From the Chattanoogan: A group of investors led by Chattanooga businessman and media specialist Craig Fuller is planning to buy the Chattanooga Times Free Press newspaper from its Arkansas owners, sources say.

The Hussman family, of Little Rock, has been shopping the newspaper that dates back to 1869 and was once headed by newspaper giant Adolph Ochs when he was a young man.
Eliza Hussman Gaines, the current Times Free Press publisher, said in a Rotary speech in April that newspapers are vanishing, and the family's WEHCO group was selling them, not buying new ones. She indicated that one option to keep a newspaper in Chattanooga was to go to a non-profit setup. Another, she said, was to launch community fund drives in support of the paper.

Her father, Walter Hussman, at the time that print newspapers were beginning to struggle, bought the morning Chattanooga Times and then the afternoon Chattanooga News-Free Press. He then combined them into one morning paper in 1999.

The deal would not include the newspaper property on E. 11th Street, it was stated. The News-Free Press, that was long headed by Roy McDonald, operated at that location, which at one time was the Davenport Hosiery Mill.

It is expected the operation would be headed by Ellis Smith, who was a Times Free Press reporter prior to joining the administration of Mayor Tim Kelly. Mr. Smith announced this week that he was leaving the mayor's office.

He said at the time, "While I may be leaving city government, I'll continue to serve the community in other ways."

At one time Mr. Smith was the general manager for the Burlington Hawk Eye newspaper in Iowa.

Since the 11th Street property that would not be part of the deal includes a large printing press, it is expected the new operation would be online only.

The Times Free Press currently prints only on Sundays. There is a "pay wall" on its website. The newspaper has struggled to gain online subscriptions. A competitor, Chattanoogan.com, is free to the reader.

There would likely be reductions in force at the newspaper, which is already slimmed way down from the levels at the time of the merger.

Under the Hussman family, the paper has included separate editorials from the right and the left - the only newspaper to do so. That could change, it was expected.

Mr. Fuller and Mr. Smith did not return emails asking for comment.

Craig Fuller's online bio says, "I am a founder and media executive that founded FreightWaves, the leading provider of high-frequency global supply chain market intelligence.

"I speak on supply chain issues across the globe and am a frequent guest on Bloomberg, CNBC, Fox, and other major networks.

"I am also the CEO of FLYING Media Group, a holding company behind a number of major aviation media brands, including FLYING Magazine, Plane & Pilot, Business Air, Aircraft for Sale, and a few others.

"I have two real estate projects that I am developing, a 1500-acre fly-in luxury resort in East Tennessee and a luxury aviation townhouse community also in Tennessee.

"I am an active startup investor with more than 30 early-stage investments.

"I am a private pilot and fly an ICON A5, Bristell 915, Tecnam Astore, and Cirrus Vision Jet (soon!).

"I have a BBA from Baylor University. I reside in Chattanooga, TN with my wife and five kids."

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” allows 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.

The Cleveland Police Department is investigating a fatal crash that happened Tuesday afternoon on Stuart Road.

Officers responded around 1:40 p.m. to the intersection of Stuart Road and Hardwick Farms Parkway for a two-vehicle crash.

Investigators say a Honda Accord was turning left onto Hardwick Farms Parkway when it pulled into the path of an oncoming Nissan Maxima.

The driver of the Honda, 95-year-old James Cable, was taken to Bradley Medical Center, where he later died.

The driver of the Nissan, 20-year-old Cynthia Toombs, was not injured.

The Cleveland Police Department’s Crash Response Team continues to investigate the crash.

UPDATE: A missing Bradley County teenager has been found safe.

The Bradley County Sheriff’s Office says 13-year-old Makenna Parris has been located.

She had been reported missing after being identified as a runaway from the Michigan Avenue area on July 24.



From Local 3 News: The Bradley County Sheriff's Office is asking for help finding a missing teenager.

Makenna Parris, 13, was reported as a runaway from the Michigan Ave. area on Friday, July 24th.

She is 5'1" and weighs 105 pounds.

She was last seen wearing a white long-sleeved shirt and black shorts and carrying a white handbag.

If you've seen her or know where she may be, call the Bradley County Sheriff's Office at 423-728-7311.

From Local 3 News: The American Red Cross has declared a “national blood crisis” and is asking the public to donate.

Summer blood donations have fallen to a four-year low, the organization said in a news release.

