardo Curry turned himself in to the County Jail this afternoon after a grand jury indicted him on eight counts of theft last week. Curry was also indicted on a single count of fraudulent credit-card use and another count of misconduct after a city auditor testified to the Hamilton County Grand Jury last Wednesday. Also indicted were former Curry subordinates Mark Kleiner, Jennifer Center and Jeremiah McGill.
Posted by mesh at 06:48 PM | TrackBack
May 10, 2006
Hilt Case Gets Another Judge
So, this Nicholas Hilt case is going to get another judge...
A murder case has been switched to another judge after Criminal Court Judge Doug Meyer called the defendant "the scum of the earth" and said he "deserves the death penalty."District Attorney Bill Cox asked for the change, saying, "You do not want to take a chance on possible error."
The murder trial of Nicholas Hilt will be heard by Criminal Court Judge Don Poole beginning June 5.
I'm no legal scholar, but I would imagine this is a good thing, as it is probably hard to prove that someone is the scum of the earth.
...though I'm not saying I wouldn't like to see someone try.
Posted by colrus at 02:17 PM | TrackBack
May 02, 2006
Three for Cotton
As voters went to the polls to elect their officials today, William Cotton went to jail.
Well, not exactly. The former County Commissioner stung in the Tennessee Waltz actually won't have to report for his three-year sentence until June 5. But Judge Edgar Allan declared today that Cotton's getting three in the pokey. And that's the important thing.
Posted by mesh at 03:11 PM | TrackBack
May 01, 2006
Immigration Rally Tidbits
At today's immigration rally -- which started at Jefferson Park around 10:30 a.m. and concluded at the steps of the federal building near Miller Park around 2 p.m., and which was attended by upwards of 1,000 hispanics -- some interesting things could be seen and heard:
(Photo by David Andrews)
Shauna Wilson (above), a Nazi, was part of a small counterprotest. She didn't stay long.
To get their message out to the protesting passers by, the Christian Science Reading Room on Market Street had replaced all of the English versions of the free literature on their sidewalk table with Spanish versions.
Many hispanic protesters took breaks from the festivites to buy snack chips and soft drinks at the nearby Subway.
A middle-aged gentleman slowly pushing a bike on a curb, had this to say to us: "You seen that stuff over there? Those hispanics, they stick together. They've been here ten, 15 years and they haven't paid any taxes. Now, they want part of the $36 billion. Well, why didn't they say that in the first place?" Upon moving into traffic, he had this to say: "I love this country. I wouldn't want to live in any other country. But this country can be pretty lowdown to its people. It can be pretty lowdon to its people."
What appeared to be a federal marshall -- gun in tow -- could be seen standing with two other white men. (Plain clothes cops?) At one point, they all shook the hand of a S.W.A.T. team member who was in uniform. One of the men was seen taking pictures of protestors for close to an hour, both while they were marching towards Miller Park and after they had settled at the federal building.
A white male protester held a sign reading, "Legalize Marijuana, Not Illegal Immigration." A white woman with him held a peace sign. They flashed their wares at passing motorists from the corner of Market and 10th.
Other comments overheard:
Police officer at the federal building who refused to give his name: "They’re all breaking the law by being on the steps." [David Andrews, Pulse photographer: "Are you officially asking them to clear the steps?"] Officer: "I told you once not to take my picture."
Police Officer Harold Diaz: "We have been only given instructions to monitor security, nothing else. It’s been very calm and peaceful."
A woman on smoke break outside Warehouse Row: "I ain’t got anything against their marching, but they are illegal. That’s the problem. If they can’t get a visa, they shouldn’t come." A woman standing with her: "And they’re not paying taxes. That’s not right."
Harold, a parking lot attendant nearby: "Ain’t nothing down there for them. They ain’t hurting anything; I say let them stay."
Posted by pulseblogger at 04:58 PM | TrackBack
Rico: Mannyhandling the Protestors?
From Chattanoogan.com:
An Hispanic group rallying in downtown Chattanooga denounced City Councilman Manny Rico and one woman said she planned to take out a warrant against him.Urna Adame, leader of the march, said there was a confrontation with Councilman Rico, whose parents came to Texas from Mexico.
She said he grabbed the arm of her daughter, Christian, and she said the daughter will seek a warrant for assault.
Ms. Adame said, "He grabbed my daughter in a threatening manner. She is going to seek a warrant."
Posted by pulseblogger at 03:45 PM | TrackBack
April 30, 2006
The Scourge of Mudslinging
It is quite perplexing and outrageous that someone would resort to mudslinging at election time. And that they would remain secretive about it, no less!!!
The citizens of this fair city need to speak up: Creativity and humor have no place in the political process. Mudslinging, neither.
Posted by pulseblogger at 08:12 PM | TrackBack
April 28, 2006
Cleveland Taser Trifecta
Yet another instance of alleged inappropriate tasing at the Bradley County Jail department came to light today, as former inmate Brian Woodby told WGOW that he was tased in the stomach and the genitals on New Year's Eve. Woodby, whose feet were strapped down during the tasing, described having burn marks on his testicles. The man is undergoing reproductive therapy.
