Posts with the category “local-news”

Craig Liner was in court again yesterday for an attorney status hearing in front of Judge Sandra Donaghy. Attorney Matt Rogers was in court with Liner, but said he would not go on record as Liner’s attorney because Liner has not been able to access funds to retain him. Rogers says he is unsure of the timeline and that Liner’s funds are tied up in civil court. Liner will appear before Judge Donaghy...  Read More

The Bradley County Board of Education met last night.Dr. Linda Cash received high marks in her annual evaluation, earning an overall score of 2.97 out of 3.0. She scored perfect 3.0 ratings in categories including leadership, curriculum, budgeting, and community involvement.Board members praised Dr. Cash’s communication, strategic planning, and leadership.  The board unanimously approved Dr. Cash’...  Read More

The Cleveland City School Board met last night.The board recognized newly tenured teachers and students who assisted during a medical emergency involving a staff member during state testing.The board approved a resolution to participate in the Education Freedom Act’s bonus program, allowing qualifying teachers to receive at least $2,000. A $500 local bonus is proposed for non-eligible staff.The pr...  Read More

The Bradley County Commission met last night.The commission approved two resolutions:•To discontinue a lease at 3069 Overlook Drive, allowing Emergency Management to use the building.•To contract with TNG Construction for up to $117,506 in renovations at the Office of Emergency Management.Commissioners also announced that Household Hazardous Waste Day will be held Saturday, May 10, from 8 a.m. to ...  Read More

Bradley County Schools announced on Friday the new Principal of Walker Valley High School.The current Principal, Dr. Candice Belt, is leaving her role to pursue a new career opportunity. Dr. Jeremy Jones has been named as her successor. School officials say he brings a strong commitment to education and student success. Jones is the current Principal at Valley View Elementary. ...  Read More

From Local 3 News: A 21-year-old man drowned Sunday afternoon according to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.The TWRA said that Austin Sigh of Monterey, TN went into the water to help load an older, 16-foot cabin cruiser onto a trailer when he succumbed to "environmental factors" at about 4:00pm.The water temperature was 66 degrees Fahrenheit, the TWRA said.Sigh’s body was recovered in less ...  Read More

From Local 3 News: UPDATE: The Chattanooga Police Department confirmed to Local 3 News that they are investigating a shooting that occurred on I-24 Eastbound near the Westside Road exit.Much of the interstate up the ridge cut was shut down as they inspected the scene.Crews reopened all lanes at 7:30am.This is a developing story.PREVIOUS STORY: Heavy police activity at Exit 181A near Dodds Avenue h...  Read More

The 2025 Relay for Life of Bradley County, initially scheduled for Saturday, May 3, has just been postponed due to potential strong thunderstorms in the area throughout the day.The Bradley County Relay for Life Director, Dewayne Belew, told Mix 104.1 a new date for the event has not yet been announced, but will be soon. ...  Read More

Nine local students have been awarded the 2025 Rymer Scholarship by Lee University.Gold Scholars receiving $10,000 each are Wesley Denard from Cleveland High, Christopher Herron from Bradley Central, and Allissa Schalk from Walker Valley.Silver Scholars receiving $5,000 each are Isaac Augustine, Sydney Sacca, and Abrielle Schalk, all from Walker Valley.Bronze Scholars receiving $3,000 each are Hen...  Read More

From Local 3 News: UPDATE: A Rhea County pursuit bled over into Hamilton County on Thursday, May 1, ending in a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 75 South near Hamilton Place and causing significant traffic delays.Around 9:00am, the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office were told that the Rhea County Sheriff's Office was engaged in a car chase with a black Dodge Durango on Highway 60. Hamilton County D...  Read More

Dr. Linda Cash, Director of Bradley County Schools, delivered the State of the Schools address yesterday at the PIE Innovation Center.She reported a 97.7% graduation rate for the Class of 2024, with 709 students in the system earning over  $19 million in scholarships.The district secured more than $7 million in grants and invested $2.5 million in capital improvements, including land acquisition fo...  Read More

From Local 3 News: A new Tennessee bill is drawing criticism over a provision that would make it a misdemeanor to approach a police officer within 25 feet after being told to stop.Section 5 of House Bill 55 would make it a Class B misdemeanor to “intentionally approach, within twenty-five feet (25’), a law enforcement officer” after the officer has ordered the person to stop or retreat. The restri...  Read More

From Local 3 News: UPDATE: The federal trial of a Bosnian man who was living in Chattanooga and is accused of torturing prisoners during the 1990s conflict in Bosnia began Wednesday at the Joel W. Solomon Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse.Sead Miljković, 51, faces charges of torture and passport fraud.On Wednesday, the prosecution called its first witness to the stand who is named as “victim on...  Read More