The Red Cross needs all blood types, especially type O. The organization has less than a one-day supply of type O blood.

The Red Cross will gift all who donate by July 31 a Fandango movie ticket of up to $15.

Those who donate between August 1 and August 31 will receive a $20 Amazon gift card.

To make an appointment to give blood, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-733-2767.

“This summer has brought a number of unique challenges that have placed additional strain on our blood supply, creating growing concerns for hospitals and the patients who rely on lifesaving transfusions,” said Paul Sullivan, senior vice president of donor services for the Red Cross. “If just three more donors gave at each blood drive this summer, we could help the blood supply rebound and ensure hospitals have the blood products they need throughout the remainder of the season.”

From Local 3 News: The Polk County Sheriff’s Office in Tennessee has been approved for a $750,000 grant to purchase new vehicles.

The Byrne Discretionary Community Project Grant will help the sheriff’s office purchase new SUVs and trucks to patrol rougher terrain.

The sheriff’s office calls the grant a “big step,” and says purchasing new vehicles is “always a strain.”

Polk County Sheriff Steve Ross credits Congressman Chuck Fleischmann and his staff for helping ensure they received the grant.

The Bradley County Commission met yesterday for a work session.

County Mayor D. Gary Davis said a resolution will be added to next week’s agenda to renew the county’s inmate healthcare contract at the Justice Center.  

The proposed agreement would keep the current provider at a cost of about $1.78 million.

Commissioner Mike Hughes has asked City Mayor Kevin Brooks to schedule a meeting of the joint city and county fire response committee as soon as possible.

Hughes was the only commissioner who voted against a city annexation plan on Dalton Pike last week. Hughes questioned leaders on the plan for fire coverage and ultimately voted against the annexation plan because of those concerns.
 
The next Bradley County Commission voting session is Monday, August 3rd, at 7:00 p.m.

According to the Tennessee Secretary of State’s Office, 3,209 people have cast a ballot during early voting in Bradley County.

Although that number is ahead of voting totals at this point in early voting when compared to the statewide primary of 2022, it is still only about 4% of eligible voters.
 
As a reminder, early voting runs through August 1st.

In Bradley County, voters may cast ballots at the Bradley County Election Office on Broad Street, the OCI building on Urbane Road, the Northeast Recreation Center on Berry Street, or the Bradley County Fire-Rescue Training Center on Dalton Pike.
 
Hours are Monday-Friday 9:00 am- 6:00 pm and Saturdays 9:00 am- 4:00 pm.

Cleveland City Schools will host its Back to School Bash today, July 27, from 3:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the Denning Center.

Families can pick up backpacks and school supplies while enjoying food trucks, door prizes, and the new Storybook Trail.

The Raider Reading Roadshow will also be there, giving students the chance to choose a free book before the new school year begins.

The Cleveland City Council has approved the use of eminent domain to support Cleveland Utilities in acquiring Volunteer Energy Cooperative facilities and service rights on two parcels along Dry Valley Road.

Cleveland Utilities says the move is needed to provide electric service to property that has been annexed into the city.

VEC disagrees with Cleveland Utilities’ interpretation of state law, and the issue is expected to be decided by the courts.

If the transfer moves forward, state law requires Cleveland Utilities to compensate Volunteer Energy for the value of the facilities and 10 years of projected revenue from those customers.

From News Channel 9: A person was seriously injured after becoming trapped beneath a mini-excavator in Rhea County on Friday afternoon.

The accident happened off Watts Bar Highway, where first responders found the victim pinned beneath the machine’s roll cage.

Rescue efforts were made more difficult by recent rainfall and the rough terrain.

Multiple agencies worked together to free the victim, who was taken by ambulance before being flown by UT LifeStar to a regional trauma center.

Officials say the rescue highlights the importance of teamwork among local emergency responders.

A special-called meeting of the Cleveland City Council has been scheduled for this afternoon.

The meeting will begin at 2:30 p.m. at the Cleveland Municipal Building.

Council members will consider a resolution supporting the Cleveland Utilities' proposed acquisition of Volunteer Energy Cooperative’s electric utility facilities and service rights for two parcels along Dry Valley Road by eminent domain.
 
Tune in to MixTV.TV to watch the meeting live or stream it later. 

Bradley County Schools is celebrating statewide recognition!

