Latest Posts
Lee University, City of Cleveland partner to celebrate Sousa’s Musical Legacy
on January 28th, 2026
From the Chattanoogan: Lee University will partner with Main Street Cleveland, Cleveland High School, and the Museum and Cultural Center at 5ive Points to honor the 120th anniversary of the John Philip Sousa Band’s performance, which took place in Cleveland, on Jan. 30, 1906. This concert is in recognition of the rich and long-standing heritage of fine instrumental music in the region. Due to inc... Read More
Blood Assurance offers $40 eGift Cards to donors
on January 28th, 2026
From the Chattanoogan: Blood Assurance officials said they have been forced to close donor centers and cancel multiple blood drives in Middle Tennessee due to icy conditions - including several school-based drives that would have resulted in hundreds of donations."With fewer opportunities to collect in those areas, we’re urging people to donate in areas where travel is safe," officials said. "Bloo... Read More
TBI activates hotline to support welfare checks after winter storm
on January 28th, 2026
From Local 3 News: State officials will be coordinating welfare checks on Tennesseans who have not been heard from since ice and snow from a winter storm knocked out power across the state amid dangerously low temperatures.The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has activated its statewide 800-TBI-FIND number to coordinate welfare check requests. Coming at the request of the Tennessee Emergency Mana... Read More
Volunteers needed for Barbara's Market in Cleveland
on January 28th, 2026
From Local 3 News: For those who want to help their neighbors, Barbara's Market in Cleveland is in need of volunteers. The organization provides food, clothing and hygiene items to Cleveland City Schools. Barbara's Market is named after Barbara Ector, a Cleveland City Schools educator who passed away last summer. "We're really thankful that we're able to assist our families in this way, and I thin... Read More
Apartment catches fire Sunday in Cleveland
on January 27th, 2026
From Local 3 News: An apartment caught fire Sunday in Cleveland, Tennessee. The fire broke out at an apartment on Stephens Road, according to the Cleveland Fire Department. Upon arrival, firefighters saw smoke coming from the building. Firefighters made an interior attack and contained the blaze to the unit. There were no injuries, according to the fire department. ... Read More
Cleveland's Long Range Transportation Plan draft focuses on congestion, safety
on January 27th, 2026
From Local 3 News: The City of Cleveland announced that a draft of the Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) has been completed. The Cleveland Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, Tennessee Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration are working together to complete the plan. According to the city, the LRTP is a "multimodal strategy and improvement program developed t... Read More
Cleveland City Council meeting recap
on January 27th, 2026
The Cleveland City Council met yesterday.The council approved the abandonment of an unopened right-of-way lying between Parker Street and Trunk Street. All surrounding property owners agreed to the abandonment. City staff and the planning commission both recommended approval, noting the land has never been improved and is better suited to be absorbed into adjacent parcels.The council also held a p... Read More
McMinn Co. deputy praised for heroic response to deadly crash after pursuit of stolen vehicle
on January 26th, 2026
From Local 3 News: McMinn County Sheriff Joe Guy is commending the bravery and efforts of one of his deputies who went above and beyond while responding to a fatal car crash after a chase on Highway 68.That crash happened shortly after Sweetwater Police lost sight of a "dangerous" suspect in a stolen truck on Friday, January 23.Deputy Kelby Liner responded to the area when he heard about the chase... Read More
TDOT crews help drivers across the state
on January 26th, 2026
From Local 3 News: Crews with the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) are working around the clock to help drivers on the road. At 1:00pm on Saturday, January 24, TDOT said they were seeing more incidents on the roadways as the winter storm moves through the state. TDOT HELP trucks are helping drivers and keeping traffic flowing. "As we see more slides and spin-outs, we again encourage y... Read More
Bradley County government offices closed Monday
on January 26th, 2026
All Bradley County Government offices will be closed today, January 26, due to inclement weather.Essential services will remain operational. Officials urge residents to stay safe and avoid travel if possible.All area school systems are also closed today and tomorrow.Lee University has canceled all classes and closed all offices for today. Cleveland State campuses will be closed both Monday and Tue... Read More
Cleveland City Schools and CPD launch BusPatrol Program
on January 23rd, 2026
