Latest Posts
UTC's MobileMoc bringing free care to Bradley, Polk counties this week
on February 17th, 2026
From Local 3 News: The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) has a free mobile clinic that offers primary care and other services.MobileMoc, a Medical Outreach Clinic, serves the following local counties.BledsoeBradleyGrundyHamiltonPolkMarionMcMinnMeigsRhea Sequatchie UTC describes MobileMoc as "a healthcare initiative by the University of Tennessee Chattanooga designed to bring interprofes... Read More
After failed land swap, McDonald Farm to become new Tennessee state park
on February 16th, 2026
From Local 3 News: A new Tennessee state park is coming to McDonald Farm, according to the Hamilton County Mayor's Office.Governor Bill Lee's proposed state budget includes $45.3 million to help transform more than 1,300 acres of the historic property into the state’s next great state park, Mayor Weston Wamp stated in a release:“Hamilton County has a unique opportunity to both preserve the iconic ... Read More
Man charged with attempted second degree murder after shooting in Charleston
on February 16th, 2026
From News Channel 9: A man has been charged with attempted second-degree murder following a shooting at a home in Charleston last week.Charleston Police say officers responded to a residence on Water Street after reports of a shooting.The suspect, identified as Dakota Dewayne Prueitt, was arrested at the scene.He is being held on a one-million-dollar bond.Police say the investigation is ongoing, a... Read More
UPDATE: Stabbing suspect found in Athens after weeks-long search
on February 16th, 2026
From Local 3 News: UPDATE: An attempted murder suspect is now in custody after a several-weeks-long manhunt in the Athens area.Officers arrested David Rodriguez Cruz on Friday, February 13, after a multi-agency operation within the City of Athens.Police Chief Fred Schultz says his arrest happened "without incident" after officers executed "established tactical and safety procedures." Nobody was in... Read More
Rep. Dan Howell announces site development grant award for Meigs County
on February 13th, 2026
State Representative Dan Howell has announced new funding for Meigs County.Meigs County has been awarded $100,000 through the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s Site Development Grant program.The funding will support due diligence work at the Meigs County Industrial Park.Officials say the Site Development Grant program is part of the Rural Economic Opportunity Act, create... Read More
Lee University names Johnson Director of Community and Church Relations
on February 13th, 2026
Lee University has announced that Dr. Fijoy Johnson has taken on an expanded leadership role.Dr. Johnson is now serving as director of community and church relations.University officials say he has worked at Lee for 20 years in Campus Ministries and University Relations, and has already been actively involved in community engagement efforts.In his expanded role, Dr. Johnson will serve as a liaison... Read More
Allegiant Air begins nonstop route from CHA to Fort Lauderdale
on February 13th, 2026
From Local 3 News: New nonstop service from Chattanooga to Fort Lauderdale is now underway.The Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport says Allegiant Airlines has officially launched direct flights to Fort Lauderdale, Florida.Airport officials say the new route gives local travelers direct access to South Florida and improved connections to dozens of destinations worldwide.... Read More
Bradley County Sheriff's Office warns of local scam
on February 13th, 2026
The Bradley County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about an increase in scam calls from people posing as sheriff’s office employees.Officials say the scammers claim victims have missed jury duty or owe fines and demand immediate payment over the phone.The sheriff’s office says the scammers are spoofing the department’s phone number, making it appear on caller ID that the call is coming direc... Read More
CHS receives $10,000 grant to enhance Tango Flight Program
on February 12th, 2026
Cleveland High School has received a $10,000 grant to enhance its Tango Flight Program.The funding comes from the Bradley Cleveland Public Education Foundation and will support students interested in aviation and aerospace careers.The Tango Flight Program offers hands-on experience in aviation systems, flight operations, and aerospace technology.School officials say the grant will help expand curr... Read More
New Tennessee bill further protects places of worship
on February 12th, 2026
From Local 3 News: "Your civil liberties should not be impeded by other people," says Representative Greg Martin (R) of the 26th District of Tennessee.Federal and state laws against those who disrupt a religious facility already exist. However, Representative Martin says House Bill 2264 would reiterate that.He created this bill after hearing about a situation that happened in another state that he... Read More
Tellico Plains police officer indicted in statutory rape investigation, TBI says
on February 12th, 2026
From Local 3 News: An investigation by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has resulted in the arrest of a now-former Tellico Plains police officer.Back in April 2025, the 10th Judicial District Attorney General Stephen Hatchett requested TBI investigate allegations involving 24-year-old Tellico Plains Police Officer Clayton Foxx.During the investigation, agents learned that Foxx engaged in sexu... Read More
Former Tennessee private school principal has child sex charges reduced, learns sentence
on February 11th, 2026
From News Channel 9: A former McMinn County private school principal has been sentenced in a sexual misconduct case that drew widespread attention.Jason Kennedy, the former principal at Liberty Christian Academy, was sentenced to five years after four charges were reduced to sexual battery.Court records show Kennedy must register as a sex offender for life.The case stems from allegations involving... Read More
