Posts with the category “local-news”

Cleveland City Council meeting recap
by Sheridan Gaither on July 15th, 2026
Cleveland city leaders are considering five initial recommendations aimed at reducing homelessness and improving services for people in crisis.The recommendations were presented to the Cleveland City Council on Monday by the city and county’s Homeless Action Committee.The committee is proposing a locally supported eviction-prevention and rental-assistance fund. Officials said community organizatio...  Read More
Meigs County liquor tax measures could boost revenue if approved for November ballot
by Sheridan Gaither on July 15th, 2026
From News Channel 9: Meigs County voters could decide in November whether to allow alcohol sales and increase the local sales tax.County leaders say both proposals are aimed at generating additional revenue to address long-standing budget challenges and rising costs.One resolution would allow alcohol sales through liquor stores, grocery stores and restaurants, with the revenue supporting the count...  Read More
House passes permanent Daylight Saving Time bill
by Sheridan Gaither on July 15th, 2026
From Local 3 News: A bill that would make Daylight Saving Time permanent across the country is moving to the U.S. Senate after passing the House of Representatives Tuesday by a vote of 308 to 117.The proposal would end the twice-yearly clock changes if it becomes law.Nineteen states including Tennessee, and neighboring states Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and South Carolina have already passed st...  Read More
Child dies after being found in pond at Bradley County home
by Sheridan Gaither on July 15th, 2026
From News Channel 9: The Bradley County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the drowning death of a child who was found in a pond on private property in the southeast part of the county.The call came in around 2:38 on Monday afternoon.First responders provided emergency care before the child was taken to a local hospital, where the child was pronounced dead.Detectives are continuing to investigate t...  Read More
The Center for Sports Medicine and Orthopedics sees changes in where some surgeries will be performed
by Sheridan Gaither on July 14th, 2026
From Local 3 News: CommonSpirit Hospital, formerly known as CHI Memorial, recently switched radiology providers earlier this month.The switch has caused changes in appointment availability and wait times for certain imaging scans.Longer wait times for radiology imaging results have been an issue for some patients during the month of July.This change has caused lots of feedback online. Dozens of co...  Read More
Bradley County Commission meeting recap
by Sheridan Gaither on July 14th, 2026
The Bradley County Commission met yesterday for a work session. The main topic of the meeting was once again a rumored data center in the Charleston area. Several residents urged Commissioners to slow any potential large-scale industrial development near the Hiwassee River, citing concerns about nearby homes, the environment, and local businesses.During public comments, B&B Marina owners Carrie an...  Read More
Cleveland man facing charges for dumping raw sewage in Cherokee National Forest
by Sheridan Gaither on July 14th, 2026
From Local 3 News: A Cleveland septic company owner is facing charges after investigators say raw sewage was illegally dumped on U.S. Forest Service property in Polk County.According to arrest documents, Michael “Seth” Plasterer, owner of Emergency No More Septic, Drain & More, is accused of dumping sewage from one of the company’s trucks along Forest Service Road 302 in the Cherokee National Fore...  Read More
Lee University's summer honors program welcomes record 232 students
by Sheridan Gaither on July 13th, 2026
From the Chattanoogan: Lee University welcomed a record 232 students to its Summer Honors Program this year, the largest enrollment in the program’s history.The two-week program allowed incoming freshmen and high school seniors to earn six hours of college credit while experiencing campus life, academic programs, and the university’s Christ-centered mission.Students also participated in service pr...  Read More
‘Operation Southern Slow Down’ begins today in Tennessee
by Sheridan Gaither on July 13th, 2026
From WKRN Nashville: Law enforcement agencies across Tennessee are stepping up speed enforcement this week as part of the annual Operation Southern Slow Down campaign.The enforcement effort runs through Saturday and includes the Tennessee Highway Patrol, along with local police and sheriff’s departments across the state.Officers will focus on major highways and other high-risk areas during one of ...  Read More
Car recovered after rolling into Parksville Lake; no one hurt
by Sheridan Gaither on July 13th, 2026
From Local 3 News: Bradley County Fire and Rescue says they assisted West Polk Fire Rescue in recovering a car that rolled 50 feet down an embankment.Fortunately, no one was inside the vehicle, and the owners have been accounted for and are safe.The car crashed into the water just down from a pull-off past Mac Point in Polk County, eventually coming to a rest in ten feet of water, 100 feet from th...  Read More
