Willis denied retrial in killings and other Chattanooga area news

Willis denied retrial in killings

JONESBOROUGH, Tenn. -- A judge in East Tennessee has denied a death row convict's motion for a new trial in the slaying of two Chickamauga, Ga., teens, one of whom was dismembered.

According to the Johnson City Press, a court order entered this week stated Howard Hawk Willis' trial had no errors and denied a new trial for the 61-year-old.

He was convicted two years ago and sentenced to death in the 2002 slayings of Adam Chrismer, 17, and his wife, Samantha, 16.

The investigation began when a fisherman found the boy's head floating in Boone Lake. The bodies were found in plastic bins in a rental storage unit in Johnson City.

Special Judge John Kerry Blackwood reviewed Willis' motion and ruled against his request.


Hutcheson picks medical officer

FORT OGLETHORPE -- Dr. Chris Moore will help with physician recruitment at Erlanger at Hutcheson and serve as liaison for the medical staff on quality oversight issues and with the hospital's patient-centered committees, a news release from the facility states.

"Dr. Moore has an outstanding reputation in the community," Hutcheson President and CEO Roger Forgey said.

Moore, founder of Outdoor Chattanooga, holds a bachelor's degree and a medical degree from the University of Virginia. He joined Hutcheson Medical Center as an emergency room physician in the mid-1990s.


Less scrutiny for college leaders

ATLANTA -- Georgia's university system is looking to hire six college presidents, and finalists for those jobs will be subject to less scrutiny under a change in state law.

Georgia's Open Records Act requires a 14-day waiting period between when state agencies and local governments name finalists and vote on an official hire, to give the public an opportunity to learn about the finalists and voice concerns.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that under a new rule approved by the Legislature, the Board of Regents must give the public only five days' notice. Georgia First Amendment Foundation Executive Director Hollie Manheimer said the law makes the process less transparent.


Old typewriters on display

LAFAYETTE, Ga. -- An antique typewriter exhibit opened Friday at the historic Chattooga Academy in downtown LaFayette.

The exhibit features typewriters made between about 1915 and 1950.

A volunteer will be on hand to assist visitors on Sundays from 1 to 3 p.m.

Chattooga Academy is open between 8:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. most days Monday through Friday. The building is at 304 N. Main St. Admission is free. The exhibit will run through July 22.

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