Bradley News

Tuesday's Top 5 Is Up!

2008-07-01T13:26:00.000-04:00

• Morning Stabbing
• Sex Offender IDs
• Animal Rescues
• Family Friends Funding
• Lee Univ. Construction

Get it at Bradley News TV!

Monday's Top 5 Is Up

2008-06-30T12:12:00.000-04:00

Head-On Crash
New Patrol Cars
City Council Funding
Supt's Last Day
Freedom Celebration

Visit Bradley News TV for more!

Friday's Top 5 Is Up!

2008-06-27T13:44:00.000-04:00

• Reward Offered
• Gas Price Reduction Act
• SkyAngel Expanding
• CSCC Tuition Increase
• Wakeboard Competition

Get it now at Bradley News TV.

Thursday's Top 5 Is Up!

2008-06-26T14:44:00.000-04:00

• Suspect Search
• False Report
• 100 Days of Summer Heat
• Foreclosure Help
• Free HIV Testing

Get it now at Bradley News TV.

Wednesday's Top 5 Is Up

2008-06-25T13:00:00.000-04:00

• Supt. Heart Attack
• Campaign Sign Trashed
• Exit 20 Overpass Open
• Inmate Garden
• Cheesecake Delivery

Bradley News TV

Tuesday's Top 5 Is Up!

2008-06-24T13:32:00.000-04:00

Fake Checks
Drinking on Campus
Beer Restrictions
Vehicle Tax Breaks
Free Wi-Fi at Mall

Bradley News TV
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Look Alikes That Confuse Us

2008-06-24T08:15:00.001-04:00

By Judith P. Nembhard

The blurb on the package said the particular brand of pantyhose I had bought would “compliment” my skin tones. I read it again to make sure that was what it said. Yes, I had read correctly. When I got home, I sent off a polite little note (a letter really) to the company that sold the stockings, explaining the misuse of the word “compliment.” In a little while, I received a reply that said, among other things, “There are two ways to spell the word.” Now, wasn’t that news!

Of course there are two spellings, and they have two different meanings, too. To “compliment” is “to give praise” to someone, something pantyhose is incapable of doing. On the other hand, to “complement” is “to add to,” just what I wanted the stockings to do for my skin tones.

Many look-alike and sound-alike word pairs, such as “compliment/complement,” are often confused and so are misused in writing. They are like identical twins that give everyone a difficult time trying to distinguish between them. But when we use word pairs, we have to distinguish between them.

Compliment: I must compliment you on the excellent speech you gave today.
-My boss gives many compliments, no criticism.
Complement: This new piece of cancer research complements earlier studies.
-We need someone to complement our team, not detract from it.

Two other words often misused are “farther” and “further.” A few days ago I heard one of the hosts on a television morning show say, “Go no further.” Then he quickly corrected himself and said, “Go no farther.” Evidently, he was having a little trouble using the right form of the word in context. “Farther” designates distance. “Further” shows extent or degree.

Farther: The gas in your tank will take you no farther than a mile.
-Farther up the road you’ll come to a cozy little inn
Further: This is further evidence that you have not been truthful.
-Your contribution will help to further the work that we have begun.
.
Two even more commonly confused words are “affect” and “effect.” Most of the time the person using one or the other is sure of the intended meaning but is unsure about the spelling. “Affect” is used as a verb and means “to influence.” “Effect” can be a noun, meaning “result” or a verb meaning, “to bring about” or “to cause.”

Effect: (noun) The widespread use of chemicals has had a harmful effect on the
environment.
Effect: (verb) The new bill will effect change in the way the city does business.
Affect: Do not let Jim’s remarks affect the way you feel about our company.

The use of these word-pairs presents real-world problems for many people. If you are one of them, take the time to learn how to distinguish between them by their meaning and their spelling. And remember to pronounce them correctly. If you have questions about word usage, send them to me, and I’ll be glad to answer them for you.

Monday's Top 5 Is Up

2008-06-23T13:49:00.001-04:00

• Near Drowning
• Fake Handguns
• Local Meth Funding
• Courthouse Plaza Use
• Coffeehouse Opening

Get the scoop at Bradley News TV

Friday's Top 5 Is Up!

2008-06-20T14:43:00.000-04:00

• Burglary Arrests
• Sheriff's Thanks
• Boating Fees
• New License Plates
• Unclaimed Money

Get it now at Bradley News TV.

CSCC Tech Department Receives $150,000 Grant

2008-06-20T10:54:00.005-04:00

From CSCC

The Cleveland State Technology Department recently received $150,000 in funding through the National Science Foundation Advanced Technology Education (ATE) Grant for students in Electro-Mechanical Fields.

The grant will enable the college to enhance and strengthen the college’s electro-mechanical program. This will include the addition of new courses and the revision of others to prepare students for real world experiences and address the future labor shortage within the electronic and mechanical technology fields.

“Hopefully, by revising and updating the curriculum, this will get us more in line with today’s business and industry manufacturing environment,” stated CSCC Technology Instructor Allan Gentry.

“The ATE Grant originated when our grant specialist, Michelle Anderson, was watching for opportunities to come available and this was one she brought to our attention. Once we found out more information, we were definitely interested,” stated Gentry.

The new grant will allow the Technology Department to purchase hands-on teaching equipment to respond to training needs for highly skilled employees in business and industry. The equipment will include portable programmable logic controllers (PLC), portable hydraulic and pneumatic and related software that will be incorporated in the electro-mechanical coursework.

CSCC Lab Technician David Laman said, “We are trying to prepare our students for the future and with this grant, we will be able to.”

Another part of the grant is to recruit students from the middle and high schools in the Cleveland State service area through open houses, dual enrollment courses and other methods into the electro-mechanical field. One way CSCC will be able to do this is by funding approximately 28 scholarships to both prospective and current students through the ATE Grant. Of the available scholarships, 10 will go to underrepresented students including minorities, women and students with disabilities. Another 10 will go to students who have competed in the Skills USA Competition or similar competitions in which they have been outstanding performers in their related fields, and eight will go to traditional students.

CSCC Technology Instructor John Hannah said, “In the newspaper, they are always talking about the shortfall in Tennessee’s revenue and the Tennessee Board of Regents’ (TBR) proposal to raise tuition, but this grant gives us an opportunity to get some money to upgrade equipment and encourage students to come to school here, and it also helps the college by not having to spend revenue it doesn’t have.”

CSCC has combined the electrical and the mechanical programs into one major program of study and the program will offer coursework that will allow students to take extra courses to concentrate within the specific fields. “Traditionally, the electrical workers and the mechanical workers were in stand-alone fields of work. Some companies have now tried to combine those skills from a maintenance point of view because it’s rare, if ever, that you’ll go to do some maintenance work on a mechanical piece of equipment that is not driven by an electrical power source,” stated Gentry.

“Having a working knowledge of more than your main field is absolutely crucial with safety,” stated Hannah.

Dr. Frank McKenzie, CSCC’s Dean of Business and Technology, said, “I’m excited about this grant. It would not have been possible without the hard work of Allan (Gentry), David (Laman), and John (Hannah). Between the three of them, they have over 100 years of industrial experience that they are bringing to the table that is really going to be beneficial with this program.” Gentry worked for TVA for 28 years. Laman worked for several local companies and was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (I.B.E.W.) for 40 years, and Hannah worked for American Uniform for 34 years. All three are graduates of Cleveland State.

Cleveland State’s Industrial Technology program is accredited by the National Association of Industrial Technology. For more information about this program or the ATE Grant, please contact Allan Gentry at (423) 472-7141, ext. 447.

Pictured: The Cleveland State Technology Department recently received $150,000 in funding through the National Science Foundation Advanced Technology Education (ATE) Grant for Engineering Students in Electro-Mechanical Fields. From left to right: (front row) CSCC Technology Instructors Allan Gentry, David Laman and CSCC Dean of Business and Technology Frank McKenzie. (back row) CSCC President Carl Hite and CSCC Technology Instructor John Hannah.

Waterlevel Highway Burglaries Solved

2008-06-20T10:06:00.003-04:00

Police Beat
From BCSO

Bradley County Sheriff’s deputies have concluded an investigation of a burglary at Equipment Wholesale on Waterlevel Highway with the arrest of three suspects.

On Wednesday, Deputy Shaun McKee found a truck belonging to the business abandoned at the intersection of Hollow Road and Old Parksville Road. The keys were inside the truck so Deputy Jay Lawson went to the business to see why the vehicle was left in the roadway unsecured.

Arriving at the location, McKee was told by an employee that a security chain at the business had been cut and the truck was driven off the lot. It was used to carry off a large number of tools and eight handheld torches worth in excess of $6,000. After those items were taken to another location, the truck ran out of fuel and was abandoned.

Investigation by Det. Joseph Lea of the Criminal Investigations Division using physical evidence collected by the Crime Scene Unit led to the identification of a possible suspect. Additional investigation identified two other suspects and all three were questioned about any involvement in the theft.

Charged with the burglary at 5626 Waterlevel Highway are 21 year-old Randall Lee Harrison, 41 year-old Kenneth Jerome Verner and 36 year-old Andy Brent Reagan, all of 126 El Monte Drive.

The suspects are charged with Theft Over $1,000, Vandalism Under $500 and Two counts of Burglary.

According to the owner of the business the theft occurred between 6 p.m. on Tuesday and 7:45 a.m. on Wednesday.

In addition, Harrison and Verner have been charged with burglarizing a residence at 5151 Waterlevel Highway between Wednesday, June 11 and Monday, June 16. Copper wiring was ripped out of the attic and crawl space. A well pump was taken from outside the residence and an air conditioner, and numerous fixtures were taken from interior rooms.

Most of the stolen property has been recovered.

Gobble Thanks Mayor And Commission

2008-06-19T16:01:00.001-04:00

A Letter From Sheriff Tim Gobble

As the 2008-2009 budget process moves into its final stage, I want to publicly thank the Mayor and County Commission for their cooperation in meeting several critical public safety needs facing Bradley County.

With the final passing of this budget, we will have made significant progress improving our starting pay levels to help with our recruiting and retention efforts. We will continue to improve our vehicle fleet to better ensure a safe and reliable response and we will have further addressed other law enforcement equipment and gasoline needs.

Keeping pace with county growth and increasing calls for service is a continual process. Having this cooperative effort between the BCSO, County Mayor and Commission is a benefit to all Bradley County residents.

I want to personally extend my gratitude to all and say how much I look forward to continuing this working relationship well into the future.

2nd Annual River Jam Includes Six Area Bands

2008-06-19T15:20:00.001-04:00

Exceptionally Special For Our Readers

Six area bands will entertain this weekend at B and B Marina to raise money to benefit the family of Lt. Ken Simpson, veteran police officer who died earlier this year.

The second annual Spring River Jam begins at 4 p.m. Saturday. The event is scheduled to last until midnight.

Brace, All Things Green featuring Jason Just, Romatacide, Nowhere Fast, Soul Harvest and Jok'r Jok'r will perform on the big stage at the Marina grounds, according to organizer Josh Nix.

One nationally recognized safety company has joined the sponsors for this year's Spring River Jam. Decatur Electronics specializes in law enforcement and public safety equipment sales. Decatur Electronics Co. joins Dick's Graphics, and SpaceWalk of Cleveland in the Legacy Productions concert series.

Admission cost is $10 for adults, $6 for children ages 6 to 12 and free for children younger than age 6.

Gates open at 3:30 p.m. B and B Marina is located at 117 Marina Drive in Charleston.

Brooks, Bredesen, Favors Sign Long-Term Health Act

2008-06-19T14:44:00.004-04:00

Representative Kevin Brooks, along with Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen and Representative JoAnne Favors were in Chattanooga for the bill signing of HB 4144, the Long-Term Health Care Act.

Thursday's Top 5 Is Up!

2008-06-19T14:39:00.000-04:00

• Local Job Cuts
• Museum Center Funding
• Gobble & Cox Honored
• Spray Park Delay
• Lee Soccer Camp

Find out the rest of the story at Bradley News TV.

BCSO Fuel Saving Initiatives

2008-06-19T10:38:00.001-04:00

By Sheriff Tim Gobble

Over the past several months, it has become increasingly clear that our country is facing serious issues with high fuel costs. Locally, it has not only affected every citizen who owns a car, but it has affected every county and city department as well. Everyone in Bradley County is feeling the pinch of ever-rising gasoline costs.

