Lookout Mountain Mirror
Share your
news with us!
  • Home
  • Happenings
    • Lookout Community
    • School News
    • TN & GA Town News
    • Home & Garden
    • Local History
    • Good Reads
    • Recipe Roundup
    • Arts & Leisure
    • Travel
    • Movies with Merrile
    • Happenings at the Club
  • Advertising
  • Calendar
  • Subscriptions
  • About
  • Contact
  • Shop
  • Give & Support

Lookout Mountain
​Happenings

Check back often for up-to-date news, events and article previews between issues of the monthly Lookout Mountain Mirror.

Follow us on Facebook for more news

Commission Approves 2019 Budget

7/25/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
By Ferris Robinson
At the July meeting of the Lookout Mountain, Tenn., commission, Town Consultant Dwight Montague reported that the town ended the fiscal year in the black, adding “that is a very good thing.” The new parking meters the town installed near Point Park are partly responsible, but he said credit is also owed to the diligence of each department in “getting the most bang for its buck” as far as spending is concerned. The commission approved the 2019 budget as written.
 
Commissioner of Fire and Police Jim Bentley presented the department’s statistics for the month of June. Police answered 184 calls, patrolled 5,815 miles, responded to 10 burglar alarms, all false, assisted eight citizens, answered 26 calls to 911, responded to five automobile accidents with no injuries, made 75 traffic stops, issued 25 parking citations, made two narcotics arrests and responded to four fire alarms, all false. The department responded to 14 medical calls in Lookout Mountain, Tenn., and assisted the Lookout Mountain, Ga., department five times during the month.
 
Public Works Commissioner Walker Jones reported that the town lost a valuable member of the community, David Kendrick, who owned and operated the Lookout Mountain Service Center. David’s sister, Amanda, and her husband, Shane Farmer, along with David’s son, Tristan, will continue to operate the service center. The support of both the Kendrick family and the business is important, and the town council urges the community to support both of them.
 
Mayor Carol Mutter said that David Kendrick was such an important member of our community, adding that we have sustained a terrible loss with his tragic passing. “Please continue to buy your gas from the Lookout Mountain Service Center,” she said, reiterating how valuable the service center is to our community.
 
Commissioner Jones reported that the town is busy cleaning up brush and will begin trimming trees, bushes and shrubbery that encroach on town signage and affect visibility on the roads. He urges citizens to prune their shrubbery immediately, saying “We are not landscapers, but are more like a M.A.S.H. unit, ready to cut and go!” If you care how your shrubbery looks near the road, get out your pruners.
 
Don Stinnent, commissioner of schools, introduced Jenny Hill, a resident of North Chattanooga who is running for District 6 seat on the Hamilton County Board of Education. Jenny is the mother of two children, ninth- and fifth-graders, and realized there are not many parents of middle school and high school children on the board. She and her husband own a small tech business, and she realizes that the economy is changing rapidly. “High school graduates should be life long learners, and they need to be well trained and skilled for the work force, whether they are engineers, welders or phlebotomists,” she said. According to Jenny, Hamilton County has many “haves” and “have nots,” and she is not okay with the “have nots.” “We need to be thoughtful in using tax payers dollars to advocate for students,” she said, promising to do that if elected.
 
Mayor Mutter asked District 6 Hamilton County Commissioner Joe Graham to stand, noting that it was so wonderful that he routinely attended the town meetings. 
 
“Are you firing me?” he quipped.
 
“Far from it,” Mayor Mutter replied, presenting him with a monogrammed coffee mug and honoring him with her words.
 
“I come to these meetings because I love my job,” said Commissioner Graham. “I’m a public servant, and I represent you, so I need to know you, and understand what you want and need.”
 
He is running for re-election. Election day is August 2.
 
The next meeting is Tuesday, August 14 at 5 p.m. 

