Posts with the category “local-news”

Bradley Central High School has been awarded a Level 5 TVAAS score, the highest ranking for academic growth given by the Tennessee Department of Education.The honor recognizes students for exceeding growth expectations and credits teachers, students, and the school community for their efforts.The school celebrated with decorations, treats, contests, and a catered lunch for staff....  Read More

The Cleveland Police Department has announced the promotion of Detective Bobby Ruth to the rank of Lieutenant.Lieutenant Ruth was raised in the city of Cleveland and has served the Cleveland community as a police officer since joining the department in 2008. His career has included additional assignments as a Community Officer, School Resource Officer, Sergeant over the School Resource Officers, a...  Read More

From Local 3 News: Cleveland State Community College is working to resolve a mistake that led to more than 300 students being contacted by a debt collection agency in error.College officials say the students’ names and contact information were mistakenly included on a list of individuals with outstanding balances. The error affected students who participated in the school’s dual enrollment program...  Read More

From Local 3 News: Cleveland Utilities Fiber Internet is now accessible in more Cleveland area neighborhoods.Fiber internet allows residents to access faster upload and download speeds compared to wireless internet.The neighborhoods include:- Benwood Subdivision- Sunrise Crossing Subdivision- Parts of Arbor Hills Drive SE, Cypress Lane, Young Road, Inman Street, Bates Pike, Johnson Boulevard, Lang...  Read More

From Local 3 News: A student at South Polk Elementary School is being disciplined by the school after making comments about bringing a gun to school and later being found with an empty shell casing.When administration became aware of the matter, they isolated and questioned the student, according to the Polk County Director of Schools Dr. James Jones."At no point was a gun or live ammunition prese...  Read More

From the Chattanoogan: Wayon Hines, Collegedale city manager since 2021, surprised members of the commission on Tuesday night when he resigned, saying he had "lost faith and trust" in some commissioners.He said he was stepping down immediately so that steps could be taken now toward new leadership.Vice Mayor Tonya Sadler moved to accept the resignation as Mr. Hines was passing out his statement.Co...  Read More

The Cleveland City School Board met yesterday.Director of Schools Dr. Jeff Elliott reported that the new student cell phone policy is, in his opinion, improving school climate and classroom engagement. He praised staff for consistent enforcement across all schools. He reported that about 4% of high-school students had phones confiscated in the first four weeks of school. Elliot also highlighted st...  Read More

The Bradley County Commission met last night.Commissioners re-elected 2nd District Commissioner, Tom Crye, as Chairman and elected 6th District Commissioner Tim Mason as Vice Chairman. During the meeting, several Commissioners praised Commissioner Bill Winters for serving as Vice Chairman. Winter, who did not seek reelection for the post, simply said it was time for him to move on. Winters praised...  Read More

From Local 3 News: U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) backs sending the National Guard to Memphis amid President Trump's efforts to "restore law and order" to cities with high crime rates.“Blue cities like Memphis need all the help they can get to combat violent crime, and I’m grateful for President Trump’s tremendous work to hold leftist officials accountable for putting their own citizens at r...  Read More

From WBBJ: A new study ranks Tennessee among the worst states for fatal hit-and-run crashes.According to 2023 crash data, Tennessee recorded 102 deadly hit-and-run incidents, with 1.4 deaths per 100,000 residents. That means more than 8% of all fatal crashes in the state involved a hit-and-run.The report, from Montana Capital Car Title Loans, ties Tennessee with Arizona for overall risk. Researche...  Read More

From WBIR: As they ponder whether to seek her transfer to adult court, Meigs County prosecutors are asking a judge for more time to finalize health evaluations for a 15-year-old girl accused of killing her father.Ninth Judicial District Attorney General Russell Johnson filed a motion to extend the time in Evalett High's case in Meigs County Juvenile Court. Authorities allege Evalett shot and kille...  Read More

From the Chattanoogan: Lee University Theatre has announced its 2025-26 season, featuring four productions, including one student-directed show. The lineup showcases a range of plays that highlight themes of change and personal growth, offering audiences a season filled with storytelling and diverse theatrical experiences. “This we are featuring plays that center on seasons of change,” said Dr. Ch...  Read More

From Local 3 News: Labor Day Weekend is upon us, and the Transportation Security Administration expects more than 17 million people to travel starting Thursday.Spokesperson for AAA (The American Automobile Association) with ACG (The Auto Club Group) Stephanie Milani says there are three major causes of accidents on the roads - driving too fast, distracted driving, and impaired driving.However, the...  Read More

