Posts with the category “local-news”

Chattanooga police officer rescues mother and two children from burning home
by Sheridan Gaither on May 13th, 2026
From Local 3 News: An officer with the Chattanooga Police Department (CPD) is being praised after rescuing a mother and two children from a house fire.According to CPD, Officer Rogers was the first to arrive at the scene of a recent house fire where flames were visible near the front door. Neighbors told the officer that people were still trapped inside the home.Police said Officer Rogers immediat...  Read More
UPDATE: Cohutta Town Hall addresses police firings, mayor’s authority; no official votes taken
by Sheridan Gaither on May 13th, 2026
From Local 3 News: UPDATE: Questions and tensions surrounding the recent removal and reinstatement of the Cohutta Police Department continued Tuesday night during a town hall meeting.Neither the mayor nor the vice mayor attended the meeting, and no official votes were taken.During the discussion, town officials said the town charter does not specify how many officers the town must employ. Official...  Read More
Speaker Sexton strips several TN House Democrats from their committee assignments after last week's special session
by Sheridan Gaither on May 13th, 2026
From Local 3 News: Several members of the Tennessee House Democratic Caucus have been removed from their standing committee and subcommittee assignments, according to a letter sent to Local 3 News.The letter, signed by Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton and addressed to Democratic Leader Karen Camper, states that Democratic lawmakers will receive individual letters removing them from all House...  Read More
Passerby rescues injured driver from burning car in Meigs County Tuesday
by Sheridan Gaither on May 13th, 2026
From News Channel 9 (Read the full story here):  A driver was seriously injured in a fiery crash in Meigs County Tuesday morning. Meigs County Emergency Services says crews responded just before 11:00 a.m. to a crash with entrapment and a vehicle fire. Officials say the vehicle was fully engulfed in flames when a passing motorist pulled the driver from the wreck before emergency crews arrived. Fir...  Read More
Bradley County Commission meeting recap
by Sheridan Gaither on May 12th, 2026
The Bradley County Commission held a budget hearing for Bradley County Schools yesterday.The school system presented a balanced budget for Fund 141, which had already been approved by the Board of Education.The budget includes step raises and a 1.5% raise for salaried employees.Most employees are expected to see an average increase of about 2.5%.The budget also includes two new behavioral position...  Read More
Clerk held at gunpoint during armed robbery at Cleveland convenience store, suspect still at large
by Sheridan Gaither on May 12th, 2026
From Local 3 News: A convenience store clerk was held at gunpoint during an armed robbery at ABC Market on South Lee Highway in Cleveland late Saturday night, according to a police affidavit.Officers responded to the business at 2425 South Lee Highway SW around 10:00pm on May 9 after a caller reported the robbery.When officers arrived, a clerk said a masked white male wearing a black and green hoo...  Read More
Craig Liner pleads guilty to killing ex-wife, DA reacts
by Sheridan Gaither on May 12th, 2026
Craig Liner pleaded guilty Monday in the murder of his ex-wife, Karen Liner.Liner pleaded guilty to first-degree murder, felony murder, and aggravated burglary.He was sentenced to life in prison.Karen Liner was shot and killed in January of 2025 at her home on Arthur Lane in Cleveland.During an earlier hearing, investigators said surveillance video showed Craig Liner pulling into Karen’s driveway ...  Read More
TN Congressional candidates, voters sue over newly redrawn district map
by Sheridan Gaither on May 11th, 2026
From WATE- A new federal lawsuit has been filed challenging Tennessee’s newly redrawn congressional districts approved during the recent special legislative session.The lawsuit was filed by four registered voters and four Democratic candidates running in Tennessee congressional races.Among the plaintiffs are Congressman Steve Cohen, State Representative Justin Pearson, Chaz Molder and Chaney Mosle...  Read More
TVA warns of drought conditions impacting boating season
by Sheridan Gaither on May 11th, 2026
From WTVC– TVA is warning that ongoing drought conditions could impact boating and recreation across the Tennessee Valley this summer.TVA officials say the region has received only about 69 percent of normal rainfall and 45 percent of normal runoff so far this year.River forecasters say lake levels are lower than usual, creating the possibility of exposed hazards and shallow water in areas that ar...  Read More
Disaster relief available to small businesses, nonprofits impacted by drought
by Sheridan Gaither on May 11th, 2026
From Local 3 News: The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest federal disaster loans to small businesses and private nonprofits that were affected by the recent drought.The loans are available to those who sustained economic losses caused by the drought that began on December 30, 2025.Local Tennessee, Georgia and North Carolina counties covered include:Bradley - TNHamilton - T...  Read More