From Local 3 News: Five people were arrested following an undercover joint operation by TBI's Human Trafficking Unit, Soddy Daisy police, and the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office.On April 26, agents placed multiple decoy advertisements on websites that predators are known to visit. The focus of the operation was to identify people in the Soddy Daisy area seeking to engage in sex acts with minors a...  Read More

From Local 3 News: Phase 2 of the I-75/I-24 project in Chattanooga may face a delay. The originally predicted completion date was summer 2025.While the I-24 section of the project is on track for the original completion date, the I-75 section will likely finish after, TDOT's Regional Communications Officer Rae Anne Bradley says.TDOT is working out a revised schedule with the contractor to finish P...  Read More

From Local 3 News: Hamilton County Sheriff Austin Garrett says the office's public programs are finally operational again following April 14th's cyber attack incident.Garrett's full statement:“Since the incident occurred, the HCSO has been working methodically and diligently alongside an external cyber defense firm to preserve and examine this cyber-ransomware event and systematically restore serv...  Read More

Garden Plaza at Cleveland has been named a 2025 Best Senior Living Community by U.S. News & World Report, earning top honors in Caregiving, Feels Like Home, and Management and Staff.Executive Director Ken Bolin said the recognition reflects the team’s mission to create a true community where seniors feel valued and at home.Garden Plaza offers independent and assisted living options on a 160-apartm...  Read More

The Bradley County Commission met last night for a work session.Mayor Gary Davis presented a resolution to convert the TRC building into an EMA facility this fall, which will be voted on at the commission’s next meeting.Several upcoming events were announced during the meeting:The Law Enforcement Committee will meet on May 14th.TDOT will hold a meeting on the on the 25th Street projects on : May 1...  Read More

From Local 3 News: After eight years of serving the Cleveland community, Cleveland Coffee & Market is shutting its doors this May. "This has been such a special place for me and the staff to build community, learn, and grow together which is why this is such a tough decision," says owner of Cleveland Coffee and Terra Running Brittany Katz. "I want to express my heartfelt appreciation for the many ...  Read More

From Local 3 News: The Bradley County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) said deputies responded to a report of suspicious activity at a local golf course maintenance facility late Monday morning.The BCSO said security cameras recorded two individuals behaving suspiciously near dumpsters on the property, prompting a response and further investigation by deputies. Deputies arrived at a nearby property where a...  Read More

From Local 3 News: Bystanders jumped into action after a pickup truck crashed into Mouse Creek in Cleveland Sunday afternoon, April 28.According to the Cleveland Fire Department, the truck left the roadway near the intersection of Keith and 20th Streets and came to rest submerged underwater.A group of people were able to pull the lone male driver, who was trapped, out of his truck and to safety be...  Read More

From Local 3 News: The intersection of Ocoee and 20th Streets temporarily closed overnight after a pickup truck struck a power pole Sunday evening, April 28.One driver was treated by Bradley County EMS, according to the Cleveland Fire Department. We do not know the extent of their injuries.Lines were downed in the roadway, and Cleveland Utilities worked into the morning to restore power.This was t...  Read More

From Local 3 News: UPDATE: The three people killed in a small plane crash on Saturday have been identified.Pilot Jonathan Braun, Dylan Clay Davis, and his wife Kelsie Lynn Davis of Alabama were killed when the plane went down on Almyra Road just before noon.PREVIOUS STORY: Three people are dead after a small plane crashed in White County, according to the Upper Cumberland Airport Director Dean Sel...  Read More

From TN.gov: New data from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development shows that nearly all of the state’s 95 counties reported unemployment rates below 5% in March.Only four counties exceeded that mark, with the highest at 5.7%. Rates dropped in 70 counties from February to March, remained the same in 17, and rose in just eight.Locally, Bradley and Polk Counties each reported a M...  Read More

Rhea County has chosen retired U.S. Army Major Dr. Amy Lonas as its next Director of Schools. The school board voted 8-1 in favor of hiring Dr. Lonas, who previously served as dean and later provost at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa.Dr. Lonas is a Rhea County native who began her education at Frazier School. She holds degrees from UT Chattanooga, UT Knoxville, and Vanderbilt.She replaces Jessie M...  Read More

The Bradley County School Board met for a work session yesterday to review the proposed $115 million budget for the 2025-2026 school year. The board will vote on the budget during their next meeting on May 5.Also on the May 5 agenda: final evaluations for Director of Schools Dr. Linda Cash, and discussions on extending her contract.In addition, Dr. Cash will deliver her annual State of the Schools...  Read More