From the Chattanoogan: Lee University’s Department of Language and Literature will offer English as a Second Language classes to the community through its Center for English Language and Literacy. Literacy classes will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 9, and conversation classes will begin on Thursday, Sept. 11.   CELL will offer five levels of conversation classes for all levels of learners, ranging from ...  Read More

From Local 3 News: Penelope R. Convertino, 22, of Murfreesboro, has been charged with threatening to murder U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office Middle District of Tennessee.The report says Convertino left a violent voicemail at Blackburn’s Nashville office on May 30, intending to intimidate and interfere with the senator’s official duties. She was arrested on Thu...  Read More

From the Chattanooga Times Free Press: Rhea County school officials have denied allegations of bullying and harassment from a former teacher who has filed a federal lawsuit.The suit, filed July 2, claims former first-grade teacher Martha McClendon was harassed and discriminated against because of her medical conditions, including lupus and fibromyalgia.In their response, the school district said h...  Read More

Cleveland City Schools issued a press release yesterday to announce that Blythe-Bower Elementary teacher Laura Stilltrotter has been recognized by the Tennessee Department of Education as the 2025–26 Tennessee Novice Teacher of the Year for the Southeast CORE Region.Stilltrotter was honored recently at the state’s Excellence in Education event in Nashville, where she was one of only eight teachers...  Read More

From Local 3 News: Until now, it was illegal to openly carry a firearm in Tennessee's parks. That has since changed after a court ruling struck down a state law, saying it was unconstitutional.A three-judge panel at the Gibson County Chancery Court struck down two state laws on Friday: a decision that's been more than two years in the making. "They violate the TN constitution. They violate the sec...  Read More

Agents arrest 3 in Cleveland during human trafficking operation-From Local 3 News: Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) agents helped arrest three people in Hamilton County during an undercover human trafficking operation.This operation was focused in the Cleveland area, aimed at rescuing victims of human trafficking and arresting those trying to engage in sexual acts with minors.Authorities ar...  Read More

From TN.gov: The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) will halt all lane closure activity on interstates and state routes for the Labor Day holiday travel period. Construction crews will stop all lane closure activity at noon on Friday, August 29, until 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 2. This will provide maximum roadway capacity for motorists traveling during the Labor Day holiday.“The L...  Read More

From the Chattanoogan: The City of Cleveland announced Tuesday a new initiative to create an official Arts and Entertainment District that will serve as a hub for "cultural expression, community engagement and regional tourism." Officials said, "The City will establish a steering committee of diverse stakeholders – including representatives from local arts organizations, business leaders and commu...  Read More

Cleveland City Schools released a statement about a bus accident that occurred yesterday afternoon. Bus 14, transporting Cleveland Middle School students, was involved in a minor accident.According to the release, no students or the bus driver were injured, and all safety procedures were followed. School officials say every student is safe and accounted for....  Read More

From Local 3 News: Cleveland State Community College recently had a 100% pass rate on the paramedic state practical test.All 15 paramedic students passed this test, and 12 of them have already passed the comprehensive exam. The other three students have their comprehensive exams scheduled in the upcoming weeks. Students must pass both tests in order to earn their Tennessee paramedic license.They m...  Read More

From Local 3 News: The TBI is investigating a man who shot himself as officers were arriving at the Tennessee man's home to arrest him on child porn charges.Norman Douglas Burrell of Meigs County was under investigation by the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit, according to District Attorney General Russell Johnson.The agency had taken out three warrants for sexual exploitation of a min...  Read More

The Cleveland City Council met yesterday.Council recognized Cleveland Police Officer Justin Martin, recently named Tennessee’s Officer of the Year. They also honored Cleveland City Schools for securing new grants to support aviation and welding programs.Council held a public hearing on this year’s Community Development Block Grant funds, which brought more than $360,000 for homebuyer assistance, s...  Read More

The Bradley County Commission met yesterday for a work session.Mayor Gary Davis asked for two resolutions to be considered next week—one for a five-year internet contract with Cleveland Utilities for the recreation department, and another to accept funds from opioid settlements.Commissioners also heard that Relay for Life will be held Saturday, September 20th, from 2 to 9 p.m. at the courthouse sq...  Read More

From Local 3 News: The Polk County Sheriff’s Office says a man was shot in the face and killed on Friday following an argument with his girlfriend over a bag.It happened around 8:30pm in the 200 block of Grassy Creek Road in Copperhill.Investigators say 39-year-old Buell Cody Thomason was found with a shotgun wound to the face at the walkway of the home when they arrived.Through interviews at the ...  Read More

