From the Cleveland Daily Banner (Read the full story here): A Cleveland man has been arrested by the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office on charges involving a minor.

Thirty-six-year-old Jeffrey Tyler Armstrong is charged with rape, statutory rape by an authority figure, sexual battery by an authority figure, and exploitation of a minor by electronic means.

From Local 3 News: The start of the new school year is less than a month away, and schools in Tennessee can expect some changes.

A slew of new laws took effect in the state on July 1. Several of those will impact Tennessee classrooms. Those changes range from electronics in the classroom to the different content students will be taught.

HB2393 limits screen time in K-5 classrooms. The law is sponsored by Signal Mountain Rep. Michelle Reneau. The law prohibits students in those grades from accessing digital devices at school. It also prohibits teachers from using a digital device to provide instruction to students.

The goal is to focus on teacher-led and paper-based instruction.

However, this does not apply to virtual schools or students with disabilities.

HB1822 also known as the “Charlie Kirk American Heritage Act” requires public schools to teach about the positive impacts of religion on American history.

This includes 19 historical subjects that can be used:

1. The history of the pilgrims
2. The appeals to divine power and protection embedded in the Declaration of Independence
3. The appeal made to the biblical exodus in the fight for independence
4. The religious views of the signers of the Declaration of Independence
5. The influence of religious leaders like Reverend John Witherspoon
6. The impact of the first and second great awakenings on public policy
7. George Washington's direction regarding chaplains in the army
8. George Washington's farewell address
9. Benjamin Franklin's appeal for prayer at the constitutional convention and the hiring of chaplains that followed
10. The influence of religion on the United States Constitution
11. Reverend John Leland's influence
12. The history of the concept of separating church and state
13. The influence and debates of Reverend John Peter Gabriel Muhlenberg and his brother, Frederick Augustus Conrad Muhlenberg
14. The historic role of the Black Robe Regiment
15. The response to The Age of Reason by Thomas Paine
16. The role of the Ten Commandments in shaping American law
17. How religious influences shaped American civil rights and the Civil Rights Movement
18. The impact of religious leaders on the culture of this nation
19. The history of the national motto "In God We Trust”

SB1710 requires Tennessee schools to teach child trafficking awareness and prevention during health classes. This applies to grades kindergarten to 12th.

The law allows for a qualified healthcare professional or social worker to assist in teaching the subject.

SB1716 will expand epinephrine (Epi Pens) in Tennessee schools in the case of a life-threatening allergic or anaphylactic reaction. The law states the school nurse or other trained school personnel may administer epinephrine to students.

However, if a student becomes injured or harmed due to the administration of epinephrine, the school nurse or school employee shall not be held responsible for the injury unless the school nurse or school employee administered the epinephrine with intentional disregard for safety.

From Local 3 News: Tennessee’s sales tax holiday comes around each year before the start of the school year. This year, it’s happening July 31-August 2.

Tax-Free Weekend will begin at 12:01 am on Friday, July 31; it will end at 11:59 pm on Sunday, August 2, 2026.

All clothing, school supplies and computer purchases during this time will be exempt from sales tax. This includes in-store and online purchases.

What’s included?

Clothing
General clothing apparel that costs $100 or less per item is exempt. This can include shirts, pants, socks, shoes, dresses, etc.

Clothing priced at more than $100 is not exempt. Jewelry, handbags, and sports and recreational equipment are not tax-exempt.

School Supplies
School and art supplies priced at $100 or less per item are tax exempt. This includes items like binders, backpacks, crayons, paper, pens, pencils and rulers. It also includes glazes, clay, paints, drawing pads and artist paintbrushes.

Computers
Computers for personal use costing $1,500 or less are tax exempt. This includes laptops and tablets.

Non-exempt items include storage media, such as flash drives or compact discs, individually purchased software, printer supplies and household appliances.

Still curious whether an item will be tax-free? The Tennessee Department of Revenue offers this resource featuring all tax-exempt items.

According to the Bradley County Mayor’s Office, there is no information at this time about a data center near Charleston.

Posts on social media have been circulating about a piece of property near B&B Marina.

According to The Mayor’s Executive Assistant, Adam Lewis, there is no rezoning application, site plan, development proposal, or other official request pending before Bradley County for the property in question.

County officials say they were contacted by a legal representative asking about the zoning and development process for a specific area, but no formal application has been submitted.

