🌱 Local Gas Prices Rising + Woman Killed In Suspected DUI Accident

Hey, neighbors. It's me, Danielle Fallon-O'Leary, your host of the Patch newsletter. Keep reading for everything you need to know about what's happening around town.

Also, FYI: I wanted to let you know that Patch is looking for a local writer and entrepreneur to take the helm of the Chattanooga Patch newsletter and make it their own. We want to pass the torch to someone truly local and in-the-know to write about Chattanooga long term. So if you’re interested in earning extra income while making this newsletter a more valuable resource for your neighbors, learn more and apply here.

But first, your local weather:

• Tuesday: Frost in the morning. High: 52 Low: 29.
• Wednesday: Frost in the morning. High: 57 Low: 31.

Business owners and marketers in Chattanooga: Do you want to build awareness with local customers? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top three stories in Chattanooga today:

1. Even higher than the national average, Chattanooga's gas prices shot up 17 cents this past week bringing the average price up to $3.14 per gallon. The rise in gas prices is not a surprise, as prices normally rise as the summer approaches; however, prices have been steadily rising the past few weeks, both locally and nationally. The price of diesel has fallen about four cents this past week. (WDEF News 12)
2. This past Friday, a security guard was arrested at Erlanger Hospital after shooting another security guard in what appeared to be an accident. Jayce Jenkins was being charged with felony reckless endangerment for reportedly shooting co-worker Ryan Howard; the two were said to be playfully teasing and joking with each other, resulting in Jenkins accidentally shooting Howard in his left groin. Both men did report that the incident was an accident; however, the affidavit reads that Howard is pressing charges due to Jenkins's negligence with a firearm. (WDEF News 12)
3. A 29-year-old woman was killed early Saturday morning after being hit by a vehicle where the driver was arrested on a suspected DUI. Officers were alerted dispatchers received several calls of a woman standing in the rain on Highway 27 in Chattanooga prior to the crash. After the crash, the driver remained at the scene until police arrived and arrested him. The identities of the driver and the victim have not been released as of Monday. (WTVC)

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Today and tomorrow in Chattanooga:

Tuesday, March 14

• The Emerald Cities Tour - The Barrelhouse Ballroom (6:00 PM)
• Tuesday Open Mic - HiFi Clyde's (6:30 PM)

Wednesday, March 15

• Well Wednesday - Sing It Or Wing It (4:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Did you know that distracted driving is responsible for an average of 67 crashes per day just in the state of Tennessee? Don't contribute to that number; stay hands-free while on the road. (Chattanooga Police Department via Twitter)
• Spring is springing, meaning more family time and more outside activities! Take a look at the 'Rock the Riverfront with Los Trompos' schedule kicking off this weekend for some exciting events the next few Friday nights. (Visit Chattanooga via Facebook)
• Major shout out to Chattanooga University's pitcher Peja Goold, who was announced the Southern Conference Pitcher of the Week. The freshman pitcher made two appearances the past weekend, winning one as a starter and tossing 12 strikeouts, a career-high. (Chattanooga Athletics via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• TN Nursery — (Visit website)
• Wholesale Nursery Company — (Visit Website)

Featured events:

• Homebuyer Blueprint Live Webinar (March 16)

Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll see you soon!

— Danielle Fallon-O'Leary

About me: Danielle Fallon-O’Leary is a content manager with content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.