Happenings

John Shearer: Baylor Grad Jada Walker Honored As Only Local UT Torchbearer

  • 5/9/2025

A few weeks back, Jada Walker of the Ooltewah area kept seeing announcements about nine other graduating University of Tennessee seniors being named as prestigious Torchbearers. The 2021 Baylor School graduate was flattered she had earlier been nominated. She had completed the nomination form, but she was beginning to assume she would not be selected for this unique honor that recognizes academic achievement, service and leadership. As the situation developed, though, UT did have one more Torchbearer honoree to announce for 2025 – and it was Ms. Walker. As could be expected, she was a little overwhelmed when she was surprised at a chapter meeting of her Alpha Kappa Alpha ... (click for more)

Happenings photo of the day
Jada Walker, of Ooltewah, was named a UT Torchbearer. See story by John Shearer.
Jada Walker, of Ooltewah, was named a UT Torchbearer. See story by John Shearer.

Profiles Of Valor: SGM Thomas Patrick Payne

  • 5/10/2025

Recently, I devoted a Profile of Valor to Medal of Honor recipient Sgt Dakota Meyer (USMC), who returned to duty at age 36 after being discharged in 2010. I noted that three other recent Army Medal of Honor recipients remained on active duty after receiving their Medals: SGM Thomas Payne, SGM Matthew Williams, and LTC William Swenson. ... (click for more)

Jerry Summers: Scopes - John R. Neal - Eccentric Lawyer

  • 5/7/2025

The history of the prosecution case of State of Tennessee versus John T. Scopes in 1925 for teaching the Theory of Evolution in the high school in Rhea County, Tennessee has been well documented in both fact and fiction. The out-of-presence of the jury cross-examination of fundamentalist Christian, William Jennings Bryan by agnostic defense ... (click for more)

Latest Headlines
A Mother's Day Celebration
  • 5/10/2025

My Mothers favorite verse from the Bible was Psalms 118:24. She lived her life everyday to this verse. So as we celebrate Moms today, I wrote this in remembrance of mine. You need to pay attention, and listen to me Whether you're sad or your hearts full of glee Good day or bad day, thats up to you Your mind is in control of all that you do Sometimes things don't go as we bade But this is the day that The Lord has made From the puffy white clouds in the blue sky To ... more

Mercer Rallies To Rob Chattanooga Of Southern Conference Softball Tournament Title
  • 5/10/2025

Chattanooga needed just one win Saturday to claim another Southern Conference softball tournament title, but Mercer got in the way. The Bears rallied late in the first game to beat the Mocs 6-5 and force the second game. They would go on to win the second game and claim their first SoCon Tournament crown. The Mocs had nine hits in the first game and 12 for the day with three doubles and seven RBI. Acelynn Sellers was 1-for-1 with a double, two RBI and five walks and was hit by a pitch. ... more

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