Garden Plaza at Cleveland named a U.S. News & World Report 2026 Best Assisted Living Community
by Sheridan Gaither on May 11th, 2026
U.S. News & World Report recently released its list of 2026 Best Assisted Living Communities, and Garden Plaza at Cleveland made the list.Garden Plaza at Cleveland was recognized as high-performing in care services, activities and enrichment, and overall atmosphere.The rankings are based on customer satisfaction surveys from senior living communities across the country.Executive Director Ken Bolin...  Read More
Chattanooga Blood Assurance offers gift cards to boost platelet donations amid shortage
by Sheridan Gaither on May 8th, 2026
From News Channel 9: Blood Assurance is offering e-gift cards next week to encourage more blood donations as platelet supplies remain critically low in the Chattanooga area.From May 9th through May 15th, donors who give blood, platelets, or plasma will receive a 25-dollar e-gift card.Eligible double red cell donors will receive a 40-dollar e-gift card.Blood Assurance says donor turnout has remaine...  Read More
Graduation ceremonies set for this week in Bradley County
by Sheridan Gaither on May 8th, 2026
Graduation ceremonies are set to begin this week across Bradley County.Walker Valley High School will hold its graduation tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the football field.Cleveland High School’s ceremony is scheduled for Friday at 6 p.m., in Raider Arena, with a traditional cap toss planned afterward on the football field.Tennessee Christian Preparatory School will hold graduation on Saturday at 10 AM a...  Read More
TN Gov. Lee signs expansion of Education Freedom Scholarship Program
by Sheridan Gaither on May 8th, 2026
From Local 3 News: Governor Bill Lee signed legislation expanding Tennessee’s Education Freedom Scholarship Program, increasing the number of scholarships available to students across the state.Under the expansion, 35,000 scholarships will be available for the 2026-27 school year as Tennessee’s universal school choice program continues to grow in participation and demand.“Long before I became Gove...  Read More
NAACP sues to block Tennessee redistricting map over majority-Black district changes
by Sheridan Gaither on May 8th, 2026
From Local 3 News: UPDATE: Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has signed into law a new U.S. House map that carves up a majority-Black district in Memphis, following approval of a controversial redistricting plan by both the House and Senate Thursday.In response, the NAACP Tennessee State Conference filed a lawsuit on Thursday seeking to block the redistricting plan, arguing it unlawfully weakens Black p...  Read More
First vote for Tennessee redistricting happens without public present after protests
by Sheridan Gaither on May 7th, 2026
From News Channel 9 (Read the full story here): Protests broke out at the Tennessee Capitol in Nashville during a special session on a proposed congressional redistricting plan.Lawmakers are working to redraw district lines across the state, including moving Rhea and Meigs counties from District 4 to District 3.Demonstrators interrupted committee meetings, leading state troopers to clear a hearing...  Read More
City of Cleveland invites community to open house at Jim Sharp Park
by Sheridan Gaither on May 7th, 2026
From the Chattanoogan: The City of Cleveland will host an open house for the newly completed Jim Sharp Park on Friday, May 15, from noon to 7 p.m.The park is located on Candies Lane Northwest and features walking paths, playground equipment, green space, and a stocked fishing pond.City officials say the park honors the legacy of Jim Sharp and his contributions to the community.The event will inclu...  Read More
Lee University announces Allan Lockerman Scholarship in partnership with First Baptist Cleveland
by Sheridan Gaither on May 7th, 2026
From the Chattanoogan: Lee University has announced a new scholarship honoring longtime First Baptist Cleveland pastor Dr. Allan Lockerman.The Dr. Allan Lockerman/First Baptist Church Scholarship will support students preparing for ministry and church service.The scholarship was created in partnership with First Baptist Cleveland and recognizes Lockerman’s more than 20 years of leadership.It will ...  Read More
Cleveland City Schools announces Taylor Bentley as new Assistant Principal of Blythe-Bower Elementary
by Sheridan Gaither on May 7th, 2026
Cleveland City Schools is proud to announce that Taylor Bentley has been named the new Assistant Principal of Blythe-Bower Elementary School.Bentley has served as a physical education teacher since 2019 and has been involved in health initiatives, budgeting, and attendance coordination.He is a graduate of Lee University and was recently named Teacher of the Year for the 2024–2025 school year, alon...  Read More
Average TN gas price reaches $4 per gallon for first time since 2022
by Sheridan Gaither on May 6th, 2026
From Local 3 News: The war in Iran has caused the average price per gallon of gasoline in Tennessee to reach $4 for the first time since 2022, according to AAA.As of Monday, May 4, Tennessee’s average gas price is $4.03 per gallon, which is 18 cents higher than it was a month ago. It’s also $1.31 more expensive than it was one year ago, AAA said.In the last week, Tennesseeans saw a $0.26 hike in g...  Read More
