Posts with the category “local-news”
Bradley County Commission meeting recap
by Sheridan Gaither on July 21st, 2026
The Bradley County Commission met yesterday.Commissioners approved an annexation agreement involving nearly 20 acres along Dalton Pike.The commission voted 11-to-1 to allow County Mayor D. Gary Davis to enter into an interlocal agreement with the City of Cleveland.Property owner Aaron Ware requested the annexation as part of plans for a new commercial development. Ware said the property could incl... Read More
Former McMinn County deputy charged after domestic violence investigation
by Sheridan Gaither on July 21st, 2026
From News Channel 9: A former McMinn County Sheriff’s Office deputy has been charged following a domestic violence investigation.Sheriff Joe Guy says deputies responded Sunday night to a home on Highway 39 West near Athens involving former deputy Caleb Latham.After reviewing body camera footage, witness statements, and consulting with the District Attorney’s Office, investigators obtained a warran... Read More
Students leaving their mark on the Cleveland/Bradley Greenway
by Sheridan Gaither on July 21st, 2026
From Local 3 News: Ross Elementary School students and families teamed up with art teacher Kathryn Beeh to transform original artwork into a colorful mural celebrating creativity, collaboration and community along the Cleveland/Bradley Greenway.Every nature-inspired element in the mural began as an original drawing by a Ross student.Beeh incorporated the student creations into a unified design, pr... Read More
Copperhill Utilities issues boil water notice following water main break
by Sheridan Gaither on July 21st, 2026
From Local 3 News: Copperhill Utilities has issued a boil water notice for all customers on Monday, July 20, after a water main break caused a loss of water pressure in parts of the distribution system.Utility officials said the damaged water main has been repaired and water pressure has been restored. However, because pressure dropped "below acceptable levels," there is a risk that contaminants m... Read More
Firefighters prevent Ooltewah home from burning down following electrical fire on Snow Hill Road
by Sheridan Gaither on July 20th, 2026
From Local 3 News: Volunteer firefighters saved a Snow Hill Road home from burning down after an electrical fire started in the home’s fuse panel.Crews with the Hwy 58 Volunteer Fire Department responded on Saturday morning just before 9:00am to find the box sparking.Pictures from the scene, which you can view above, show heavy smoke coming from the fire.Firefighters removed the power meter and pu... Read More
Five ejected, seriously injured after ATV pulls in front of vehicle in Hixson
by Sheridan Gaither on July 20th, 2026
From Local 3 News: Five people suffered “significant” injuries after a Polaris ATV pulled in front of another vehicle on Lower Mill Road, according to the Chattanooga Police Department.The crash happened a little before 11am on Sunday, July 19.The driver of the ATV was leaving a parking lot when it was struck by another car. The driver and all four passengers were ejected from the ATV.All five of ... Read More
Tennessee revenues exceeded budgeted estimates for June
by Sheridan Gaither on July 20th, 2026
The Tennessee Department of Finance and Administration announced that state tax collections exceeded budget expectations in June.The state collected $2.5 billion in tax revenue during the month, nearly $282 million above budget estimates and more than $182 million higher than June of last year.Officials say strong sales tax collections and corporate tax revenues helped produce the surplus.The stat... Read More
Athens to break ground on new fire station in August
by Sheridan Gaither on July 20th, 2026
From Local 3 News: The City of Athens will officially break ground on a new fire station during a ceremonial golden shovel event on Tuesday, August 11.The ceremony is scheduled for 1:30pm at the future site of the station, located at 300 Elizabeth Street in Athens, Tennessee.City leaders say the project is a major investment in public safety and is designed to improve emergency response throughout... Read More
Vehicle fire shuts down 1 lane of I-75 North in Bradley County
by Sheridan Gaither on July 20th, 2026
From Local 3 News: A vehicle caught on fire on Interstate 75 Northbound in Bradley County on Friday, according to the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT).As of noon on Friday, July 17, traffic was completely stopped in the northbound lanes as crews worked the fire.The fire was reported near mile marker 17 on I-75 at the Bradley Ridgecut.The left lane has now reopened, but the right lane ... Read More
