News - Friday, April 8, 2016

Kay Baker knew the man was lying. The trick was getting him to tell the truth.

A licensed private investigator, Baker had done her homework before going to see the man at his rural home outside Chattanooga. And her job was ostensibly simple: serve him a subpoena. But he wasn’t making it easy.

Following the long-standing tradition of honoring local retired judges by having their portraits prepared and hung in the courthouse in which they presided, the Frank Brown Portrait Committee has gathered together to raise the funds necessary to honor the retired chancellor in the same manner.

Signature Brokers has announced the addition of Realtors Belvely Davis and Carrie Nielsen to the Ooltewah-based firm.

Davis and Nielsen are the latest of several new hires for the rapidly growing real estate company.

Robinson Realty Group, a full service, locally owned real estate brokerage located in the heart of Chattanooga’s Southside revitalization district, recently completed a comprehensive renovation of the company’s 2,700 square foot offices, located at 601 E. Main St.

Seventy-five percent of Americans believe that now is a good time to buy a house, according to a recent report from the National Association of Realtors. That’s great news for anyone hoping to sell their home this spring.

Seasonal patterns can differ somewhat depending on climate and where you are in the country, but generally speaking, spring is the busiest season for home buying and selling. The weather is pleasant, days are longer, and curb appeal is at its peak, making it an ideal home shopping season.

Springtime is a happy time in Chattanooga. Compared to the colder, darker days of winter, spring is the opportunity for a fresh start – from planting a new flowerbed to starting a new baseball season. And for many area residents, it’s when they plan on buying a new home.

The Chattanooga Housing Authority (CHA) recently achieved a milestone of fully leasing 3,593 vouchers. Each voucher provides rental assistance throughout Hamilton County to a low-income individual or family.

“My staff and I have worked hard to reach this level of leasing, and we’re thrilled we can assist the maximum number of families for our program,” said Tammie Carpenter, director of the Housing Choice Voucher Program. “But our work is not done. We will continue to draw applicants from our waiting lists in order to address the monthly attrition of about 30 vouchers.”

Downtown Chattanooga’s newest lofts are officially open following the ribbon cutting ceremony for The Clemons on March 31. The 1920s-era building, once a furniture company, has been transformed into 55 apartment homes and an upscale market.

Two weeks ago, I wrote about my love for “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” describing it as a rare lightning-in-a-bottle film that has stood the test of time. Since then, I’ve seen “Raiders! The Story of the Greatest Fan Film Ever Made,” which, like the movie that inspired it, is pure magic. If you love the original Indiana Jones film, then “Raiders!” is required viewing.

Night Run Chattanooga 2016, a 5K night run and one-mile walk along the Riverwalk, will take place Saturday, April 16 at 9:30 p.m.

The event will start at Manker Pattern Tennis Club, located at 100 Douglas St. Glow-in-the-dark items will be available to all participants as part of the registration fee. Awards will be given to the runners with the best times in four categories. All ages are welcome.

On Saturday, April 16, Choral Arts of Chattanooga will perform an evening of American music, including spirituals, folk songs, jazz, and more.

The program will include selections from the 18th to the 21st centuries, with composers ranging from Billings to Barber to Brubeck.

Even if you’ve been out of school for a few years, you may still have a vivid reminder of college: your student loan debt. Since you’ve joined the workforce, you might be paying back your loans as best you can. But can you gradually reduce your debts while still putting money away for your long-term goals – such as retirement?

Saturday, April 9, 1966

The city has offered to donate land it owns along the Tennessee River at the end of Broad Street if the state department of conservation will build a marina on it, Mayor Kelley told the Mayor’s Tourist Committee Thursday at City Hall.

Saturday, April 8, 1916

Miss Loraine Pruett won the individual prize of $10.00 by her discussion of Shakespeare’s greatness as a poet. The Patten Library Society contest was held in the chapel at the University of Chattanooga.

A handsome new fountain has been installed just inside the main entrance at Warner Park by Commissioner Ed Herron. It is electrically lighted in green, white and yellow. Goldfish are in the pool.

If you have children (or grandchildren), I’m sure you have heard of or seen the Disney movie “Cloudy With a Chance Of Meatballs.” Well, today my recipe is “Sunny with a chance of lemon burst!” However, it is anything but hot!

American Film Institute loves lists as much as anyone and I ran across their ranking of the top 50 heroes and villains. For instance, the first place hero is Atticus Finch, while the top villain is Dr. Hannibal Lecter. It made me wonder if you paired the good against the corresponding bad, who would come out on top. 

Mental agility has been defined as “cognitive and psychological adaptability, or the ability to think rapidly and creatively under stress.” A site called “Mind Fitness Training Institute” says that “an agile mind …  can anticipate or quickly adapt to uncertain or changing situations ….”