From TN.gov: Weekend traffic on I-75 in Hamilton County will be affected due to roadwork at the I-24 interchange. Starting today at 9 p.m., crews will close the right lane of I-75 North between the CSX railroad bridge and East Brainerd Road. The closure will remain in place until Monday, April 28 at 6 a.m.Drivers should expect delays, follow posted signs, and consider alternate routes. Southbound ...  Read More

From Local 3 News: The Tennessee Board of Parole on Tuesday recommended a pardon for country music star Jelly Roll, a Nashville native who has spoken openly about his criminal record and what it has taken to overcome it. The board's action leaves the final decision on a pardon up to Gov. Bill Lee.The rapper-turned-country singer wants to be able to travel internationally to perform and share his m...  Read More

From Local 3 News: UPDATE: A man who was convicted in January for shooting a coworker in the parking lot of Amazon in Chattanooga was sentenced on Tuesday.According to Hamilton County Criminal Court records, 21-year-old D'Ante Jones was sentenced to serve 23 years behind bars.His sentencing comes after Jones was convicted of second-degree murder on January 31, for shooting 19-year-old Javontae Moo...  Read More

Dr. Robert Hardin, Senior Quality Manager at WACKER has been appointed President of the Tennessee Advanced Energy Business Council.With more than 13 years at WACKER and several years on the board, Dr. Hardin is expected to help steer the state’s energy innovation economy, guiding strategy, partnerships, and policy engagement.The council plays a key role in promoting clean energy job growth across ...  Read More

From Local 3 News: A 34-year-old Ringgold man who was convicted in February of 2025 for trafficking and distributing Fentanyl has been sentenced to 30 years; 10 of which will be served in prison, without the possibility of parole.James Blevins pleaded guilty to trafficking Fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute Fentanyl in the Catoosa County Superior Court.The investigation was led by t...  Read More

The Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for the 31st Annual Mel Bedwell Small Businessperson of the Year Award. The honor recognizes a small business owner who exemplifies qualities like innovation, growth, and community service.Nominees must be Chamber members in good standing for at least one year, with fewer than 200 employees, and must operate within Cleveland or Bra...  Read More

From Local 3 News: UPDATE: The jury has reached two guilty verdicts in the trials of Darryl Roberts, convicting him of the death of 38-year-old Christopher Wright on Tuesday.A jury found Roberts guilty of second degree murder in the death of the Baylor School alum on September 28, 2023.Roberts shot Wright on Market Street near Patten Towers.Roberts was originally charged with first-degree murder.T...  Read More

From Local 3 News: For many teens, turning 18 is a celebration. For Ella Brinen, it marked the moment she officially aged out of Tennessee’s foster care system — without a family to support her, a place to land, or a roadmap for what came next.Now 19, Brinen is helping change what that future looks like for others like her.Two bills aimed at improving life for foster youth passed unanimously in th...  Read More

From Local 3 News: Scale Trains president Shane Wilson says the small operation that started more than 10 years ago has grown to a group of dozens of employees from across the country."Thirty employees and their families are counting on us to be able to provide for them and their livelihoods,” said Wilson.The business makes custom model trains, that are detailed to look as close as possible to the...  Read More

The Tennessee Department of Transportation will host a public informational meeting on May 1, 2025, to gather public input on two projects: 25th Street, from Vista Street to Guthrie Street NW and; The intersection of 25th Street and Ocoee Street. The meeting will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Cleveland Bradley Chamber of Commerce on Keith St.The meeting is being held to give the pu...  Read More

The Bradley County Commission held a voting session yesterday.Bradley County Mayor Gary Davis requested an update from Sheriff Steve Lawson about the recent fire in the jail’s kitchen. Lawson said repairs are underway and expected to take 6-8 weeks. According to an investigation by the Cleveland Fire Department, towels that had been removed from the dryer and placed on a cart in the kitchen starte...  Read More

From Local 3 News: Rome (CNN) — Pope Francis, a voice for the poor who overcame fierce resistance to reshape the Catholic Church, has died on Easter Monday, at the age of 88, the Vatican has announced.The pope died the day after Easter Sunday, the most important holiday in Christianity, when the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Despite his poor health, Fran...  Read More

From TN.gov: Tennessee’s unemployment rate has declined for the first time in nearly a year.The state’s rate now stands at 3.6%, a slight drop from 3.7%, and well below the national average of 4.2%. According to the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, the rate had remained flat for six months prior to this dip. In May of 2024, it was at 3.1%.Over the past year, Tennessee added 8,700 non...  Read More

From Local 3 News: UPDATE: A bill that would adopt new restrictions on cannabis sales in Tennessee has been approved by the Senate, just days before 4/20, the unofficial marijuana holiday.HB1376/SB1413, introduced by State Representative William Lamberth (R-Portland) and Senator Richard Briggs (R-Knoxville), places extensive restrictions on Tennessee's hemp industry. This includes a recent amendme...  Read More