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Kelsie Bowman

Stories by Kelsie

Walden budget on hold for reassessments

The town of Walden is in limbo when it comes to its fiscal year 2013-2014 budget.

Summer weather means more rescues on Walden’s Ridge

Warm weather means more nature lovers on the trails around Signal Mountain and Walden. In turn, this invariably means more accidents, injuries and the need for local emergency services, said Andrew Fisher, a longtime volunteer with Waldens Ridge Emergency Services.

Oscar Gaytan ‘shines’ in art

Young artist Oscar Gaytan could either become a famous architect or do a 180 and leave the art world behind to be something like a neurosurgeon. Either way, you can expect him to make something of himself.

Ooltewah resident striving to beat world record while helping community

Some people host benefit concerts to impact their community. Others sell treats door to door or raise money by running a race.

Liquor-by-the-drink regulations remain the same; businesses agree

The Signal Mountain Town Council did not decide to make changes to its current laws regulating the sale of liquor, and area businesses seem to be on the same page.

Signal now transitioning between town managers

The town of Signal Mountain has a new town manager — Police Chief Boyd Veal.

Walden residents rumbling about speeding issues

The Walden Mayor and Board of Aldermen are working on ways to slow speeding drivers in some of the town’s problem areas.

Sale Creek’s NHS supports students, teachers in fight with cancer

The glow of the luminaria bags at Relay for Life events represents a life that’s been affected by cancer.

Soddy-Daisy’s Wygoda raised to be patriotic

Anyone who visits the Mizpah Cemetery might pass by the grave of Hermann Wygoda and see the inscription “A man of honor.” Though apt, the epitaph barely scratches the surface of the man’s legacy.

RBHS’ Prince works hard to pay for college

Destiny Prince is good at succeeding.

Signal residents deal with closing of W Road

More than 100 years ago, Tennessee Valley families were preparing to trek up the W Road on Memorial Day to stay on Walden’s Ridge for the summer, according to LaVonne Jolley, editor of the Chattanooga Regional Historical Journal as well as a resident of the mountaintop community.

Woolly adelgid claims hemlocks on Walden’s Ridge

It started its invasion in Walden, but the woolly adelgid is already exploding throughout Walden’s Ridge, affecting countless hemlock trees in the town of Signal Mountain as well, according to town of Signal Mountain Tree Board chair Noah Long and member Barbara Womack.

3 candidates emerge for manager

Last night, Signal Mountain residents had an opportunity to meet the three final candidates for town manager. The Town Council is expected to vote on the new manager May 13 at the regular Town Hall meeting at 6:30 p.m.

Homegrown Silver and Stone sets up shop on Frazier

Taqqiya Ronco went to college, got a degree and started work at a large company.

Council considers new budget

The Signal Mountain Town Council has its mind on money.

Leaf pickup discussion continues, may affect tax rate

The trees blooming in yards across Signal Mountain may be replaced with yards heaped with bagged leaves throughout the town of Signal Mountain come fall. Discussions on a new possibly bagged method of leaf pickup in the town of Signal Mountain continue among Council members.

Barber receives full ride to Oglethorpe University

Girls Preparatory School senior Katy Beth Barber has gone to GPS since the sixth grade and said she has done almost every single school theater production since then.

Sportsbarn Storm All Stars brings home trophies, gears up for new season

The Sportsbarn Storm All Star Cheerleaders brought a whirlwind of power to their competition last season and they are gearing up to do it again this year.

Cost driving James Boulevard discussions

The town of Signal Mountain is teaming up with CTI Engineers Inc. to determine the best route to take when it comes to resurfacing and rejuvenating James Boulevard.

Candidates for new Signal town manager narrowed to 5

The hiring process for Signal Mountain’s new town manager is moving forward, with plans to hire the winning candidate in mid- or late May.

Alaire Gage does it all

Alaire Gage is different from many high schoolers her age. Some have even gone as far as to say she is distinct; she stands out.

Burrows ‘LAUNCHES’ All Dogs & More

During his early 20s, Hixson resident Julius Burrows spent his spare time mentoring students in Young Life and tutoring kids as a part of an inner-city after-school program. That is, he spent his time doing that until he was forced to spend his time in prison for drug trafficking.

Signal Mountain to revise alcohol laws

The towns of both Walden and Signal Mountain are taking a look at current alcohol laws in place, which means changes may be forthcoming.

Signal to act on green easements

The town of Signal Mountain is moving forward with talks of conservation easements with the Land Trust for Tennessee. The decision was not unanimous — the resolution authorizing the town manager and attorney to enter into those talks passed with a 3-2 vote by the Town Council.

Taft tract being developed for personal use

Drivers who pass through the commercial area on Taft Highway on a regular basis may notice that the lot across from the McDonald’s is missing many of its former trees. Though the property at 1410 Taft Highway is near the commercial district on the mountain, owner of the property Bruce Zeiser said he is preparing the land for personal reasons, not for commercial development.

Sale Creek students excel in science

There are a lot of kids out there that might groan at the phrase “science fair.” Sale Creek High School, however, houses students whose eyes would light up.

