Young people are revolutionizing the workforce. Meet Chatter’s 2023 20 Under 40
Young people are revolutionizing the workforce, leading the way in new technology, inclusive spaces and a push for a healthier work-life balance.
Stories by Sunny Montgomery
-
![]()
-
![]()
Photos: Rise: A Night to Empower
Partnership for Families, Children and Adults hosted author and retired special victim's detective Kevin McNeil during its annual fundraising event, with proce…
-
![]()
Tick-borne diseases are on the rise in Tennessee. Here’s everything you need to know to stay safe this summer
In 2019, following a late-night steak dinner, Dawn Ford's husband, Robert, woke up covered in hives.
-
![]()
Reasons to love Chattanooga’s arts and outdoors
Chattanooga, how do we love thee? Let us count the ways.
-
![]()
See Rock City Raptors, now featuring one of America’s rarest birds
Forty-plus years ago, John Stokes was called to a Memphis school to pick up a red-tailed hawk. A student had managed to trap it in his backyard that morning an…
-
![]()
Check out this sculpture in progress by artist Alex Paul Loza
"As a figurative narrative artist, I approach art as a powerful tool for creating positive social and cultural change."
-
![]()
50 restaurants in Chattanooga that serve tacos (plus our recommendation for each)
From ancient Mexico to downtown Chattanooga, the taco has proliferated, becoming one of our most beloved comfort foods.
-
![]()
The more authentic the taqueria, the more Spanish you’ll need to know. Here are common taco terms you should know
The more authentic the taqueria, the more Spanish you'll need to know. Here is a glossary of common words you may see on menus describing popular taco styles, …
-
![]()
Photos: Sunday Showcase
The Performing Arts League presented a cavalcade of young performers, highlighting and encouraging their talent. Funds raised by the event support grants and s…
-
![]()
Photos: Bids 4 Kids
Economic-education nonprofit Junior Achievement of Chattanooga helped support its mission with a 1950s-themed cocktail party, featuring a live and silent aucti…
-
![]()
What to know about dining out on Mother’s Day in Chattanooga
What are you doing for Mom this Mother's Day?
-
![]()
Photo of the Day
Staff photo by Olivia Ross / A resident goat of Sugar's Ribs is photographed. The lovable, frolicking goats can be used as an effective control against invasiv…
-
![]()
Need to entertain out-of-town guests? Locals suggest the best places in Chattanooga for coffee, hiking, food and more
So you have an out-of-town friend visiting Chattanooga for a day, and they want to see the city.
-
![]()
Project to save the lives of animals, motorists along I-40 takes shape in the Smokies region
In her children's book, Frances Figart writes about two best friends, a bear and a deer, who grow up in the Great Smoky Mountains listening to stories about a …
-
![]()
Durward Higgins, octogenarian and top-ranked cyclist, on keeping pace in the sport that keeps him young
Durward Higgins says he was born with wheels in his head.
-
![]()
Camping and outdoor essentials: Chattanooga area adventurers recommend their favorite pieces of gear
Camping enthusiasts know that the perfect gear list is a process of trial and error. Every night spent in a tent is an opportunity to refine that list for next…
-
![]()
Chattanooga expert Bill Haley offers tips for identifying common hawk species
Bill Haley knows his hawks. Each fall, for the past 29 years, he makes daily trips to the Soddy Mountain Hawk Watch observatory to count birds.
-
![]()
Tennessee Valley Canoe Club volunteers working to restore antique canvas canoe for June auction
When an old, damaged wood and canvas canoe was donated to Tennessee Valley Canoe Club, Board Director BG Smith decided to fix it up. He planned to organize a t…
-
![]()
Most Interesting People: 10 Chattanoogans that prove the many ways to make the most of life
At Chatter Magazine, our archives read like a catalog of interesting people who've helped shape our city's culture. We'd like to shine a spotlight on a few of …
-
![]()
‘Did you do that?’ : Chattanooga pet owners share stories of their animals’ appetites for destruction
It's a good thing that baby animals are so dang cute. Otherwise, we wouldn't put up with their vandalism.
-
![]()
Check out this work by Rick Sanders
"This oil painting was created to portray the deconstruction of any person, by showing the various aspects of personality and emotion through expressions."
-
![]()
Chattanooga retirees build worlds from bygone eras with model trains from their youth
In the basement of Ron DeJong's Ooltewah home is a vast, miniature world, a bygone era frozen in time -- at least until DeJong flips a switch.
-
![]()
2022 was a career-boosting year for these four Chattanooga area country singers, now on the fast track to fame
For four country singers whose roots are in Chattanooga, 2022 has been a career-boosting year highlighted with awards, industry recognition and even a Grand Ol…
-
![]()
Check out this art by Chattanooga-based artist Mamie Bivin
"My paintings originate from direct observation, though they are often abstracted to some degree," says artist Mamie Bivin.