Officials say some nearby property owners have been contacted by an entity interested in purchasing land, but Lewis says those are private negotiations and do not involve Bradley County.

If a proposal is submitted in the future, it would go through the county’s public review process, including Planning Commission meetings and, if required, action by the County Commission.

The county also says its recently adopted data center regulations would apply to any qualifying project if an application is ever filed.

Lee University has been named a College of Distinction for the 2026-2027 academic year.

The university also received recognition as a Tennessee College of Distinction and a Christian College of Distinction.

The honor recognizes schools that provide strong teaching, engaged students, a vibrant campus community, and successful outcomes.

Lee also earned additional distinctions in business, education, and nursing.

From Local 3 News: Rhea County Schools will expand its bus transportation services by adding new routes within Dayton city limits.

The school system will implement the new routes in the 2026-2027 school year.

The new service will be offered to K-8 students who attend Rhea County Schools and live within the Dayton city limits, the school system announced on Tuesday, July 7.

“We know that reliable transportation is a top priority for parents, and we are proud to provide this new option to ensure our schools are accessible to all students.”

Those who wish to utilize the new service need to fill out this Transportation Request Information form.

Rhea County Schools says it will announce route details, times and pickup locations closer to the start of the school year.

From the Chattanoogan: Lee University has announced several leadership changes within its Academic Affairs division that took effect July 1.

Dr. Jean Eledge will continue serving as Vice President for Academic Affairs while taking on the role of the university’s Chief Academic Officer.

Dr. Debbie Murray is moving from provost to Senior Ambassador in the Office of the President.

Dr. Shane Griffith has been named Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Dr. Paul DeLaLuz has been appointed Senior Director for Academic Affairs.

University officials say the changes are designed to strengthen academic leadership and support future growth.

From Local 3 News: CommonSpirit Hospital, formerly CHI Memorial, has taken to social media after switching radiology providers, which has caused major delays.

The provider switch has affected appointment availability for certain imaging scans and resulted in longer wait times for others. Patients with impacted upcoming appointments will be contacted.

“We deeply regret any inconvenience this may have caused our patients. We understand that healthcare decisions are deeply personal and critically important, and you deserve timely and clear information.”

The hospital said they are working “around the clock” to restore full services as quickly and safely as possible.

CommonSpirit said they are exploring all avenues, deploying additional resources, and “implementing solutions,” but they did not share further behind-the-scenes details:

“We value your patience and continued trust as we navigate this temporary challenge. Our commitment to this community is absolute; it is, quite simply, our entire reason for being and has been for 75 years. We are here to provide high-quality, compassionate care, and any disruption to that mission weighs heavily on us.

Your trust is paramount to us, and we are committed to earning and maintaining it.”

Previously, the hospital group contracted the Diagnostic Imaging Consultants, a private practice based in Chattanooga.

From News Channel 9: Bradley County Schools students recently had the opportunity to perform the national anthem before an Atlanta Braves game at Truist Park.

Nearly 60 students from Michigan Avenue Elementary and Prospect Elementary sang before the Braves’ game against the New York Mets.

The combined choir, directed by Cara Rogers and Sarah Burris, has now performed at three straight professional baseball venues, including the Tennessee Smokies, Chattanooga Lookouts, and Atlanta Braves.

School leaders say the performance gave students a memorable opportunity to represent Bradley County Schools on a major stage.

From Local 3 News: UPDATE: Bradley County’s mayor will not veto the decision to raise property taxes and provide a pay increase to county employees.

County commissioners voted 9-5 to pass the budget after a meeting of about two and a half hours on June 26. The budget was set to go into effect on July 1, 2026.

Mayor Gary Davis did consider vetoing the budget, and had 10 days to do so, but ultimately decided against it:

“After careful consideration, I have decided that I will not veto the budget and tax rate resolution approved by the county commission on June 26. This has not been an easy decision, and I want to be clear from the beginning: my position on the budget has not changed.”

Homeowners with a house valued at the county's median of $350,000 will pay about $89 more per year in property taxes. It also provides a 15% pay raise for all county employees earning less than $75,000 annually.

The budget brought both criticism and positive feedback during the commission meeting on June 26.

Mayor Davis says he has received “hundreds of texts, emails, and calls” requesting that he veto the budget. Here’s why he didn’t:

“I presented a balanced alternative, I defended it publicly, and I still believe it was the better path. But a veto at this point would not change the outcome. It would only extend the process, prolong the division, and keep this community in conflict when the final result has already been determined.”

