From Local 3 News: The University of Tennessee is on a mission to paint a mural in each of Tennessee's 95 counties by 2030! It's all part of their "Everywhere You Look, UT" campaign.
The Garrett family, owners of Oak and Thistle Farm in Bradley County, are new recipients of a mural.
The Garretts operate a small cattle farm on their property, where the UT agricultural extension played a big role in the success of their farm.
"We have used the agricultural extension for different things that we needed as we were getting started farming, here," Samantha Garrett said. "I'm happy to be able to have a part of that on the barn to sort of show the impact that the UT System has had on our journey."
Samantha Garrett explained how she heard about the campaign.
"Actually, I saw that on Channel 3! I saw them doing the one for Hamilton County, and I thought, 'that's interesting,' so I looked it up and found out that we didn't have a barn in Bradley County that had been painted yet," Samantha Garrett said. "I thought it would be nice to try to reach out and see if maybe our barn would qualify for the program."
The University of Tennessee is a statewide system with campuses in Knoxville, Chattanooga, Pulaski, Martin and Memphis. For the Garrett family, this mural represents their connection to UT Chattanooga.
"I graduated in 2012. I have a bachelor's degree in history with a minor in English, and I intended to be a teacher," Samantha Garrett said. "I went to Cleveland State first, and then I finished up at UTC."
"I started out at Lee University and got my bachelor's degree, and then I went to UTC and got my master's degree," said Debbie Garrett, Samantha's mother.
Both Samantha and Debbie Garrett said they love how the mural turned out.
"It looks so good. The artist did an excellent job. It's very neatly painted," Samantha Garrett said. "It's very, very nice from the interstate, too!"
They take pride in representing Bradley County.
"I was like, 'we could be the barn for Bradley County,' and I was very excited about the idea of being able to do that for this county that I really love so much," Samantha Garrett said. "I have lived here all my life, and I'm happy to be able to be that representation for our county."
As of December 10, 2024, at least one mural has been painted in each county in our viewing area except for Sequatchie and Grundy counties.
If you would like to help UT achieve it's goal of painting a mural in every county, you can learn more about the program online.
The Garrett family, owners of Oak and Thistle Farm in Bradley County, are new recipients of a mural.
The Garretts operate a small cattle farm on their property, where the UT agricultural extension played a big role in the success of their farm.
"We have used the agricultural extension for different things that we needed as we were getting started farming, here," Samantha Garrett said. "I'm happy to be able to have a part of that on the barn to sort of show the impact that the UT System has had on our journey."
Samantha Garrett explained how she heard about the campaign.
"Actually, I saw that on Channel 3! I saw them doing the one for Hamilton County, and I thought, 'that's interesting,' so I looked it up and found out that we didn't have a barn in Bradley County that had been painted yet," Samantha Garrett said. "I thought it would be nice to try to reach out and see if maybe our barn would qualify for the program."
The University of Tennessee is a statewide system with campuses in Knoxville, Chattanooga, Pulaski, Martin and Memphis. For the Garrett family, this mural represents their connection to UT Chattanooga.
"I graduated in 2012. I have a bachelor's degree in history with a minor in English, and I intended to be a teacher," Samantha Garrett said. "I went to Cleveland State first, and then I finished up at UTC."
"I started out at Lee University and got my bachelor's degree, and then I went to UTC and got my master's degree," said Debbie Garrett, Samantha's mother.
Both Samantha and Debbie Garrett said they love how the mural turned out.
"It looks so good. The artist did an excellent job. It's very neatly painted," Samantha Garrett said. "It's very, very nice from the interstate, too!"
They take pride in representing Bradley County.
"I was like, 'we could be the barn for Bradley County,' and I was very excited about the idea of being able to do that for this county that I really love so much," Samantha Garrett said. "I have lived here all my life, and I'm happy to be able to be that representation for our county."
As of December 10, 2024, at least one mural has been painted in each county in our viewing area except for Sequatchie and Grundy counties.
If you would like to help UT achieve it's goal of painting a mural in every county, you can learn more about the program online.