Cleveland City Schools and the Cleveland Police Department are launching Tennessee’s first school bus stop-arm safety program.The district is partnering with BusPatrol to reduce illegal passings of stopped school buses and improve student safety.The program begins with a 30-day warning period starting this week. Ticketing will begin February 23.Drivers who fail to stop for a school bus with red li... Read More
Man wanted for attempted murder in Athens stabbing considered dangerous
on January 23rd, 2026
From Local 3 News: A 32-year-old man is wanted for attempted first degree murder after a stabbing at a neighborhood community in Athens, according to the Athens Police Department.Officers say his victim, whose identity has not been released yet, was hospitalized after the incident.David Rodriguez Cruz, 32, is not believed to still be in the immediate area, but the public is urged not to approach h... Read More
Sheriff Steve Lawson discusses updates and future needs of BCSO Thursday
on January 23rd, 2026
Bradley County Sheriff Steve Lawson gave an update on the Sheriff’s Office and its future needs yesterday at the Kiwanis Club meeting. Sheriff Lawson highlighted improvements made since 2018, including new in-car cameras, body cameras for deputies and school resource officers, and an SRO now assigned to every elementary school.He also reported major upgrades at the county jail, which recently earn... Read More
Cleveland City Schools names Mike Chai as new Director of Student Services
on January 23rd, 2026
Cleveland City Schools has named Mike Chai as its new Director of Student Services.Chai currently serves as principal of Arnold Memorial Elementary School and is the longest-serving principal in the district.He began his career with Cleveland City Schools in 1995 and has served in a variety of roles, including instructional assistant, school counselor, assistant principal, and district student ser... Read More
Tennessee and Georgia declare state of emergencies
on January 23rd, 2026
From Local 3 News: Southern states, including Tennessee and Georgia, are preparing for the upcoming strong winter storm this weekend. Both states have declared a state of emergency to help with emergency response."As forecasts continue to evolve, Georgians should be prepared for freezing precipitation that causes dangerous conditions and the potential for damage and power loss beginning Saturday,"... Read More
Bradley County EMS to begin carrying CYANOKIT
on January 22nd, 2026
Bradley County EMS announced today that it is now carrying CYANOKIT® (hydroxocobalamin) on select response units, adding an important treatment option for known or suspected cyanide poisoning.The addition strengthens the emergency response partnership between Bradley County EMS, Cleveland TN Fire Department, and Bradley County Fire and Rescue, improving care options for both civilian patients and ... Read More
SPCA of Bradley County temporarily closing due to winter weather
on January 22nd, 2026
From Local 3 News: SPCA of Bradley County will be closed until Tuesday due to the forecasted winter weather this weekend. The closure is so the shelter can prepare for the weather with a deep clean. It will reopen Tuesday, January 27, 2026. ... Read More
Officials urge residents to prepare now for unpredictable winter weather in TN Valley
on January 22nd, 2026
Local emergency officials are also closely monitoring Winter Storm Fern.Residents are urged to prepare for snow, ice, power outages, and hazardous roads. The Cleveland-Bradley Office of Emergency Management advises having a family emergency plan and signing up for local alerts by texting “JOIN CBCOEM” to 31002.The City of Athens says road crews will begin salting on Friday. Citizens can sign up fo... Read More
Your to-do list ahead of the winter storm heading toward the TN Valley
on January 21st, 2026
From Local 3 News: People are already preparing for the winter storm heading to our area.It's important to stock up on items early, so you are not caught in the swarm of customers at the last minute.Some outdoor/indoor essential tools include:Salt/Kitty litterSnow shovelsHandwarmersFlashlightsBatteriesIce scrapers for vehiclesIf you plan on playing outside in the snow, or even removing it from you... Read More
Cleveland man arrested after making threats to judge, criminal justice officials
on January 21st, 2026
A Cleveland man has been arrested after allegedly threatening a Chattanooga judge, public defender, and police officer.Michael Pearson was taken into custody in Cleveland by the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office and the 10th Judicial Drug Task Force. He is charged with one count of harassment and three counts of retaliation for past actions.An affidavit says Pearson sent threatening texts, includin... Read More
Bradley County Commission meeting recap
on January 21st, 2026
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
Tennessee lawmakers push to expand school voucher program as demand surges past 50,000
on January 20th, 2026
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
December Tennessee revenues exceed budgeted amounts by $82.7 million
on January 20th, 2026
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
Ooltewah man arrested after auto burglary spree, HCSO says
on January 20th, 2026
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