In a lengthy statement, the mayor says he will ensure the budget is implemented responsibly and that county dollars are managed carefully.

“I support our county employees. I support our first responders. I also support the taxpayers who fund county government. Those positions are not in conflict, and we should stop treating them as if they are.

Bradley County is one community. We have to move forward as one community.

For that reason, although I continue to believe my original budget proposal was the better and more responsible path, I will not veto the budget and tax rate resolution approved by the county commission on June 26.”

The approved budget will now go into effect.

From Local 3 News: Frozen organic blueberries sold at Publix are under recall because they may be contaminated with Escherichia coli (E. coli).

Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., located in Chile, initiated the recall of 10 oz frozen GreenWise Organic IQF Blueberries.

The recalled blueberries were sold at Publix stores in eight states across the Southeast:

• Alabama
• Florida
• Georgia
• Kentucky
• North Carolina
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Virginia

In a news release, Publix is urging customers to check their freezers for the affected blueberries. They have Lot Code 60401 and a best-by date of February 9, 2028.

Anyone who has purchased the recalled blueberries is encouraged to throw them out.

E. coli can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting. As of July 3, Publix said there had been 12 confirmed cases of sickness between May 11 and June 5.

From Local 3 News: A Dalton man is facing numerous charges after deputies say he shot a gun out of his car following an “altercation” with a passenger on Tuesday, June 30.

According to the Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office, around 8:00pm, deputies responded to a call regarding a domestic dispute inside a car.

The caller said they had been in an altercation with Benjamin Henderson, who was driving.

The suspect reportedly fired a weapon out of the car while in the presence of two kids.

After the incident, deputies located Henderson inside a home on School Street in Dalton.

Deputies obtained a search warrant of the residence, as well as an arrest warrant for him, and went to the home.

The sheriff’s office says he refused to comply with “any lawful orders” to leave the home.

Due to the nature of the original call, law enforcement believed Henderson was still armed, so deputies called for backup from the special response team (SRT).

That crew arrived around 11:50pm, and shortly after, the suspect exited the home to be placed under arrest.

He is now in custody at the Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office Detention Facility.

Henderson is charged with the following:

• Cruelty to children in the first degree
• Discharging a firearm on or near a roadway
• Aggravated assault
• Criminal damage to property
• Possession of a knife or firearm during the commission of a felony
• Reckless conduct

From Local 3 News: A man is facing multiple charges after a joint investigation by the Bradley County Sheriff's Office and the Cleveland Police Department linked him to a series of incidents in which objects were thrown at car windshields.

Christopher James was arrested on June 30 in connection with a series of incidents reported since May in the northeast areas of Bradley County and the City of Cleveland.

Investigators say both agencies received reports of cars’ windshields being hit by objects while traveling through the area.

According to authorities, detectives identified James as the suspect after following up on leads and determining his vehicle matched descriptions provided by victims.

James was taken into custody on Michigan Avenue Road while driving the vehicle investigators believe was involved in the incidents.

He is charged with:

• Vandalism over $2,500
• Vandalism over $1,000
• Reckless endangerment (three counts)

James has a $250,000 bond.

Authorities say nine incidents have been confirmed as part of the investigation.

From Local 3 News: Chattanooga firefighters battled a massive three-alarm apartment fire at the Integra Vistas Apartments in Hixson Sunday afternoon.

Firefighters were called to the complex just after 3:00 p.m. after flames were spotted coming from the Building 188.
 
The department says 21 of Chattanooga’s 27 fire companies responded to the scene. It took crews about 3 hours to gain control of the fire.

No injuries have been reported, but 70 people have been forced from their apartments.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, although neighbors told reporters they believe a lightning strike may have sparked the blaze.

From the TWRA: The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is increasing patrols on the water during the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

TWRA officers will participate in Operation Dry Water from July 3rd through July 5th, a nationwide campaign aimed at stopping impaired boating.

The agency says alcohol or drugs contributed to 38 percent of Tennessee’s 26 boating deaths last year.

Boating under the influence is illegal in Tennessee, and operators with a blood alcohol level of point-zero-eight or higher can face fines, jail time, loss of boating privileges, and boat impoundment.

TWRA also reminds boaters to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket and use an engine cut-off switch while operating a boat.

From News Channel 9: An arrest report has identified the victim in Tuesday’s fatal stabbing in Bradley County.