It has been especially challenging here at the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office because we have not had an increase to our fuel allowance in three years. In fact, in last year’s budget, the BCSO fuel allowance was actually reduced by almost $3,000.

But Bradley County has faced challenges in the past and I am confident we will get through this current high-priced fuel situation. It just takes everyone pulling together to find workable, non-partisan solutions without compromising public safety. With that in mind, I would like to present some of the initiatives we have implemented here at the BCSO, along with some fuel-saving measures that are already in place.

The BCSO will utilize low‑octane (87) gas in all vehicles not requiring diesel fuel or higher octane as recommended by the manufacturer.

The BCSO will continue its long‑standing practice of turning off engines when the vehicle and emergency equipment (such as blue lights and police radio) are not in use.

The BCSO will continue to change air filters regularly, keep tires inflated to the optimum level and perform routine and preventive maintenance on all vehicles to enhance fuel efficiency and save fuel costs. Routine maintenance will go far in reducing gasoline consumption.

The BCSO has already purchased approximately 19 vehicles with six‑cylinder engines and will continue to purchase six‑cylinder engines when practical for all regular‑use vehicles in order to enhance fuel performance and gas mileage.

The BCSO will work to eliminate all high‑mileage, less fuel‑efficient vehicles from its fleet in favor of newer, more fuel‑efficient models that save gas over time and provide an enhanced level of safety to our employees. As far as hybrid vehicles are concerned, at this time they are cost-prohibitive. We will certainly give hybrid cars consideration when the purchase price becomes more competitive with current fleet vehicles, which are available to us on the state contract.

The BCSO has already reduced its usable fleet by 22 vehicles and will continue to maintain only the minimum number of vehicles necessary to meet statutory obligations, emergency response obligations and general public safety needs.

The BCSO will continue to limit take‑home vehicles to personnel who reside in Bradley County and are required to respond at times while off‑duty to BCSO law enforcement related duties and/or emergencies. Also, take home vehicles are necessary for proper implementation of the Bradley County All‑Hazard Emergency Response Plans maintained through the Bradley County Emergency Management Agency as required by the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency/Department of Homeland Security. A detailed explanation of the BCSO take‑home vehicle policy and its public safety value is published on the BCSO web‑site.

The BCSO will continue to file reports from the field when possible using mobile data transmissions. This saves gas by eliminating the need for deputies to drive to and from the Justice Center to file reports. We will also take citizens’ reports involving minor offenses over the telephone when possible and when the actual presence of a deputy is not requested or required.

The BCSO will continue to utilize employee car pooling when possible to and from required training assignments both in‑county and out‑of‑county.

The BCSO will continue to limit out‑of‑town travel to statutory responsibilities only, and to obtain the necessary and required training to meet federal, state and local guidelines and professional standards.

The BCSO will encourage the county to install larger fuel storage tank(s) to take advantage of available price reductions when making bulk gasoline purchases. Currently, the fuel storage tank used by the BCSO only has a 3,000-gallon capacity. Larger storage tanks will allow us to negotiate a better price-per-gallon by purchasing in bulk. This will result in substantial savings in the long run.

The BCSO will continue to maintain at least two patrol units assigned to each county zone in order to maintain the current level of services and emergency response times while reducing the mileage distance a deputy is required to travel when answering calls for service. This policy saves gasoline and enhances public safety and deputy safety

The BCSO will maintain the policy of requiring deputies to drive the speed limit unless answering dispatched emergency calls or conducting duties requiring an expedited law enforcement response to enhance officer or public safety.

The BCSO will continue to encourage deputies who are not answering calls or conducting other required statutory obligations and public safety duties to park their vehicles in high visibility and call‑for‑service areas to help further reduce gasoline consumption.

Keep in mind, I have been able to meet the increased fuel prices and demand within my existing budget through better management of resources and savings from other line items. So far, no additional money has been required from the General Fund this year as we continue to effectively manage our budget.

Again, our goal here at the BCSO remains to provide you with safe streets and neighborhoods while saving you money at the pump.

For more information about the BCSO, as well as important issues relevant to the citizens of Bradley County, please log onto our website: www.bradleysheriff.com. If you wish to contact us, you can call (423) 728-7300, or write: 2290 Blythe Ave., SE, Cleveland TN 37311. If you would like to reach me directly, email comments@bradleysheriff.com

Wednesday's Top 5 Is Up

2008-06-18T16:06:00.000-04:00

• Sheriff's Cutbacks
• Home Health Care
• G.P.A. Lowered
• Charity Horse Show
• Spring River Jam

Get it at Bradley News TV.

Tuesday's Top 5 Is Up!

2008-06-17T13:36:00.000-04:00

Learn about...

• Fiery Crash
• Juvey Program Saved
• Elderly Health Care
• Record Enrollment
• CPR Classes

Right now at Bradley News TV.

Type rest of the post here

Morrow Scores Late Model Victory at Cleveland

2008-06-17T08:58:00.000-04:00

From Cleveland Motor Speedway

On his way to victory, Todd Morrow kept a strong Late Model field at bay Saturday night at Cleveland Speedway. It was his first win at the third-mile clay oval since late April for the East Tennessee driver.

Starting on the outside front row Morrow would take the lead on the first lap with pole sitter Randy Burrows in second, Johnny Chastain third, Joe Armes fourth and Lamar Scoggins fifth. With one third of the 30-lap feature in the books Morrow was cruising, Burrows still second had his hands full of Armes with Scoggins in fourth and Chastain fifth.

Armes would move past ailing Burrows for second on the 21st circuit, with Burrows bringing out the caution and retiring two laps later. Armes in the second spot would chase Morrow with Scoggins, John Davenport and Chastain filling out the top five.

With four laps to go Chastain would begin a charge moving past Davenport for fourth. He and Scoggins would battle for third with Chastain taking the spot on lap 29. Scoggins would take the spot back on the white flag lap and follow Morrow and Armes across the stripe. Chastain would settle for fourth and Davenport fifth.

Shawn Chastain, Jamie Oliver, Anthony White, Bobby Mayse and Riley Hickman would round out the top 10.

After finishing in the runner up spot in last weeks Limited/Crate feature, one of the best races at Cleveland in recent history, Rick Hixson held off Brian Jackson to move back into the winner's circle.

Hixson would take the lead at the drop of the green and keep Jackson at bay for all 20-laps to take the win. While Hixson and Jackson were holding down the top spots Chris Beavers was moving up from his sixth place starting spot moving past Craig Burrows for third just before the half-way mark. When the checkered flag flew Burrows would follow Hixson, Jackson and Beavers across the line with John Ownbey finishing fifth.

By virtue of his win at North Georgia on Friday night Hixson picked up the $150 bonus posted my Midnight Oil and Hoosier Tires.

With his eight consecutive feature win Tanner Works continues to dominate the A-Hobby division at Cleveland. Arva Lee Brooks continues to close on Works scoring a second place finish. With three laps to go Greg Suddereth, who had been running in third since the green flag had a flat and that opened the door for Tommy Miller, Kenny Pierce and Mitch Bradley Jr. to finish three through five.

Although he doesn't have as many wins as Works, Patrick Harvey has been the dominant force in the B-Hobby division. Harvey would lead every lap to make it six feature wins in seven races. Chuck Heling would cross the line in second and was followed by Michael Anderson, Randy Hysinger and Chad Collins.

Michael Coutrney would take the Pony win over a strong 19-car field. Scott Ledford would move into the second spot on the eight circuit and score a runner up finish. Jimmy Elliott, Grady Stokes and Jimmy Brown would round out the top five.

Billy Bailey scored his fourth consecutive Front Runner victory. Brad Cross was second, Jeff Curvin third, Joe Cross fourth and Cody Herron fifth.

Next Saturday night at Cleveland Speedway the Pony division will take top billing with their Mid Season Championship. There will also be racing in Late Models, Limited/Crate Late Models, A&B Hobby and Front Runners.

Racing every Saturday night from March to November Cleveland Speedway is East Tennessee's finest clay oval. The track is located on US Hwy 11 (Lee Highway) just north of the US 64 bypass in Cleveland, Tenn. For more information call the track (423) 479-8574. Or visit www.clevelandspeedway.com.

Monday's Top 5 Is Up

2008-06-16T16:37:00.000-04:00

• Business Fire
• Veteran's Home
• Museum Cuts
• School Criticism
• Splash Park Opening

Get the full story at www.BradleyNewsTV.com.

Congressman Zach Wamp On Gas Prices

2008-06-16T12:28:00.002-04:00

Now that gas prices have increased to more than $4.00 a gallon, Congressional Democrats are finally realizing that the basic economic principle of supply and demand is real. World demand for oil is growing, while supply has remained fairly level, causing the price to skyrocket. Ironically, in response, the majority party in our own Congress is asking other countries to increase supply while opposing such increases at home. But there’s another way. It’s time to let American companies produce American energy for American consumers.

The public doesn’t want empty promises. They want solutions. Words are cheap, but votes matter. Since first coming to Congress, I have voted to increase sources of American energy two dozen times. In 1995, one of these votes was for a bill to permit drilling for ANWR’s estimated 10.4 billion barrels of oil, but President Bill Clinton vetoed the legislation and kept these barrels off the market. As recently as 2006, I voted to support the opening of ANWR and offshore drilling, which with today’s technology could be done with minimal risk to the environment. But the Democrat leadership hasn’t allowed any votes this Congress that would increase domestic energy supply. While advancing alternative energy sources and encouraging more efficient vehicles is a critical part of the solution, the proposals brought by this Congress thus far have ignored the central tenant of increasing domestic supply, which can have a more immediate impact on gasoline prices.

We can only help lower the price of gasoline by implementing an “all of the above” approach that increases American-made energy, decreases our dependence on foreign oil and creates jobs here at home in the process. This includes opening new domestic oil refineries and domestic energy reserves, allowing energy development on the Outer Continental Shelf and in ANWR and encouraging, but not mandating, the use of alternative energy sources.

Congress has determined that the vast energy resources off our coasts are off-limits to drilling. But China certainly recognizes these resources, and through an agreement with Cuba, has a permit to drill about 50 miles off the coast of Florida. Why can’t U.S. companies do the same? According to the U.S. Minerals Management Service, the restricted area contains perhaps 86 billion barrels of oil and 420 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. This is 10 times as much oil and 20 times as much natural gas as the United States uses in a year.

The world needs to see us proactively moving toward energy independence and the best way we can do it is to deploy the technologies and capitalize on our free-enterprise system to solve these problems. We must continue to invest in next generation vehicles to decrease our petroleum consumption.

Two new approaches that have real promise for fuel efficiency and reducing gasoline use are biofuels and plug-in hybrids. Renewable biofuels, such as cellulosic ethanol from switchgrass and biodiesel from natural oils like soybean oil, benefit American farmlands in rural areas, our national energy security and the environment. Plug-in hybrid vehicles should be more widely available around 2010 and will be charged with a regular power outlet, helping displace the amount of petroleum used for transportation. However, if the vehicles of the near future are powered by electricity, we need to support a bold resurgence of nuclear energy to meet the increased need.

As for addressing demand, we all have the power to become more energy efficient and lower our own energy costs through conservation. Conservation is not for wimps. It’s for warriors. While not everyone will wear the uniform of our armed forces, everyone can protect our country’s freedom by lessening our dependence on foreign oil.

People all around the country have been feeling the pain at the pump and often complain about gas prices, yet they continue to send some people to Congress that consistently vote against producing energy here at home. We need representatives in Congress who will vote for more energy supply. Americans know we can solve the problem of high gas prices, but we have to decide that we’re serious about doing it and increase the supply of U.S. energy.

U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp represents Tennessee’s Third Congressional District. He is the co-chair of the bipartisan House Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus and a senior member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water.

Stay Off Interstate At Night (And Early Morning)

2008-06-16T09:19:00.001-04:00

From TDOT

As part of the Bradley County I-75 bridge repair project at Exit 20, the contractor will be implementing nightly interstate lane closures on I-75 North and South at mile marker 20 for removal of concrete under the bridge. These closures will begin each night at 8 p.m. and end at 6 a.m. the following morning. One lane will be maintained in each direction on I-75. Because of the heavy traffic volume on the interstate, delays are expected. Local drivers are strongly urged to avoid this area during these periods. This work will take place nightly until further notice. The bridge itself is still reduced to one lane, and the contractor will be working around the clock to complete the work on the bridge deck.

