Posts with the category “local-news”
Rhea Co. man charged with 2 separate burglaries in May
by Sheridan Gaither on June 5th, 2026
From Local 3 News: A Rhea County man has been arrested and charged with two separate burglaries in May.Deputies charged Michael Jordan Frazier with burglaries that took place on May 11 and May 26.Frazier faces the following charges.Burglary breaking and entering — 2 countsBurglary — 2 countsDestruction/damage/vandalism of propertyTheft of property less than $1,000 — 2 countsVandalism — 2 countsSto... Read More
Bradley County Schools recognized as a Common Sense District
by Sheridan Gaither on June 5th, 2026
Bradley County Schools has been recognized as a Common Sense District.The designation comes from Common Sense, a national nonprofit that promotes digital citizenship and online safety education.The recognition highlights Bradley County Schools’ efforts to teach students responsible technology use, internet safety, privacy protection, media literacy, and cyberbullying awareness.The district has inc... Read More
TDOT says Meigs County bridge still safe to cross despite concerns about widening crack
by Sheridan Gaither on June 5th, 2026
From News Channel 9: Some Meigs County residents are expressing concerns about the condition of the Tri-County Veterans Bridge on Highway 60 between Meigs and Rhea counties.A crack in the bridge deck has drawn attention from drivers after photos circulated on social media.A 2022 TDOT report listed the bridge, which was built in 1995, in poor condition.TDOT says the bridge is inspected every six mo... Read More
Athens City Manager fired following Thursday special session
by Sheridan Gaither on June 5th, 2026
From Local 3 News: Athens City Manager Dr. Randall Dowling has been terminated following a 3-2 vote by the Athens City Council following a special session on Thursday, June 4. The reason for his termination was not specified.The decision came during a pair of council meetings, where members discussed the potential impact a change in city leadership could have on ongoing retail development projects... Read More
Tennessee’s 65th state park dedicated in Meigs County
by Sheridan Gaither on June 4th, 2026
From Local 3 News: Tennessee's 65th state park was dedicated in Meigs County Tuesday.Cherokee Removal Memorial Park is now Cherokee Trail of Tears State Park.Tennessee Rep. Greg Vital posted about the dedication on social media.He was joined by State Sen. J. Adam Lowe and State Rep. Dan Howell as well as members of the Cherokee nation.Vital says the Cherokee Trail of Tears State Park remembers 'th... Read More
Bradley County Jail receives TCI certification following inspection Wednesday
by Sheridan Gaither on June 4th, 2026
The Bradley County Jail has once again received certification from the Tennessee Corrections Institute following its annual inspection.Inspectors conducted an unannounced review of the facility in May and reported no findings. The Tennessee Corrections Institute Board of Control officially certified the jail on June 3.The inspection examined areas including facility operations, sanitation and main... Read More
Rhea Co. girls’ basketball coach indicted on child sex crimes
by Sheridan Gaither on June 4th, 2026
From Local 3 News: A grand jury indicted the Rhea County High School girls’ basketball coach on several child sex crimes.Tracy Vest is charged with:Sexual battery by an authority figure (three counts)Continuous sexual abuse of a childAccording to principal Ansley Massengill, who spoke to us over the phone, Vest is no longer a current employee and was let go “a few months ago.”An indictment obtaine... Read More
Cleveland family pleads for answers after cemetery leaves loved ones’ headstone off grave
by Sheridan Gaither on June 3rd, 2026
From News Channel 9: A Cleveland family says they are seeking answers after a headstone was removed from a gravesite at Sunset Memorial Gardens and has not been returned.The Trippett family says the headstone was moved after a burial in March and cemetery officials told them it would be replaced within two weeks while the ground settled.More than three months later, the family says the marker rema... Read More
Portion of Peerless Road in Cleveland closing today through early August
by Sheridan Gaither on June 3rd, 2026
As a reminder, drivers in Cleveland should plan for a major road closure beginning today, June 3.The City of Cleveland says Peerless Road Northwest will be closed to through traffic starting at 9 a.m. between 25th Street and Maple Drive.The closure is part of infrastructure improvements and is expected to remain in place into early August.... Read More