-
![]()
Check out the winners of this year’s Tennessee Wildlife Federation photography contest
Each year, the Tennessee Wildlife Federation hosts a photography contest, inviting amateurs and professionals alike to enter their best images of state wildlif…
-
![]()
Tennessee’s wild turkeys are mysteriously disappearing. Here’s what to know, plus how it will impact the 2023 hunt
Tennessee's wild turkeys are disappearing.
-
![]()
50 ways to be kind in Chattanooga this holiday season
The holidays can be stressful. They're busy and expensive, and there's a lot of pressure to make them the most wonderful time of the year. This season, give yo…
-
![]()
Check out this art by Terry Rafferty
"While at first glance, my still lifes may seem to be simply charming vignettes featuring vintage figurines, each piece explores the difficulties and experienc…
-
![]()
Check out this work by Chattanooga artist Donald Keefe
Artist: Donald Keefe
-
![]()
Photo of the Day
Staff Photo by Robin Rudd / The rising run illuminates Dyer Field, as the monument and cannons of the 1st Ohio Artillery, Battery G still stand in shadow on Se…
-
![]()
Check out these paddling trip ideas on the North, South and West Chickamauga creeks
In Chattanooga, the Tennessee River beckons to flatwater paddlers with its accessibility and urban charm. But for those looking to explore off the beaten path,…
-
![]()
-
![]()
A Chattanooga woman reflects on discoveries made on her trek to Everest Base Camp
Following a steep, ten-day hike, Megan Roberts and her party reached Everest Base Camp, where climbers prepare to ascend the world's tallest mountain.
-
![]()
See sandhill cranes like never before, months before their winter arrival to the Chattanooga area
Every winter, the sandhill cranes arrive at Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge -- tens of thousands of them, chuckling, dancing and wearing red caps. Their migration is …
-
![]()
What constitutes ‘authentic’ chili? Plus where to get a bowl in Chattanooga
It won't be long before Chattanoogans are ready for the first real taste of autumn weather -- cool temperatures, lower humidity and beautiful clear skies. Then…
-
![]()
Where to buy ethical food, clothing and home goods
Consumers are evolving to become more mindful of what they buy.
-
![]()
NFTs explained, plus how Chattanooga is helping pioneer the future of the emerging technology
In this digital world, we are constantly being introduced to new concepts: the metaverse; cryptocurrency; and, perhaps most befuddling of all, non-fungible tok…
-
![]()
'Dirty jobs' that have helped shape Chattanooga's outdoor scene
In January, Discovery Channel's "Dirty Jobs" returned to television. After a 10-year hiatus, host Mike Rowe was once again in pursuit of America's most difficu…
-
![]()
Don't underestimate the risks of flatwater, stay safe with paddling tips from Chattanooga experts
Tennessee has more paddling fatalities than almost any other state - with the majority of accidents occurring on flatwater rivers and lakes, according to an Am…
-
![]()
Meet the Harrison Bay family attempting to sail the length of the Tennessee River
On evening dog walks, Chelsie and Matt Vawter's two sons, Linden, 10, and Liam, 8, like to duck behind trees and pretend they're wild children living in the wo…
-
![]()
English-born couple, artist in Cloudland Station discover their love of American birds
Ruth Pearl and Ken Elliott became birders in Africa.
-
![]()
Chattanooga graphic designers, motorists share how they really feel about Tennessee's new license plate design
Tennessee has a new license plate design - the first total revamp since 2006.
-
![]()
A Chattanooga executive turned entrepreneur capitalizes on her love of birds
Susan Vandergriff had never seen a bluer bird than the one that appeared in her backyard on Easter Sunday.
-
![]()
Meet Southern Appalachian Paddlesports Museum's inaugural Hall of Fame inductees, including Chattanoogans
The Southern Appalachian Paddlesports Museum encompasses only about 500 square feet within Black Dome Mountain Sports, an outdoor outfitter in Asheville, North…
-
![]()
Meet 'Randy McRentals,' a Chattanooga tech mascot helping DIYers everywhere borrow the tools they need
Randy McRentals sports a mullet, hard hat and polarized Pit Viper sunglasses. And he is recognized by some locals as the guy who once Rollerbladed along the ri…
-
![]()
Chattanooga's outdoor community remembers Erich Bell
Erich Bell was a bear-sized man, who gave hugs that matched his stature.
-
![]()
A hunter's reverence: A Chattanooga sportsman shares extraordinary moments from the field
Eliot Berz remembers once watching a bobcat stalk two turkeys along a dry creek bed in Marion County.
-
![]()
A Chattanooga mom, camp manager offer insights on choosing the right summer camps for your kids
Cooper is into sports. Lucy loves to cook. And Caroline is all about art.
-
![]()
More than 25 years in the making, Chattanooga's South Chickamauga Creek Greenway is finally complete
After 25 years of work, the South Chickamauga Creek Greenway is complete, stretching 12 miles from Camp Jordan to the Tennessee Riverwalk.
-
![]()
Meet three of Chattanooga's 'wildest' couples, proving some aspects of long-term relationships transcend species
Mason and Julius recently celebrated their 10th anniversary - a day like any other as far they were concerned. They woke up, foraged for breakfast together and…