The victim has been identified as Perry Freeman, who was found with severe stab wounds inside a home on Lowery Street around 3:00 Tuesday morning.

Investigators say Christopher Taylor had been looking for Freeman before going to the home. Witnesses told deputies Taylor left the house shortly after the two were alone together.

Freeman died at the scene.

Deputies searched for Taylor throughout the day before arresting him Tuesday afternoon.

He is charged with second-degree murder and is being held on a one-million-dollar bond.

State records show Taylor was released from prison in November after serving about four years in an unrelated Rutherford County case.

Court documents say Taylor first asked about Freeman at a Pilot gas station before later returning to the Lowery Street home. Witnesses told investigators they heard Freeman yell before Taylor ran from the house, telling someone, “Cops will be here soon.”

Investigators say Freeman suffered multiple stab wounds, and a folding knife believed to be connected to the crime was recovered at the scene.

From Local 3 News: UPDATE: The 18-year-old accused of killing a missing Collegedale man had a preliminary hearing on Wednesday, July 1, where police played his confession to the courtroom.

Last month, Kian Andrew Neal was charged with the murder of 56-year-old Robert Locke after the man was reported missing by his family in late May.

Prosecutors showed the court video from Neal’s interview with Collegedale police after his arrest.

During this interview, Neal originally told detectives that he didn’t know why he was there but that he assumed it was because of “something serious” and asked for a lawyer.

After he requested a lawyer, he changed his mind and stated that he killed Robert Locke because he had learned he was a sex offender and thought it would be cool to “serve justice.”

“I guess I was really angry and I didn’t think about it… I had this weird idea in my head that it would be really cool to serve what I thought was justice, because I felt like it wasn’t being served.”

Neal admitted to detectives that he had been sexually abused as a child and that situation left him “scarred” and “angry” at sex offenders.

He also shared that he decided to harm Locke after searching for sex offenders near him, and he located his profile on the Tennessee sex offender registry that detailed a child molestation charge from 2003.

“I walked through the woods to the back of his house, and I went and killed him with a hammer. He wouldn’t die so I kept hitting him with the hammer.”

He also told police that he used zip ties to choke Locke and a saw to dismember his body.
Neal said he disposed of the items used to commit the crime, as well as Locke’s body, in a dumpster, but police say they have yet to find the victim despite search efforts at the Birchwood Landfill.

A surveillance video from May 23 showed Neal rolling a wagon up to a dumpster. He was then seen opening the door to the dumpster, before struggling to throw two black trash bags into the container.

The court also heard testimony from three of Neal’s acquaintances. Two of them admitted that he confessed to the killing. These witnesses are minors, so we cannot share their identities.

“He had mentioned that the person was someone who did bad things to women. When he told me, he was shaking and felt a lot of remorse.”

Another witness described Neal’s demeanor as “nonchalant” and “calm” as he confessed to the killing.

“[Kian] said he killed Locke because he was a pedophile.”

Judge Curis Bowe then bound the case over to the grand jury.

“Based on the proof that has been submitted… the court concludes that there is probable cause to determine that the offenses identified earlier occurred and that they were committed by Mr. Neal.”

Neal will remain at the Hamilton County Jail until his next court date.


PREVIOUS STORY: A GoFundMe created for the 18-year-old accused by Collegedale Police of murdering a 56-year-old registered sex offender, Robert George Locke, has been shut down.

It comes after the organizer, who claims to be the father of Kian Neal, learned that GoFundMe’s policy does not allow fundraisers involving alleged violent crimes, even if the case is ongoing.

“All donations will be refunded. A heartfelt thank you to all who donated.”

The original fundraiser page, which had a $30,000 goal, said Kian’s family was devastated when he was arrested, saying he “has his whole life ahead of him.”

"Overwhelmed and heartbroken,” the organizer says the family turned to the GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for his attorney fees, court costs, and all other expenses related to his legal defense.

“We want to ensure that Kian has the best possible chance to defend himself and that he receives fair treatment throughout this process.”

Local 3 has reached out to the GoFundMe organizer to confirm more information.

Kian pled not guilty in court last Wednesday.


PREVIOUS STORY: After a two-day search at the Birchwood Landfill for the body of Robert George Locke, Collegedale police say recovery efforts have been concluded following consultation with local and federal partners.

The case remains under active investigation.