Tennessee unemployment rate falls to 3.5%
by Sheridan Gaither on July 17th, 2026
Tennessee’s unemployment rate fell to 3.5 percent in June.The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development says the rate dropped one-tenth of a percentage point from May and remains well below the national unemployment rate of 4.2 percent.Over the past year, employers across the state added more than 25,000 nonfarm jobs.The largest job gains were in health care and social assistance, le... Read More
Early voting begins today in Tennessee
by Sheridan Gaither on July 17th, 2026
Today is the first day of early voting in Tennessee for the State Primary and local General Election.Early voting runs through Saturday, August 1.Bradley County voters can cast their ballot at the Election Office on Broad Street, the OCI on Urbane Road, the Northeast Recreation Center on Berry Street, or the Bradley County Fire-Rescue Training Center on Dalton Pike.Early voting hours are 9:00 a.m.... Read More
Sweetwater police investigate swatting call after false report of armed suspects, shooting
by Sheridan Gaither on July 17th, 2026
From Local 3 News: Sweetwater police are investigating a false 911 call that prompted a large law enforcement response downtown Thursday.Officers responded after a caller reported four masked individuals armed with firearms entering a business, claiming they heard gunfire and that someone had been shot.Out of caution, officers temporarily closed Main Street at the intersections of Main Street and ... Read More
Dog killed, two pets rescued after Cleveland house fire
by Sheridan Gaither on July 17th, 2026
From our partners at Local 3 News: A dog died, and two other pets were rescued after a residential fire in Cleveland on Thursday, according to the Cleveland Fire Department.First-arriving crews reported a working fire and immediately began an aggressive interior attack to contain the flames.The Cleveland Fire Department thanked Bradley County EMS for their assistance at the scene.... Read More
UPDATE: Former employee of man who police say illegally dumped raw sewage in Cherokee National Forest speaks out
by Sheridan Gaither on July 16th, 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
2 people found dead inside Cleveland home in apparent murder-suicide
by Sheridan Gaither on July 16th, 2026
Cleveland Police are investigating an apparent murder-suicide after two people were found dead inside a home on Wednesday afternoon.Officers responded to a home on Barker Lane Northwest around 3:25 p.m., where they found Holly Jarrett and her husband, Stanley Jarrett, dead from gunshot wounds.Investigators say Holly Jarrett died from a single gunshot wound, and evidence indicates Stanley Jarrett d... Read More
UPDATE: Wanted man captured after seven-hour-long manhunt in Cleveland
by Sheridan Gaither on July 16th, 2026
From Local 3 News: UPDATE: Deountray Dickey, who was wanted on multiple felony warrants, was taken into custody Wednesday evening after a nearly seven-hour-long manhunt, according to the Cleveland Police Department.Dickey was taken into custody at 7:56pm on July 15 by the Cleveland Police Department Crime Suppression team and the U.S. Marshals.PREVIOUS STORY: The search for Deountray Dickey, who i... Read More
Meigs Co. deputy ‘ambushed’ near Highway 68, at home recovering
by Sheridan Gaither on July 16th, 2026
From News Channel 9: A Meigs County Sheriff’s deputy is recovering after investigators say he was ambushed during a routine patrol on Wednesday.The sheriff’s office says the deputy had stopped to speak with one person near Peakland Road and Highway 68 when a second person suddenly attacked him.Investigators say the deputy was struck with an unknown object after getting out of his patrol vehicle, b... Read More
Molly Jackson named Assistant Principal at Yates Primary School
by Sheridan Gaither on July 16th, 2026
Cleveland City Schools has named Molly Jackson the new assistant principal at Yates Primary School.Jackson has served the Yates community for more than 16 years as a teacher, instructional facilitator, and school leader.She was named Yates Primary Teacher of the Year in 2018 and recently completed the Bradley County Public Education Foundation’s LEAD Fellows Program.Cleveland City Director of Scho... Read More
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
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