0 Comments

Fourth of July Parade is a Blast

7/13/2018

0 Comments

 
PictureThe second Fourth of July parade on Lookout Mountain was a blast!
Lookout Mountaineers came out in droves for the second annual Fourth of July parade. Creatively-decorated floats, golf carts, bicycles and motorcycles lined up to make the procession from Lookout Mountain, Ga., City Hall to the Town Commons. Prizes were awarded, with "Best Float" going to the Scoggins family for their hayride featuring a live bluegrass band. Everyone enjoyed spending time together and celebrating freedom on the Fourth of July!
​
To see Tommy Hopper's great pictures from the event, click here. If you'd like to download the album so you can share and print the photos, just click the "Download" link and enter the PIN code 1433.

0 Comments

Commission Approves Property Tax Increase

7/3/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
by Gail Perry
The first item of business at the Lookout Mountain, Tenn., Commission's meeting in June pertained to the budget; the 2018-2019 budget for the town passed on first reading. Because the town has historically relied on the Hall tax, which is being phased out, a property tax increase of 3.3 percent is planned. That will increase the tax rate from 1.83 to 1.89 per $100 of assessed value.  
 
Town Consultant Dwight Montague shared highlights of the new $3.65 million operating budget. It includes a 2 percent pay increase for employees other than the fire and police departments; Fire and Police Chief Chuck Wells created a standardized chart to address this for his department.
 
A 10 percent increase is anticipated for property liability insurance, as well as a 15 percent increase for medical insurance. Both the public works department and the fire and police department will each replace one vehicle, and new turn out gear for the firefighters will cost $30,000. The vehicles that the town is replacing will be declared surplus and will be listed on govdeals.com for bid.

Some paving will be done after WWTA completes making road cuts, and the budget includes $200,000 for this work. The budget includes $80,000 for repairs to correct water problems at the Commons.
 
The public works department plans to make improvements this year. Walker Jones, commissioner of public works, said that new, more attractive trash receptacles will be installed at Point Park, and many traffic and street signs are in the process of being replaced. Also, old signs that are no longer needed or are unsightly are being removed. It was noted that "Resident Parking Only" signs must now be approved by the commissioners before individuals can put them up. Chief Wells said that stenciling on the road will replace some of the signs around Sunset Rock.
 
Money in the paving budget is used not only for paving, but also for maintenance such as striping, reflectors, and improvements to ditches alongside the roads and repairs. The work to correct a dip in Bartram Road will begin soon, along with repairs to potholes and sink holes. A new and better method will be used for these road repairs, said the commissioner
 
The statistics from the Fire and Police Department in May were compiled by Chief Wells. They show that police answered 244 calls during the month, 10 assist citizen calls and 28 calls to 911. Police patrolled 5,695 miles and answered 11 burglar alarms, all false. There was one auto accident with no injuries, 94 traffic stops made and 13 parking citations issued. There were 12 medical calls in Tennessee and five assists in Georgia. Three fire alarms were all false.
 
A decline in speeding has been credited to an increase in traffic stops. Other issues have also been discovered when vehicles have been pulled over for offenses. During the month, police found "non-mountain residents doing bad things," said Commissioner of Fire and Police Jim Bentley. Thefts of over $2,500 and another over $1,000 were discovered, along with possession of burglary tools, drug paraphernalia and marijuana during stops for traffic violations.
 
Commissioner Bentley reminded citizens that mountain stickers are required for residents of the town, and they are now past due. The police have received noise complaints about construction and lawn crews starting too early. The town’s noise ordinance specifies that construction can begin at 6 a.m. and lawnmowers and blowers cannot be used before 8 a.m.
 
There are two new employees in the Police and Fire Department: Adam Hurst, a police officer and firefighter; and Travis Hullender, a licensed paramedic and a firefighter who is also attending the police academy. Duane Schermerhorn was promoted to lieutenant of fire and police, and Don Masengale was promoted from lieutenant to captain. Lang Montague completed all required training and is now a Tennessee state certified fire fighter.
 
