Local News

From Local 3 News: Campfire season is just around the corner. Generally, you can throw twigs, small tree limbs, and leaves in your fire pit year-round.But before you start burning debris outdoors or hosting big bonfires, though, it's always important to review your local guidelines.Regardless where you are, officials say you should always:Check with local authorities to make sure there are no rest...

From News Channel 9: A former state lawmaker from Hixson is asking for a *greatly reduced* sentence following her involvement in a public corruption scheme.Court documents show attorneys for Robin Smith have filed a motion for reconsideration.They argue the recent *presidential pardons* of former House Speaker Glen Casada and Cade Cothren leave Smith to suffer criminal consequences alone.Smith is ...

From Local 3 News: Bradley County firefighters are asking commissioners to approve a 25% pay increase to bring starting salaries closer in line with surrounding fire agencies.Fire officials presented the request at the most recent County Commission meeting, saying the current starting salary of $38,000 per year is not competitive. A 25% increase would raise starting pay to about $48,000.Lt. Noah C...

From Local 3 News: The Cleveland Police Department and Santa are urging residents to stay alert as scam activity rises during the holiday season. Officials say scammers have recently impersonated the department, even claiming to be Cleveland Police Chief Gibson, to solicit money or resolve fake warrants. Police stress they will never call asking for donations or payments.Key red flags include:Fake...

From Local 3 News: Bradley County authorities recently resolved an armed encounter with a man that began with a medical call. It happened at a home in Northeast Bradley County near Urbane Road. The sheriff's office said first responders who were there on a medical call had to leave the home because of "the actions of the man they were trying to assist." They said it turned into a mental health cri...

Bradley County Schools congratulated Dr. Corey Limburg, who was named Tennessee’s Middle School Principal of the Year by the Tennessee Association of Secondary School Principals. Dr. Limburg leads Ocoee Middle School and was recognized by the organization for his leadership and dedication to students and staff.......

The Bradley County Fire Committee met yesterday. Employees of Bradley County Fire and Rescue attended the meeting and asked the committee for more funding.They cited a 69% turnover rate since 2020 and a starting salary of $38,000 as a reason to give the department more funding. The department is asking for a new starting pay of $48,078, along with raises for rank and longevity.Fire officials say t...

The Bradley County School Board met last night for a work session. The focus of the work session was to talk about priorities of the school system. Although this was not a voting session, members discussed several capital outlay projects aimed at capacity issues, growth in the area, and opportunities for students. Board members discussed plans to add four new classrooms at Waterville Elementary. T...

From News Channel 9: Cleveland Police Department is investigating a shooting that happened late Sunday night and left one man seriously injured.Around 10:53 p.m., officers responded to a call about gunfire at 920 25th Street. When they arrived, they found 24-year-old David “Brody” Bishop lying in the parking lot with a gunshot wound to the chest.Officers rendered first aid before EMS arrived and t...

The Bradley County Commission met yesterday.County Mayor Gary Davis reminded county employees that open enrollment is happening this week and encouraged attendance at benefits meetings to ensure everyone understands their options.Under new business, the commission approved a 15-year lease agreement with the City of Cleveland for the parking lot at 95 Church Street. In exchange, the city will provi...

From Local 3 News: Since the federal government shutdown is now over, the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) is issuing full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits starting Monday, November 17. Tennessee SNAP recipients who have received part of their November benefits will soon receive the remainder of their November benefits, according to the TDHS. The remainder of ...

From Lee University: Barry Ray, a 1981 graduate of Lee, was named the 2025 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year during the university’s Homecoming earlier this month. Ray was recognized for this honor during the Traditions of Lee music showcase. The highest honor given by the university to alumni, this award honors the excellence of a graduate who embraces the values of Lee.     “I can’t think of a m...

From WKRN: The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is warning about rising scams targeting seniors, especially through Bitcoin ATMs.More than $34 million in losses have been reported since October 2024.TBI Director David Rausch says scammers are using these machines to hide their identity, launder money, and take advantage of the elderly.Officials say no legitimate business or agency will ever ask s...

From Local 3 News: UPDATE: The Maryville Police Department has identified the officer who was injured during the motorcade for Vice President JD Vance.Field Training Officer Justin Brown suffered significant injuries and was taken into surgery Saturday morning at 10:00am, the department said.Several citizens who witnessed the crash stepped in to administer first aid, helping save the life of the o...

From Local 3 News: More than half a million dollars has been awarded to local communities by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD).On Wednesday, TDTD Commissioner Mark Ezell said that 30 towns, cities, or counties across the state, including seven local communities, will receive funding from the more than $2 million in Tourism Enhancement Grants being awarded.Here are the seven co...

The Bradley County Sheriff’s Office will host a community blood drive on Friday, December 5.Blood Assurance will have its mobile donation center on-site at the Sheriff’s Office on Blythe Avenue from 12:00 to 3:00 PM.Appointments can be made online, but walk-ins are welcome. All eligible donors are encouraged to give.......

Christmas on the Square and the MainStreet Cleveland Community Tree Lighting will take place Saturday, November 22, from 4 to 8 PM.The event will include ornament-making, holiday coloring, Christmas story time with local teachers, and s’mores at the fire pit.Live performances will feature the Cleveland City Ballet Rockettes and carolers from Good Soil Theatre Company.The Community Tree Lighting be...

From News Channel 9: Governor Bill Lee says Tennessee families relying on SNAP benefits should see full payments restored soon — possibly by Monday.During a visit to the Cookie Jar Café in Dunlap Wednesday, Lee told us partial benefits have already gone out to Tennessee households after the state applied for emergency approval Tuesday night.Tennesseans have paid their taxes to the federal governme...

From News Channel 9: President Donald Trump signed the funding bill passed by Congress into law, ending the historic 43-day U.S. government shutdown on Wednesday night. During the bill signing in the Oval Office, Trump took a jab at the Democrats, blaming the shutdown on their party.“So I just want to tell the American people, you should not forget this,” Trump said. “When we come up to midterms a...

From News Channel 9: It's a system that's meant to care for those who have served our country.But a new state audit has uncovered delays, errors, and millions in financial oversight at the Tennessee State Veterans’ Home in Cleveland.That audit uncovered tens of millions of dollars in financial errors and system problems across Tennessee’s Veterans Homes.The audit, covering the year ending June 30,...