Officials also pushed back against ongoing speculation circulating on social media, calling portions of the public discussion “false and misleading.” Investigators said there is no evidence linking Locke to suspect Kian Andrew Neal, and stated Neal told investigators he did not know Locke. Authorities believe the victim was selected at random.

Investigators say evidence continues to align with a confession provided by Neal after he waived his Miranda rights, and they believe the killing was planned and premeditated. They also believe Neal brutally murdered and disposed of Locke’s body.

The Collegedale Police Department acknowledged Locke’s prior criminal history, noting he was convicted in the early 2000s, but emphasized that such a background does not justify violence.

“…We also cannot condone an act of murder regardless of who the victim may be or what they may have done in the past. Our duty is to uphold the law impartially and to ensure that justice is applied equally to all people.”

Neal, through his attorney, entered a plea of not guilty in Collegedale Municipal Court this week. He is next scheduled to appear on July 1, 2026.


PREVIOUS STORY: Kian Andrew Neal, the 18-year-old suspect accused of killing 56-year-old Robert George Locke, has pleaded not guilty.

Neal appeared in court on Wednesday, June 17, to enter a plea. He is charged with:

• Criminal homicide
• Especially aggravated burglary
• Abuse of a corpse
• Tampering with evidence
• Death under suspicious, unusual, or unnatural circumstances

Neal will have a preliminary hearing on July 1 at 3:00pm

Collegedale Police officers and other authorities are searching the Birchwood Landfill, where they believe Locke’s body may be located.

Officers arrested Neal on Friday, June 12, after someone alerted police that Neal admitted to killing “a rapist.” Locke was convicted of child molestation in 2003, according to the Tennessee Sex Offender Registry.

The Collegedale Police Department released a statement on social media, emphasizing their commitment to conducting a “fair and unbiased investigation.”

“The Collegedale Police Department continues its investigation into the murder of Robert George Locke. Based on the recovery of evidence and statements made by the suspect, Kian Andrew Newal, Collegedale detectives believe that Mr. Locke’s body may be located inside the Birchwood Landfill. The Collegedale Police Department, along with several partnering agencies, are actively conducting a search inside the landfill in an effort to recover Locke’s remains.

The Collegedale Police Department remains committed to conducting a fair and unbiased investigation. Our goal is to bring closure to Mr. Locke’s family and ensure that every aspect of this unspeakably brutal murder is thoroughly investigated.

The Collegedale Police Department would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, Hamilton County EMS, Hamilton County Emergency Management Agency, as well as the Highway 58 and Chattanooga Fire Departments for their assistance and support during this recovery effort.”


PREVIOUS STORY: Investigators with the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office and the Collegedale Police Department were searching a section of the Birchwood landfill Wednesday after their investigation led them to suspect that the body of a 56-year-old man may be there.

Earlier in the investigation, detectives found traces of missing 56-year-old Robert George Locke’s DNA in Kian Andrew Neal’s vehicle.

Neal gave police statements that indicated that Locke’s body, along with other evidence, may be in the landfill, according to Collegedale Asst. Police Chief Jamie Heath, who spoke with Local 3 News Wednesday.


PREVIOUS STORY: Detectives with the Collegedale Police Department connected the disappearance of a 56-year-old man to an 18-year-old, who now faces several charges, including criminal homicide.

Detectives found traces of missing 56-year-old Robert George Locke’s DNA in Kian Andrew Neal’s vehicle, according to an affidavit from Collegedale Police.

Police said that on June 9, someone reported that Neal “had told her that he had killed someone, but they were a rapist and missing, and that he disposed of the body,” the affidavit stated.

Detectives then ran a search on Neal to find that he had crashed his vehicle just 2.5 miles from Locke’s home on May 22.

Neal told the deputy on scene that he fell asleep at the wheel and drove into a ditch. The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office brought the vehicle in for a search; it had been at a tow yard since the crash.

Authorities found Locke’s DNA in several areas of the vehicle, along with a knife, pillow and sawhorses. On June 12, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation confirmed blood to be on one of the items from the vehicle.

Collegedale Police arrested Neal on Friday, June 12.

He is charged with:

• Criminal homicide
• Especially aggravated burglary
• Abuse of a corpse
• Tampering with evidence
• Death under suspicious, unusual, or unnatural circumstances

As of Monday, June 15, it is currently unclear whether or not police have located Locke’s body.

Neal is in custody and scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.


PREVIOUS STORY: The Collegedale Police Department says its detectives arrested a man connected to the killing of 56-year-old Robert George Locke, who went missing in late May.