Podcast # 17 Complete

2008-06-16T09:13:00.003-04:00

As the Courthouse was filled to the brim, we thought it would be kosher to provide the investiture ceremony of Judge Ginger Wilson Buchanan in its entirety. So click here and check out number 17. Enjoy...

Full County Commission Agenda

2008-06-16T09:12:00.000-04:00

Friday's Top 5 Is Up!

2008-06-13T13:13:00.000-04:00

• Morning Stabbing
• Exit 20 Wrecks
• Mosby Spray Park
• Bob Taylor Honored
• Friday the 13th

Get it all at Bradley News TV.

Kids' Basket-Making Workshop

2008-06-13T10:33:00.002-04:00

From The Museum Center at 5ive Points

The Museum Center at 5ive Points will host a Children’s camp basket making workshop on Saturday, June 28 from 10 a.m. to noon. The workshop will be lead by expert basket maker Joyce Lantz and her teaching assistants in this class for children ages 9-12. The design of the basket and the materials are simple for children to use and will result in a basket for them to take home. This class is a great way for children to learn to grow in their skills and have exposure to new things.

Reservations must be made by Monday, June 23 for this fun and creative children’s offering. The cost for children of members is $13 and for children of non-members is $15. You can make a reservation by either coming by the museum during open hours Tuesday – Friday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.–3 p.m. or by calling 339-5745 and making your reservation by credit card.

The program is part of the exhibit Ken and Kathleen Dalton: A Basket Making Legacy that is on view through July 12. The exhibit is sponsored by Bank of Cleveland.

The Museum Center at 5ive Points preserves and interprets the history and culture of the Ocoee District of Southeast Tennessee. The museum hosts exhibits and education programs. The Museum’s store sells Appalachian arts and crafts from the region. The museum is closed Sundays, Mondays and Holidays. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and students and free for children under 5. Groups of 12 or more are $4 each. Members of the Museum Center receive free admission. For further information call 423-339-5745 or visit www.MuseumCenter.org.

Boys, Girls And Mars MVP Day

2008-06-12T16:08:00.003-04:00

From the Boys and Girls Club

Each year for the past two years, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Cleveland has been the recipient of the Mars – MVP Day. This is a fantastic day when the associates from the Cleveland Mars Plant come to the club and volunteer their time to make a difference in the lives of the children who attend the Boys and Girls Clubs of Cleveland.

This year, the associates out did themselves by taking on two projects. On Tuesday, June 3 and 4, the Mars Associates pulled in their trucks full of equipment to set up the playground you see pictured below. The equipment was donated last year by Lee University and had been waiting to be planted. Well, thanks to the associates the kids have a great place to play outside for years to come.
Secondly, Mars, a sponsor of the Second Harvest Program, awarded the Chattanooga Food Bank/Boys and Girls Clubs of Cleveland a grant to operate a “Kids Café” at seven of our club unit sites. On Thursday, June 5, Mars Associates showed up again at the club to serve members one of their first hot meals as a result of the Kids Café Grant awarded by M&M Mars.

Thursday's Top 5 Is Up!

2008-06-12T14:01:00.001-04:00

• Student's Funeral
• Teacher Pay Raises
• Supt's Last Meeting
• Coffee Shop in Mall
• Miss TN Pageant

What are you waiting for? Head to Bradley News TV for the scoop!

Kay McDaniel Tennis Clinic A Slamming Success

2008-06-12T10:43:00.002-04:00

From Lee University

The ever-popular Kay McDaniel’s 17th Annual Summer Tennis Clinics was a smashing hit, with 225 kids from Cleveland and surrounding cities lined the courts to learn from Ms. Kay and her capable staff of instructors. Hosted by Lee University, boys and girls ages 6 to 13 participated in a week of fun-filled free tennis lessons.

The Director, Kay McDaniel, is a former world’s top professional tennis player. She shared exciting stories of her road to Wimbledon. She first learned to play tennis by using a Green Stamp racket. She overcame obstacles such as the death of her tennis coach and a bone spur injury that stopped her professional career until God miraculously healed it. McDaniel went on to play against some of tennis’ most legendary players, such as Billie Jean King, Martina Navratilova, Chris Evert and Steffi Graf.

Assisting McDaniel were 35 instructors comprising of Lee’s physical education majors, junior tennis players, retired teachers, past clinic participants (junior instructors) and tennis playing parents. These instructors return year after year, volunteering their time to this grand event.

Prizes were given to the kids all week long. On the last day was a closing award ceremony where – to the delight of parents and kids – a 12-minute movie presentation was shown with meaningful songs, featuring the kids playing tennis.

Every participant received a free t-shirt, court photo with McDaniel and a certificate. McDaniel focuses on a particular theme each year and places that theme on the back of the participant’s t-shirts. This year’s theme was “Be a Barnabas - Believe the Best in Others!” which is based on I Thessalonians 5:11.

On Friday, a special awards ceremony took place in the Curtsinger Music Building on Lee University’s campus. Inspiringly, distinguished medals and gifts were given to boys and girls by McDaniel in four categories: Most Promising, Most Improved, Most Christ-Like and Most Attended.

12 children were nominated for each of these awards, one from each tennis court, and the winner was asked to come down to the podium where McDaniel took a few minutes to talk privately to each winner.

When asked what McDaniel said to these young athletes one of the winners said, “That’s just between me and Ms. K but it was motivating and personal. She inspires all of us.”

The winners of these awards were Misha Owen and Reagan Wilbanks who demonstrated “Most Improved” skills throughout the event. Jessica Vest and Taylor Copeland received medals for “Most Christ-Like.”

McDaniel gave a special award, a Tail tennis skirt that she wore while competing at Wimbledon, to Haley Swank, for the “Most Promising Girl,” while Bradley McCurdy received a Prince tennis racket bag. Lydia Frazier attended eight consecutive Kay McDaniel Tennis Clinics, and she received a tennis watch.

At the end of the event, parents remarked, “Ms. Kay and her staff really know how to put on a sport extravaganza! My kids just couldn’t wait to get to the courts everyday to hear Ms. Kay’s stories and to play with all the other kids. This is such a wonderful community outreach that Lee University puts on.”

Another parent said after the clinic award ceremony, “I am most grateful for the biblical inspiration that these Clinics have on our children. These camps have such a lasting effect on our children. They attended these camps for five, six and seven years and they like it as much as the first time.“

McDaniel remarked after the awards ceremony, “It’s my joy to invest in these young lives. My passion for these camps is to use the sports venue to spread the love of God to every participant. It’s wonderful to witness so many kids enjoying this lifelong sport.”

Fallen But Not Forgotten

2008-06-12T10:01:00.000-04:00

by Sheriff Tim Gobble

I, like many others here in Bradley County, pray for the safety and well-being of our deputies every single day. No one understands the volatile, uncertain nature of law enforcement better than law enforcement personnel themselves. In public service, what may seem to be a routine task can turn deadly in a heartbeat. A simple traffic stop, a warrant to be served, a court proceeding – a law enforcement officer never knows when the unexpected will intrude upon the situation, turning the mundane into the virulent.

This deadly X-factor – the specter of sudden violence – is simply a part of every public safety officer’s daily routine. And while every precaution is taken, there are just no guarantees that a lethal and tragic situation won’t develop at a moment’s notice. Invariably, when that happens – when a deputy or police officer falls in the line of duty – it never fails to leave an overwhelming sense of grief and loss in its wake that goes beyond words.

My heart goes out to the family, friends and colleagues of Grundy County Sheriff’s Deputy Shane Tate who was gunned down on June 5 while attempting to serve a warrant in Tracy City for probation violation. The suspect later turned the gun on himself. Two lives gone, two families destroyed. A senseless and absolutely tragic waste.

The death of 29-year-old Deputy Tate was particularly heartbreaking because he left a young wife and five young children behind. He had been with the Grundy County Sheriff’s Office for three years and a patrol deputy for less than one. He had only just graduated from the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy two weeks before his death. Academy Director Brian Grisham described him as “a good young man, dedicated to his family.” He said Deputy Tate never failed to spend time with each of his children every night before he went to bed. In fact, every person in the Grundy community seems stunned and grief-stricken at the loss of this good young man.

During the course of our 172-year history here in Bradley County, we have taken casualties as well. Sheriff Israel Smith was killed in 1922 while breaking up an illegal whiskey-making operation; Dep. Taylor Caywood was killed in1932 while transporting a dangerous criminal from out of state; Dep. Kenneth Wright was killed in 1971 while serving a warrant; Cleveland City Police Officer Bud Cash was killed in 1955 while running emergency traffic; and Reserve Dep. Al McCollum died in 1989 during a rescue attempt.

Additionally, just in the past seven years alone, five law enforcement officers have died in the line of duty in east Tennessee: Hamilton County Deputy Donald Bond (age 35, killed September 6, 2001); Chattanooga Police Officer Julie Jacks (age 26, killed May 6, 2002); Loudon County Sheriff’s Deputy Jason Scott (age 24, killed March 4, 2004); Correctional Officer Wayne “Cotton” Morgan (age 57, killed August 9, 2005); and Roane County Deputy Bill Jones (age 53, killed May 11, 2006).

This latest tragedy involving Dep. Shane Tate serves to underscore the inherent risks involved in law enforcement and the fact that nothing can be taken for granted when dealing with the unpredictable nature of a desperate person. The men and women who willingly serve and protect citizens they don’t even know in dangerous situations – and at times, pay the ultimate price while doing it – are an invaluable asset to any community and we should all feel indebted to them. I believe it is our duty to support them in any and every way we can to enhance their safety and well-being.

As I write these words, my prayer is that God’s tender mercies will afford Dep. Tate’s wife and five children some degree of peace during this horrific and traumatic time in their lives. And may God bless and protect all men and women who wear the badge.

As ever, if you would like to learn more about the operations of the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office, you can log onto our website: www.bradleysheriff.com. We have posted dozens of BCSOtv podcasts there in which we offer important information and address issues of concern relevant to all Bradley County citizens. I encourage you to check them out. You can also call us at (423) 728-7300, or e-mail me directly at comments@bradleysheriff.com. Our mailing address is 2290 Blythe Ave., SE, Cleveland TN 37311. I try hard to answer all letters and e-mails I receive. I may sometimes be a bit late with a reply, but it is important to me that people take time to write, and I do try to respond.

Fight Cancer With Clubs

2008-06-12T09:42:00.002-04:00

From American Cancer Society

Cleveland area golfers are invited to join the American Cancer Society’s fight against cancer on the fairway. The American Cancer Society’s Hamilton County Golf Championship will be held on June 17 at Council Fire Golf and Country Club.

The American Cancer Society Golf Championship is the largest single amateur golf event in America. By participating in this Golf Championship, golfers contribute to the battle against cancer. Proceeds from this event benefit the American Cancer Society’s mission to eliminate cancer through research, education, advocacy and service.

The $1,000 entry fee for a four-person team may be paid by company sponsorship or by individuals. The fee includes green fee, golf cart, an $80 TaylorMade gift card for each player, Zaxby’s lunch and Carrabba’s dinner served at the tournament, Pro-V golf balls, sunscreen and sunglasses. Beverages and snacks will also be given to players during the tournament. Each player will receive a door prize valued at $20 to $50 each.

Both Men’s and Women’s Flights are available, and awards will be given to first and second place winners in each division. A new award to be given this year is the Low Gross Winner for both the men’s and women’s category. The Golf Championship will begin with registration and lunch at 10:30 a.m. A shotgun start will take place at noon. Dinner, a silent auction and the awards ceremony will immediately follow the tournament. A Hole in One contest will be sponsored by Toyota of Chattanooga.

For more information about this Golf Championship or the American Cancer Society, call Angela Mathis at 423-855-2778 or visit www.cancer.org.

The American Cancer Society is a nationwide, community-based, voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy and service.

Wednesday's Top 5 Is Up

2008-06-11T16:34:00.000-04:00

• Wal-Mart Tomatoes
• Traffic Tie-Up
• Exit 20 Delays
• Tuition Increase
• Teacher Pay Raises

Bradley News TV

Stuart Chorus Goes Back In Time

2008-06-11T14:52:00.002-04:00

Story and Photos by Christy D. Wells-Reece

Recently, the chorus from George R. Stuart Elementary School presented their spring show entitled “Creating America in Song,” under the direction of music teacher Ruth James. Featuring many instrumental, vocal and dance numbers from different musical genres, the children reminded the audience about how this country was made great. Some of the songs featured included “Fifty Nifty,” Shady Grove,” Blues Street Blues” and “Over There.”