Earlier this week, Jason Adams, another former inmate described being maced in his face, stripped of his clothes, placed in a shower to rinse off, thrown down on the floor and tased twice while on the floor and still wet, and placed on a chair in front of a fan to dry off while wearing nothing but a pair of boxer shorts. He contracted pneumonia as a result.
Both have hired John Wolfe to represent them. Wolfe is also representing the family of Timothy McCargo, the inmate who lapsed into (and remains in) a coma after being tased on February 24.
McCargo's mother, Eunice McCargo-Spears, told WTVC that she is glad both Adams and Woodby are coming forward with their stories as "something needs to be done about all these boys getting tased."
Wolfe told the station that the timing is good because "people need to know what's going on in the sheriff's department."
Bradley County Sheriff Dan Gilley says the timing of the stories is politically motivated, accusing Wolfe of trying to use the three cases to sway the upcoming Bradley County Sheriff's race.
Posted by pulseblogger at 10:09 AM | TrackBack
April 27, 2006
Smith All Paid Up
Duane Smith, much-talked-about sorta lobbyist and longtime friend of Chattanooga Mayor Ron Littlefield, has paid his $100, registered with the state and is now an actual lobbyist. According to the TFP, Smith was "patrolling legislative corridors and talking to lawmakers and fellow government lobbyists" on Wednesday.
Posted by pulseblogger at 09:23 AM | TrackBack
Two Former Rec Center Employees Indicted
Read the full story here.
The mayor's office said a Chattanooga Police fraud investigator and the director of Internal Audit for the mayor’s office presented the cases of Michael Lowman and Pamela Davenport to the Hamilton County Grand Jury.
They said the Grand Jury then handed down indictments on Lowman and Ms. Davenport for theft over $10,000.
Posted by pulseblogger at 09:07 AM | TrackBack
April 24, 2006
Cynthia McKinney Opens Mouth Inserts Foot, Wireless Microphone
Folks, if you ever wondered what a politician drunk with power looks like, take a gander at this story.
So entertaining...
Posted by pulseblogger at 09:10 AM | TrackBack
April 21, 2006
Times Editorial Page: Littlefield biased against Jews
In an editorial about the Michael Weber incident on the Times side of today's Chattanooga Times Free Press, Chattanooga Mayor Ron Littlefield is accused of being being biased towards northerners and Jews.
"Yet it is not a reporter's, or this newspaper's, pursuit of facts that is unprofessional. Rather, it is Mayor Littlefeld's defamtory public statements and his egregious reference to Mr. Weber's work 'in Brooklyn' (Mr. Weber worked once at Newsday in New York) that are wholly unprofessional and contemptible. That slur can be read both as anti-Yankee and anti-Semitic, since attacks on the Jewish community in New York traditionally referred to the acts of people "in Brooklyn.Mayor Littlefield's action managed, in a single stroke, to offend all responsible journalists here, to draw coverage to the anti-democratic attitude and thin skin of Chattanooga's mayor, and to demonstrate his bias against northerners and Jews."
Posted by pulseblogger at 09:52 AM | TrackBack
April 18, 2006
Lobbyist Story Explained
So what "non-story" was TFP reporter Michael Weber "wasting his time" on when he got the boot by the mayor?
From today's Times Free Press:
A longtime friend of Chattanooga Mayor Ron Littlefield hired to lobby the state on behalf of the city has not registered with state officials, according to the Tennessee Registry of Election Finance.Registry officials said Monday they had no record of Duane Smith being registered to lobby in Nashville.
Mr. Smith said he was operating under the impression that he would not have had to register until he was in Nashville "making contact with legislators."
The story goes on to outline Mayor Littlefield's ties to Smith:
In 1987, Mr. Smith was campaign manager in Mr. Littlefield’s successful race for commissioner of Public Works under the city’s old form of government, according to news accounts at the time. He later worked for then-Commissioner Littlefield as a special assistant.
A little anticlimactic? Yes. Still a story? Certainly.
Posted by pulseblogger at 10:44 AM | TrackBack
April 14, 2006
Pulse Exclusive: TFP Staffers "Despondent" Paper Isn't Fighting Back Against Mayor's Reporter Ban
Breaking News: Mayor Ron Littlefield has banned a Times Free Press reporter from access to city records and employees. Our source says many in the paper's newsroom are devastated that their organization isn't fighting back.
Read our story here.
Posted by pulseblogger at 11:25 PM | TrackBack
Mayor's TFP Reporter Ban Story Appears on Editor and Publisher
Read the full story here.
"Griscom said the mayor's office had never contacted the paper with any complaints about Weber prior to the ban. 'I am trying to reconstruct a series of events that have occurred over a period of time that led to this,' he added, noting that the mayor's actions appeared to be related, in part, to Weber's requests for public information, but said he did not know what specific requests had been made. 'We are a very aggressive paper in terms of requesting documents. But I have to make sure I know all of the facts.'
In a memo to Times Free Press employees, obtained by E&P, Griscom said he had spoken to the mayor and reminded staffers to maintain a professional demeanor with outsiders. 'We expect our employees to act in a professional manner at all times,' the memo said. 'When requesting information, conducting an interview and writing a story, our reporters know the standards and practices of the Times Free Press.'