Despite recent rainfall, TN Valley remains in severe drought, TVA says
by Sheridan Gaither on June 3rd, 2026
From our partners at Local 3 News: UPDATE: Despite recent excessive rainfall across the Tennessee Valley, the region remains in a severe drought, and the effects are still being felt throughout Tennessee's water systems, according to TVA.TVA reports that runoff across the eastern Tennessee Valley is currently the fourth-lowest recorded in 152 years of recordkeeping.While the valley has received an... Read More
City of Athens’ 4th of July celebration to feature fireworks, 600 drones
by Sheridan Gaither on June 2nd, 2026
From Local 3 News: The City of Athens, Tennessee, announced details for its America250 celebration. It will feature fireworks and 600 drones, according to city leaders.To celebrate America’s 250th birthday, Athens will have its first-ever drone show, which it is dubbing the “largest drone show around.”The event will take place July 4 at Athens Regional Park, which Athens officials say will be the ... Read More
Cleveland to close well-traveled road through August for water line, culvert work
by Sheridan Gaither on June 2nd, 2026
Drivers in Cleveland should plan for a major road closure starting Wednesday, June 3rd.Peerless Road Northwest will close to through traffic at 9:00 a.m.The closure will be between 25th Street and Maple Drive.The City of Cleveland says the infrastructure work is expected to last into early August.... Read More
Bradley County Commission meeting recap
by Sheridan Gaither on June 2nd, 2026
Bradley County Mayor Gary Davis presented a $234.4 million county budget last night at the Bradley County Commission meeting.The plan includes no new taxes, no tax increases, and no fee increases.The budget provides a 3% raise for most county employees, 6% raises for fire department employees, and 6% raises plus step or longevity increases for certified law enforcement, jail, and EMS workers.Davis... Read More
More than 85 grams of fentanyl seized in multi-agency investigation in Monroe County
by Sheridan Gaither on June 1st, 2026
From News Channel 9: More than 85 grams of fentanyl, along with methamphetamine and marijuana, were seized during a multi-agency drug investigation in Monroe County.Sheriff Tommy Jones says the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office worked with police departments in Madisonville, Sweetwater and Vonore during the operation near Oak Grove Road.One person was arrested on multiple felony charges. Authorities ... Read More
UPDATE: Autistic teen missing from Cleveland found safe
by Sheridan Gaither on June 1st, 2026
From Local 3 News: UPDATE: The missing autistic teen, Trenton Daniel Martin, was found safe, according to the Cleveland Bradley County Office of Emergency Management.“Great job Bradley County! Trenton has been located and is safe!”Bradley County says if you live in the county and did not receive their text or email notification about the incident and would like to be enrolled, you can sign up on t... Read More
89 Tennessee counties report unemployment rates below 5%
by Sheridan Gaither on May 29th, 2026
From TN.gov: Eighty-nine of Tennessee’s 95 counties reported unemployment rates below five percent in April, according to the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development.Thirty-six counties saw their rates decrease from March, while 32 counties were unchanged, and 27 counties reported increases.Tennessee’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for April was 3.6%.Bradley County’s unempl... Read More
Tennessee designates 30 local schools as 'trauma-informed'
by Sheridan Gaither on May 29th, 2026
From News Channel 9: The Tennessee Department of Education has announced that 176 schools across the state have been selected to become trauma-informed schools.The designation provides schools with training, resources, and ongoing support to help students facing challenges outside the classroom.Local schools receiving the designation include Ingleside Elementary, City Park School, and Westside Ele... Read More
UTC conducts active violence response training across campus today
by Sheridan Gaither on May 29th, 2026
From Local 3 News: The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Department of Public Safety and UTC Police Department will host Active Violence Response Training today, May 29, as part of an advanced law enforcement preparedness course.Officials say the training is developed by UTC public safety personnel and approved by the Tennessee Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission for credit, focus... Read More
No more danger to public after gas leak repaired in Meigs Co.