Beginning in the mid-1800s, the children took the viewers on a trip down on the docks where people were coming from all over the world to be part of this great new nation. Their musical journey continued to the time of the dust bowl when times were hard but families stuck together and made it through. Time and the music marched on as they danced through the World Wars with flappers and nurses rolling bandages and then they celebrated the end of segregation by remembering Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I have a dream” speech. The voyage was ended with a rousing chorus of “This Land Is Your Land,” which was met with a standing ovation.

Fifth grade members of the chorus, who will be going to the middle school next year, presented James with roses and thanked her for her direction, hard work and patience. James, in turn, thanked all of the parents who had donated their time and helped with costumes for the production.

Members of the chorus are chosen through an audition process for children in grades three through five and are required to attend rehearsals before school on Friday mornings throughout the school year.

Chorus members also participated recently in Choir Sharing, a program where elementary school choirs in the Chattanooga area perform for judges and receive critiques. The Stuart Chorus received excellent reviews at this event.

Advent Home Graduation: The Triumphs Of At-Risk Teens

2008-06-11T14:35:00.002-04:00

How a rebellious, 13-year old advanced from second to eighth grade in remedial reading is just one of many success stories that will inspire you during Graduation/Homecoming Weekend at Advent Home Learning Center in Calhoun, Tennessee, June 27 – 29.

Please join us to celebrate the triumphs of teenage boys who have experienced considerable progress over Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and other learning and behavior problems. The guest speaker is Dr. Ed Wright, M.Div. The weekend’s schedule is as follows:
Program

Friday, June 27 7-9 p.m. Consecration Ceremony

Sabbath, June 28 9-10:30 a.m. Family Worship
4:30-6 p.m. Baptismal Ceremony

Sunday, June 29 9-9:45 a.m. Family Worship
10 a.m.-12 noon Graduation Ceremony

For more information, contact Elsie at (423) 336-5052 x 222 or eowens@adventhome.org or visit www.adventhome.org.

Not to Be Redundant

2008-06-11T10:31:00.000-04:00

By Judith Nembhard

Perhaps you’ve heard someone who wants to emphasize a point say, “Not to be redundant…” and goes on to repeat the idea anyway. If you didn’t get it the first time, the individual is hoping that you will the second time around, but most times the repetition isn’t necessary.

An unnecessary repetition is called a redundancy. The British use the word to refer to workers who are laid off from their jobs. They are made redundant, unnecessary, not a good feeling at all. Nowadays the U.S. equivalent is downsized. Just as employers scale back on their work force, we too need to scale back on, or downsize, some of the phrases we use without thinking. Redundancies have become so commonly used, however, that they are clichés and we don’t recognize when we’re using them. We routinely say “grocery store,” “soaking wet” and “fall down.”

Here’s a list of some common redundancies. How many of them are you guilty of using?
1. New discovery: All discoveries are new. Leave off the word “new.”
2. Revert back: There is no place to revert except back. Omit “back.”
3. ATM machine: This abbreviation stands for Automated Teller Machine. The word “machine” is not necessary.
4. Free gift: If it’s free, it’s a gift. Use one word or the other, not both.
5. True facts: All facts are true. You don’t need both words.
6. Exact same thing: There are no exact different things. Leave out “same.”
7. Filled to capacity: A place is filled when it has all it can hold. Omit “capacity” or say, “was at capacity.”
8. Trusted confidant: A confidant is a trusted friend. Say “a trusted friend” or “a confidant.”
9. Own my own home, or own my own business: You would not want to own someone else’s home or business, I’m sure. You wish to own a home or own a business.
10. At this point in time: We inherited this one from the Watergate era. It is a wordy way of saying “now.”

As long as people are being laid off and downsized, they will be considered redundant, but make sure that you use language that isn’t. Your computer’s grammar checker can help you avoid some redundancies by highlighting them and suggesting alternatives.

Tuesday's Top 5 Is Up!

2008-06-10T15:03:00.001-04:00

Jennifer Demuth is back! Learn about...

• Teenager Dead
• Governor in Town
• Salmonella Poisoning
• Goody's Stays Open
• Square Dancing Classes

...now at Bradley News TV.

Podcast # 16 Up!

2008-06-10T09:21:00.001-04:00

Summer changes at Bradley News was the topic of this week's podcast. Head to Podcast.BradleyNewsOnline.com to check it out!

Building Denise's Dream

2008-06-09T12:40:00.004-04:00

Special For Our Readers

Rose Sutton recently lost her daughter Denise Sutton after a lengthy battle with cancer. She was 28 years old. The dream of Denise was to have a wheelchair-accessible home for her sister Candice, who uses a wheelchair due to a traumatic brain injury caused by a wreck.

Shiloh Baptist Church recently established a fund called the Sutton Family Project recognizing the dream Denise had to help her family. The Fund will be used to construct a wheelchair accessible home for Rose and her daughter Candice.

The Mantooth family has donated property for the site of the home and the church has raised $50,000 in monetary donations to start construction, which began on June 2. Volunteers helping with construction came from Shiloh Baptist Church, other local churches, members of the community and the Sutton family. The goal is to have the Sutton family in their new wheelchair accessible home by July 1.

The goal is to have the Sutton Family in their new home by the first of July. To find out how you can help, call 423-338-4292.

About The Rose Sutton Family

In 1994, Rose, Candice, Denise and their father, Robert, moved to Polk County from Greer, South Carolina to be close to Rose’s family. Robert, who is a Vietnam Veteran, had a heart attack, which was followed closely by a stroke. With the twins in middle school, Rose needed the extra support from her sisters, Janice Mantooth and Sara Hill.
Though Robert has since recovered, he had to have his leg amputated, leaving him wheelchair bound until receiving his artificial leg. Since 2003, Robert resides in South Carolina. This would not be the last time someone in the family was wheelchair bound.

Candice and Denise went on to be typical teenagers, enjoying their high school years, as much as one can, and participating in all youth activities at church. After graduation, they enrolled in Cleveland State and started working at Wal-Mart part-time.

The new millennium did not start well for the Sutton Family. In September 2000, Denise had her first tumor removed, which led to the need for a rib resection that was performed in Alabama. Then, one Wednesday afternoon in October 2000, after picking up Candice from work on their way to choir practice, the Suttons were stopped at the red light at Durkee and 64. A drunk driver traveling at a high rate of speed hit them in the rear. In total, four cars were damaged, with the twins’ car suffering the worst. Candice sustained brain damage that left her wheelchair bound and Denise suffered from a skull fracture. Candice was airlifted to Erlanger Hospital, where she stayed in ICU for five weeks, until she was moved to Siskin Hospital for six more weeks of therapy.

In order for Candice to come home, they had to build a ramp to allow wheelchair access. Unfortunately, the ramp is so steep, Denise and her mother had to work together to push Candice up the ramp. Denise decided to stay with them to help care for Candice and began writing Christian short stories as a way to earn a living. She has even published a collection of her short stories.

Then in 2004, Denise learned her tumor had returned. She endured three months of chemotherapy before the tumor was removed. The tumor was basketball size and attached to her ribs. Most, if not all, of the ribs on her right side were removed, along with half of her liver, kidney, a small portion of her lung and diaphragm. She recovered but needed hernia surgery the following year.

In 2007, Denise started studying for her real estate license and passed her exam. She was so excited about being able to provide for her family because they were having financial difficulties. Unfortunately, she felt another bulge and was sent back to Memorial Hospital. The tumor had returned and damaged her intestines. She had to have a bowel resection and lost more of her liver. She got better but had lost a lot of weight and needed to have a wound vac.

Denise returned to church, sang in the Ensemble and looked and felt more beautiful than ever. She had always loved singing and helped with the music during Vacation Bible School. She had a wonderful Christmas with her mom, sister, aunts, uncles and cousins.

At the end of January 2008, she began to feel the bulge again. Initially, the surgeon said there was nothing he could do, but changed his mind and removed more of her intestines, leaving Denise with four different drain tubes. The doctor the delivered the news to the family that medically he had done all that was possible. Denise stayed in the hospital for three more weeks with her mom and Candice staying in the room with her, never once leaving. She was in a lot of pain but went home to be with the Lord at 9:20 a.m. Monday, February 18, 2008 at Parkridge Hospital.

Creep Of The Week

2008-06-09T09:37:00.000-04:00

I just read the creep of the week on the daily fax regarding taking small pets into restaurants.

I know that there are a lot of pet lovers out there and I don't think there is a thing wrong with loving your pets but not everyone loves pets like you, some don't even have that choice. I have two children who are highly allergic to cats and dogs and if you were allowed to bring your pets in then I would have to keep my children out. Now who has more of a need and right to be in a restaurant? A dog or a child? Also I hate pet hair around food and the last thing I would ever want is to go to a place and sit at a table where a dog had been five minutes before. I think we are taking "pet loving" a little far when we start taking them to dinner with us. Come on guys, Alpo is Alpo no matter where you are...get real. I think the Creep of the Century should go to some rapist or murder, not a normal restaurant owner who wishes to keep his customers coming and his health inspection rating above failing.

Chamber Recognizes KAB's Maskew

2008-06-06T23:46:00.001-04:00

From Cleveland / Bradley Chamber of Commerce

Joanne Maskew, Executive Director of Cleveland/Bradley Keep America Beautiful, was recognized this week for her tireless efforts to promote recycling and community beautification in local business/industry.
The recognition was part of the “Salute to Industry” luncheon hosted by the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce at the Museum Center at 5ive Points. The luncheon annually acknowledges the role existing industry plays in the economic well-being of Cleveland and Bradley County.

“Joanne is a dynamic influence in our businesses as well as in our community by advocating good stewardship of our environment,” said Lisa Pickel, Director of Existing Industry Programs, when making the presentation. “She works tirelessly and energetically to promote clean-up programs and educate the community about the need to preserve and protect our environment.”

Maskew established the White Glove Award, which is presented annually to a company that exemplifies excellence in its commitment to preserving the environment.

“Joanne’s passion for what she does has kept Keep America Beautiful in Cleveland/Bradley County,” Pickel insisted. “She makes a difference in the environmental stewardship of our community.”

Friday's Top 5 Is Up!

2008-06-06T22:36:00.000-04:00

Head to BradleyNewsTV.com to check it out!

Saint Of The Week

2008-06-06T10:26:00.001-04:00

The Saints in my book are the gentleman and the lady that helped me at Game Stop on Treasurer Drive. My car broke down, and I had a trunk full of groceries and my children in the car. No cell phone...

The gentleman tried to fix my car but to no prevail. Then they took my groceries and put them in their Jeep, and gave us a ride home. Saints such as this are few and far between. Thank you thank you. BTW... the engine in my car blew. Now we are walking, but I see it as a blessing incognito. Saving gas money, not polluting the air and exercise! All I need is sidewalks! This city needs more sidewalks! Especially on Wildwood at Springplace! More sidewalks would mean more pedestrians and less cars going all of the time, especially with the cost of gas now!

Drug Task Force Agent Surrenders

2008-06-06T07:39:00.002-04:00

Police Beat
From BCSO

Just after 11 p.m. on Thursday the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office responded to 140 Old Tasso Place on a domestic disturbance. Before deputies arrived, they were informed 10th Judicial District Drug Task Force Agent Bobby Queen was in the residence with an automatic weapon refusing to come out.

The Bradley County SWAT team, the Cleveland Police Department SWAT team and the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Unit and Negotiating Team were called to the scene.

At approximately 4:41 a.m. Queen surrendered and was taken into custody without injury. At this time the investigation will continue by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

Also assisting at the scene were the Drug Task Force and the District Attorney’s Office.

Thursday's Top 5 Is Up!

2008-06-05T20:39:00.003-04:00

Visit BradleyNewsTV.com to find out what's going on in Bradley County today!

CPR Awareness Week

2008-06-05T19:54:00.006-04:00

Saint Of The Week

2008-06-05T19:45:00.000-04:00

The Saints in my book are the gentleman and the lady that helped me at Game Stop on Treasurary Drive.