Some employees said staffers had taken such a neutral statement by Griscom as possibly agreeing with the mayor. Griscom denied such a notion, saying he had not made a decision either way. 'People are entitled to their own opinion,' he told E&P. 'I have to look at all of the facts before I speak for this newspaper.'
Posted by pulseblogger at 02:53 PM | TrackBack
Littlefield on WGOW on TFP Reporter Ban
Chattanooga Mayor Ron Littlefield appeared briefly this morning on WGOW's "The Morning Press" to discuss the banning of Chattanooga Times Free Press reporter Michael Weber from the access to the city.
"He's a northerner who thinks we're all stupid," said Littlefield. Littlefield also implied that Weber might be "dangerous" and said that Weber was "wasting his time" on non-stories.
Two of the stories that, according to Littlefield, Weber was pressing him on were the Rob Healy story and a story on the contract that was recently awarded to Barge, Waggoner, Sumner and Cannon, Inc.
From our story, "Bombs Away":
"Littlefield told Healy that he wanted to contract Oak Ridge-based architectural and engineering firm Barge, Waggoner, Sumner and Cannon to provide the city with Zehnder’s services and other counsel. Healy, meanwhile, would keep the same salary of $103,000 while narrowing his responsibilities."
From Rob Healy's statement to the Chattanooga City Council on March 14:
"I am assuming by the resolution presented by Mayor Littlefield to execute a contract with Barge, Waggoner, Sumner and Cannon, Inc., to perform professional management services for the Department of Parks and Recreation that I have been fired from my position as the administrator."
Barge, Waggoner, Sumner and Cannon was one of two companies hired to develop an initial site development plan, layout features, division of parcels and planning of infrastructure components for what is now Enterprise South.
Read Joe Lance's thoughts on the matter here.
Posted by pulseblogger at 10:16 AM | TrackBack
April 10, 2006
Taylor Housed
A crying Winchester judge sentenced Rheubin Taylor II on Thursday to 12 months of house arrest and three years of probation for committing voluntary manslaughter in the Bessie Smith Strut shooting that killed Tory Hardy in 2003.
“He has accepted responsibility from the first moment,” Taylor’s attorney Stewart Jenkins told Judge Buddy Perry of Winchester. “He came forward and said 'This is what happened and this is what I did.’”
That was little comfort to Hardy’s mother, Terry Lynn Nicholson, who said in a statement that Taylor had received special treatment from the courts – his father is a city attorney – and not spent a day in jail. “It has been sickening watching you be free as though everything is normal,” she said, according to Chattanoogan.com reports.
After the verdict, however, Nicholson prayed with members of the Taylor family. “I have prayed about this,” she told television reporters, “and it's too heavy, and if I continue to carry it I’m going to stay a victim. I just want everybody to know that I’m OK with this. My grandson is going to be raised up OK. This was God's will and I’m happy with that.”
Perry broke down crying before delivering his sentence, saying that he had recently lost a child himself.
Posted by mesh at 03:20 PM | TrackBack
Overheard at the Immigration Protest, Miller Park
Minutes before nearly 200 Hispanic protestors broke from their position on the hill in Miller Park and marched south on Market Street, a heated exchange took place between a (I'm guessing) teenaged protestor and the most vocal member of the almost non-existent counterprotest. The teenager was one of a few in the crowd displaying a Mexican flag and the counterprotestor took issue with it.
Counterprotestor: "Why are you holding that flag? Why don't you hold an American flag? If Mexico is so great, why are you here? Why don't you go back?"
Protestor: "Chinga tu madre, puto." (Translation: "Fuck your mother, asshole.")
The protestors then gave the teen a very loud and disapproving "Ssshhh!" as they stepped forward to raise their American flags and chant, "USA! USA! USA!"
Whatever your viewpoint on the issue of illegal immigration, it's evident that the vast majority of protestors truly love this country and want to be here. As they should.
Posted by pulseblogger at 01:01 PM | TrackBack
April 07, 2006
Severe Storms: "We Are Prepared"
Local officials said this afternoon that a line of severe storms could bring tonadoes, flash floods and hail to the region by as early as 6:00 tonight, but that emergency management preparations have been made.
"We're dealing with a potential -- a potential for bad, severe weather," said Hamilton County Emergency Management Services Director Don Allen. "Whether we'll get it, the good Lord knows. We've done, we think, all we can to prepare. We're as prepared as we know how to be."
Officials said tonight's storms could include flash flooding, cyclonic winds, cloud-to-ground lightning and stright winds up to 70 miles per hour. Allen said two tornadoes from the storm front had touched down in northern Tennessee, and the region had experienced hailstones two inches in diameter. National news reports confirmed these sightings.
Chattanooga Police Chief Steve Parks said 36 dispatchers -- 18 city, 18 county -- would be answering local 911 lines tonight. Mayor Ron Littlefield said the emergency lines, under fire in recent weeks for missing calls, were staffed "more than ever. ...We are prepared to take the calls tonight. I'm not surprised or offended that you would ask that. [But] we have a veteran group here. They've been through the blizzard of '93 and the tornadoes of '97, and numerous smaller incidents. We know how to prepare. We know how to respond. We're ready for what happens."
