Posts with the category “local-news”

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

The United Way of the Ocoee Region has announced Bridget Forrester of Mix 104.1 WCLE and Bradley Hudson of Edward Jones as its 2026 Community Campaign Co-Chairs.The organization says the pair will help lead next year’s fundraising campaign and bring strong community leadership as they promote United Way’s mission throughout the campaign season.Congratulations to both Bridget and Bradley. ...  Read More

The Bradley County Commission held a special-called meeting on Friday to set the 2026-2027 fiscal year budget. The Commission voted 9-5 to approve an 8.5- 12 cent property tax increase, which varies according to the property owner’s fire district,  to fund a 15 percent pay raise for all county employees beginning July 1. As a reminder, this increase is only for the County’s portion of property tax...  Read More

The Bradley County Commission will hold a special-called meeting on Friday at noon in the Commission Room at the Bradley County Courthouse.Commissioners will consider final budget amendments for the current fiscal year and hold public hearings on county and fire district tax levies for the fiscal year beginning July 1.The Finance Committee has already voted to propose a property tax and fire tax i...  Read More

From TN.gov: The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development says unemployment rates improved in most counties across the state in May.Ninety-four of Tennessee’s 95 counties reported unemployment rates below five percent, while 69 counties saw their jobless rates decline from April.Bradley County posted the lowest unemployment rate in our area at 3.3 percent, down two-tenths of a perce...  Read More

Join in the fun during this week’s Friday Festival featuring the Dexter Thomas Band on Friday, June 26, at 7:00 p.m. at the new amphitheater at the Museum and Cultural Center at 5ive Points.Bring a lawn chair, gather your friends, and enjoy an evening of free, live music.Friday Festivals are presented by MainStreet Cleveland and Visit Cleveland Tennessee....  Read More

From News 12: Goodwill Industries of the Greater Chattanooga Area has officially opened its newest retail store in southeast Cleveland.The new location is at 2010 Broomfield Road Southeast in the former Fresh ’N Low building.It includes a retail store, a Donation Xpress Center, and space for a future Goodwill Opportunity Center.The 15,000-square-foot facility created 20 new jobs and drew large cro...  Read More

From News Channel 9: Newly released TCAP results show Tennessee students made gains in reading, math, and social studies during the 2025-26 school year.Statewide proficiency rates reached their highest levels since before the pandemic.Reading proficiency increased to 42.3 percent, while math proficiency climbed to 41 percent.Social studies showed the strongest long-term growth, with statewide prof...  Read More

From News Channel 9: A former McMinn County correctional officer has been indicted after a Tennessee Bureau of Investigation inquiry into allegations involving contraband at the McMinn County Jail.According to the TBI, agents launched the investigation on Monday, December 16, 2024, at the request of 10th Judicial District Attorney General Stephen Hatchett. The case stemmed from information allegin...  Read More

The United Way of the Ocoee Region is seeking volunteers for Day of Action 2026.The annual community service event will take place July 31 across Bradley and Polk counties.Volunteers will spend the morning completing projects that support local schools, nonprofits, and community organizations before gathering for the United Way’s annual Campaign Kickoff luncheon.Volunteer registration closes this ...  Read More

From the Chattanoogan: State Representative Dan Howell announced that the Meigs Decatur Friends of the Library has received a $14,776 state grant.The funding comes through the Training Opportunities for Public Libraries program and is designed to improve broadband-related services and expand digital literacy efforts in Meigs County.Officials say the money will help identify digital equity gaps, im...  Read More

From News 12: The Athens Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating 18-year-old Cornelius Raeshaun Hurst in connection with a shooting at McMinn Village Apartments on Westside Street.Police say officers responded to reports of gunfire and found that a person had been struck by a projectile. The victim was taken to a local hospital, and their identity has not been released.Hurst ...  Read More

From Local 3 News: Bradley County General Sessions Court Judge Andrew Morgan will now require Tennessee children in custody of the Department of Children’s Services to appear in court, after he says the department failed to provide him with contact information that would allow his staff to ensure children are getting the care they need.“I want all the kids in foster care that have court dates to b...  Read More

A legal dispute between a former student and Tennessee Christian Preparatory School in Cleveland has been resolved.Morgan Armstrong filed a lawsuit in 2025, alleging she was suspended, barred from graduation activities, and threatened with the loss of her diploma after publicly revealing she was gay.According to a court order entered Monday, Armstrong’s suspension has been officially rescinded.The...  Read More