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January
Cleveland man among two arrested after biker gang stabbing in TazewellTennessee sees fewer deadly crashes, Georgia sees more holiday traffic deaths2 women, 2 children found dead in Waverly home during welfare checkFormer TN Rep. Robin Smith seeks probation in federal mail fraud caseBradley County Commission meeting recapTDOT temporarily closing lanes along I-75 in Bradley, McMinn Counties"She admitted her mistakes": Former TN Rep. Robin Smith's pardon attorney fighting for presidential probationHundreds of DUI arrests in TN ended with no drugs or alcohol detected, TBI reportsBradley Co. Schools to begin training on weapons detection systems, aimed at enhancing campus safetyCleveland City Schools announces leadership transitions after 2026 school yearMulti-vehicle crash on I-75 South Tuesday afternoonAthens man receives one of the longest sentences in TN history in child sex abuse caseJenkins Deli to close after nearly 50 years in businessPolk County receives $500,000 Tennessee Historic Development Grant for courthouseGun found in student's car at McMinn Co. High; juvenile chargedCleveland Mayor Kevin Brooks delivers State of the City addressCleveland State announces Community First AwardsMotorcyclist killed in crash on Ooltewah Georgetown Rd. Sunday morningLake Winnie gets new operator; set to begin in 2026 seasonTennessee’s unemployment rate decreases in NovemberBradley County Commission meeting recapCleveland City Council meeting recapCleveland State presidential search advisory committee appointed; public forum set for WednesdaySmall plane crashes in Polk County TuesdayMcMinn Co. High School placed on temporary lockdown following "concerning comment" made by studentCleveland City School Board meeting recapHuman remains found in wooded area near EtowahTennessee Sandhill Crane Festival to celebrate 35th anniversary January 17-18Tennessee residents may soon vote to ban state property tax foreverGov. Lee proclaims January 19 as "Dolly Parton Day"United Airlines temporarily offering direct flights from Chattanooga to DenverBarn blaze leaves 9 animals dead in Bradley County ThursdayBradley County Mayor Gary Davis delivers annual State of the County addressNo injuries reported after crash on Paul Huff Parkway SaturdayPetroleum pipeline maintenance under Mouse Creek Road to cause delaysCharleston home a complete loss after fire Saturday afternoonTwo vehicle crash on I-75 S causes temporary road closure SundayBradley Medical Center and Erlanger to partner to expand pediatric emergency servicesOoltewah man arrested after auto burglary spree, HCSO saysDecember Tennessee revenues exceed budgeted amounts by $82.7 millionTennessee lawmakers push to expand school voucher program as demand surges past 50,000Bradley County Commission meeting recapCleveland man arrested after making threats to judge, criminal justice officialsYour to-do list ahead of the winter storm heading toward the TN ValleyOfficials urge residents to prepare now for unpredictable winter weather in TN ValleySPCA of Bradley County temporarily closing due to winter weatherBradley County EMS to begin carrying CYANOKITTennessee and Georgia declare state of emergenciesCleveland City Schools names Mike Chai as new Director of Student ServicesSheriff Steve Lawson discusses updates and future needs of BCSO ThursdayMan wanted for attempted murder in Athens stabbing considered dangerousCleveland City Schools and CPD launch BusPatrol ProgramBradley County government offices closed MondayTDOT crews help drivers across the stateMcMinn Co. deputy praised for heroic response to deadly crash after pursuit of stolen vehicleCleveland City Council meeting recapCleveland's Long Range Transportation Plan draft focuses on congestion, safetyApartment catches fire Sunday in ClevelandVolunteers needed for Barbara's Market in ClevelandTBI activates hotline to support welfare checks after winter stormBlood Assurance offers $40 eGift Cards to donorsLee University, City of Cleveland partner to celebrate Sousa’s Musical LegacyFormer Hamilton Co. teacher sentenced to 60 years following conviction of child sexual abuseCleveland firefighters quickly extinguish basement fire Wednesday nightKnox County man charged with first-degree murder after body found in Ten MileBCSO to host blood drive with Blood Assurance on Feb. 9Cleveland PD Chief Mark Gibson delivers 2026 New Year's MessageUnemployment rates below 5% in nearly every Tennessee countyGov. Lee requests expedited disaster declaration for 23 counties
February
Cleveland community mourns death of Bradley Central student athleteBradley County government offices closed MondayCleveland firm laying off 100 employees starting April 1'Infrastructure challenges' blamed for failing health inspection score at Benton ElementaryGov. Lee delivers 2026 State of the State Address: “Tennessee: The Original Frontier”Tennessee lawmakers, DA look to ensure death penalty as option for child rape"It's disappointing": Cigna Healthcare says CommonSpirit sought price increases, rejected current contract amid failed negotiationBCSO to host blood drive with Blood Assurance on Feb. 9TDCI and Tennessee AG issue joint statement about Winter Storm FernCleveland City Schools AI bus cameras already catch drivers illegally passingTennessee reaches nearly $18M settlement with drug companies over alleged price gougingHow many arrestees were turned over to ICE? New Tennessee report breaks it down by countyVolkswagen, UAW reach contract agreementBradley County Fire and Rescue responded to 2 structure fires Wednesday morningUPDATE: Manhunt continues for suspect in attempted murder after known 'associate' chased through Bradley, Polk Counties8 students charged after brawl at Cleveland High SchoolCleveland man arrested after armed domestic dispute, standoffEx-NFL player charged with girlfriend's murder; victim identified2026 Winter Job Fair to take place Feb. 13UPDATE: Missing Athens, TN woman found safeBradley County Commission meeting recapCleveland City Council meeting recapBradley County School Board meeting recapUTC students react to new safety app after 2025 false shooter scareFormer Tennessee private school principal has child sex charges reduced, learns sentenceTellico Plains police officer indicted in statutory rape investigation, TBI saysNew Tennessee bill further protects places of worshipCHS receives $10,000 grant to enhance Tango Flight ProgramBradley County Sheriff's Office warns of local scamAllegiant Air begins nonstop route from CHA to Fort LauderdaleLee University names Johnson Director of Community and Church Relations