by Sheridan Gaither on May 29th, 2026
From Local 3 News: Meigs County Emergency Services says a gas leak in the 17000 block of State Highway 58 North that forced officials to tell the public to avoid the area has been resolved.The Decatur Fire Department, Meigs County Emergency Services, and Tennessee Natural Gas worked together to address the situation.“There is no longer any danger to the public, and normal travel can resume in the ... Read More
Open records request reveals 6 emergency calls tied to Amaero plant over 9 months
by Sheridan Gaither on May 28th, 2026
From News Channel 9: Local Bradley County leaders are saying the Amaero manufacturing plant in Cleveland will remain closed while the company addresses ongoing safety concerns following three explosions in less than a month.According to public records, six separate emergency calls have been connected to the facility over the past nine months.The latest incident happened Tuesday at the plant on Inn... Read More
Bradley County Commission meeting recap
by Sheridan Gaither on May 28th, 2026
The Bradley County Commission held a work session Monday night.Commissioner Josh Rogers introduced Hannah Goodson as the new director of the UT Ag Extension Office. Rogers says Goodson will now serve as the county director and Ag and Natural Resources Agent.Officials also announced the Bradley County Cannery will open June 9th.Commissioners discussed a proposed annexation request involving approxi... Read More
Tennessee redistricting lawsuits dismissed, more legal challenges remain
by Sheridan Gaither on May 28th, 2026
From Local 3 News: UPDATE: Two separate lawsuits challenging Tennessee’s redistricting maps have been halted after recent court rulings.A panel of Tennessee state judges dismissed a lawsuit challenging the state’s redistricting plan, while a federal court denied a temporary restraining order sought by Memphis-area voters against the newly drawn maps.Despite the setbacks for challengers, the legal ... Read More
Friday Festivals return to Cleveland
by Sheridan Gaither on May 27th, 2026
From Local 3 News: Friday Festivals are returning to Cleveland this week.There will be free live music performances downtown at 7 p.m. every Friday in June.The series opens with a special bonus concert at First Street Square this Friday, May 29, featuring the Collins Brothers Band.Other performances in June include the Get Happy Jazz Band, Michael Cass and the Ridge Runners, Karen Collins featurin... Read More
ICE releases identities of 8 illegal immigrants detained in Cleveland operation
by Sheridan Gaither on May 27th, 2026
From News Channel 9: Federal immigration officials have released more information about eight people detained during a targeted enforcement operation in Cleveland.ICE says the arrests happened in the Green Drive area while agents were looking for a suspect believed to be in the country illegally.Officials say several people tried to flee as agents approached the area.According to ICE, the eight pe... Read More
TVA wants to meet with local power companies to discuss rate changes
by Sheridan Gaither on May 27th, 2026
From Local 3 News: Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has requested to meet with local power companies to discuss potentially rising rates amid large increase in electricity demand due to an influx of data centers and high-energy industries. That increased demand is placing a strain on the electric grid, and TVA wants to keep its energy reliable and avoid large price hikes for regular customers. TVA... Read More
TOSHA responds to third incident at Amaero plant amid ongoing investigation
by Sheridan Gaither on May 27th, 2026
From Local 3 News: UPDATE: Following the small fire on Tuesday, May 26, at the Amaero plant, Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration (TOSHA) officials say investigations are conducted “as quickly as possible.”According to TOSHA, facilities with multiple incidents may face a more intensive review. Officials also note that, in certain situations, hazards identified during inspections... Read More
CVS to file lawsuit over ‘Fair Rx’ Act in Tennessee
by Sheridan Gaither on May 26th, 2026
From Local 3 News: CVS is planning to file a lawsuit against the state of Tennessee after Gov. Bill Lee signed a bill into law which the company says "puts special interests and local politics ahead of patients."The 'Fair Rx' Act is intended to limit corporations from controlling insurance coverage, among other things, but CVS says the bill will force more than 100 of its locations to close across... Read More
Lee University’s Poole receives the 2026 Excellence In Teaching Award
by Sheridan Gaither on May 26th, 2026
From the Chattanoogan: Lee University professor Dr. Bryan Poole has been named the recipient of this year’s Excellence in Teaching Award.The award was announced during Lee University’s spring commencement ceremony by President Dr. Phil Cook.Dr. Poole is a professor of psychology and director of Lee’s Center for Teaching Excellence and faculty development. University leaders say the award recognize... Read More
TDOT's plan to widen I-24 from Dade County to Chattanooga increases by $300M
by Sheridan Gaither on May 26th, 2026
From Local 3 News: UPDATE: The price tag to fix one of Tennessee’s most congested highway interchanges is continuing to climb, but state transportation leaders say the long-awaited project is still moving forward.The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) is planning major improvements to the Interstate 24 and Highway 27 interchange in Chattanooga, a stretch of roadway officials have descri... Read More
Cleveland City Schools announces leadership changes after Yates principal retires