A release from the agency says family members reported Locke missing on May 24, three days after they had last seen or heard from him.

The following week, Hamilton, Rhea, and Bradley County agencies conducted search efforts using specialized technology and K9 units to develop a timeline of Locke’s last-known movements.

As the investigation continued, detectives say they found “several indicators” that the man’s disappearance was suspicious:

“Search efforts were expanded, and forensic analysis was initiated to support the growing body of evidence.”

Weeks later, police arrested 18-year-old Kian Andrew Neal on Friday, June 12. It’s currently unclear what led them to Neal, but he now faces the following charges:

• Criminal homicide
• Especially aggravated burglary
• Abuse of corpse
• Tampering with evidence
• Death under suspicious, unusual, or unnatural circumstances

Neal is in the Hamilton County Jail on bonds totaling $1.2 million.

According to the Tennessee Sex Offender Registry, the victim, Locke, was a registered sex offender. He was convicted of child molestation in 2003.

“Our department is committed to pursuing the truth in every case, and this investigation reflects the tireless efforts of our officers and our partnering agencies,” Chief Jack Sapp stated. “We extend our condolences to the family of Mr. Locke, and we appreciate the partnership of all agencies who assisted in bringing this case to a resolution.”

Online court records show that the teen was facing a separate traffic charge and was due in court in late July.

We are working to learn more about this case.

From Local 3 News: We have made it to July! While hot weather is expected this time of year, this prolonged stretch of heat is increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses after several consecutive days of temperatures well above average.
This afternoon, highs will climb into the upper 90s, with heat index values reaching the triple digits again for many communities. An Extreme Heat Warning remains in effect through this evening for our northeast Alabama counties, while a Heat Advisory continues through today for our northwest Georgia counties. Across southeast Tennessee and western North Carolina, the Heat Advisory remains in effect through Friday. Some of these alerts could be extended into the weekend if the dangerous heat persists.

A strong ridge of high pressure will keep most communities dry today. However, we can't rule out an isolated shower this afternoon, mainly across the higher terrain and southern counties. We are placed under a level 1/5 Marginal risk for severe weather, which could bring localized gusty winds and heavy downpours if you experience a storm, but most will remain dry. Looking ahead to Independence Day, expect the dangerous heat to continue through Friday with only isolated afternoon storm chances. Rain coverage should gradually increase over the weekend as the ridge weakens, bringing slightly cooler temperatures by Sunday.

Local hospitals are asking for blood donors as supplies remain critically low heading into the July Fourth holiday.

Blood Assurance says donations are being used faster than they are coming in, with recent supplies dropping below a one-day inventory.

Anyone who donates through July 7 will receive a $40 electronic gift card, and eligible Type O Hero Club donors can earn additional incentives.

Blood Assurance says all blood types are needed to help meet the needs of local hospitals during the busy holiday period.

From Local 3 News: UPDATE: Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp announced a one-year moratorium on data centers in the county's rural areas Tuesday, saying officials need time to plan intentionally before allowing the facilities to move in.

Wamp said that the pause will give the county time to study the technology and make sure data centers aren't a “technological fad.”

Over the next year, Wamp said the county plans to meet with utility providers and the community to talk through concerns about power and water demand. He said the goal is to be proactive rather than reactive.

"It doesn't feel right to me that in a rush to build data centers all over America, we should ruin a beautiful, rural part of Hamilton County," Wamp said. Wamp said the county wants to learn from other communities that moved too quickly on similar projects, mentioning Nashville several times.

Wamp pointed to growing frustration among residents in the county's rural areas, where he said people often feel their voices haven't been heard.

"I'd rather these data centers not come to Hamilton County," Wamp said. “We think they need to go in rural Alabama."

"We need to play chess rather than checkers," Dist. 9 Commissioner Dr. Steve Highlander said, adding that he wants to avoid inflationary costs or water quality issues. He said he's hoping for a non-partisan perspective on the issue over the next year.

"Parts that have been rural for 200-plus years should remain rural," Wamp said.

The moratorium will not affect a small data center already approved for the former Hamilton County Jail building, which sits within Chattanooga city limits. Wamp described the project as a basement space and said it's too small to cause a major impact in the area.

The latest proposal in the approved Jailhouse Studios redevelopment plan caps the included data center at 12,000 square feet.

Local 3 also reached out to Mayor Wamp’s opponent in the mayoral race, Mark Herndon, for his stance on data centers.