Patrick Spangler and Dr. Elizabeth Kaylor have been named regional finalists for the 2026-27 Tennessee Principal of the Year and Tennessee Supervisor of the Year awards.

School officials say the recognition honors their leadership, dedication to students, and commitment to excellence in Bradley County Schools.

Both will now represent the district at the state level.

From Local 3 News: The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a missing 15-year-old who may be a runaway.

Bailey Yarbrough was last seen leaving her home in Sweetwater around 4:40 Thursday morning. Authorities say she got into a blue Ford Focus traveling toward Loudon County.

She is described as 5-foot-7, about 125 pounds, with dark hair and blue streaks. She was last seen wearing a gray tank top, pink shorts and boots.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

From Local 3 News: Erlanger could join forces with Prisma Health in a $2 billion partnership investment.

“It'll be transformative for Erlanger. It will change the way healthcare is delivered in this city, like Chattanooga has never seen,” said Jim Coleman, president and CEO of Erlanger Health.

Erlanger officials say the decision comes after nearly a year-long search for the right partner.

The board wasn't simply looking for financial backing; it wanted an organization with a similar mission, one committed to serving every patient regardless of their ability to pay.

“We were looking more for a cultural fit. Who was like Erlanger, served a population like we serve, have the mission we have to care for the entire community, regardless of payer, and they fit the mold and checked all the boxes,” said Coleman.

If approved, the partnership would fund projects such as expanding urgent care centers, outpatient surgery facilities and imaging centers, while also making improvements at Erlanger East and Baroness Hospital.

Prisma Health CEO Mark O'Halla says bringing care closer to where people live is one of the biggest priorities.

“Expanding urgent care, ambulatory surgery centers, freestanding imaging centers to get out, actually away from hospital campuses, so that we can make access to services easier for the community to get to, and frankly less costly,” said O’Halla.

Patients won't see any immediate changes.

The Erlanger name will remain, current employees and medical staff will stay put, and critical services like the level one trauma center, children's hospital and transplant program would stay the same.

But for frontline staff, the biggest difference could be behind the scenes.

“Patients should not notice anything, but higher quality equipment, more supplies… This partnership has the ability to give us that equipment that will help us take better care of patients than we already do,” said Emma Willis, clinical nurse manager at Erlanger.

After the agreement is signed, Erlanger will be a wholly owned subsidiary of Prisma, meaning Prisma will act as Erlanger’s parent company, but Erlanger's name and operations will remain the same.

Until then, it's business as usual.

Both health systems will spend the next 120 days getting the agreement finalized.

From Local 3 News: UPDATE: Two missing Bradley County girls are safe after a year of being declared missing by the sheriff’s office and Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

Greigh Short and Madison Scoggins—8 and 15 at the time of their disappearance—were taken by their mother Jhovana Short to Canada, according to a release from the sheriff’s office.

The family later returned to the area in anticipation of “potential upcoming civil court proceedings," which is where officials took Short into custody for contempt of court.

The two girls are safe and currently with other family members. TBI has marked their cases as “RESOLVED” on the state’s website.

No other details were shared by the sheriff’s office, but we are working to learn more.



PREVIOUS STORY: The Bradley County Sheriff's Office and TBI continue searching for a local mother and her two daughters who were last seen in May.

Jhovana Short and her two daughters, Madison Scoggins and Greigh Short, were last seen in a white, two-door Jeep Wrangler near the Canadian border, detectives say.

Detectives say Short's disappearance went unnoticed until May 12, when school administrators called her family to ask about the two daughters being absent.

Short's Jeep Wrangler was later found abandoned in Niagara Falls, New York.

Here are descriptions of Short and her two daughters:

• Jhovana Short, a 35-year-old female, is described as 5' 2" tall, 123 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes
• Madison Scoggins, a 15-year-old female, is described as  5' 4" tall, 115 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.
• Greigh Short, an 8-year-old female, is described as 4' 5" tall, 50 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.

If you have any information about this case, please call Detective Brandon Edwards at (423) 728-7336 or (423) 728-7311.

You can also call the TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND (800-824-3463).

From Local 3 News: A Bradley County jury found a Cleveland man guilty on several different child sex abuse-related charges.