UTC students react to new safety app after 2025 false shooter scare
on February 11th, 2026
From Local 3 News: UPDATE: The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) has launched a new campus safety app: Safe@UTC. The new app features quick safety tools for students and staff to feel at ease while on campus.Inside the Safe@UTC app, users have access to campus maps and parking, requests for rides from the UTC Police Department, or requests for monitoring your location when walking. Bret... Read More
Bradley County School Board meeting recap
on February 11th, 2026
The Bradley County School Board met yesterday. Director of Schools Dr. Linda Cash highlighted several district accomplishments:Walker Valley High School held its first mock trial competition. Dr. Cash praised the students and staff and noted support from the District Attorney’s office.The board celebrated Ocoee Middle School Girls Wrestling state qualifiers. Six students placed at state, including... Read More
Cleveland City Council meeting recap
on February 10th, 2026
The Cleveland City Council met yesterday.The council approved a resolution supporting a $25 million federal BUILD grant to help fund the Third Street Connector project. That project is estimated to cost more than $93 million, with federal and state funds expected to cover most of the cost. If awarded, construction could begin within a few years.Other Transportation updates included:Peerless Road w... Read More
Bradley County Commission meeting recap
on February 10th, 2026
The Bradley County Commission met yesterday after several weeks of weather-related cancelations.Bradley County Mayor Gary Davis passed out a resolution for consideration at the next voting session. The resolution seeks approval to apply for a $1 million grant with a 17% county match to fund proposed turf projects at County recreation parks. If approved, the county could hear back on the grant in t... Read More
UPDATE: Missing Athens, TN woman found safe
on February 10th, 2026
From Local 3 News: UPDATE- Karen Martinez, 26, of Athens, Tennessee, has been found safe, police say.PREVIOUS STORY: The Athens, Tennessee, Police Department is searching for Karen Martinez, 26, who has been missing from Athens since late July 2025.Karen suffers from mental health issues, according to family members. She is 5'2", has short, curly black hair, brown eyes, and is blind in one eye, po... Read More
2026 Winter Job Fair to take place Feb. 13
on February 9th, 2026
The Cleveland/Bradley Co. Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the American Job Center and Bradley Square Mall, will host the 2026 Winter Job Fair on Friday, February 13.The event is designed to connect job seekers with employers from manufacturing, nonprofits, and small businesses. Registration and details are available at clevelandchamber.com.... Read More
Cleveland man arrested after armed domestic dispute, standoff
on February 9th, 2026
From Local 3 News: UPDATE: A Cleveland man is in custody after an armed domestic dispute that led to him barricading himself inside a home on Linda Drive SE, according to the Cleveland Police Department.Around 1:00pm on Saturday, February 7, officers say they responded to the scene after a woman called saying she had been in an argument with a man who pulled out a 9mm pistol and threatened to shoo... Read More
Ex-NFL player charged with girlfriend's murder; victim identified
on February 9th, 2026
From Local 3 News: UPDATE: While the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office or coroner has not publicly identified the murder victim whom former NFL player Darron Lee is charged with, a family spokesperson has identified the victim as Gabriella Carvalho Perpétuo. Perpétuo's stepfather issued the following statement: "On behalf of the family of Gabriella Carvalho Perpétuo, who was brutally murdered by Da... Read More
UPDATE: Manhunt continues for suspect in attempted murder after known 'associate' chased through Bradley, Polk Counties
on February 6th, 2026
From Local 3 News: Law enforcement in Polk County, Tennessee, are searching for an armed and dangerous suspect in the Benton area, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.Authorities say David Rodriguez Cruz is wanted in connection with an assault on a law enforcement officer and on murder charges.The sheriff’s office is urging residents in the Parksville and Highway 314 area to stay indoors... Read More
8 students charged after brawl at Cleveland High School
on February 6th, 2026
From Local 3 News: Several students are facing charges after a fight at Cleveland High School on Tuesday, February 3.The Cleveland Police Department tells us the School Resource Officer charged seven students with disorderly conduct and one student with disorderly conduct and aggravated assault since he threw a chair that hit another student.There were no injuries reported to officers.Disciplinary... Read More
Bradley County Fire and Rescue responded to 2 structure fires Wednesday morning
on February 5th, 2026
According to a statement released on social media, Bradley County Fire and Rescue crews had to battle two structure fires at the same time yesterday morning.Bradley County Fire Rescue requested a mutual aid response for additional manpower.Tri-Community VFD, Chattanooga Fire, Athens Fire, and Englewood Fire responded to the scenes.WCLE will keep you up-to-date on additional information as it is re... Read More
Volkswagen, UAW reach contract agreement
on February 5th, 2026
From Local 3 News: The United Auto Workers union and Volkswagen have reached a tentative deal after nearly two years of negotiations.A group pushed to decertify the union last fall following a union vote to authorize a possible strike.The agreement includes:- 20% wage increase- More affordable healthcare - Cost of living adjustments- Protection against outsourcing, job cuts, and favoritism- Enforc... Read More
