News - Friday, February 5, 2021

Visibly shaken by the difficult decision he was making, an older man recently surrendered his dog to McKamey Animal Center, telling the workers there, “I don’t think I have much time left. I want to make sure my dog isn’t alone if something happens to me.”

The Chattanooga Bar Foundation Fellows welcomed five new members during the Chattanooga Bar Association’s 123rd annual meeting, held virtually Wednesday.

Joining this esteemed group were attorneys Robert Batson, Jr., the Hon. Kyle Hedrick, Barry Gold, Craig Smith and Ronald Wells.

Clarissa Bidwell, ex rel James Bidwell et al. v. Timothy A. Strait MD et al.

Case number: E2018-02211-SC-R11-CV

Authoring judge: Justice Cornelia A. Clark

Originating judge: Judge Kyle E. Hedrick

Date filed: Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2021

Baker Donelson has received a high score on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2021 Corporate Equality Index, a benchmarking survey and report measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ workplace equality.

The firm joins 1,142 major U.S. businesses that were also ranked in the 2021 CEI.

When Soddy-Daisy native Debra Loomis was young and brimming with the restlessness of youth, she swore she would leave her tiny hometown as soon as she could and never return.

Instead, Loomis left the impetuousness of her youth behind, and today is known throughout the place of her birth as a go-to Realtor.

Aside from assisting consumers with their real estate needs, Realtors are engaged in the local, state and national conversations related to property rights and affordable housing – and some much-needed help could be on the way for first-time homebuyers.

Buying a home is a huge investment in time and money. For most in the Tri-state area, it’s also the largest purchase they will make in their lifetime.

Many first-time homebuyers find the process intimidating, given the many steps involved in the transaction. But with adequate research and preparation, the journey toward purchasing a new home can be a relatively smooth one.

As I watched “The Hunt” at the AMC Chattanooga 18 in March, I didn’t know it would be the last time I’d see a film in a theater for only God knows how long.

Soon thereafter, movie theaters closed to help mitigate the spread of the coronavirus and everyone was consigned to watching new releases exclusively at home.

If you’re in a blended family, you’re already aware of the emotional and financial issues involved in your daily life. But what about the future? When it’s time to do your estate planning – and it’s never too soon for that – you’ll need to be aware of the entanglements and complexities that can get in the way of your vision for leaving the legacy you desire.

A singular crisis has led to extraordinary relief options for borrowers. Interest and payments have been paused on federal student loans. Homeowners can request nearly a year of mortgage forbearance. Credit card issuers and other lenders dramatically expanded hardship programs.

Dr. Vlatka Agnetta has joined the team of medical providers at Skin Cancer & Cosmetic Dermatology Centers, bringing a focus on Mohs micrographic surgery, a method for removing cancerous tissue.

Agnetta started her career in emergency medicine and then pursued a specialization in dermatology.

Urban League of Greater Chattanooga has launched its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, an annual initiative that provides free tax preparation for qualifying individuals and families throughout Greater Chattanooga.

“The VITA program is critical for individuals and families who would otherwise face significant difficulties navigating the tax process,” says Urban League president and CEO Candy Johnson. “We know tax preparation can be confusing, particularly for our disadvantaged residents. We appreciate our community partners and volunteers for assisting thousands of individuals and families through what can be a daunting process.”

Vision Hospitality Group has announced it will open Kinley Chattanooga Southside this spring. The hotel is accepting reservations beginning with April 29.

The 64-room hotel is located at 1409 Market St. in what a news release describes as “a walkable art and culture community.”

Assume this position. Feet up, head back, fingers laced over your belly. Eyes shut. Teeth unclenched.

And there you are: Ready for a nap – if you dare, if you have your work finished, if you can ignore the nagging feeling that there are things left undone, if you can stop feeling judged. Impossible?  Not so, if you’ve read “Laziness Does Not Exist” by Devon Price, Ph.D.

The 2020 Tesla Model Y is an intriguing pick for an electric SUV. It has a relatively small footprint but provides cavernous passenger and cargo space. And with a current entry price of $43,190, including destination and handling fees, it’s also one the most affordable electric SUVs around.