Friday Festival in Downtown Cleveland presents The Collins Brothers Band
by Sheridan Gaither on July 10th, 2026
Looking for a great way to enjoy a summer evening in Downtown Cleveland?The final Friday Festival of the season is happening tonight at the new outdoor amphitheater at the Museum and Cultural Center at 5ive Points.The Collins Brothers Band will perform beginning at 7:00 p.m.Residents are encouraged to bring a chair and enjoy an evening of live music, family activities and community fellowship.The ...  Read More
Hamilton County woman charged with stabbing man in thigh during 4th of July argument
by Sheridan Gaither on July 10th, 2026
From News Channel 9: A Dayton woman is facing an attempted first-degree murder charge after investigators say she stabbed her boyfriend during an argument in Ooltewah.According to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, 22-year-old Jasminne Lynn Thomas allegedly stabbed the 33-year-old victim in the thigh during a dispute at a Village Garden Drive home on July 4.Deputies applied a tourniquet before ...  Read More
Bradley Co. EMS ambulance struck by car while at stop sign
by Sheridan Gaither on July 10th, 2026
Bradley County EMS responded to a traffic crash involving one of its ambulances Thursday afternoon.The ambulance was stopped at a stop sign at the intersection of Old Harrison Circle Southwest and Harrison Pike while transporting a patient to Erlanger on an emergency call when a northbound vehicle left the roadway and struck the front of the ambulance.A 74-year-old patient was transferred to anoth...  Read More
Cleveland man charged with statutory rape
by Sheridan Gaither on July 9th, 2026
From the Cleveland Daily Banner (Read the full story here): A Cleveland man has been arrested by the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office on charges involving a minor.Thirty-six-year-old Jeffrey Tyler Armstrong is charged with rape, statutory rape by an authority figure, sexual battery by an authority figure, and exploitation of a minor by electronic means....  Read More
New Tennessee laws changing classrooms this school year
by Sheridan Gaither on July 9th, 2026
From Local 3 News: The start of the new school year is less than a month away, and schools in Tennessee can expect some changes.A slew of new laws took effect in the state on July 1. Several of those will impact Tennessee classrooms. Those changes range from electronics in the classroom to the different content students will be taught.HB2393 limits screen time in K-5 classrooms. The law is sponsor...  Read More
Details on Tennessee’s 2026 Tax-Free Weekend
by Sheridan Gaither on July 9th, 2026
From Local 3 News: Tennessee’s sales tax holiday comes around each year before the start of the school year. This year, it’s happening July 31-August 2.Tax-Free Weekend will begin at 12:01 am on Friday, July 31; it will end at 11:59 pm on Sunday, August 2, 2026.All clothing, school supplies and computer purchases during this time will be exempt from sales tax. This includes in-store and online pur...  Read More
'No information about a data center near Charleston,' according to mayor's office
by Sheridan Gaither on July 8th, 2026
According to the Bradley County Mayor’s Office, there is no information at this time about a data center near Charleston.Posts on social media have been circulating about a piece of property near B&B Marina.According to The Mayor’s Executive Assistant, Adam Lewis, there is no rezoning application, site plan, development proposal, or other official request pending before Bradley County for the prop...  Read More
Lee University named a 2026-27 College of Distinction
by Sheridan Gaither on July 8th, 2026
Lee University has been named a College of Distinction for the 2026-2027 academic year.The university also received recognition as a Tennessee College of Distinction and a Christian College of Distinction.The honor recognizes schools that provide strong teaching, engaged students, a vibrant campus community, and successful outcomes.Lee also earned additional distinctions in business, education, an...  Read More
Rhea Co. Schools expands bus transportation services to Dayton city limits
by Sheridan Gaither on July 8th, 2026
From Local 3 News: Rhea County Schools will expand its bus transportation services by adding new routes within Dayton city limits.The school system will implement the new routes in the 2026-2027 school year.The new service will be offered to K-8 students who attend Rhea County Schools and live within the Dayton city limits, the school system announced on Tuesday, July 7.“We know that reliable tran...  Read More
Lee University announces leadership appointments in Academic Affairs division
by Sheridan Gaither on July 7th, 2026
From the Chattanoogan: Lee University has announced several leadership changes within its Academic Affairs division that took effect July 1.Dr. Jean Eledge will continue serving as Vice President for Academic Affairs while taking on the role of the university’s Chief Academic Officer.Dr. Debbie Murray is moving from provost to Senior Ambassador in the Office of the President.Dr. Shane Griffith has...  Read More
CommonSpirit apologizes for delays created by new radiology provider
by Sheridan Gaither on July 7th, 2026