Herndon said, in part, “While I applaud Mayor Wamp for taking a step in the right direction in support of a temporary data center moratorium, a one-year moratorium falls short. This is a politically advantageous thing to announce during a re-election campaign, but it is simply kicking the can down the street.”

He added that he supports longer-term moratoriums to allow time for what he called “full due diligence,” warning that development could cause irreversible environmental harm.
Herndon also called for greater transparency, independent economic and environmental reviews, limits on incentives, and stronger conflict-of-interest safeguards in future data center decisions.

He concluded that while he supports guardrails and accountability, he believes a longer runway than one year is necessary to fully address community concerns.

Wamp will present the moratorium proposal to Hamilton County Commissioners tomorrow, Wednesday, July 1.


PREVIOUS STORY: Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp is expected to make an announcement on Tuesday morning regarding data centers in rural Hamilton County.

Commissioner Steve Highlander of District 9 will be joining Wamp. District 9 contains most of Harrison and Birchwood, bordering Collegedale.

Local 3 News will livestream the announcement, starting at 10:00am.

UPDATE: The Bradley County Sheriff’s Office tells Local 3 News that the homicide suspect was arrested around 3:30pm on Tuesday afternoon.

Christopher John Taylor was arrested on a second-degree murder charge on Lowery Street, where a man was found dead overnight.

Taylor is being held without bond, according to the Sheriff's Office.


PREVIOUS STORY: A homicide suspect has been identified in Bradley County after a man was found dead in a home on Lowery Street overnight Tuesday.

Detectives are looking for suspect Christopher John Taylor, who has a warrant for second-degree murder.

Taylor is 6'1", weighs 175 pounds, and has brown hair and eyes. He was last seen wearing an orange shirt over a white tank top, black shorts, and black shoes.

Deputies say Taylor is considered armed and dangerous. Anyone who sees him should not approach him, but call 911 immediately.


PREVIOUS STORY: A homicide is being investigated early Tuesday morning in Bradley County, TN.

Deputies first arrived to Lowery Street NE to a reported assault at a home. Before they arrived, deputies were told the suspect fled the scene.

An adult victim was found inside the home with a “severe injury" and was later pronounced dead on the scene.

Detectives say witnesses were present and are currently being interviewed as the investigation continues.

The Bradley County Sheriff’s Office says no arrests have been made. No identities of those involved will be released during the ongoing investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff’s department at 423-728-7336.

Don’t miss the 4th of July Fireworks in Cleveland!

The annual Independence Day fireworks show will be held Saturday night at Bradley Square Mall.

Mall entrances will be open from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., with the professional fireworks display scheduled to begin around 9:15 p.m.

The show is presented by Mt. Olive Ministries and sponsored by Cleveland Ford and the City of Cleveland.

Listeners can tune in to Mix 104.1 for a synchronized music presentation during the fireworks.

Officials say the road behind Bradley Place will be closed before and after the show. The best viewing and parking area will be on the east side of the mall parking lot.

As temperatures climb this week, officials are reminding everyone to stay safe in the extreme heat.

Drink plenty of water, limit outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, wear lightweight clothing, and take breaks in the shade or air conditioning.

Residents are also encouraged to check on elderly neighbors, family members, and others who may be vulnerable to the heat, and don’t forget to make sure pets have plenty of fresh water and a cool place to rest.

From the Chattanoogan: The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children says reports of financial sextortion targeting children continue to rise.

More than 50,000 reports have been received nationwide so far in 2026, compared to more than 36,000 during all of 2025.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation says its Internet Crimes Against Children Squad is currently working to identify and locate more than 150 child victims across the state.

Investigators say offenders often pressure victims to send money by threatening to share private images and frequently move conversations to encrypted messaging apps.

The TBI urges parents to talk with their children about sextortion before it happens and reminds victims to tell a trusted adult immediately and never pay a blackmailer.

From Local 3 News: Hamilton County Sheriff's Office deputies arrested a wanted suspect Sunday, June 28, after using a drone to help locate him in a wooded area in Meigs County.

According to the sheriff's office, deputies searched for Thurman Massengale, wanted on multiple felony warrants, on Shahan Lane when they deployed a drone over the area where he was hiding. The drone helped direct deputies on foot to Massengale, who was taken into custody.

During the search, deputies also arrested another man who had active warrants out of Meigs County, who has not been identified yet.

No additional details have been released.