The Bradley County Commission met yesterday.The Commission approved a resolution to move $110,897 in ARP funds from Ocoee Utilities to the Hiwassee Utility Commission for a water project. Ocoee Utilities was unable to use the funds, and the reallocation avoids restarting the funding process. The vote passed 12-0.Commissioners also approved reappointments to the Employee Safety Committee, including...  Read More

From News Channel 9: Some state lawmakers want to expand Tennessee's school voucher program amid what they describe as a rise in demand.The Tennessee Department of Education says they've received more than 50,000 applications so far after less than a week of availability.For context, House Speaker Cameron Sexton says 40,000 students applied last year. The state awarded scholarships to half of them...  Read More

From the Chattanoogan: Tennessee revenues exceeded budgeted estimates for the month of December. Department of Finance and Administration Commissioner Jim Bryson on Friday reported that total December tax revenues were $2 billion, $82.7 million more than the budgeted estimate and $116.5 million more than December 2024. The total tax growth rate for the month was 6.09 percent.General fund revenues ...  Read More

From Local 3 News: UPDATE: Cash, credit, and debit cards, backpacks, and a laptop were stolen in a spree of auto-burglaries.Unlocked vehicles in the Font Gate neighborhood in Ooltewah were targeted.In an affidavit obtained by Local 3 News, it reads that 24-year-old Khalil Sivels and his Black Acura were seen on security footage using stolen cards at multiple gas stations.Sivels spent over $70 on t...  Read More

Bradley Medical Center and Erlanger Health have signed a Letter of Intent to explore a partnership to expand pediatric emergency services.Bradley Medical Center says the goal is to strengthen ties with the Children’s Hospital at Erlanger and improve access to local care for families in Bradley and Polk Counties.The initiative could also lead to reopening 10 ER beds at Bradley Medical’s Westside ca...  Read More

Crews responded to a two-vehicle crash on I-75 southbound near mile marker 29 on Sunday.A pickup truck with a single adult occupant and an SUV carrying three passengers collided while traveling southbound, causing both vehicles to roll multiple times. The SUV came to rest on its top.Multiple agencies responded alongside Bradley County EMS, and the interstate was closed briefly to allow crews to sa...  Read More

Multiple agencies responded to a two-vehicle crash on Paul Huff Parkway in front of Lowe’s on Saturday. One vehicle landed on its side, trapping two adults inside the vehicle.Cleveland Fire crews were able to safely free them, and all individuals involved walked away without injuries.Officials say every person involved in the accident was wearing a seatbelt, which they say made a difference in the...  Read More

From Local 3 News: A home in Charleston, Tennessee is a complete loss after a fire Saturday afternoon, January 17. Crews responded to the scene just after 1:00pm, finding the home completely fully involved, with nothing left to save.Bradley County Fire and Rescue thanked all who responded to the scene:"Busy day today, and we’re incredibly thankful for our crews—both paid and volunteer—who stepped ...  Read More

The City of Cleveland has announced that federally required pipeline maintenance under Mouse Creek Road will begin this week.There are no safety issues, but the work is mandated by the Pipeline and the Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, and it must be completed by the end of January.Drivers can expect temporary lane closures and detour signage in the area....  Read More

Bradley County Mayor Gary Davis delivered his annual State of the County address on Thursday.Mayor Davis reported an $11.4 million increase in the county’s net position and praised the finance department for receiving a clean audit with no findings. He said the county continues to operate with a strong 26% fund balance, well above the required 15%.He noted the county’s Double-A bond rating and hig...  Read More

From News Channel 9: A Bradley County homeowner says several animals are dead following a large fire at her barn on Thursday.Bradley County fire officials tell us the barn is a total loss.Bradley County EMS spokesman Adam Lewis says the barn was an old chicken house that had been renovated to house and care for animals.The woman who owns the barn says seven dogs and two cats have died.Investigator...  Read More

From Local 3 News: United Airlines is slated to start temporarily offering flights from Chattanooga to Denver this summer.The Chattanooga Airport announced the seasonal expansion on Thursday, January 15.United will have flights every Saturday starting May 23, 2026 and ending October 24, 2026.The new route, flown on an Embraer E-175 regional jet, offers Chattanooga another major gateway to the west...  Read More