Commons Camp is going smoothly, said Commissioner of Parks and Playgrounds Brooke Pippenger. The rec board is now in the process of planning for the soccer season, and sign-ups have already started for the fall. The fields at the Commons have muddy areas caused by excessive rain. Those areas will be roped off while they are being rehabilitated, and people are asked to stay off of them. Sod will also be put on Johnson Field this summer.
 
During the summer break, LMS principal Ruth White filled a few staff vacancies, including hiring Carol Martin for the Literacy Lab. Lee Cook managed the library this summer. Upgrades to the primary playground have been delayed by the large amount of rain this summer. Teachers return to school on August 2, and the first day for students will be August 8.
 
Cara Lisa Montgomery, a town resident, asked the commission for permission to operate a short term rental unit behind her house. She was told that the town has an ordinance in place that prohibits these rentals except in the commercial district. Town Attorney Brian Smith will examine the issue further as to how it relates to a state law concerning short term rentals.
 
Mayor Carol Mutter announced that the July commission meeting will be postponed until July 24 at 5 p.m. The amount of Hall tax that the town will receive should be known by then. When that information is finalized, the budget may be amended, she said.  

0 Comments

Hike, Bike & Brew is July 21 at Lula Lake

7/3/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
Lula Lake Land Trust recently shared the full details of their signature event "Hike, Bike & Brew," which is planned for Saturday, July 21. This unique beer festival allows participants to hike or bike on eight miles of scenic trails to visit beer stations positioned throughout the property. Attendees will receive a commemorative cup to take from station to station for fill-ups by breweries, and they will vote for their favorite to win the title of "Lula Lake's Favorite Brew."

Participating brewing company sponsors include OddStory Brewing Company (last year's winner), Chattanooga Brewing Company, Phantom Horse Brewing Company, Moccasin Bend Brewing Company, Hutton & Smith Brewing Company, Heaven & Ale Brewing Company, Big River Grille & Brewing Works and Bell's Brewery.

This year's beer festival includes the addition of restaurant sponsors. 2 Sons Kitchen & Market, 1885 Grill, Jack Brown's Beer & Burger Joint, The Tap House and Bob's Brick Oven will provide signature bites for attendees. Restaurant booths and a stage will be set up under the big top tent in the Good Shepherd Meadow. This year's entertainment is local band Solar Moonshine. Battlefield Outdoors in Fort Oglethorpe, Ga., will be present with bike rentals available.

Local outdoor store, Above the Ridge Outfitters, is sponsoring Hike, Bike & Brew. Above the Ridge Outfitters is located in the heart of historic downtown Ringgold, Ga., where they hand pick the brands that have extreme passion, spirit and focus for the outdoors.

Early Bird Tickets for this beer festival are on sale for $50, and early bird sales end on July 14 at 11:59 p.m. Week-of tickets are $65. Tickets are limited and can be purchased online at this link. Ticket price includes beer, food and access to eight miles of trails. The event takes place at LLLT from 4-8 p.m. on July 21. All proceeds go toward Lula Lake Land Trust's mission for conservation, education and low impact recreation.

0 Comments

Commons Camp Continues Through July 20

7/3/2018

0 Comments

 
PictureCampers line up to purchase slushies during Commons Camp.
Lots of young Mountaineers enjoyed Commons Camp during June, and July promises to be even better, with plans for the much-anticipated water day, as well as a bouncy house, a treasure hunt, a tractor ride and other fun activities. Children who are participating this year are having a great time. The outstanding counselors have not let the heat slow them down one bit. They are constantly leading activities with the children, including chum ball, corn hole tournaments, dodge ball and crafts.

Commons Camp is a drop-in camp, with no pre-registration necessary.  You can come for one day, a week, or for the rest of the summer! Campers look forward to pizza and snow cones on Tuesday and Thursdays, which are both high points. Regular trips to the Mountain Market are also a big treat.
​

Summer is not over! Commons Camp is open to kids ages 4 and up through July 20. The 4-6-year-olds meet from 9 a.m.-noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays at a cost of $10 per day. Older campers meet every weekday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at a cost $15 a day or $50 a week. Contact Scott Shell at (423) 619-4944 if you have any questions.