Joseph Trentham, 49, received his conviction on all the following counts, according to the criminal court clerk:

• Continuous sexual abuse of a child
• Rape of a child (two counts)
• Aggravated sexual battery
• Attempted sexual battery by authority figure
• Attempted solicitation of sexual exploitation
• Solicitation of sexual exploitation (three counts)
• Observing without consent

Online court records show Bradley County deputies arrested and booked him into the jail on Friday, July 17.

Trentham will be sentenced on Friday, October 23.

Early voting is now underway in Tennessee through August 1st.

In Bradley County, voters may cast ballots at the Bradley County Election Office on Broad Street, the OCI building on Urbane Road, the Northeast Recreation Center on Berry Street, or the Bradley County Fire-Rescue Training Center on Dalton Pike.

In Meigs County, early voting takes place at the Decatur Municipal Building. Polls are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.

In McMinn County, early voting is taking place at the Election Commission Office on the ground floor of the McMinn County Courthouse in Athens. Polls are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m.

In Rhea County, early voting is available at the Historic Rhea County Courthouse in Dayton and on Front Street in Spring City. Poll locations are open Monday through Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. until 6 p.m., Fridays from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m.

Polk County residents can vote at the Election Commission Office in Benton. Polls are open Monday though Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m., and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. until 12 p.m. For the next two Saturdays, Polk County residents can also vote at the Ducktown Community Center from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

The City of Cleveland and the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation have announced plans for a new BlueCross Healthy Place at Greenway Park.

The project will transform the existing park with new features designed to encourage recreation and bring the community together.

Plans include a skate park, nature-themed inclusive playground, splash area, playful stream, duck observation deck and new activity spaces along the Greenway.

Mayor Kevin Brooks called the project a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Cleveland families.

The BlueCross Foundation says this will be the first BlueCross Healthy Place in the Cleveland area, with construction adding to similar projects already underway across Tennessee.

From News Channel 9: New AI-powered license plate reader cameras at some Cleveland businesses are raising privacy concerns among some Bradley County residents.

The cameras, sometimes called Flock cameras, are installed at businesses, including Lowe’s and Home Depot, and are designed to help deter theft and assist with investigations.

Some residents say they worry the technology could be used for surveillance and want stronger safeguards.

Home Depot says its cameras are used only to prevent theft and protect customers and employees, and that the company does not provide access to federal law enforcement.

Cleveland Police say they use license plate reader technology but not the Flock brand.

According to Flock, any data collected is controlled by the agency or business that owns the cameras.

From Local 3 News: A recent paving scam is targeting homeowners in Bradley County. The sheriff’s office has received reports of scammers going to residents’ doors and offering to pave their driveway at a discounted price.

The Bradley County Sheriff’s Office explains:

“Scammers may come to your door claiming they have ‘leftover paving material’ from another job and can pave your driveway at a deeply discounted price, but don't fall for it. This is a common scam used to pressure homeowners into making quick decisions.”

The scammers have been spotted in the Georgetown Road area near the Hamilton County line.

Bradley County authorities say the scammers may be driving a white pickup truck with the word “paving” written in yellow lettering.

The sheriff’s office offers the following tips to protect yourself against this scam or others like it:

• Never agree to work from unsolicited door-to-door contractors.
• Don't let anyone pressure you into making an immediate decision.
• Research contractors, ask for references, and verify they are properly licensed and insured.
• Never pay upfront.

Anyone who is approached by scammers claiming to have “leftover paving material” should contact the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office at 423-728-7311, option 6. Authorities say it could help prevent others from becoming victims.

The Bradley County Commission met yesterday.

Commissioners approved an annexation agreement involving nearly 20 acres along Dalton Pike.

The commission voted 11-to-1 to allow County Mayor D. Gary Davis to enter into an interlocal agreement with the City of Cleveland.

Property owner Aaron Ware requested the annexation as part of plans for a new commercial development. Ware said the property could include a medical office, direct primary care clinic, pharmacy, and restaurants.

Cleveland City Manager Joe Fivas was in attendance and emphasized that the request came from the property owner and was not initiated by the city.

Ware owns approximately 43 acres. However, the current agreement covers only about 20 acres because that portion reaches Cleveland’s designated urban growth boundary.

Fivas said the remaining property could be considered for annexation later because the growth boundary divides the parcel. Before that can happen, water and sewer service must be available.

Much of the commission’s discussion focused on emergency response.

Commissioner Mike Hughes raised concerns that a Bradley County fire station is much closer to the property than the nearest Cleveland fire station, which is located on APD-40.

