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Hamilton, Polk County schools facing pressure for receiving “F” grades from state board
March 27th, 2026
From Local 3 News: The Tennessee Board of Education has recommended that Hamilton County Schools create a corrective action plan to improve five county schools that received an “F” rating. One Polk County School received a failing grade for the past two years.Hamilton County SchoolsSchools received a failing grade because of these factors:UnderperformanceLeadership hiring decisionsBudgetingCurricu...
Bradley Co. Sheriff's Office teams up with Blood Assurance for April blood drive
March 27th, 2026
From Local 3 News: The Bradley County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with Blood Assurance to host a community blood drive next month in Cleveland.The event is scheduled for April 6, 2026, from 1:00pm to 4:00pm, at 2290 Blythe Avenue SE.The sheriff’s office says the drive is aimed at helping meet ongoing blood supply needs and encouraging community members to donate. Both first-time and regular don...
Former assisted living center owner in Cleveland indicted on theft of property charges
March 27th, 2026
From News Channel 9: A Cleveland assisted living facility co-owner is facing serious charges after a Bradley County Grand Jury returned an eight-count indictment.Investigators say Andrew Charles Sneed, a co-owner of Remember Me Senior Care, is accused of misusing millions of dollars over a six-year period.Court documents claim Sneed made more than 700-thousand dollars in unauthorized credit card c...
Bradley County SRO teaches elementary students the basics of calling 911
March 26th, 2026
From Local 3 News: The school resource officer for Bradley County's Michigan Avenue Elementary School has created a program for kindergarten - 2nd graders that could be a real lifesaver.The students are learning to interact with first responders. Sheriff's deputies and emergency workers are teaching them the basics of making a 911 call.2nd grader Vander Vaughn said, “We are getting help from them,...
Bradley County Sheriff says school safety efforts to be expanded to roadways
March 26th, 2026
Bradley County Sheriff Steve Lawson says school safety efforts are expanding beyond campuses to include roadways across the county.In a social media post, the sheriff’s office says it will immediately increase patrols and enforcement in areas where residents have reported speeding concerns.Lawson is urging drivers, especially students, to slow down and warns that excessive speeding in school zones...
Gas tax, immigration & education mentioned during Gov. Bill Lee’s local visit
March 26th, 2026
From Local 3 News: Tennessee Governor Bill Lee continued his America 250 Celebration, which includes visiting all 95 counties in the state.On Wednesday, March 25, Governor Lee made a stop in Meigs and McMinn counties. In Decatur, Tennessee, he visited the Meigs County Courthouse. There he was met with dozens of residents, greeted them and took pictures.His main message was a simple "thank you" to ...
MurMaid Mattress featured in National Sleep Products Magazine
March 25th, 2026
From the Chattanoogan: MurMaid Mattress, a staple of the Tennessee Valley for nearly five decades, was recently spotlighted in Bed Times, the premier national magazine for the sleep products industry.The feature highlights the family-owned company’s successful evolution into a premium factory-direct manufacturer and its transition to a third generation of leadership.Founded in 1979 by Joy and Elme...
TVFCU Idea Leap Grant People's Choice Voting begins March 30
March 25th, 2026
Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union’s annual Idea Leap Grant Competition is almost here.Voting for the People’s Choice finalists opens March 30th at 8 a.m. and runs through April 3rd at 5 p.m.Community members can vote online after watching semifinalist videos from each region.Small businesses are competing for a share of 225-thousand dollars in grant funding, with winners to be announced during...
Bradley County Commission meeting recap
March 25th, 2026
The Bradley County Commission held a work session yesterday to review early budget discussions, hear committee updates, and take public comments.County Mayor D. Gary Davis said many department requests include significant increases, and he will move forward with a balanced budget using current and projected revenues. He also plans to include a salary increase for county employees.Commissioners dis...
Cleveland City Council meeting recap
March 24th, 2026
The Cleveland City Council met yesterday, focusing on community initiatives, development, and infrastructure.City leaders proclaimed April 11th as World Parkinson’s Day in Cleveland.Officials say the designation is meant to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease, which affects more than one million Americans and currently has no cure.The Cleveland Housing Authority also provided an update on lo...