Allen said that citizens should be alert but calm. "We do not want to get the community to panic," he said. "I'm not advocating everybody go hide under their beds." He suggested that people buy bottled water and battery-powered flashlights in case of power outages.
County Mayor Claude Ramsey concluded the official remarks at the 911 Communications Center on Amnicola Highway: "The last thing would be, pray that none of this happens."
Posted by mesh at 04:43 PM | TrackBack
April 05, 2006
Flags, Colors Red, White and Blue Banned at California School
Read about it here.
School officials in Oceanside now say that flags -- whether they are U.S. or Mexican or any other country's -- have now become a divider on campuses, saying that some students are using them to taunt other students Keith Brentlinger displays the U.S. flag outside Hatter, Williams and Purdy, his Oceanside business.
"To me, it's everything," said Brentlinger "I mean, like I said -- we truly live in the greatest country in the world."
Brentlinger said he was shocked on Tuesday when marching immigration-reform protesters tore down the flag outside his business.
"Some of them just grabbed the flag, and pulled it off its aluminum pole, and it got ripped," said Brentlinger.
Brentlinger told NBC 7/39 that he put up a new flag the next day.
"Some protesters drove up in their car and snagged the flag from our building and took off," said Brentlinger. "I was extremely, extremely upset. I mean, it was just ... insulting is the word."
Thoughts?
Posted by colrus at 04:48 PM | TrackBack
April 03, 2006
Chattanooga: Wikitravel Travel Destination of the Month
Yep, it's true. Read all about it here.
(Thanks to Phragmunkee for the tip.)
Posted by colrus at 12:16 AM | TrackBack
April 02, 2006
Mo Popo at the ATL
Officials of General Growth Properties, Inc. -- the parent company of Northgate Mall -- sent e-mails out to all of its 200-plus malls suggesting increased security at movie theatres in advance of Friday the premiere of, ATL, a film telling the story of four black freestyle-rollerskating teens who get involved in the drug trade.
In a Newschannel 9 piece about the increased security, some movie goers said it was a good move:
"I think it's a little shady, but it's probably a good idea for them to have security based on the movie and the people that they know is gonna come and see the movie," says movie goer Danielle Woods.
Others called it racist:
"In actuality, it is racial profiling," says Northgate shopper Waymon Maddox. "They don't beef up security at premiers for other controversial movies, why this one?"
Channel 9 asked Northgate spokesman Cathy Simms about the beefed-up security. She said that they do it all the time -- that they did it after September 11th, and they'll do it anytime they feel it's necessary. She said the move has nothing to do with profiling and everything to do with safety.
The station then called General Growth to find out what, exactly, it is about ATL that warrants the increased security. Company spokesperson David Keating said there was an incident at a mall several years ago, but declined to elaborate, instead sending the station a very vague statement:
"The email in question certainly was not meant to target the movie's content or its audience. We regret that the email could be read to imply something that we do not condone, and apologize for any unintended offense it may have caused."
Huh? What? Huh?
Anyway, fast forward to Saturday night...
Fights broke out at the Rave Theater in East Ridge after a showing of ATL.
Here's the play-by-play from Nooga.com:
Around 11:51 PM Saturday night, several East Ridge and Chattanooga police officers were dispatched to the Rave Theater on South Terrace in East Ridge when security officers on duty there reported fights were breaking out on the parking lot.As many as three separate fights were going on at one time on the parking lot. The fights were spread out from the front entrance of the theater to the Goodwill Store and the Dollar Store. No fights were reported inside the theater building.
An employee of the theater was injured with trauma to the back of the head and was unconscious for a few moments as paramedics with the Memorial EMS sped to the scene. The injured man was taken to East Ridge Hospital in fair condition.
At least one person was held at gunpoint by police officers while backup officers were en route.
While East ridge police officers handled the crowd in front the Rave, which is in the City of East Ridge, Chattanooga police handled the youths that had moved from the theater parking lot to the parking area at the nearby Sears Essentials store. Several youths were taken into custody and transported to jail or the Hamilton County Juvenile Detention Center, depending on age.
Most all of those fighting were black youths and most all had been to see the movie ATL, a PG-13 movie about black street youths in Atlanta including two rap scenes.
As other movies ended, movie patrons were told to go straight to their cars and leave. Police had the situation under control by about 12:15 a.m.
Nooga.com reported earlier this week officials at Northgate Mall had arranged for extra security while ATL was being shown at the mall. One witness said there was obviously extra security at the Rave including off-duty police officers.
There was also another incident -- this time a shooting -- after a showing of the film in Minneapolis.
I don't know what to say about all of this except that if Hollywood continues to glorify the thug life (even through cautionary tales like ATL), kids are going to continue embracing and imitating it.
Posted by colrus at 03:47 PM | TrackBack
Aretha Frankenstein's Burns Down
Aretha Frankenstein's, the beloved North Chattanooga neighborhood breakfast spot/coffee joint/bar burned to the ground early this morning. An investigation into the cause of the blaze is underway.
Posted by colrus at 02:19 PM | TrackBack
March 30, 2006
Healy Wants His Job Back
Yes, really.