From the Chattanoogan: Lee University has selected Lorinda Roberts, vice president for Student Success, to develop leadership skills and prepare for future executive roles by participating in the Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association Executive Leadership Institute."Now in its ninth year, the nine-month program is recognized for its role in developing next generation of higher...  Read More

From the Chattanoogan: Rhea County’s largest employer, La-Z-Boy, has purchased 40 acres from the City of Dayton for an expansion.The Dayton City Council approved the sale on Friday afternoon for land near Veterans Way and Nokian Tyres Drive. La-Z-Boy currently employs around 1,450 people.Council members also voted to move forward with a media project featuring the city on the PBS program Viewpoint...  Read More

From Local 3 News: UPDATE: The Chattanooga airport has reopened after completing a "thorough terminal sweep" following a call-in bomb threat on Sunday night.Passengers aboard an American Airlines flight from DFW say they were on the tarmac for nearly 2 hours before being able to get off the plane. Since the threat was first reported, the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport said there was "no indicati...  Read More

From TN.gov: Unemployment rates rose in nearly every Tennessee county in July.Ninety-two of 95 counties saw increases from June, while three remained the same.Sevier County recorded the lowest rate at 3.3 percent. Weakley County had the highest at 8.5 percent, a jump of 3.5 points from the month before.State officials say seasonal changes, including school breaks, were a major factor in the rise.I...  Read More

About 600 TVA employees have taken buyouts as part of the federal utility's plan to cut nearly $1 billion in spending by 2026. Departures began in May and will continue through September, a TVA spokesperson confirmed.“As part of our Enterprise Transformation, we have followed a rigorous process to refine TVA’s operating model and design an organizational structure that prioritizes operational exce...  Read More

From Local 3 News: UPDATE: Local and federal authorities are investigating the origin of a call that led to an active shooter response on the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga's campus Thursday.Nobody was injured and nobody was detained during the incident, police say. Another student had a medical emergency, but it was not related.The FBI will be helping local agencies determine the origin o...  Read More

From the Chattanoogan: Rhea County Executive Jim Vincent announced Tuesday that he will not seek re-election.Vincent, who has led the county since 2022, endorsed State Representative Ron Travis of Dayton as his successor.Travis has served in the state legislature for more than a decade and was instrumental in bringing a Tennessee College of Applied Technology to Rhea County.The election will take ...  Read More

From Local 3 News: An Ooltewah resident and race car driver was killed Monday when the single-engine airplane he was flying crashed in a remote area of Southwest Arkansas.Barry Boes, 54, was pronounced dead at the scene about two miles south of the town of Bradley near Arkansas Highway 29, Arkansas State Police said in a news release. The aircraft Boes was flying had departed from Austin, Texas, a...  Read More

From Local 3 News: The District Attorney's Office says foul play isn’t suspected in the death of a man whose remains were found in Meigs County on Monday.DA Russell Johnson says the remains are believed to be that of Monty Ritter and were found during a 'well check' in a remote wooded area off Bowerman Lane in the south end of the county.Johnson says Ritter had not been seen in three to four weeks...  Read More

From WDEF News 12: Blood Assurance is calling on the community to help with an urgent need for blood donations. Supplies have dropped in recent weeks, especially O negative blood. Officials say one donation can save up to three lives. To encourage donors, Blood Assurance is offering a $20 e-gift card through the end of August. Starting in September, donors will receive a 9/11 memorial t-shirt hono...  Read More

From Local 3 News: An overturned dump truck has closed a busy intersection in Bradley County on Tuesday morning. Bradley County EMS crews are working the single-vehicle accident on North lee Highway near the intersection of Walker Valley Road. The driver walked away from the crash with only minor scratches. The road is closed while crews continue clean up. Drivers are asked to take Walker Valley R...  Read More

Officer Jordan Martin with the Cleveland Police Department has been named Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police (TACP) 2025 Officer of the Year. Officer Martin was nominated and selected by the TACP to receive this prestigious award when he saved a 3-year-old boy who was drowning in a creek in SE Bradley County in June....  Read More

The Bradley County Commission met yesterday.During the meeting, Commissioners voted 12 to 1 to reappoint Adam Lewis as Judicial Commissioner. During committee and district reports, Commissioner Scotty Gilbert said constituents near Bates Pike and Minnis Road have been complaining about low water pressure in areas serviced by Ocoee Utilities. The commission also voted 12 to 1 to follow the Finance ...  Read More