My car broke down, and I had a trunk full of groceries and my children in the car. No cell phone.... The gentleman tried to fix my car but to no prevail. Then they took my groceries and put them in their Jeep, and gave us a ride home. Saints such as this are few and far between. Thank you thank you. BTW... the engine in my car blew.. Now we are walking, but I see it as a blessing in cognito... Saving gas money, not polluting the air, and exercise! All I need is sidewalks!!!!!!!! This city needs more sidewalks!!! Especially on Wildwood at Springplace! More sidewalks would mean more pedestrians and less cars going all of the time, especially with the cost of gas now!

Chief’s Corner

2008-06-05T19:43:00.001-04:00

By Cleveland Police Chief Wes Snyder

Theft Under $500 is a common crime in the City of Cleveland. There are certain items commonly stolen such as cash, wallets and car stereos. But there is no limit to what a thief may take from you.

Numerous larceny reports were filed at the Cleveland Police Department last month. Several sets of golf clubs were stolen from carports and garages that were left open. A couple of the victims had bicycles stolen from their carports. Air conditioning units, utility trailers, several law mowers and other lawn equipment have been stolen. And believe it or not, one victim had a water hose stolen!

This list proves that you never know what a thief may steal from you. Every theft cannot be prevented, but the following preventative measures that will help deter the petty thief:

• Do not leave things lying around; the temptation may be too great for someone else.
• Leave porch lights on in the nighttime; thieves don’t want to be seen.
• Install security lighting.
• Leave a radio or TV on during the daytime while you’re away from home. Thieves won’t usually break in when they think you are at home.
• Record serial numbers and keep them in a safe place.
• Engrave identifying information on your belongings.

TRAFFIC TIP
Bridge work at I-75 exit 20 is scheduled through June 30, 2008. Expect delays; use an alternate route if possible.

CHIEF’S HOTLINE 728-INFO (4636)
LITTER HOTLINE 559-3307 (Cigarette butts are litter, too!)

Spots Most Likely To Experience A Tornado

2008-06-05T13:18:00.001-04:00

Click on "Read more" for a photo.

Technology And The BCSO

2008-06-05T13:08:00.002-04:00

By Sheriff Tim Gobble

I often write about revenues the BCSO brings into the county coffers. Before I go on the my chosen topic of technology as an aid to law enforcement, I want to briefly share with you the figures I have just received on jail revenues for March. The billing process takes a little time to complete, so the money has not arrived at this writing, but will be paid to Bradley County within a few weeks. Again, this just represents a single month’s revenue.

For the month of March, operations of the Bradley County jail netted over $290,000 for the General Fund. The Corrections Division generates revenue from a number of different sources and that revenue goes into the Bradley County General Fund; needless to say, this helps relieve the financial burden on taxpayers.

The Tennessee Department of Corrections reimbursed the county a total of $123,795 in March for housing State inmates. We are also contracted to house up to 100 non-violent Federal inmates on a daily basis. That reimbursement amount for March totaled $150,654.

The money generated by housing State inmates represents 42 percent of that March total of $293,076.67, while money generated by housing Federal inmates represents 49 percent of that total. The remaining nine percent was generated through the inmate phone system, the inmate commissary, the work release program and the Sexual Offender Registry.

Quite often, the public focus is drawn only to the expenses of operating the Justice Center. I am glad to remind citizens that the jail also generates revenue. And as far as the taxpayers are concerned, every dollar we earn is a dollar they save.

In addition to our efforts to contain expenses, the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office continually works to stay current with the latest technological developments as they relate to law enforcement.

I am pleased to say that the BCSO is one of the first agencies in Tennessee to adopt the TraCS system (Traffic and Criminal Software), which allows deputies to file paperless accident reports directly from the scene. In fact, we were involved in that pilot program and our Mobile Data System (MDS) allows deputies in the field to file reports, verify IDs, run plates and driver’s license histories and check for outstanding warrants. This is a savings in paper costs, obviously; but more important, considering the high cost of gasoline, it helps conserve fuel, as the deputies are not continually driving back and forth to the Sheriff’s Office to fill out and file reports.

Cameras are invaluable in documenting incidents whenever a deputy has to pull someone over, as one never knows when a routine stop might turn into something more serious. Currently, there are 32 patrol cars equipped with cameras, but our goal is to see every patrol car outfitted. The 11 new patrol cars that were recently put into service all have dash cams, as well as many other technical upgrades. All these new technical additions will become standard in any new cars we acquire.

Video technology has also allowed us to pursue other less-lethal options, such as new tazers that are equipped with cameras. The tazer cameras automatically engage whenever the tazer is put into use and preserves an objective video record of everything that happens while the weapon is in use. This is important for the protection of the public as well as the deputy.

Radio cell phones are commonplace, but they remain a valuable tool in crime fighting and public safety. Technology makes it possible for deputies in the field to transmit reports directly to a server, which offers supervisors immediate access to field reports. If necessary, the supervisor can then send these files on to a reporting clerk who can, in turn, log the information into a state data base. The system also has GPS, which allows us to track patrol cars in real time to determine their locations in the event of an emergency.

Additionally, we have had a wireless network inside the Justice Center ever since we moved into the new building. This is a secure system that cannot be accessed without proper authorization and is important to the timely exchange of information. The National Crime Information Computer (NCIC) is another important tool for accessing criminal histories and is part of a national network.

The BCSO has always tried to be on the forefront of technology and we will continue to do so. Bradley County is growing daily and facing challenges that couldn’t even be anticipated 10 years ago. One of the most effective tools at our disposal is information technology, and the BCSO will continue to remain progress, proactive and autonomous in order to safeguard the security of all our citizens.

To learn more about the operations at the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office, log onto our website at www.bradleysheriff.com. If you would like to contact me personally, e-mail: comments@bradleysheriff.com.

Events At Museum Center

2008-06-05T13:02:00.006-04:00

From The Museum Center

The Museum Center at 5ive Points will host a Children’s Summer History Camp from July 21 to 25 for children ages 7–12 who are entering 2nd through 5th grades. The theme of the week-long camp is the Cherokee then and now. During the week children will be immersed in Cherokee culture of the past and present with a variety of activities and field trips that will help them explore the many facets of Cherokee culture and history. The camp meets from 9 a.m. to noon each day, except for one longer field trip day.

Each day will bring a new adventure. Sherry and Mark Finchum of Indian Creek Productions will be coming to present their program on Cherokee traditions of the past and present. They will bring many hands-on activities for the children, authentic Cherokee items and will share their vast knowledge of the Cherokee people. There will be a visit to Red Clay State Historic Site for a special tour of their new Three Sisters’ Garden and a hands-on project with the Site’s interpretive staff and a picnic lunch on the grounds. Another day will be a visit to Hair Conrad’s Cabin, which is on private property. Children will see the home of a Cherokee who not only was influential in Cleveland’s history, but who also led a contingent on the Trail of Tears. Other days will be filled with Cherokee storytelling and crafts.

Reservations and pre-payment for this fun-filled week are required by July 18. The cost is $125 for children of museum members and $140 for children of non-members. To make a reservation and pre-pay, please come by the museum during museum hours Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-3 p.m., or to pay by credit card call the museum store at 339-5745 and ask for Tracy.

Photo: Sherry and Mark Finchum of Indian Creek Productions will be one of the presenters during the Cherokee Summer History Camp at the Museum Center at 5ive Points in July.

In other Museum Center news, The Museum Center at 5ive Points is hosting a slide lecture and gallery tour led by guest curator Roy M. Overcast Jr. on the history of Appalachian white oak baskets on Saturday, June 14 at 1 p.m. Also in attendance will be basket makers Ken and Kathleen Dalton whose white oak baskets are on display at the Museum Center in an exhibit entitled Ken and Kathleen Dalton of Coker Creek: A Basket Making Legacy. Admission to the lecture and gallery talk is free for museum members and there is a regular museum admission charge for non-members. The fee includes a tour of the exhibit.

State Veterans' Home

2008-06-05T12:58:00.001-04:00

By Larry McDaris

At the Memorial Day Service of Remembrance at the Bradley County Courthouse on May 26th, State Representative Kevin Brooks officially announced passage of House Resolution 531 that he sponsored. This resolution urges the Governor to support the construction of a state veteran’s nursing home in Bradley County. The resolution passed 97 to 0 on May 6, 2008. Representative Brooks did an outstanding job getting it passed.

The Bradley County Commission and Cleveland City Council passed similar resolutions in 2003 in support of a local veterans nursing facility. The resolutions recognized that it would be a service to the veterans of this part of the state to have a home for veterans built in Bradley County. It would be more convenient for local veterans and their families while also providing more beds to alleviate a growing demand throughout the state of Tennessee.

After reading the resolution, Representative Brooks very appropriately recognized two individuals instrumental in working to make a home in Bradley County a reality. They were John Simmons, a local and very active veterans advocate and Gary Benefield, a former Veterans Service Officer for this area. John was praised for his tireless efforts regarding the home and resolution and Gary was credited with doing the groundwork and initiating the concept several years ago.

There are several types of VA nursing homes: those that are owned and operated by the federal government and state nursing homes operated by the state where located. In Tennessee, the General Assembly created the Tennessee State Veterans’ Homes Board in 1988 to establish and operate public homes within our state. These are known as “Tennessee State Veterans Homes.” John Simmons, mentioned above, is a member of this board.

Construction of state VA nursing homes, once approved, is funded at 65 percent by the federal government (VA) and 35 percent by state/local plus the land of approximately 20 to 25 acres must be donated. A 140 bed nursing home currently runs about $19 million which would mean, in our case, that the federal government/VA would provide over $12 million and state/local over $6 million.

There are currently three Tennessee State Nursing Homes in operation; Murfreesboro, Humboldt and the newest Knoxville. I had the opportunity to tour it several months ago and was very impressed. It is a first class facility in every way. A fourth home has been approved for Clarksville in Montgomery County. They are currently priority 89 on the 2008 list for federal funding. It will take $322 million to reach them, so it will be some time before it is completed.

We are working diligently to be the location for the next state home in Tennessee. One of the first steps is to file a formal application with the VA State Home Construction Program in Washington. This has been accomplished.

One tremendous advantage we have in this process is that Bradley County is most fortunate to have anonymous donors that wish to donate three million dollars for a home to be located here. This private donation of $3 million can be applied toward the state/local 35 percent portion thus reducing it from the more than $6 million. This donation gives Bradley County a huge advantage and could well make the difference if we get a home here or not.

County land is also available to use for the nursing home, but we would also like to pursue some other alternatives as the VA prefers to have several potential sites to choose from.

With the financial situation presently looking dismal at the state level, we are looking at other potential ways to generate the remaining state/local portion of $3,650,000.00. If our portion of the funding is available, it is quite possible to move up on the priority list for federal funding.

This is a slow and deliberate process dealing with the federal government, and it is not going to happen overnight. I do, however, believe we are well on our way. As Representative Brooks put it, “We have set the stage for having a new home in Bradley County.”

We are planning to establish a Bradley County State Nursing Home Committee in the near future to help bring this project to fruition. We envision this committee including members from the County Commission, City Council, local Veterans Service Organizations and other interested citizens. Joe Davis, a Bradley County/Cleveland Veterans Service Officer, is organizing this effort. He has developed a tentative time line and is coordinating formation of the committee. If you are interested in being a committee member, please contact Joe at the Veterans Service Office, Room 105 in the Bradley County Courthouse or phone him at 423-728-7100.

City School Board Approves 2008-2009 Budget

2008-06-05T12:50:00.002-04:00

By Meg Veal

Kick Up The Lights
The City Board of Education met June 2 for a regularly scheduled meeting. After the board approved the consent agenda, Director of Schools Dr. Rick Denning asked Lebron Lackey to take the floor. Lackey, who is with the Greater Cleveland Soccer Association, asked the board to consider lights for the soccer field Cleveland High School uses if the GCSA pays for the installment and first year of utility bills. Lackey said, "If you burn the lights for one hour, it costs $4.48." The board voted unanimously, knowing they will be expected to fund the lighting for at least the next 10 years.