Rusty’s Nutz debuts during spring festival season

When Russ David was in high school, people would ask him what he was going to do when he grew up. He would just sell boiled peanuts by the side of the road, he would joke.

Ancient Chinese practice comes to Coolidge on Sundays

Jingzhi Shen has Type II diabetes, but she said she no longer takes any medication or needs to check her blood sugar levels. She has more energy than she has had in years, needing less sleep as a result, she added. She even said she is more truthful and benevolent today than ever before.

Ganns Middle Valley celebrates 75 years

When Ganns Middle Valley Elementary opened its doors 75 years ago, lunch cost students 25 cents and only one teacher taught each grade. A garden maintained by students and teachers supplied fresh vegetables to the kitchen, and bathroom breaks were taken outside in the outhouses.

HHS’ Hua receives highest honor from Queens U.

Hixson High School senior Jenny Hua started her school day like any other. What she didn’t know was that she was about to be handed her college tuition paid in full.

Wild Ridge steadily moving forward

Even with recent changes to the town of Signal Mountain’s Planned Unit Development ordinance and newly minted subdivision regulations, High Acres Inc. officials are still working steadily toward approval for the Wild Ridge at Fox Run subdivision.

Signal subdivision rules approved unanimously

The new subdivision regulations are officially in effect as of the Planning Commission’s regular meeting April 4.

HCDE facility plan lists Nolan in Phase 1

An addition to Nolan Elementary is listed in “Phase 1” of Hamilton County Department of Education’s latest facilities plan.

Cross of Christ introduces Saturday evening services

Lutheran tradition is steeped in classical music, according to Cross of Christ Lutheran Church pastor Barry Hildebrandt.

McCallie’s Nunally becomes National Achievement Scholar finalist

McCallie School senior Julian Nunally recently won first place overall in the GPS/McCallie Got Talent show with his spoken-word poetry performances. His talent and accolades don’t stop there.

May Flowers springs into business on Hanover Street

Budding business May Flowers florist shop is now providing floral works of art “for any reason and any season of life.”

Family Magic Night poofs into action April 6

Attendees must preregister

The Chester Frost Park pavilion is soon to be illuminated with magic.

Sales look up, storefronts remain empty

Come April, nearly half of the storefronts in Signal Crossings II will be vacant.

Center Stage hosts Water for LIFE benefit April 7

The lack of clean water affects the lives of 500,000 children in the world, according to the Mission: Water for LIFE website, an initiative of LIFE Outreach International that emphasizes the fact that no water means no life for many people.

The value of education

North Hamilton school students accumulating scholarships

Spring is in bloom, which means one thing for most of the 17- and 18-year-olds in Hamilton County — graduation is so near they can almost taste it.

SMPD talks burglaries, why zero cleared in 2012

In 2012, the Signal Mountain Police Department cleared 72 out of 72 incidents of property damage, 10 out of 35 incidents of theft, 61 out of 61 incidents of possession of controlled substances, and six out of 14 incidents of vandalism or malicious mischief. SMPD officers wrote 1,424 traffic citations and made 154 arrests.

Dallas Bay Baptist to bring whirlwind of Easter eggs

On the evening before Easter, at Dallas Bay Baptist Church thousands of vibrant eggs will rain down from the sky over the back parking lot. Kids may think it’s magic, but actually a helicopter will be making rounds sending its small, vibrant packages speeding to the ground.

Local therapist uses EFT with soldiers suffering from PTSD

The 24-year-old war veteran looked at therapist Lucille York and said, “I’ve done some really terrible things.”

New rules presented for Signal subdivisions

After years of preparation, the Signal Mountain Planning Commission presented the new subdivision regulations to the public March 12.

Conservation easement talks with Land Trust for Tennessee tabled

When it comes to conservation easements, several things are clear. First, these tools that protect green spaces can never be lifted or reversed. Secondly, some Signal Mountain residents are adamantly and outspokenly opposed to enacting them on several tracts of public land within the town.

Local therapist uses EFT with soldiers suffering from PTSD

The 24-year-old war veteran looked at therapist Lucille York and said, “I’ve done some really terrible things.”

Dallas Bay Baptist to bring whirlwind of Easter eggs

On the evening before Easter, at Dallas Bay Baptist Church thousands of vibrant eggs will rain down from the sky over the back parking lot. Kids may think it’s magic, but actually a helicopter will be making rounds sending its small, vibrant packages speeding to the ground.

Town Manager Rogers resigns

Signal Mountain Town Manager Honna Rogers recently announced her resignation after five years in the position. The job, she said in a press release, is very demanding, and she wants to have more time to spend with her 13-month-old son.

Town of Signal Mountain looking at different options for leaf pickup

Many Signal Mountain residents name the trees and natural setting as some of the town's biggest draws, but dealing with downed leaves can be a challenge. Town officials are seeking ways to cut costs on leaf pickup, especially since the Hall income tax, which provided $470,000 to the town last year, may eventually be phased out, said Town Manager Honna Rogers.

The Green Gardinia brings color to Dayton Boulevard

A budding business of only two years, The Green Gardinia serves as a vibrant pop of color on Dayton Boulevard. The green shop is packed with quality antiques and unique creations built and designed by owners Keith and Katie Glaze.

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