Former Parks and Recreation Director Rob Healy today sent a letter to the City Council requesting an appeals hearing. The letter reads:
Please have this letter serve as notice of my desire to appeal my termination as the administrator of parks and recreation for the city of Chattanooga.Please provide to me, as soon as possible, the details regarding the time and date of a hearing.
How will Ron Littlefield feel about this? Let's consider his remarks when asked by The Pulse whether he would ever work with Healy again: "I’m a little bit afraid of Mr. Healy, to tell you the truth,” Littlefield says. “He’s kind of like a load of nitroglycerin. He’s exploded on me once, and I’m not eager to have him too close."
It seems fair to say this might be an uphill battle.
Posted by mesh at 03:42 PM | TrackBack
March 29, 2006
Renewed Renewal
Mayor Ron Littlefield joined a slew of local officials in announcing that the city has petitioned the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to double the neighborhoods eligible for Renewal Community tax breaks.
"We'll be able to use the full measure of our tax credits," Littlefield said at a press conference at the Saddlery Building this morning. "This is a very important program. I will not attempt to explain it to you."
We will: Chattanooga currently receives $12 million in Federal tax incentives for private construction and restoration projects for "distressed communities" including Alton Park and the Southside. Littlefield's request to HUD would expand the Renewal Community boundaries to include an area stretching from Cameron Hill north to Manufacturers Road and east to the Avondale and Oak Grove neighborhoods (see chart below). If approved, the expansion would make more than 15,000 residents eligible for tax breaks for constructing new businesses or restoring aging buildings.
"Bottom line: it creates new jobs, it creates new wealth, as a result of restoring old buildings or building new ones," said Enterprise Center CEO Joe Ferguson.
Since the city began its Renewal Comunities project in 2002, the mayor's office says 34 building projects in poor neighborhoods have received Federal tax breaks. (The Saddlery Building is one such project. Natch.) Chattanooga is one of two cities in Tennessee to receive HUD breaks: we split $24 million with Memphis.
"Chattanooga was in there when others were sleeping," Littlefield said. "I told [Memphis] we don't plan on giving anything up anytime soon."
Posted by mesh at 12:10 PM | TrackBack
Theatre Centre Parking to Cost Monye
Not sure how to enjoy these first warm days of spring? We suggest that you drive your car across the river, park in the Theatre Centre lot, and stand there crying, saying goodbye. That's right: the Theatre Centre parking lot will begin charging fees as soon as the city begins installing North Shore parking meters. Is this news like finding out that your girlfriend has left you to become a prostitute? Yes. Yes it is.
It's not you, it's them: "I'm afraid we cannot be the free parking option in a paid district," Theatre Centre Executive Director Jeffrey Brown told the North Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce this morning. "I wish we could."
Brown said that rates for the 200-space lot have not yet been set.
Posted by mesh at 11:29 AM | TrackBack
March 28, 2006
Direct from The National Pulse: "The Fred and Curtis Show" Podcast Premiere
Click here to hear the premiere broadcast!
Posted by pulseblogger at 04:17 PM | TrackBack
March 27, 2006
911 Fiddles While City Burns
When Stacey Hunter’s kitchen caught fire on March 20, she called 911. But no one answered. It was break time.
“You've got four people supposed to be dispatching and three people on break,” Hunter told the Associated Press’ Bill Poovey. “I can't still digest that.”
Hunter’s Missionary Ridge house didn’t burn down – her family members ran half a mile to the fire station – but Chattanooga’s 911 center is feeling the heat after Poovey examined records and found that 27,000 – read that number again – emergency calls went unanswered last year. By Friday, the story of our city’s 911 incompetence had reached the Boston Globe and Britain’s Guardian, while Hamilton County Sheriff and call center chainman John Cupp appeared on CNN, trying to explain the gaffes.
Chattanooga Police spokesman Tetzell Tillery said that the 27,000 figure was deceiving and that many of those calls were hang-ups or pranks. Which leads to a question: if you don’t answer the phone, how do you know it’s a prank? It could be Ashton Kutcher and his punk’ng pals. Or it could be your grandmother. Dying. You sort of have to pick up to know.
Cupp told the AP that Chattanooga’s call center suffers from understaffing, with only 68 of the needed 78 positions filled. “There is a shortage of personnel, and a lot of times when there is a shortage of personnel, you have problems organizing things.” But Mayor Ron Littlefield wasn’t buying that, arguing for the center to better manage its dispatchers. (Again, three of four operators on break? We’re with Ron.) Littlefield appeared on WGOW with Jeff Styles on Monday morning, saying that he had discussed the situation with County Mayor Claude Ramsey on a weekend trip. “We’re going to fix it,” he said.
Posted by mesh at 12:29 PM | TrackBack
March 22, 2006
The Bomber: Why did Rob Healy pick a fight with the mayor?
(Click pic to read article.)
Posted by colrus at 10:13 AM | TrackBack
Ok, So Are We Supposed to Be MORE Political Or LESS Political? I'm confused
Just days after Rob Healy said he received flack from the mayor for not being political enough, Governor Bredesen pledged to "end decades of politics" within the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
Thoughts?
Posted by colrus at 09:37 AM | TrackBack
What's the 411 with 911?