New weapon detection system coming to McMinn County High Schools
March 24th, 2026
High schools in McMinn County will begin using the CEIA Opengate weapons detection system starting Tuesday, March 24.School officials say the system is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen safety measures for both students and staff.With the new screening process, students are encouraged to allow a few extra minutes for arrival as the system is implemented.......
Fatal crash on North Lee Highway Monday evening
March 24th, 2026
On Monday, March 23, 2026, at approximately 8:30 p.m., the Cleveland Police Department was called to a crash on North Lee Highway at King Den Drive. Officers arrived on scene and learned that a 2001 Lincoln Towncar, driven by Colene Mercer, age 87, was turning left onto King Den Drive from North Lee Highway, when it was struck by a Mercedes, which was south bound on North Lee Highway. The Mercedes...
Tennessee Justice Bus coming to Cleveland Bradley Co. Public Library
March 23rd, 2026
The City of Cleveland is hosting the Justice Bus to provide free legal help to the community.The event will take place Tuesday, April 7 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.It will be held at the Cleveland Bradley County Public Library.Visitors can speak with volunteer attorneys and get answers to legal questions.......
Free tax assistance available around the Tennessee Valley
March 23rd, 2026
From Local 3 News: Tax season is coming up, and several organizations in our area are providing free assistance.A lot of the programs are powered by the Volunteer Income Tax assistance program (VITA) or the AARP Foundation's Tax-Aide.Before you go anywhere, make sure to call ahead and see if they're taking appointments.TENNESSEE:Hamilton Co.Urban League of ChattanoogaFirst-Centenary ChurchHixson C...
Cleveland City Schools announces three elementary principals for 2026-27 school year
March 23rd, 2026
Cleveland City Schools has announced new principals for three elementary schools for the 2026-2027 school year.Donald Benton will serve as principal of Ross Elementary School.Dr. Alicia Kahrs has been named principal of Arnold Memorial Elementary School.Dr. Joe Parker will lead Blythe-Bower Elementary School.Director of Schools Dr. Jeff Elliott said in a release that the new leaders are committed ...
Bradley County School Board meeting recap
March 20th, 2026
The Bradley County School Board met last night.The board recognized Lake Forest Middle School’s show Choir, Revolution, for winning 5 Grand Championships and winning Best Vocals and Best Choreography in all five competitions they competed in this year. The choir is the winningest group in the 25-year history of Revolution.The board approved a grant-funded modular building at Oak Grove Elementary t...
Tennessee Senate passes Ten Commandments school display bill, now heads to Gov. Lee's desk
March 20th, 2026
From Local 3 News: A bill that would allow Tennessee schools to display historical documents, including the Ten Commandments, has passed the state Senate Thursday.The measure sparked sharp debate among lawmakers, ultimately passing strictly along party lines. Republicans argue the Ten Commandments are a significant part of the nation’s historical foundation, while Democrats say the bill crosses th...
Tellico Plains High School closing early Thursday after gas leak
March 20th, 2026
From Local 3 News: Students at Tellico Plains High School in Monroe County were allowed to leave early on Thursday, March 19 after a gas leak.Monroe County Schools and the high school announced that additional repairs to the gas lines are needed before students can return to campus, and their decision was made only out of an abundance of caution.“The safety of our students and staff is always our ...
TDOT addresses ongoing response to chronic Ten Mile flooding
March 19th, 2026
From News 12: Residents in the Ten Mile community of Meigs County are raising concerns about ongoing flooding along State Route 304.Neighbors say drainage issues are causing repeated flooding that threatens businesses and creates hazards for drivers.TDOT says it has studied the issue extensively and is exploring several possible solutions.This follows many of the residents coming together to sign ...
Cleveland business owner pushes back on illegal burning concerns after years of complaints
March 19th, 2026
From News Channel 9: A Cleveland business owner is defending himself after neighbors raised concerns about suspected illegal burning on his property.The concerns first surfaced after a viewer shared drone video with our newsroom.The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) told us that video appears to show illegal burning happening at Cleveland Roll Off Rentals.Now, the owner o...