Wind It Up
Upland Design Group, who is designing the new Science Wing for Cleveland High School, presented two options to the board. Denning recommended the board approve one option, even though they expect no funding for at least a year - maybe more. Option A, which the board approved, will cost $8.175 million in estimated construction fees. That includes all built-in casework, but no loose furniture or equipment. Option B included health occupation classrooms. CHS Principal Chuck Rockholt said, "Unless pennies rain from heaven and funding is approved, there are obviously some thing we need to look at."

He went on to state he would give up the classrooms - knowing the Science Wing would free up classrooms used for Science currently - to spend the money on the furniture and equipment for the Science Wing. Board Member Max Carroll, who is retiring after this term, made the motion for Option A. Bill Brown said, "I insist he makes a motion. The building's going to be named after him."

The board disagreed on the method of delivery for the construction of the Science Wing. In the end they decided - via split vote - on a general contractor. When the funds for the Wing become available, the board will advertise the job. Board Chair Dawn Robinson said, "People think we're rubber stamps. We have a great board, but we do disagree."

Money Talks
Although the 2008-09 budget was unanimously approved, it was with much discussion. Brenda Carson told the board, "This is the tightest budget we've ever started with." Added into the figures for next year was a one-percent raise for teachers. For a first-year teacher, that's not even $1 per day. "That's almost an insult," said board member Evelyn Rockholt. The only other expenditures in the budget are for four new buses.

He Was A Skater Boy
Board member Bill Brown spoke to the board regarding skateboarders skating on the roof at Stuart Elementary. He asked the board if they would be willing to look into City ordinances to keep the kids from not only trespassing on the new roof, but from getting hurt.

The board will meet again July 21.

3-on-3 Tournament Announced

2008-06-05T09:08:00.002-04:00

For Our Readers

Members of the organizing committee for the upcoming Heart of a Champion 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament to benefit the Colby Stansberry Scholarship Fund met recently to finalize plans for the June 21 event.

Deadline for team registration is June 11. All teams that register by the deadline are guaranteed a shirt. The tournament will begin at 9 a.m. at Cleveland Middle School. Registration forms are available at the Cleveland Family YMCA or www.colbystansberry.com .

Pictured with the t-shirts to be given to participants are (front) Suzanne Womack and Missy Stansberry. Standing: Pam Fromm, Johnny Cartwright, Renee Davis, Carla Metzger, Jack Fromm and Jeff Stansberry.

Wednesday's Top 5 Is Up!

2008-06-04T18:52:00.002-04:00

Watch Kristin in action right here.
Type rest of the post here

SkyRidge Announces Opening of Westside Campus Redi-Care Clinic

2008-06-04T15:56:00.003-04:00

Special For Our Readers

SkyRidge Medical Center is pleased to announce the opening of SkyRidge Redi-Care clinic on the Westside Campus in the former Emergency Department. SkyRidge Redi-Care is a walk-in clinic designed to treat patients who have an injury or illness that requires immediate care but is not serious enough to warrant a visit to an emergency room.

"We feel that the SkyRidge Redi-Care clinic will better meet the needs of the community and our hospital by offering an attractive alternative to our Emergency Department during peak hours," says Coleman Foss, CEO.

No appointment is necessary for the clinic. SkyRidge Redi-Care will supplement a family doctor's care after typical business hours, on the weekends, or when an appointment is not available. It specializes in illnesses and injuries that are not life-threatening, however still need immediate attention.

SkyRidge Redi-Care should be used for:

* Allergies

* Colds, Flu and/or Fever

* Cough

* Insect Bites

* Nausea

* Minor Burns

* Minor Cuts/ Lacerations

* Pink Eye

* Rash

* Sore Throat

* Sprains and Minor Fractures

* Earaches and Toothaches

The SkyRidge Redi-Care clinic on the Westside Campus is scheduled to open on Tuesday, July 8, 2008. It will be open 7 days a week between the hours of 11 a.m. and 10 p.m.

Upon the opening of SkyRidge Redi-Care, emergency room service will no longer be available at the Westside campus. All emergencies will be handled at the SkyRidge Main Campus Emergency Department on Chambliss Avenue.

For more information regarding SkyRidge Redi-Care please contact Ann Marie Brewer at (423) 559-6904.

Bohannon Retiring From Chamber Leadership

2008-06-04T14:15:00.003-04:00

From Chamber of Commerce

Jerry Bohannon has announced his pending retirement as president and CEO of the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce.

“Jerry has been our president for the past 12 years and has served with character and integrity,” Chamber Board Chairman Cameron Fisher said, noting that Bohannon’s last day with the Chamber is July 31, 2008. “While we will surely miss his leadership, we also wish him well as he pursues life at a somewhat slower pace.

“Jerry has been a friend to Cleveland and Bradley County,” Fisher continued, “and his tenure has seen many advancements for our local Chamber, including a successful Climbing to New Heights campaign that resulted in funds for vital economic development initiatives and a new headquarters for the Chamber operation.”

Among Bohannon’s achievements at the Chamber of Commerce was the successful completion of the aggressive $1.6 million Climbing to New Heights to impact the local economy.

“The initiative was developed by area business leaders to implement proactive economic and community development measures,” Bohannon explained, adding that relocation of the Chamber’s offices at the Village Green Town Center was the most visible result of the campaign.

“Relocation of the Chamber’s offices in a downtown home has increased business participation in area economic and workforce development,” Bohannon noted. “It has also projected a positive, progressive image of our community.”

The 10,000-square-foot complex at the south end of the Village Green includes a conference center and equipment to operate computer-generated presentations that were vital when hosting such industrial prospects as Starplex Scientific Inc., a Canadian-based manufacturer, and Exel Inc./Eastern Lighting Distribution Center, both of which are now members of the industrial base of Bradley County.

“The Climbing to New Heights initiative has also allowed the Chamber to have a more active role in financially underwriting projects and studies to benefit the community as a whole,” Bohannon said, citing the downtown master plan and the Airport Authority’s master plan as funding recipients.

Under his leadership, the Chamber of Commerce has strengthened its workforce development programs with the addition of such programs as Tennessee Scholars, Ethics in the Classroom and Business/Industry in the Classroom. These programs and others continue to facilitate stronger relationships between businesspeople, educators and community leaders for the common good of ensuring an educated workforce.

“Our workforce development programs alone have given the Chamber greater visibility in the community in recent years through various media outlets and have positioned us as a source for ensuring a skilled workforce.”

Among Bohannon’s proudest achievements is the establishment of the Transportation Task Force.

“We continue to encourage the city and county to address our need for a comprehensive transportation plan for future growth,” Bohannon said. “But we also support the need to address the challenges we have today with our streets and roads that need immediate attention.”

The retiring president also noted that he is proud of the progress made on a new airport for Cleveland/Bradley County.

“Because of our New Heights initiative, we were able to help fund the master plan and subsequently support the Airport Authority’s efforts to improve general aviation airport service to Cleveland and Bradley County,” Bohannon said. “The community has been so restrained by an inadequate airport and unable to realize the impact of an adequate and efficient airport.

“Of course, the jury’s still out on how much it will mean to the community, but I believe that one day we will realize the benefit of a quality and conveniently located airport that can move people and products in and out of the community quickly and efficiently. The Chamber will have played a significant role in supporting this important asset.”

Bohannon explained that his decision to retire was not an easy one to make.

“I have truly enjoyed my 12-year tenure with the Chamber, and the decision has not been an easy one,” Bohannon said in making the announcement. “After much thought and prayerful consideration, I feel that now is the best time to leave the Chamber’s administration.”

Bohannon, a native of Memphis, Tennessee, has been in Chamber work more than 23 years.

“Chamber work is gratifying, enjoyable and challenging,” he said about his years in Chamber management. “We hope it is influential.”

He continued, “My involvement with this Chamber and staff has been very fulfilling. I’ll miss the great staff assembled at the Chamber, but I’m confident they will continue to pursue programs beneficial to its members and the community. I’ve had the honor to work for and with some of the best businesspeople that a community has to offer.”

His community activities include Rotary Club of Cleveland, Junior Achievement of the Ocoee Region, Ocoee Region Multicultural Services, Cleveland/Bradley Keep America Beautiful, Family Resource Agency, United Way of Bradley County and the Southeast Tennessee Workforce Investment Board. He also presently serves as chairman of the Tennessee Technology Center at Athens General Advisory Committee.

The Bohannons plan to continue to make their home in Cleveland.

“The Cleveland/Bradley County area and its people have been very gracious to Betty and me,” Bohannon expressed. “We look forward to many more years here. I have always taken pride in living in a community where a person’s faith can be expressed within the business community without reservation.”

Noting that he’d like a dog and a pickup truck for retirement, he added, “We’ll able to spend more time with our [four] grandchildren, and my project list at home is growing longer. So it’s time to step aside and give someone else the opportunity to experience the work environment I’ve enjoyed for over 12 years.”

According to Fisher, Chamber Board Chairman-elect Dr. Carl Hite will lead a search committee to fill the position.

The Purpose Of Government

2008-06-04T09:28:00.002-04:00

By Sheriff Tim Gobble

There were interesting side-by-side editorials in last Sunday’s Chattanooga Times Free Press that caught my eye because they both expressed something I have often talked about. That is, they touched on the primary function of government.

In one of the paper’s editorials, Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen, was quoted as saying, “The purpose of government is to do things for the benefit of the citizens...” Of course, I take the governor’s comment “... for the benefit of the citizens...” to mean “for the benefit of the citizens who cannot reasonably provide that benefit for themselves,” such as law enforcement, national defense, roads, schools and so on. For example, I do not believe the government should be responsible for what people drive or wear, or whether they have a television or healthcare or even a job. Those are things citizens provide for themselves as members of a free society.

Noted professor and columnist Dr. Walter Williams was a bit more succinct in his column. He wrote, “If there is one clear basic function of government, it’s to protect citizens from criminals.” Again, I wouldn’t limit that to protection “from criminals,” but protection from any threat, foreign or domestic.

But, in spirit, I could not agree with these two gentlemen more. I have often stated my belief that the primary responsibility of any government is to protect its citizens. Dr. Williams defined it as the “one clear basic function of government,” I define it as “the primary responsibility of government,” and Gov. Bredesen defined it simply as “the purpose of government.” But we are all basically saying the same thing: First and foremost, government - whether local, state or federal - is charged with protecting the public safety.

Of course, after public safety, there are a wide range of additional responsibilities of government - developing and maintaining the infrastructure, wisely administering taxes and tariffs, promoting high quality public education, that sort of thing - but first and foremost, the number one statutory obligation of government is to protect the people. Public safety is fundamental. It is our primary obligation. On the federal level that includes national security. On the state and local levels - the levels of Tennessee and Bradley County - that includes effective, vigilant and well-trained emergency services and law enforcement. And, as has often been said, national security begins with local security.

Public safety for all Bradley County citizens has been our main objective here at the BCSO since I took office in September of 2006. And it will continue to be our main objective as long as I am Sheriff. We are fortunate in that the men and women who serve as Bradley County deputies and Cleveland City police officers have proven themselves to be professional, motivated and highly capable of fulfilling their duties. Our emergency personnel are also some of the best in this region. I am happy to acknowledge them all.

I understand that funding public safety can be somewhat of a challenge during slow economic times, or when county revenues fall short of projections. But economies fluctuate and even with the high fuel costs we’re experiencing right now, I am certain that our economy will rebound. The main thing is to remain flexible, creative, resilient and united.

I want to believe that local government shares the opinion expressed by our governor and such learned governmental scholars as Dr. Walter Williams, and they, too, share the view that public safety is their primary concern. They have a daunting task, considering the needs of a community our size, when it comes to infrastructure and education. I don’t envy them. There is just no way everyone can be pleased with all the decisions they are called on to make. But our country was not born from tranquility or peaceful ascension. We, as Americans, are tough. We’re independent. We built the greatest nation on earth through unity and hard work, through trial and error, and with the good intentions of a people who want to improve the world in which they live. What has always carried us forward is the fact that we don’t like to lose and we never give up. We adapt to meet any situation head on. Sometimes we are forced to pay with the blood of our people, such as now in Iraq; such as those whose names are engraved on the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, DC. But we have always prevailed because, despite our political or ideological differences, we have always worked shoulder-to-shoulder to preserve our society, to protect the public safety.

And lest anyone misinterpret my meaning and think I believe in big government, let me say loud and clear: I do not. I believe in limited, but effective, government. I also believe the most vital area in which government should be effective is the area of public safety.