From Local 3 News: In recognition of Dolly Parton's 80th birthday, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has proclaimed Dolly Parton Day for January 19, 2026.Parton was born in Sevier County, TN, on January 19, 1946.As a Tennessee native, she has brought pride to the state with her numerous accomplishments as a singer, songwriter, musician, actress, producer, and entrepreneur. "Dolly Patton's generosity, hu...  Read More

From News Channel 9: Tennessee voters may soon decide whether to permanently ban the state from ever imposing a property tax.Tennessee hasn’t collected a state property tax since 1946, but the authority to do so still exists in the state constitution.A proposed constitutional amendment would eliminate that authority. It’s set to appear on the ballot in the November 2026 gubernatorial election.Supp...  Read More

From TN.gov: The 35th Tennessee Sandhill Crane Festival will be held Saturday and Sunday, January 17 and 18, in Birchwood.The event runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day and takes place at the Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge, Cherokee Removal Memorial Park, and Birchwood Community Center.Free shuttle service will run from the Birchwood Community Center to the festival sites, with parking available at Birch...  Read More

From Local 3 News: Human remains were found near Etowah on Tuesday, according to McMinn County Sheriff Joe Guy.The remains were found around 11:30am in a wooded area near the Parkstown Community. "The discovery may resolve a case of a local man who had recently left his home in the area and had not returned," Sheriff Guy said.However, the sheriff adds that the remains will be tested to for positiv...  Read More

From Local 3 News: McMinn County High School was placed on a temporary lockdown on Tuesday, January 13, following a "concerning comment" made by a student that turned out not to be a credible threat, school officials say.The comment was immediately reported to the school administration and investigated by the McMinn County Sheriff’s Department, the Tennessee Highway Patrol, and the McMinn Schools ...  Read More

One person was injured after a small plane crashed in Polk County on Tuesday, January 13, Sheriff Steve Ross says.The crash happened on Cookson Creek Road. According to Sheriff Ross, the pilot suffered minor injuries.The name of the pilot has not been released....  Read More

The Cleveland City School Board met on Monday.The board approved its FY 2027 budget calendar with a minor change allowing members to receive the budget draft earlier, giving more time to prepare for the spring retreat discussion.Director of Schools Dr. Russell Dyer shared updates from December, including performances by students, a community “Cocoa with Santa” event, and the annual Empty Stocking ...  Read More

A virtual public forum will be held on January 14 for the search process to find the next president of Cleveland State Community College.The forum will be held via Zoom at 10 a.m. Eastern. An 18-member search advisory committee has been appointed, including members of the Board of Regents, Cleveland State faculty, students, alumni, and local business and community leaders.The committee will review...  Read More

The Cleveland City Council met yesterday. Council members approved several major zoning changes. They approved a request to annex and rezone more than 92 acres along Pleasant Grove Road for a residential development. A zoning change was also approved on Baldwin Street NE for the Cleveland Church of Evangelical Faith to use nearly 3 acres for a storage building.Two more annexation and rezoning requ...  Read More

The Bradley County Commission met Monday afternoon for a work session. Bradley County Mayor, Gary D. Davis, introduced representatives from the Southeast Tennessee Development District to hold a public hearing and explain the process for applying for Community Development Block Grants. These grants, funded through the U.S.Department of Housing and Urban Development, provide up to $1 million for co...  Read More

From TN.gov: Tennessee’s unemployment rate dropped slightly in November.The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development reports the statewide unemployment rate fell to 3.6%, down a tenth of a point from the previous month.Over the month, Tennessee added 7,600 nonfarm jobs, with the biggest gains in education, health services, and administrative support sectors. In a year-over-year comp...  Read More

From Local 3 News: Chicago-based IB Parks & Entertainment announced on Friday, January 9 it has acquired the rights to operate Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park.The move is being called a "long-term commitment," and begins with the 2026 season, according to a release from the family-oriented theme parks and attractions operator. The founding family still owns the park.Lake Winnie re-opens on Frida...  Read More