0 Comments

"Shrek the Musical" Opens July 6

7/2/2018

0 Comments

 
PictureSMPH's summer production is "Shrek the Musical."
The Signal Mountain Playhouse is excited to present “Shrek the Musical” this month. There will be eight performances of this show about the beloved green ogre and his quest to free his home from pesky storybook characters that have taken up residency. The show will run at 8 p.m. on July 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 and 28.

Directing for the Playhouse is Joel D. Scribner in a debut turn. Joel’s theatrical resume includes directing, producing, acting, and playwriting for over 30 years. He has directed many top shows for the Fort Wayne Civic Theater and other venues. Playing major roles nationally, including Tevye at the CTC’s recent “Fiddler on the Roof,” where he won his third “Miss Annie” award, Joel is the founder and artistic director of Yellow Dragon Theater locally, a company with a full schedule on its lineup. Dr. Jennifer Arbogast Wilson will choreograph the musical, and she will hit the trifecta with the local troupe this summer as she has starred as Anna in “The King and I”; directed two shows, “Peter Pan,” and “Willy Wonka”; and now is choreographing “Shrek!” She is a professor in the music department and professional actor training program at Chattanooga State. Returning as musical director, Michael Huseman brings his years of experience as a Grammy winning composer and lyricist. On the conductor’s stand for his second summer, Nick Hartline, also of the Chattanooga State faculty, has assembled top local musicians for the Playhouse Orchestra.

The cast of “Shrek the Musical” is also stellar, with Greg Glover as Shrek. A familiar face, he starred as Willy Wonka in last summer’s hit production. Paul Corcoran will play the young Shrek. Fiona will be played by Finlay Burnette as young Fiona, Molly Baggett as teen Fiona, and Kara Funke as the adult Fiona, a character who harbors a secret. Donkey will be played by Austin Massey, and the villain Lord Farquad will be played by Richard Nicols. Gingy will be Lorien Maddux, with Pinocchio played by Maddy Meier. Papa Ogre will be Mark Oglesby, and Samantha Teeter plays Mama Ogre/Wicked Witch. King Harold will be Dennis Parker, Queen Lillian will be Jennifer Baggett and Dragon will be Rebecca Gilmore. In addition to these, there are a host of supporting players, familiar faces you’ll recognize.

Tickets ($5 for children 12 and under and $15 for those 13 and above – cash or checks only, please) are available at the door on the evenings of performances with the box office opening at 6 p.m. Traditionally, people come with their lawn chairs and wait for the box office to open. Then they buy their tickets and place their chairs. Some folks bring picnics, and that’s fine, but alcohol is not allowed. The Playhouse amphitheater is located on the corner of Rolling Way and James Boulevard, and parking is around the Town Hall Complex. Concessions and porta potties are available on the grounds.

“Shrek the Musical” was originally produced on Broadway by DreamWorks Theatricals and Neal Street Productions and directed by Jason Moore and Rob Ashford.

For more information about “Shrek the Musical,” go to smph.org, find the Signal Mountain Playhouse page on Facebook, email signalmountainplayhouse@gmail.com, or call (423) 763-7219.
by Anne Rittenberry


0 Comments

    Article Categories

    All
    Arts
    Business
    Chattanooga
    Church
    Education
    Educational
    Family Friendly
    Festival
    Food
    Fundraiser
    Garden Club
    Government
    History
    Holidays
    Jobs
    Lookout Mountain
    Nonprofit
    Outdoors
    Riverview
    Shopping
    Sports


    Archives

    January 2023
    September 2022
    July 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    September 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    July 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015

    RSS Feed

Stay up-to-date

Join our email list today for the latest news and events between issues!

Contact US

Mailing address: P.O. Box 99 Lookout Mountain, TN 37350
Physical address: 112 N. Watauga, Lookout Mountain, TN 37350
p. (423) 822-6397
Visit our sister paper: Signal Mountain Mirror

Stay Connected