UPDATE: Man killed in shooting incident between neighbors in Cleveland
by Sheridan Gaither on May 6th, 2026
From Local 3 News: UPDATE: The man who died in a shooting in southwest Bradley County is 62-year-old Michael Shannon Rymer, according to the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office.Shots were fired between neighbors on Monday, May 4. One other person sustained injuries during the shooting.It happened in the 3800 block of Lead Mine Valley Road SW.The circumstances surrounding the shooting are still under i...  Read More
2026 County Primary Election Results
by Sheridan Gaither on May 6th, 2026
You only have four days left to early vote in the County Primary Election.The final day to cast an early ballot is April 30th.As of Saturday, about 3,600 people have voted in Bradley County, which is roughly a 4.5 percent turnout.Voters can cast ballots at the OCI on Urbane Road, the Election Office on Broad Street, the Northeast Recreation Center on Berry Street, and the Fire-Rescue Training Cent...  Read More
Bradley County Commission meeting recap
by Sheridan Gaither on May 5th, 2026
The Bradley County Commission met yesterday for a work session.County Mayor Gary Davis had no report for the evening.During commissioner reports, Commissioner Tim Mason shared photos of a recent property cleanup project funded by the commission, saying dozens of truckloads of debris were removed from the site.Commissioners also recognized upcoming graduations and community milestones, including th...  Read More
Polk County High School student suspended following school threat, officials say no danger to students
by Sheridan Gaither on May 5th, 2026
From Local 3 News: A student at Polk County High School was suspended on Monday, May 4, after an overheard comment indicated the student was planning to bring a weapon to school to harm another student, according to Director of Schools Dr. James R. Jones.Jones said law enforcement, along with the Department of Homeland Security, is involved in the investigation.Although officials said there was no...  Read More
McMinn County Schools announces Jake Roberts as the new principal of McMinn County High School
by Sheridan Gaither on May 4th, 2026
McMinn County Schools has announced Jake Roberts as the new principal of McMinn County High School.Roberts has been with the district since 2017 and brings 15 years of experience in education.He has served as Athletic Director since 2022 and has also worked as an assistant football coach.Roberts lives in McMinn County with his family and is active in the local community....  Read More
BCSO warns public of scam texts claiming to be from General Sessions Court
by Sheridan Gaither on May 4th, 2026
Local residents are being targeted by a scam text message that appears to come from General Sessions Court.Officials say the message may claim you owe money for a traffic offense and may include a QR code for payment.Authorities stress this is a scam and that courts do not request payment through text messages.Residents are urged not to click links, scan codes, or send money.Anyone receiving the m...  Read More
Lee University awards nine incoming freshmen the 2026 Rymer Scholarship
by Sheridan Gaither on May 4th, 2026
Lee University has awarded nine incoming freshmen the 2026 Rymer Scholarship.Three students received Gold scholarships worth $20,000 each, including Olivia Chastain, John “Cason” Stewart, and Rylan Hysinger.Three Silver scholarships worth $10,000 went to Carson Cannon, Isaac Sausville, and Emmaleigh Shaw.Three Bronze scholarships worth $4,000 were awarded to Taylor Hoffman, Britain Sapp, and Jonat...  Read More
Governor Lee calls special legislative session to review Tennessee's congressional map
by Sheridan Gaither on May 4th, 2026
From News Channel 9: Governor Bill Lee announced plans to call a special legislative session to review Tennessee’s congressional districts.He says any changes must happen quickly to meet election qualifying deadlines.Lee says the goal is to ensure districts reflect the will of Tennessee voters.Tennessee currently has nine congressional districts, with Republicans holding eight seats.The announceme...  Read More
President Trump pushes for Tennessee redistricting to add Republican seat
by Sheridan Gaither on May 1st, 2026
From WATE: President Donald Trump says he spoke with Governor Bill Lee about redistricting Tennessee to add another Republican congressional seat.Currently, eight of the state’s nine U.S. House seats are held by Republicans.Trump says the change would correct what he calls an “issue with the current map.”The conversation comes after Senator Marsha Blackburn called for lawmakers to redraw district ...  Read More
Dr. John M. Davis appointed as next president of Cleveland State
by Sheridan Gaither on May 1st, 2026
In a special called meeting on Thursday, the Tennessee Board of Regents appointed Dr. John M. Davis as the next president of Cleveland State Community College.Dr. Davis currently serves as Vice President of Administrative Services at Germanna Community College in Virginia.He has more than a decade of experience in higher education leadership and holds degrees from the College of William and Mary a...  Read More