by Sheridan Gaither on May 26th, 2026
From Local 3 News: Cleveland City Schools announced two new leadership updates within the district following the retirement of the principal of Yates Primary School.Melissa Bishop was hired by the school district back in August 2003. Since then, they say she poured her heart into the students, families, teachers, and staff of the district by serving in several different roles.“From teaching first ... Read More
MainStreet Cleveland earns national accreditation from Main Street America
by Sheridan Gaither on May 22nd, 2026
MainStreet Cleveland has once again earned national accreditation from Main Street America and the Tennessee Main Street program.Cleveland is one of 838 programs nationwide to receive Accredited status, the organization’s highest designation. Across the nation, last year, Main Street America programs generated over $9.4 billion in local reinvestment.MainStreet Cleveland was recognized for strong c... Read More
Unemployment holds steady at 3.6% for third straight month
by Sheridan Gaither on May 22nd, 2026
Tennessee’s unemployment rate remained at 3.6 percent for the third straight month in April, according to the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development.The state’s unemployment rate remains below the national rate of 4.3 percent.Tennessee employers added more than 1,200 nonfarm jobs between March and April, with the largest gains in construction, manufacturing, and food service jobs.... Read More
Brenda Lawson re-elected as president of Cleveland 100
by Sheridan Gaither on May 22nd, 2026
Brenda Lawson has been re-elected president of Cleveland 100, a nonprofit organization that supports families of first responders killed in the line of duty.Lawson was re-elected during a board meeting this week along with Vice President Joe Wilson, Secretary Zandra Welch, and Treasurer Kelvin Bishop.Board members also discussed the group’s annual awards program, with plans for an October event ex... Read More
Tennessee fails to execute Tony Carruthers after IV difficulties. State won't try again for a year
by Sheridan Gaither on May 22nd, 2026
Tennessee officials called off the scheduled execution of death row inmate Tony Carruthers Thursday after medical staff were unable to establish the intravenous lines required for lethal injection.Carruthers was convicted in the 1994 kidnapping and murders of three people in Memphis.According to the Tennessee Department of Corrections, medical personnel spent more than an hour attempting to establ... Read More
CU announces scheduled water maintenance work next week in Harrison Pike
by Sheridan Gaither on May 21st, 2026
Cleveland Utilities announced on social media that water maintenance work is scheduled to begin next week in the Harrison Pike area.Crews will install new water meter endpoint devices, and some customers may experience brief water outages if their meter needs to be replaced.Officials say crews will attempt to notify customers before any temporary interruption in service.The work will take place du... Read More
Bradley Central announces Jody Adams as new Bearettes head basketball coach
by Sheridan Gaither on May 21st, 2026
Bradley Central High School announced yesterday that Jody Adams will serve as the new head basketball coach for the Bradley Central High School Bearette Basketball team.Coach Adams replaces retiring coach Jason Reuter, who served as head coach for 16 years.Adams brings more than 30 years of experience in women’s basketball as a player and coach.She played at Bradley Central from 1987 through 1989 ... Read More
Super Bowl LXIV coming to Nashville in 2030
by Sheridan Gaither on May 21st, 2026
From the Chattanoogan: Tennessee Governor Bill Lee on Wednesday joined the National Football League and Tennessee Titans to celebrate the announcement that Nashville will host Super Bowl LXIV (64) in 2030.The game will mark the first Super Bowl ever hosted in Tennessee.The announcement came during the NFL Spring Meeting after team owners voted unanimously in favor of Nashville hosting the event.Go... Read More
TWRA reminds residents how to handle encounters after bear visits Cleveland Wednesday
by Sheridan Gaither on May 21st, 2026
Bradley County officials issued a warning Wednesday morning after a bear was spotted roaming through the Wildwood area of Cleveland.Photos and videos circulated online showing the bear sitting in a tree as Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency officers monitored the animal.Officials say bears wandering into neighborhoods is common during the late spring and early summer months as young bears search ... Read More
Cleveland City Schools announces 2026 CHS Alumni Hall of Fame class
by Sheridan Gaither on May 20th, 2026
Cleveland City Schools and Cleveland High School have announced the 2026 Cleveland High School Alumni Hall of Fame class.The inductees include Richard Blair, Bethany O’Bannon Bowman, Mike Frazier, Stuart Tasman, and Robert Thompson.School officials say the Hall of Fame honors graduates who have achieved success in their careers while making meaningful contributions through leadership and service.D... Read More
Gov. Lee says he will not stop execution of Memphis man
by Sheridan Gaither on May 20th, 2026
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee says he will not stop the execution of Memphis death row inmate Tony Carruthers.Carruthers is scheduled to be executed May 21st, more than 30 years after being convicted in a triple murder case in Memphis.Lee released a statement Tuesday saying he reviewed the clemency request and would not intervene.Carruthers was convicted in 1996 of killing three people whose bodies ... Read More