According to a TFP investigation, upwards of 27,000 calls to 911 went unanswered during one ten-month period in 2005.
The reason? Staffing.
Posted by colrus at 09:25 AM | TrackBack
March 17, 2006
Don't Squeeze the Leamon
Evildoers of Park City, let us offer a word of advice. City Councilman Leamon Pearce once allegedly charged into a police car to get at a handcuffed man who spit on him. He didn’t take any of that guy’s crap. Do you think he’s going to take any of yours?
Hell, no. Pierce is back in the news today after he took a picture of a group of men in his neighborhood and was yelled at by one of them. So Pierce called the police on him. The man, Maurice Terry, had an outstanding assault warrant. So off he went for another picture.
Pierce, who has pledged to clean up the Park City community near Clifton Hills, told Chattanoogan.com that he would continue the good fight. “I'm going to keep on. They are not going to stop me.”
Posted by mesh at 06:34 PM | TrackBack
March 16, 2006
Fort Ogletwirp
From an incident Joe already referenced this evening:
There is a little town called Fort Oglethorpe where, if you are mayor and your wife is caught speeding, the city manager will help you out by demoting the sheriff for doing his job.
Posted by colrus at 11:19 PM | TrackBack
School Board Tips to Scales
The Board of Education has chosen Dr. Jim Scales, a deputy superintendent in the Dallas, Texas school system, as the next school superintendent of Hamilton County.
Poor, poor Dr. Jim Scales.
"He really impressed me as a leader – a good fit for our community – a motivator, a collaborator," said School Board Chairman Chip Baker before a straw poll Thursday found seven of nine members selected Scales. The decision (the "identification of a preferred candidate," in the Board's wording) is subject to contract negotiations, background checks and a site visit to Dallas. The Board hopes offer a contract to Scales by its April 20 meeting.
Board member Joe Conner was chosen to lead the contract talks. He promised to be "frugal but fair. ... This is not a Boston market, it is not a Dallas market, it is not a New York market." He said former superintendent Dr. Jesse Register's contract, $150,000, would serve as a baseline.
Register himself was pleased with the choice. “I think Dr. Scales has a great background, both in large systems and smaller ones,” he said as he walked from Tyner Academy auditorium. “I think he’s an excellent choice and I hope the Board can work through the process.”
Rhonda Thurman was less cheered. She was the only Board member to vote against the official motion to pursue Scales, and after the vote said the search should have focused on local candidates. “I think that we have a lot of qualified people right here in Hamilton County,” she said after the vote. “We’re always saying our kids are leaving town, and then we give the highest-paying jobs to people from out of town. I wanted a local candidate right from the beginning.”
Continue reading "School Board Tips to Scales"
Posted by mesh at 05:21 PM | TrackBack
Healy's Moral Conflict Made Him Quit/Got Him Fired
From Chattanoogan.com:
Rob Healy on Thursday morning said he got in trouble at city parks and recreation when he made decisions he felt were morally right.
Mr. Healy, who said he was fired as of Wednesday midnight, said he sought to take action against two supervisors he said an audit showed were mishandling city funds.
But he said Mayor Ron Littlefield asked him to keep the two supervisors in the department. He said, "I told the mayor I was not going to do that."
In an interview with Jeff Styles on Talk Radio, Mr. Healy said one of the supervisors was given a $2,000 per month consulting contract while the other was moved to Memorial Auditorium at a salary higher than the new manager of the Auditorium/Tivoli.
Criminal charges have been filed against one of the two supervisors.
Developing...
Posted by colrus at 10:23 AM | TrackBack
March 15, 2006
More from Littlefield on Healy
Vague accusations of impropriety lobbed in Mr. Healy's direction:
Mayor Littlefield said he checked the list of those hired by Mr. Healy, "and there was not a single person there other than ones hired by Mr. Healy."
The mayor said his administration had been aggressively seeking out fraud within city government, and he said some of those being investigated were among his supporters in the last election.
From Chattanoogan.com.
Posted by colrus at 02:42 PM | TrackBack
Healy: Suicide Bomber?
Chattanooga Mayor Ron Littlefield said this morning on WGOW's "Morning Press" that Outdoor Chattanooga will go forward and that he’d intended for it to go forward with Rob Healy at the helm.
Commenting on Healy's reaction to the proposed promotion -- back to the position he was already promoted from -- Littlefield said, “I’m very surprised by this sort of suicide bomber way of going about things.”
Yep, he said "suicide bomber."
An excerpt from the conversation:
Littlefield: "I don't mean this as a criticism. I really like Rob Healy. I think he's a great guy. I think he had become a lightning rod, which was not necessarily of his making. I've been a lightning rod myself, many of you can remember situations where you get yourself into a situation where people are making you the issue rather than the real issue which was providing the best parks and recreation department that the city deserves. But, Rob is one of those individuals who sort of quits on a daily basis, so the fact that he was showing a little dissatisfaction with this change I didn't take all that seriously.
Styles: "Is this fixable?"
Littlefield: "Well, sure. Everything's fixable and, in any effect, the programs Outdoor Chattanooga will go forward and the parks and recreation department will go forward and there is really no break in the progression of things. The only break is I was really surprised by this public stance last night, which caught me completely off guard."