Cleveland City Schools names Jordan Reeves as Assistant Principal of Ross Elementary
by Sheridan Gaither on May 1st, 2026
Cleveland City Schools is proud to announce that Jordan Reeves will serve as the new Assistant Principal of E.L. Ross Elementary School. Reeves has been teaching fourth grade at Ross since 2023 and is known for building strong relationships with students and staff. She was recently named Cleveland City Schools District Teacher of the Year for 2025 to 2026 and received the Don Goff Innovation Award...  Read More
Bradley County Board of Education approves budget Thursday
by Sheridan Gaither on May 1st, 2026
On Thursday, the Bradley County Board of Education approved a balanced $115.5 million budget to be submitted to the Bradley County Commission.The proposed budget includes a 1.5% salary increase for employees and allocates $1.1 million for capital outlay, including building improvements and general maintenance.The District is scheduled to present the budget during a County Commission hearing on May...  Read More
UPDATE: Benton Elementary School completes repairs that led to ‘sewage smell’ and health code violations
by Sheridan Gaither on May 1st, 2026
From Local 3 News: UPDATE: A follow-up inspection for Benton Elementary was completed on February 10. This comes after health inspectors found outstanding risk violations, giving the school as low score of 68. In the new report, it shows zero violations were found during the most recent visit. That is big improvement from the initial findings. Previously, the inspection report cited 16 violations,...  Read More
Athens Fire Department receives Firehouse Subs grant for new extrication tools
by Sheridan Gaither on April 30th, 2026
From Local 3 News: The City of Athens Fire Department received a nearly $40,000 grant from Firehouse Subs to purchase new extrication tools.The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation grant allowed the fire department to purchase a Hurst Spreader, Cutter, Ram, and accessories.The City of Athens says these new tools will help with the fire department’s ability to respond to crashes and other rescue...  Read More
State of the Schools: Bradley County Schools reveals graduation rate, among other data
by Sheridan Gaither on April 30th, 2026
From Local 3 News: The 2026 State of the Schools in Bradley County highlighted the current state and the plan for the future in the school district.Mission Possible was the theme at the annual meeting. Bradley County prides itself on providing more than just an education to its students.Dr. Linda Cash, the Director of Schools for Bradley County, says, “I want people to know that education is about...  Read More
Cleveland Utilities plans to change rates
by Sheridan Gaither on April 30th, 2026
From Cleveland Daily Banner (See Full Story Here): Cleveland Utilities customers could soon see lower internet bills.Officials say the price of the one-year residential internet plan will drop from $69.99 to $67.99 per month starting in July.Leaders believe the lower cost will encourage more customers to sign up or upgrade their plans, especially with faster speeds and improved Wi-Fi coverage.Clev...  Read More
Senator Marsha Blackburn calls for Tennessee redistricting
by Sheridan Gaither on April 30th, 2026
From News 12: Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn is calling for new congressional district lines. Blackburn is urging state lawmakers to redraw districts, specifically targeting a Memphis-area seat currently held by a Democrat.Republicans already control eight of Tennessee’s nine U.S. House seats, following redistricting changes made in 2022.Blackburn says the move would help strengthen Republican...  Read More
Dale Earnhardt Jr. to speak at Athens Chamber event July 16
by Sheridan Gaither on April 29th, 2026
The Athens Area Chamber of Commerce has announced a major guest speaker for its annual benefit event.Dale Earnhardt Jr. will headline the 19th Annual Benefit on July 16.The event will take place at McMinn County High School, with doors opening at 6 p.m.Tickets are available through the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce website, and table reservations can be made by email....  Read More
Gov. Bill Lee signs legislation to allow pregnant mothers disabled parking permits
by Sheridan Gaither on April 29th, 2026
Governor Bill Lee has signed new legislation aimed at helping expectant mothers with high-risk pregnancies in Tennessee.The new law allows pregnant women to obtain temporary disabled parking permits.Supporters say the measure will help ease some of the physical challenges that come with high-risk pregnancies.Similar laws have already been passed in states like Florida and Illinois, with others con...  Read More
Bradley Co. Sheriff's Office promotes Lt. Julie Quinn to captain
by Sheridan Gaither on April 28th, 2026
The Bradley County Sheriff’s Office has announced the promotion of Lt. Julie Quinn to the rank of captain, recognizing nearly three decades of service and leadership within the department.Captain Quinn began her career with the agency in 1997. She served as a Field Training Officer from 1998 to 2003 before being promoted to corporal in 2003, sergeant in 2005, and lieutenant in 2010. In 2017, she t...  Read More