Bradley County is one small component of this great nation. But we are an important component, and we have tremendous potential. Working together with determination and unity, we can build a prosperous future for ourselves and our children.

As ever, if you would like to learn more about the operations of the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office, you can log onto our website: www.bradleysheriff.com. We have posted dozens of BCSOtv podcasts there in which we offer important information and address issues of concern relevant to all Bradley County citizens. I encourage you to check them out. You can also call us at (423) 728-7300, or e-mail me directly at comments@bradleysheriff.com. Our mailing address is 2290 Blythe Ave., SE, Cleveland TN 37311. I try hard to answer all letters and e-mails I receive. I may sometimes be a bit late with a reply, but it is important to me that people take time to write, and I do try to respond.

Bald Man Does Top 5

2008-06-03T17:08:00.001-04:00

Bald Man Does Top 5

2008-06-03T17:04:00.002-04:00

With Jennifer Demuth on vacation in Hawaii, Daniel Brantley took the reigns of the Top 5. Click here to go straight to it. Even though our server is down in the dumps, you can still check it out.

Saint Of The Week

2008-06-03T16:35:00.003-04:00

I lost my checkbook at Wal-Mart on May 31. A very honest person or persons turned it in to the store. Thank you very much for your kind effort.

Send your saints or creeps to Daniel Brantley.

Circuit City Shout Out

2008-06-03T16:16:00.003-04:00

When Bradley News TV needed some help, we headed to Circuit City, where some fine folks lent us their technological expertise. Pictured are Tavia, William and Chris.

The Commission Returns In Full Force

2008-06-03T16:13:00.003-04:00

By Daniel Brantley

For the first time in a few weeks, the full Bradley County Commission was present during Monday’s 7 p.m. meeting. With roll call and approval of the minutes out of the way, Representative Eric Watson dug his heels in, praising Madyson Foster, Tennessee’s 2008 Outstanding Tennessee. (To hear Foster discuss her reign, check out podcast episode 14 at BradleyNewsOnline.com.)

“This is such an honor to be recognized,” Foster said. She then explained more about the program. “It’s definitely not just an ordinary pageant,” she said. According to Foster, she goes through many of the rigors common to other pageants, with the exception of swimsuit competition. “I’m so happy to represent Tennessee as well as Bradley County,” she concluded.

Budget Time
Next, Mayor Davis took the floor with a discussion of his budget proposal. “We’re crossing another hurdle tonight,” Mayor Davis said, as the slimmed down budget proposal was passed to the Commission. “I’d like to thank all the departments,” Mayor Davis said. 3:40 “The budget requests this year were not only more in line with revenue increases, the various departments did a much better job of presenting their requests.” Mayor Davis explained after much evaluation, approximately $1 million was trimmed from the budget.

The Mayor then discussed what he considered highlights of the proposed budget, stating 5:10 – that “This budget achieves the goals set out by the Bradley County Commission and the goals are accomplished without increasing the tax burden for our citizens.”

(See "Mayor Davis' Memo" to view the statement given to the Commission regarding the budget.)

A few of the highlights are:

• Circuit Court will receive funding for one additional clerk.

• The Bradley County Sheriff’s Office didn’t ask for more employees. However, they do have two school resource officers (SROs) not funded by taxes previously that were added to this year’s budget.

• The County Attorney is now on staff and part of the County’s budget. “With a County Staff Attorney, we will be able to show several thousand dollars of savings to the taxpayers,” Mayor Davis explained. “In the past, the delinquent taxes were collected, the fee for the Delinquent Tax Attorney was collected by the Clerk and Master, and it never showed in our budget. Now that revenue will be coming to the general fund budget and the staff attorney who will be the delinquent tax attorney will be actually on staff.”

• EMS and GIS and the Assessor of Property will both receive funding to add one employee in each departments beginning January 1, 2009.

• Most important in the Mayor’s opinion: All full-time employees received raises. For those who have not had salary adjustment by their departments will receive a three percent increase, and those making below $35,000 will receive an additional one percent raise.

Mayor Davis also stated that many of the increases are due to escalating gas prices. However, he cautioned department heads to watch their employees’ consumption. “As prices go up, we don’t get raises for that,” Mayor Davis said. “Prices go up, we have to find other ways to offset those increases. Not every department can offset dollar for dollar. At least show you’re trying to reduce consumption rather than showing an increase in consumption at the same time prices are going up.”

The Mayor then jumped into the borrowing world. “A lot of people are asking about that,” the Mayor said. “I’m not delaying any decisions. I’m gonna delay borrowing as long as I can.” He then went on to explain that the County and City have combined borrowing power up to $18 million that could be used for a new elementary school, additions to existing schools or a combination, depending on the wishes of the Commission and the Bradley County Board of Education. However, the Mayor was quick to warn the Commission of making a hasty decision.

“I don’t really care what the [cost of] operations of an existing school is,” he said. “What would the additional operations cost at a new school?”

“What would be the downside if we borrowed [all $18 million]?” Commissioner Louie Alford said.

“We wouldn’t have any borrowing power at the current tax rate for a number of years,” responded Mayor Davis.

Water, Health And Wealth
When it finally became time for the Commission to discuss other topics, Commissioner Jeff Yarber was the first to take advantage of the opportunity. Yarber explained that a resident at 375 Poindexter Road would like water service from Cleveland Utilities. Unfortunately, Cleveland Utilities told the resident it would cost approximately $20,000. “They’re currently living off creek water because their well dried up,” Yarber said. “I know this isn’t the first group of residents that came and asked for help, so I just wanted to make that known.”

Commissioner Lisa Stanbery then said that the Healthy Community Initiative Committee received 16 requests for funds from the available hospital revenues and one more request that didn’t meet all the necessary criteria for consideration. Stanbery also said one request was from the Bradley County Public Water Fund. Though the total amount of requests amounted to approximately $2 million, there is only about $500,000 of grant money available. She then said the HCI Committee would meet on June 5 at 5:30 p.m. in the Mayor’s Conference Room to begin determining who should receive the grant funds.

“Making me go last doesn’t make the agenda items any shorter,” Commissioner Ed Elkins joked, “but I don’t mind going last.” With that, Elkins thanked the department heads for their hard work and agreed with Mayor Davis that departments should look for ways to reduce fuel usage. He then leapt into a long list of Finance Committee recommendations, which were all approved by the Commission – despite Commissioner Roy Smith’s valiant attempt to shut a few of them down. They were as follows:

• Board of Education requested a decrease in expenditures by $297,765 and an increase in revenue by the same amount.
• Sheriff’s Department asked to apply a public safety grant of $2,500 to law enforcement equipment and vehicle maintenance of court security vehicles.
• Sheriff’s Department requested that the jail’s food supply line item be reduced by $20,000, and transferred this to custodial supplies and building maintenance. (Roy Smith voted no)
• Sheriff’s Department requested a decrease in the corrections deputy line item by $82,000 and increase to vehicles and law enforcement equipment. (Stanbery passed, Roy Smith voted no)
• Sheriff’s Department asked to deputy line item by $70,000 and use this for supplies and equipment. (Stanbery passed)
• Sheriff’s Department requested decrease of $20,000 from state retirement to vehicle maintenance.
• Sheriff’s Department asked for decrease expense of state requirement in jail by $19,381.03 to overtime, transportation, travel and training, tuition, prisoner clothing and other supplies. (Roy Smith voted no)

"I would just comment that last year, it was brought out that the Sheriff had right at a half a million dollars left, so I think this year they don't' want to have that money left in there, so they're applying it where they can," Elkins said before the amendment was approved.

“I understand the idea of having money left over, but from a taxpayers’ standpoint, we wouldn’t mind that being turned back in,” Stanbery said.

• Engineering Department requested increase of revenue by $6,900 on road testing, apply to other contracted services. (Roy Smith voted no)
• Juvenile Court Services would like to apply a $200 contribution other equipment.
• Animal Services asked to transfer $30,000 from motor vehicles to gasoline.
• Parks and Recreation requested to use $6,830 from payroll line items for maintenance and repair services.
• Data Processing asked $20,000 be decreased from assistant to other contracted services and other equipment.
• Agricultural Extension Department requested $3,000 be transferred from clerical to maintenance and repair. (Roy Smith seconded)

Tear It Down!
Upon reaching New Business, the Commission and the audience seemed worn out. Two public hearings took place without a peep. The first involved a zoning request on Spring Place at Gap Springs Road from C-2 to FAR. The next was a rezoning request on Georgetown Road from FAR to I-1 and I-1 to FAR.

Following that, the Commission was asked to approved the demolition of 180 Bailey Circle. Commissioner Ben Atchley stated that Jack Bail should be given the job, as he submitted a $4,500 bid for the demolition. Suddenly, the Commission Chambers came to life.

“I’m quite surprised that Mr. Atchley is bringing this up,” Commissioner Mel Griffith said. “It hasn’t gone through Finance. Every time something gets brought up that doesn’t go through Finance, he’s objecting. He’s doing the same thing he gets on to other people for doing. This didn’t follow proper procedure.” Griffith then made a substitute motion that the issue be referred to Finance.

“I fail to see what you’re saying I didn’t follow,” Atchley said. “I brought it up in our work session last week’s after it was considered by the Finance Committee. There was a motion made and no second. It was considered by the Finance Committee. They decided not to act on it. As a duly elected official, I do have the right to decide what business I would like to bring before this body.”

“But it hasn’t been acted on because there’s no second to the motion,” Griffith said. “It hasn’t been recommended.”

This conversation ping-ponged a few more times until Griffith’s substitute motion, which was seconded by Commissioner Mark Hall, was voted on. However, it was denied with a vote of 5 to 9.

“If we continue to ignore the judge’s ruling, what would happen?” Stanbery asked.

“A failure to follow through on a court order would be contempt of court,” said Assistant County Attorney Joe Byrd. “The fundamental issue is you’ve created a court and you’re not following through with what you created the court to do.”

Convinced of the need to follow judge’s order, the Commission approved the $4,500 demolition 9 to 5.

When Business Butts Against Ethics
Commissioner Jeff Yarber then asked that the County’s distance requirement between alcohol-serving and –selling establishments be reduced from 1,000 to 500 feet. “Keep in mind how far 500 feet is,” Yarber said. “It’s almost two football fields.”

“I appreciate Commissioner Yarber standing up for this,” Commissioner Brian Smith said. 1:38:20 “I don’t think I can vote to support this.”

“I cannot in good conscience not support it when these people are struggling like they are,” Commissioner Jim Smith said. “I don’t see the difference being 500 foot and 1,000 foot, if people are going to drink here and drive across the street.”

“Bradley County’s growing, and when there’s growth, there’s growing pains,” said Commissioner Mark Hall. “At the sake of sounding self-righteous, like I said a couple weeks ago, I don’t drink, but I’m not about to force my personal views upon people of Bradley County. If anyone here’s ever eaten at Logan’s Steakhouse, it’s right next to a church. You just participated in something you’re voting against. I think this man has a right to make a living.”

Despite the pleas of Yarber, Jim Smith and Hall, the Commission denied the request to reduce the alcohol distance requirement with a vote of 6 to 8.

Commissioner Connie Wilson then somberly read the list of notary applicants, which included Susan D. Baltz and Michele Dicks. As soon as Commission Chair Michael Plumley asked if anyone in the audience wanted to address the Commission, Harold Seals rushed to the podium.

Seals began by stating that his wife recently shot him in the forehead with a BB gun. He then talked about his efforts to have people help clean his yard and gave dramatic readings of two original poems, including “Old Age Is Hell.”

Get the audio of “Old Age Is Hell” in this week’s podcast. Also, tune in to find out how the County will recoup the $4,500 they agreed to spend on demolition of 180 Bailey Circle SW.

Police Department Keeps Cutting Gas

2008-06-03T14:10:00.003-04:00

By Kristin Fincher

The Cleveland Police Department has implemented a new policy to limit fuel consumption by the city police vehicles. Two of the biggest changes - and possibly the most effective - will be the doubling of officers in vehicles on days when there is a full staff of officers on duty and prohibiting the personal use of city vehicles by officers.

Chief Wes Snyder said the policies could be a bit inconvenient for the officers, but the whole nation was inconvenienced at the moment. He explained that these new policies could have a big effect on fuel consumption and the city police force is doing all they can to help save on fuel. In addition, officers have been asked to limit excessive idling, stay up to date on vehicle maintenance and maintain proper tire pressure, all which help with gas savings.