Reynolds: "You were blindside by this?"
Littlefield: "Absolutely."
West: "What's Rob's status this morning, or the quote-unquote 'suicide bomber''s status this morning?"
Littlefield: (Laughs) "Well, I don't know. I was called, of course, last night by several reporters who said, 'Have you fired him?' I said, 'Listen, if he's fired, that's been the most generous firing I've ever heard of. I'll sit down and talk with him and see what he wants to do, but I'd say that he's sort of burned his bridge at this point. It kind of destroys credibility and I'm a little concerned about how he might behave in future situations."
Posted by colrus at 10:40 AM | TrackBack
March 14, 2006
Healy to Littlefield: "No"
From Chattanoogan.com:
Former city deputy parks administrator Larry Zehnder is replacing Rob Healy as director of city parks and recreation, Mayor Ron Littlefield said.
Mr. Healy had been offered his former position as director of Outdoor Chattanooga, but appeared before the City Council on tonight and declined the outdoors post. Healy was named head of parks and rec on May 24 of last year.
Healy read this statement at tonight's City Council meeting:
"I am assuming by the resolution presented by Mayor Littlefield to execute a contract with Barge, Waggoner, Sumner and Cannon, Inc., to perform professional management services for the Department of Parks and Recreation that I have been fired from my position as the administrator.
"Over the last nine months I have been told many times to be more political. I have come to realize that this means that I must compromise my values and ethics so as to appease separate interest groups.
"I have been encouraged to look the other way when people are misusing city funds. I have been pressured to hire people that are not the best candidates for the job. Continually I have been told one thing in private and, when there is public opposition, these private commitments are not honored or voiced.
"I was hired by Mayor Littlefield to be the administrator of Parks and Recreation. It is an organization that is broken. I have started to organize a department of people that are committed to restoring it just as I am. I believe you hire great people and then you give them guidance and encouragement and try and provide them the tools they need to be successful.
"I am actively working to restore accountability, credibility and a solid work ethic in this department. I certainly disagree with the proposal to outsource the management of this department, which is one of the largest in the city, and I hope that I can finish the job I started. While my tenure may be considered controversial, I feel we have made a lot of progress and I am convinced that we are on track to meet the needs of the mayor, Council and the community. I am not afraid of the challenge to continue this important work for our community.
"I believe that decisions should be made based on what is right or wrong. You make them based on what is morally right and what is in the best interest of the citizens - not based on what is politically right, not based on what is most convenient, not on black or white, rich or poor, male or female, friend or foe, political contributor or an opponent's ally. I have worked hard to base my decisions on what is best for the great city of Chattanooga - and do what is right 100 percent of the time, not 50 percent or 60 percent.
"I really appreciate the great people I have met and worked with over the last 18 months - new friends - and people that share the same visiion of making this a better city for our children and all our citizens."
Posted by pulseblogger at 10:53 PM | TrackBack
Fowler Will Not Seek Fourth Term
From a press release:
State Senator David Fowler (R-Signal Mountain) announced today that he will not seek a fourth term in the State Senate and will officially withdraw his name from the ballot next month.
“After much struggle and prayer over the last year about whether to offer myself for another term, it has become clear to me over the last few weeks that it is time for me to conclude my service in the General Assembly. When I first ran, I had said that two or three terms should be long enough, and it is,” stated Senator Fowler.
Senator Fowler has served in the General Assembly for 12 years, having won his first term in 1994. Senator Fowler was re-elected without opposition in 1998 and again in 2002.
Thoughts?
Posted by colrus at 10:01 AM | TrackBack
We've Lost Our Kia
The announcement Chattanooga has long awaited took place Sunday night. In West Point, Georgia.
South Korean automaker Kia announced that it will open a 1.2 billion plant in the town near the Alabama border, bringing nearly 5,500 jobs to people who we are in no way jealous of. We didn’t want that plant, anyway.
Well, yes we did: “We are disappointed but optimistic because of TVA’s projection that another four or five assembly plants will locate in the Southeast over the next five years or so,” Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce Vice President J.Ed Marston told the Times Free Press Sunday. “Manufacturing is the key for Enterprise South, and we believe we will be successful.”
Never let it be said that faith doesn’t mix with government.
Posted by pulseblogger at 09:49 AM | TrackBack
March 11, 2006
Tom Fox Is Dead
Tom Fox, a former Chattanoogan who was kidnapped in Iraq last year, has been killed.
Posted by colrus at 12:25 AM | TrackBack
March 10, 2006
Go West, Young Bob
The Memphis Flyer reports on Corker's kickoff stop in Memphis, and adds an interesting poll detail:
A new Rasmussen Reports poll released Monday showed all three Republican candidates leading Democrat Harold Ford Jr. in sample matchups. Bryant's edge was 45 to 36 percent, Hilleary's was 43 to 35, and Corker's was 39 to 35.
The article goes on to make the usual mention of Corker's $3.8 million war chest, but adds an oft-ignored fact: Ford's haul is more than $5 million. So there's plenty of cash for everybody to throw around. Except Van.
Posted by mesh at 06:29 PM | TrackBack
And Then There Were Two... (Unless It All Fizzles Out and They Have to Start All Over Again. Then, There'll Be Who Knows How Many...)