From Local 3 News: CommonSpirit Hospital, formerly CHI Memorial, has taken to social media after switching radiology providers, which has caused major delays.The provider switch has affected appointment availability for certain imaging scans and resulted in longer wait times for others. Patients with impacted upcoming appointments will be contacted.“We deeply regret any inconvenience this may have...  Read More
Bradley County student choir performs national anthem at Atlanta Braves game
by Sheridan Gaither on July 7th, 2026
From News Channel 9: Bradley County Schools students recently had the opportunity to perform the national anthem before an Atlanta Braves game at Truist Park.Nearly 60 students from Michigan Avenue Elementary and Prospect Elementary sang before the Braves’ game against the New York Mets.The combined choir, directed by Cara Rogers and Sarah Burris, has now performed at three straight professional b...  Read More
Bradley Co. mayor will not veto budget that raises property taxes, provides raises
by Sheridan Gaither on July 7th, 2026
From Local 3 News: UPDATE: Bradley County’s mayor will not veto the decision to raise property taxes and provide a pay increase to county employees.County commissioners voted 9-5 to pass the budget after a meeting of about two and a half hours on June 26. The budget was set to go into effect on July 1, 2026.Mayor Gary Davis did consider vetoing the budget, and had 10 days to do so, but ultimately ...  Read More
Frozen blueberries sold at Publix recalled over E. coli concerns
by Sheridan Gaither on July 7th, 2026
From Local 3 News: Frozen organic blueberries sold at Publix are under recall because they may be contaminated with Escherichia coli (E. coli).Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., located in Chile, initiated the recall of 10 oz frozen GreenWise Organic IQF Blueberries.The recalled blueberries were sold at Publix stores in eight states across the Southeast:AlabamaFloridaGeorgiaKentuckyNorth CarolinaSo...  Read More
Dalton man arrested after firing gun out car window during dispute, deputies say
by Sheridan Gaither on July 6th, 2026
From Local 3 News: A Dalton man is facing numerous charges after deputies say he shot a gun out of his car following an “altercation” with a passenger on Tuesday, June 30.According to the Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office, around 8:00pm, deputies responded to a call regarding a domestic dispute inside a car.The caller said they had been in an altercation with Benjamin Henderson, who was driving.Th...  Read More
Cleveland man charged after string of windshield vandalism incidents throughout Bradley Co.
by Sheridan Gaither on July 6th, 2026
From Local 3 News: A man is facing multiple charges after a joint investigation by the Bradley County Sheriff's Office and the Cleveland Police Department linked him to a series of incidents in which objects were thrown at car windshields.Christopher James was arrested on June 30 in connection with a series of incidents reported since May in the northeast areas of Bradley County and the City of Cl...  Read More
All safe, but 70 displaced after Integra Vistas apartment fire, CFD says
by Sheridan Gaither on July 6th, 2026
From Local 3 News: Chattanooga firefighters battled a massive three-alarm apartment fire at the Integra Vistas Apartments in Hixson Sunday afternoon. Firefighters were called to the complex just after 3:00 p.m. after flames were spotted coming from the Building 188. The department says 21 of Chattanooga’s 27 fire companies responded to the scene. It took crews about 3 hours to gain control of the ...  Read More
2026 Operation Dry Water set for July 4th holiday period
by Sheridan Gaither on July 2nd, 2026
From the TWRA: The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is increasing patrols on the water during the Fourth of July holiday weekend.TWRA officers will participate in Operation Dry Water from July 3rd through July 5th, a nationwide campaign aimed at stopping impaired boating.The agency says alcohol or drugs contributed to 38 percent of Tennessee’s 26 boating deaths last year.Boating under the influ...  Read More
Murder suspect in Cleveland stabbing served prison time after 2022 manhunt, records show
by Sheridan Gaither on July 2nd, 2026
From News Channel 9: An arrest report has identified the victim in Tuesday’s fatal stabbing in Bradley County.The victim has been identified as Perry Freeman, who was found with severe stab wounds inside a home on Lowery Street around 3:00 Tuesday morning.Investigators say Christopher Taylor had been looking for Freeman before going to the home. Witnesses told deputies Taylor left the house shortl...  Read More
Collegedale teen admits to killing sex offender, said he ‘thought it was justice’
by Sheridan Gaither on July 2nd, 2026
From Local 3 News: UPDATE: The 18-year-old accused of killing a missing Collegedale man had a preliminary hearing on Wednesday, July 1, where police played his confession to the courtroom.Last month, Kian Andrew Neal was charged with the murder of 56-year-old Robert Locke after the man was reported missing by his family in late May.Prosecutors showed the court video from Neal’s interview with Coll...  Read More
Extreme heat to persist through the Independence Day holiday weekend