Hughes said emergency response times could become a public safety issue as the city annexes property farther into the county.

Fivas said the issue is complicated by staffing requirements, dispatch systems, and insurance ratings, but the city is willing to continue working toward an agreement.

Hughes cast the only vote against the annexation agreement.

Commissioners unanimously approved two other commercial rezoning requests.

Property at 140 Kinser Road, owned by Kinser Church of God, was rezoned from agricultural and residential use to general commercial. A church trustee said the change would better reflect the property’s current use as a family center.

Another property on Waterlevel Highway was also rezoned for general commercial use. A representative said the buyer plans to operate a moving company office at the location.

The commission also unanimously approved an appointment to fill Sandra Knight’s unexpired term on the Hiwassee Utility Commission. Knight passed away a few weeks ago.

Drew Gilliland will serve out that term through June of 2028.

Commissioners approved allowing retiring emergency management employee Jeff Gunder to receive his service weapon after 20 years of service.

During public comments, a resident urged commissioners to carefully review future annexation requests, while another resident raised environmental and quality-of-life concerns about potential data center developments in Bradley County.

The Bradley County Commission’s next work session is scheduled for Monday, July 27th, at 7 p.m.

From News Channel 9: A former McMinn County Sheriff’s Office deputy has been charged following a domestic violence investigation.

Sheriff Joe Guy says deputies responded Sunday night to a home on Highway 39 West near Athens involving former deputy Caleb Latham.

After reviewing body camera footage, witness statements, and consulting with the District Attorney’s Office, investigators obtained a warrant charging Latham with aggravated assault by domestic violence.

Latham turned himself in on Monday afternoon. He is being held on a $15,000 bond and will appear in court at a later date.

From Local 3 News: Ross Elementary School students and families teamed up with art teacher Kathryn Beeh to transform original artwork into a colorful mural celebrating creativity, collaboration and community along the Cleveland/Bradley Greenway.

Every nature-inspired element in the mural began as an original drawing by a Ross student.

Beeh incorporated the student creations into a unified design, providing them the opportunity to see their ideas come to life on a larger canvas.

"Our Ross students truly rocked it," Beeh said. "Every animal and object in the mural was drawn by our students before I designed the final piece. Watching their ideas come to life has been incredibly rewarding, and our families had so much fun painting together."

Students, families, educators and community partners came together to create something that will be enjoyed for years to come. Through community painting days, families worked side-by-side to transform the students' artwork into a welcoming addition to one of Cleveland's most treasured public spaces.

Cameron Fisher, Chairman of the Cleveland/Bradley Greenways Board, said the mural reflects both the creativity of Ross students and the spirit of community partnership.

"The students at Ross have displayed their creative talents in a way that will benefit our community for years to come," Fisher said. "We are so appreciative of the leadership of Katie Beeh in leading the students to create this wonderful addition to the Greenway."

Dr. Jeff Elliott, Director of Cleveland City Schools, said the project is a meaningful example of learning extending beyond the classroom.

"Projects like this remind us that learning doesn't stop at the classroom door," Elliott said. "Our students are using their creativity to make a positive impact in our community, and that's something to celebrate. I'm thankful to Ms. Beeh, the Cleveland/Bradley Greenways Board, and the families who have come together to make this such a meaningful experience for our students. I can't wait to see the finished mural."

The mural is expected to be completed following one final community painting day and finishing touches by Beeh.

From Local 3 News: Copperhill Utilities has issued a boil water notice for all customers on Monday, July 20, after a water main break caused a loss of water pressure in parts of the distribution system.

Utility officials said the damaged water main has been repaired and water pressure has been restored. However, because pressure dropped "below acceptable levels," there is a risk that contaminants may have entered the system.

As a precaution, all customers are advised to boil water for at least one minute before using it for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing fruits and vegetables, preparing food or infant formula, and making coffee or other beverages. Bottled water may also be used as an alternative.

Officials said water can generally still be used for bathing, showering, and laundry, but parents should supervise young children to prevent them from swallowing water while bathing.

The boil water notice was issued as a precaution while crews collect water samples and conduct bacteriological testing required by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.

The advisory will remain in effect until water quality testing confirms the system is safe for consumption. Customers will be notified when the boil water notice is lifted.

Customers with questions can contact Copperhill Utilities at 423-496-5141 during regular business hours, Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 4:00pm.