Liberty County, Georgia schools superintendant Dr. Steve Wilmoth, one of the three finalists for the Hamilton County Schools superintendant position, has dropped out.
"I wasn’t really comfortable with all the negative publicity and the lack of support from a small group of people," Wilmoth told the TFP. "I didn’t feel like some of the comments about the process were appropriate. You can’t go into a position like this without support."
"He must have been a fairly weak guy to start with," said Commissioner Curtis Adams in his ever-supportive style.
Further down in the piece...
Commissioner Charlotte Vandergriff said she is worried the "contentious, political" atmosphere will scare off all three finalists and cause them to withdraw.
"It makes me wonder why anyone would want to come here," she said.
It makes us wonder, too, Charlotte...
"It does nothing to create unity, which is what we said we’re looking for."
Yes, unity would be nice. But when it comes to schools -- and more importantly superintendants for schools -- unity has never seemed to be a priority. Why should we believe that this time will be any different?
Posted by colrus at 10:46 AM | TrackBack
March 09, 2006
Henry Defends Finalists
The words "this is getting way too complicated" spring to mind...
From Chattanoogan.com:
County Commission Chairman Larry Henry on Thursday defended the three out-of-state finalists for Hamilton County school superintendent.
"I can tell you this without reservation - we have three good candidates," he told fellow members of the commission.
Commissioner Charlotte Vandergriff said commissioners should stay out of the selection process.
"I certainly hope that the current personal, contentious political climate regarding the school superintendent selection does not cause all candidates to withdraw. It begs the question of why one would want to be here. t does nothing to create unity, which is what we say we are seeking. We need to let those charged with this responsibility to do their job independently as we did ours this morning (in filling the commission seat vacated by William Cotton)."
Posted by colrus at 02:10 PM | TrackBack
It's Unanimous: Mackey Appointed to County Commission
Dr. Warren Mackey has been unanimously appointed to the Hamilton County Commission.
"I want to thank you for making this decision so easy," said County Commissioner Fred Skillern. "With the life you've lived and the character you have, this is the easiest decision I've ever had to make."
Mackey replaces William Cotton, who resigned his post following his federal bribery conviction, and who will face Brian Caldwell in the upcoming election for the District 4 seat.
Thoughts?
Posted by colrus at 10:07 AM | TrackBack
March 08, 2006
They Really Want Rick Smith
Really, REALLY want him...
From Chattanoogan.com:
County Commissioner Bill Hullander said Wednesday that only a local county school superintendent "will be able to unite the community."
Commissioner Hullander said,"I hope the County School Board will reconsider appointing someone from out of state. From those I have talked to in the community, it is pretty much 100 percent who favor someone local."
He said he would like to see Deputy Supt. Rick Smith reconsider his decision to drop out of the running.
Posted by colrus at 02:24 PM | TrackBack
March 07, 2006
Don't the Words "Hamilton County" and "School Board" Just Exhaust You Sometimes?
Let's recap today's events:
Hamilton County Board of Education member Debbie Colburn was quoted in the today's TFP as saying that Rick Smith -- Curtis Adams' choice for superintendant -- was still a possibility for the position: "It's an option."
She went on to say that, "As an elected board, we can choose to do whatever feel is in the best interest of the district."
Board member Rhonda Thurman was also quoted and could be heard later on WGOW's "F.R.E.D. The Show" with Jeff Styles saying similar things.
But then...
After Larry Henry was informed that the superintendent screening committee may have violated the state Sunshine Law by using secret ballots, Smith withdrew his name as a candidate.
Developing...
Posted by colrus at 04:44 PM | TrackBack
March 06, 2006
Choosy Chattanoogans Choose Choice
So, I go to dinner and now Joe and John are also commenting on Curtis.
The Internet is beautiful.
Posted by colrus at 09:06 PM | TrackBack
Choosy Commissioners Choose Smith
Despite the fact that an advisory panel recommended three other candidates for consideration for the Hamilton County School Board superintendant position, County Commissioner Curtis Adams says the school board should still hire Rick Smith.
"Rick Smith is the right man at the right time to lead our system and he is the right man to get the entire community behind the Hamilton County Schools," Adams told Chattanoogan.com. "We didn’t go out of town to get Chattanooga city mayors Robert Kirk Walker, Pat Rose, Gene Roberts, John Kinsey, Bob Corker and Ron Littlefield," Adams told Chattanoogan.com. "We didn’t go out of town to get Dalton Roberts and Claude Ramsey. Look at the record of Chattanooga mayors and look at the leadership abilities Dalton and Claude have brought to this position. We don’t go out of town to get our sheriff or judges."
He continues...
"When Tom Kinser retired from Blue Cross, they promoted a very capable Vickie Gregg. When Harold Chandler resigned at UnumProvident, they had Tom Watjen in the wing ready to be promoted. The last time superintendents were brought in from out of town, Harry Reynolds and Jesse Register, they had the academic credentials but neither could bring the community together. Rick Smith can and the elected officials, business leaders, and the public will make sure he is successful. The Courthouse and the Hamilton County Schools will be on the same team and the public will be behind us."
Let it be