by Sheridan Gaither on July 1st, 2026
From Local 3 News: We have made it to July! While hot weather is expected this time of year, this prolonged stretch of heat is increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses after several consecutive days of temperatures well above average.This afternoon, highs will climb into the upper 90s, with heat index values reaching the triple digits again for many communities. An Extreme Heat Warning remain...  Read More
Blood Assurance offers $40 e-gift cards to all donors through July 7
by Sheridan Gaither on July 1st, 2026
Local hospitals are asking for blood donors as supplies remain critically low heading into the July Fourth holiday.Blood Assurance says donations are being used faster than they are coming in, with recent supplies dropping below a one-day inventory.Anyone who donates through July 7 will receive a $40 electronic gift card, and eligible Type O Hero Club donors can earn additional incentives.Blood As...  Read More
Mayor Wamp proposes one-year moratorium on rural data centers in Hamilton County
by Sheridan Gaither on July 1st, 2026
From Local 3 News: UPDATE: Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp announced a one-year moratorium on data centers in the county's rural areas Tuesday, saying officials need time to plan intentionally before allowing the facilities to move in.Wamp said that the pause will give the county time to study the technology and make sure data centers aren't a “technological fad.”Over the next year, Wamp said th...  Read More
Bradley Co. homicide suspect arrested hours after man found dead
by Sheridan Gaither on July 1st, 2026
UPDATE: The Bradley County Sheriff’s Office tells Local 3 News that the homicide suspect was arrested around 3:30pm on Tuesday afternoon.Christopher John Taylor was arrested on a second-degree murder charge on Lowery Street, where a man was found dead overnight.Taylor is being held without bond, according to the Sheriff's Office.PREVIOUS STORY: A homicide suspect has been identified in Bradley Cou...  Read More
Don't miss the 4th of July Freedom Celebration in Cleveland
by Sheridan Gaither on June 30th, 2026
Don’t miss the 4th of July Fireworks in Cleveland!The annual Independence Day fireworks show will be held Saturday night at Bradley Square Mall.Mall entrances will be open from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., with the professional fireworks display scheduled to begin around 9:15 p.m.The show is presented by Mt. Olive Ministries and sponsored by Cleveland Ford and the City of Cleveland.Listeners can tune in ...  Read More
Cleveland Utilities reminds public to stay safe during heat advisories
by Sheridan Gaither on June 30th, 2026
As temperatures climb this week, officials are reminding everyone to stay safe in the extreme heat.Drink plenty of water, limit outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, wear lightweight clothing, and take breaks in the shade or air conditioning.Residents are also encouraged to check on elderly neighbors, family members, and others who may be vulnerable to the heat, and don’t forget t...  Read More
TBI warns of growing financial sextortion threat targeting children
by Sheridan Gaither on June 30th, 2026
From the Chattanoogan: The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children says reports of financial sextortion targeting children continue to rise.More than 50,000 reports have been received nationwide so far in 2026, compared to more than 36,000 during all of 2025.The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation says its Internet Crimes Against Children Squad is currently working to identify and locate ...  Read More
Hamilton County deputies arrest wanted suspect after drone-assisted search in Meigs County
by Sheridan Gaither on June 30th, 2026
From Local 3 News: Hamilton County Sheriff's Office deputies arrested a wanted suspect Sunday, June 28, after using a drone to help locate him in a wooded area in Meigs County.According to the sheriff's office, deputies searched for Thurman Massengale, wanted on multiple felony warrants, on Shahan Lane when they deployed a drone over the area where he was hiding. The drone helped direct deputies o...  Read More
Bradley County firefighters, EMS paramedics celebrate 15% raise
by Sheridan Gaither on June 29th, 2026
From Local 3 News: The Bradley County Fire & EMS Association Local 4868 says the county commission vote to approve a 15% pay increase for all county employees is a “HUGE win.”Bradley County Commissioners made the vote on Friday, June 26, specially recognizing firefighters and paramedics.Their vote passed with 9 votes “YES” and 5 votes “NO.” The increase will go into effect on Thursday, October 1, ...  Read More
Celebrating America 250: July 4 events around the Tennessee Valley
by Sheridan Gaither on June 29th, 2026
From our partners at Local 3 News: Looking for ways to celebrate the 250th Independence Day in the United States? There are several options around the Tennessee Valley, featuring live music, food and fireworks.TennesseeChattanoogaOrange Grove America 250Where: Orange Grove’s main campus — 615 Derby St., ChattanoogaWhen: Thursday, June 25 — 11:30amWhat: Burgers and baseball on the Smith-Summers Fie...  Read More