Mayor Davis' Memo

2008-06-03T13:52:00.003-04:00

Click on the images below to read the three-page memo Bradley County Mayor Gary Davis handed to the County Commission last night regarding this year's budget.

Blue Springs Road Crash Sends One To Erlanger

2008-06-03T12:35:00.000-04:00

From BCSO

The Traffic Unit of the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a single-car crash on Blue Springs Road that sent the driver to Erlanger Medical Center aboard Lifeforce.

The accident occurred around 5:30 a.m. this morning just north of Blue Springs Elementary School. According to the investigation, the vehicle left the road and broke a utility pole in half. Corey Myers, 21, of Red Clay Park Road, was the only occupant at the time.

The investigation is continuing.

Update On Criminals

2008-06-03T12:31:00.002-04:00

Police Beat
From BCSO

Further investigation has revealed Tracy Lynn Creel Sneed and Dennis Lerandle Simonds Jr. have approached several churches in North Hamilton County and Meigs County seeking assistance. Anyone with information about recent sightings of these individuals should contact the Criminal Investigations Division of the Bradley County Sheriff's Office at 728-7336.

Good News From CPD

2008-06-03T12:28:00.002-04:00

By CPD Officer Evie West

Once again this year, Cleveland Police Department School Resource Officers will be patrolling the Greenway and Cleveland City Parks. Even though this is a year-round assignment, more officers will be used to saturate these pedestrian areas. Officers will be utilizing golf carts and bicycles to cover a larger area of the parks in order to provide more security for the citizens of Cleveland. This program was implemented at the inception of the Greenway opening.

Photographed left to right: Corp. George Campbell, M.O. Mike Ricker, Officer Kevin Felton, Officer Mike Kelly, Officer April Ratcliff, M.O. Ken Higdon, Sgt. Jeremy Noble, Officer Evie West, Officer Bill Parks, Officer John Milen, M.O. Brian Montgomery

38 Months: A Story In Photo

2008-06-03T09:38:00.003-04:00

This photo was taken by Bradley County resident Greg Cook. An amateur photographer who has lived in the Bradley County area all of his life, Cook said he has "never really just walked around and looked at things." He went on to explain the photograph.

The photo is of a homeless man that I meet a few weeks ago. I was walking down Inman Street with my friend Paul who is also a photographer when we were stopped by this man. He didn't ask for anything. He was just wondering why we were taking pictures. We started talking and come to find out I was almost the same age as the homeless man and we basically grew up in the same area in the county. The most interesting part of the conversation to me was the fact that he had been living in the woods for the past 38 months. He didn't have one single thing to complain about. All he could do was talk about how much he loved the area he was raised in - Bradley County. The thing I got out of the conversation was of all the times I have noticed homeless people in my county, I have never taken the time to even think about their situation, but after talking to this gentleman that has changed. I would encourage everyone out there to take some time to at least think about all of the people that live in the county we all call home.

Have a photo that tells a story? Send it to Daniel Brantley.

Burglary Suspect Remains In Custody

2008-06-03T09:34:00.002-04:00

Police Beat

From BCSO

John Bradford Underwood Jr., who fled while Bradley County Sheriff’s deputies were investigating a burglary at 5776 South Lee Highway, is in custody. He is being held in the Bradley County Jail on a variety of charges, including Aggravated Burglary.

On May 21 while the burglary was being investigated, Underwood pulled away when deputies attempted to place him in handcuffs. He ran into a wooded area and eluded arrest during a two-hour search of the area.

Underwood was found last week and is in custody. He faces charges related to three other aggravated burglaries for a total of four. Detectives have recovered some of the stolen property at local pawnshops.

In one of those investigations, Underwood and a co-defendant are accused of burglarizing the same residence twice within a time span of a few hours. Detectives in their preliminary investigation learned some property that was taken from the home in the first burglary was apparently returned the second time entry was made.

Deputies earlier that morning conducted a traffic stop on APD 40 and observed some of the stolen property in the vehicle. At that time the owner had not discovered the loss and he had not filed a police report. Subsequently, several of those items were returned to the home on J-Mack Circle.

Underwood, who is 18, has an address of 5774 South Lee Highway.

Cleveland Animal Welfare Workers Attend Workshop

2008-06-03T09:10:00.002-04:00

From Petfinder.com

Bob Caylor, Linda Norrsell, Stephanie Balldino and Michelle Gruver recently represented The ARC of Cleveland at a one-day workshop presented by Petfinder.com, the online database of homeless pets. The workshop was hosted by Ashville Humane Society and sponsored by PETCO.

Petfinder.com is the largest database of homeless pets on the Web, with over 240,000 animals listed.

Disagreement Sparks Charleston Stabbing

2008-06-03T09:03:00.002-04:00

Police Beat

From BCSO

The Bradley County Sheriff’s Office took a suspect into custody after another man was stabbed on Market Street in Charleston on Saturday, May 31, 2008.

Deputies from BCSO and Charleston Police Sgt. Chad Bogle responded to 405 Market Street in response to a stabbing call. When they arrived, Michael Hullander was lying on the floor with severe lacerations to his chin and the right side of his neck. He was airlifted to Erlanger Medical Center in Chattanooga and is still receiving treatment.

The suspect in the stabbing, Harold Thomas Centers Jr., 44, of Calhoun Tennessee, was taken into custody and is charged with Attempted 1st Degree Murder. He is currently held in the Bradley County jail with his bond set at $100,000.

The two men have lived at 405 Market Street with a third man for about a month. Preliminary investigation shows a disagreement apparently led to the stabbing with a filet knife that was recovered from the home.

The Criminal Investigations Division of BCSO is continuing the investigation.

County Commission On The Quick

2008-06-02T22:02:00.001-04:00

By Daniel Brantley

Quick highlights of Monday’s County Commission meeting. More coming later in the day on Tuesday.

During tonight’s 7 p.m. Bradley County Commission meeting, Mayor Gary Davis presented his budget proposal to the Commission. Mayor Davis discussed highlights of the proposal, including raises for all full-time County employees – without any additional expense to taxpayers.

Commissioner Jeff Yarber then stated that a resident on Poindexter Road would like to tap into City water lines. Yarber’s comments were followed by Commissioner Lisa Stanbery mentioning that 16 requests for Healthy Community Initiative grant monies were accepted.

As usual, Commissioner Ed Elkins had a few mouthfuls of Finance Committee recommendations, and the Commission approved them all – despite the efforts of Commissioner Roy Smith’s negative vote on many of them.

Surprisingly, the Commission then agreed to fund the $4,500 demolition of a house on 180 Bailey Circle, with a 9-5 vote. The house has been abandoned, the roof caved in and a judge has demanded the house be demolished.

When Yarber brought up a motion he planned to make, he changed his mind. Originally, he planned to ask the Beer Board to reconsider the 1,000-foot required distance between beer-serving and -selling establishments and churches, schools and other public meeting places. Yarber instead changed his motion that the 1,000-foot requirement be cut to 500 feet, which was denied by a 6-8 vote.

With a somber air, Commissioner Connie Wilson read the list of notary applicants, which garnered the approval of the Commission. This was followed by an intriguing presentation by local resident Harold Seals, who stated that his wife recently shot him in the forehead with a BB gun. He then talked about having sought help caring for his property and read a couple of original poems, including “Old Age Is Hell.” Get the entire transcript Tuesday afternoon.

I Need A Home

2008-06-02T16:52:00.003-04:00

Kylie is a young Ibizen Hound with a loving personality. She was found emaciated in a foreclosed home in a crate not large enough for her to sit or lay down. Despite this she loves everyone she meets. Kylie requires an indoor home family environment with a fenced yard to play. To adopt Kylie call Larry 423-715-5364 or e-mail wtnbdir@hotmail.com

Happy 80th, Orphan

2008-06-02T16:49:00.003-04:00

By Daniel Brantley

Last Wednesday, members of the Bradley County Health Department gathered at Ryan’s Steakhouse to celebrate Bob Rourke’s 80th birthday.

“These people keep my feet to the fire,” Rourke joked to Bradley News. “Things are getting busier because this is a growing community and new establishments are coming in constantly.”

In the 1990s, Rourke contributed a fascinating column to Bradley News, while the paper was in the capable and Star-Wars-loving hands of Toby Pendergrass. In the column, Rourke described his upbringing – the trials, tribulations and triumphs he faced as an orphan. Once his story reached the present day, Rourke felt his column was complete and stopped submitting his beloved stories.

Having been a restaurant inspector since November 12, 1981, Rourke told Bradley News that he may be interested in submitting a political column “if you can stand my political views.” Whatever his political views, we hope to be publishing Rourke’s stories in the near future. And more important, we wish Rourke 80 more wonderful years!

Pictured left to right, front to back: Tracie Ford, Dan Henson, Ben Harris, Anderson Hutsell, Tim Baxter, Bob Rourke, Missy Wolford, Eric Coffey and Brian Gunter enjoy spending time with Rourke at his 80th birthday party.

Bradley News TV Suffers Outage

2008-06-02T16:30:00.003-04:00

Due to an explosion and subsequent fire at the warehouse that houses the server for BradleyNewsTV.com, our online TV station has been down over the weekend. However, we have been promised that the site will be up and running again in the very near future. Until then, we are working on ways to post video here on our daily site, to keep the community informed as well as possible.

Send your questions to Emily Cole.

Southeastern Championship Wrestling Rules

2008-06-02T15:55:00.004-04:00

By Amy Beard Markham

Last Saturday, May 31, Southeastern Championship Wrestling was back, back, back! Yes, the Wrestlers were here in Cleveland in full force at the National Guard Armory! It was a packed house and the crowd went wild as Southeastern Championship Wrestling favorites like Mickey Gotti, Ben Thrasher, Southern Outlaws, Hot Bodies, Fly Guy Cannon, Moondog Max, Handsome Ron Davis and more took to the ring for some fantastic wrestling!

Referee Joe Evans called all the action and J.C. Carson was on hand as our announcer extraordinaire. A great time was had by all!

Bradley News Group was there and we had some lucky ticket winners with us! Frankie Qualls of Gobble’s Automotive was one of our excited ticket winners who brought his beautiful wife, Michelle, and his fun loving Uncle Danny along for the action! Other excited winners who joined us were Dustin Crumbley and Jeremy Hitson who brought along Dustin’s Uncle Greg and his Papaw. They had a great time meeting the wrestlers and getting their pictures made with them! Thanks so much to Southeastern Championship Wrestling for making these Wrestling Fans dreams come true! Oh what a night!

Now aren’t you sorry you missed all the fun? Well never fear, ‘cause they’ll be back! Yes folks, go ahead and mark your calendar now because Southeastern Championship Wrestling will be back to the National Guard Armory on June 28! Plan ahead and don’t miss out on the fun! We may even have some more tickets to give away so stay tuned.

Check out all the action in our photo album, which is filled with pictures of the wrestlers, fans and ticket winners. In the coming days, check out everything in motion at BradleyNewsTV.com!

Free Food For Children

2008-06-02T14:52:00.002-04:00

From the Bradley/Cleveland Community Services Agency

The Bradley/Cleveland Community Services Agency announces its sponsorship of the 2008 Summer Feeding Program (SFSP), which is administered in Tennessee by the Department of Human Services under an agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Meals will be provided to all children without charge. Acceptance and participation requirements for the program and all activities are the same for all regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, age or disability. There will be no discrimination in the course of the meal service. Meals will be provided at several area locations, including multiple Boy’s and Girl’s Clubs, various elementary and high schools and churches. The sites will be open Monday through Friday except on July 4, 2008.

For more information regarding times and locations, contact Jacqueline Smartt-Westfield or Harry M. Johnson at 479-4111.

REACH Graduates 127

2008-06-02T12:19:00.002-04:00

From REACH

REACH Adult Education Center held its 2008 graduation ceremony on Saturday, May 24, at Ocoee Middle School’s new gym/auditorium. An impressive 55 adult students received either a high school diploma or a GED. The students receiving a high school diploma from REACH Adult High School are Zachary Butler, Endelia Garcia, Kyle Hanson, Ann Madden, Hailey McKinney, Amanda Parker, Christopher Starnes, Jamie Terry, Christopher Tindle, David Webb, Ashley Willis, and Jessica Wright.

The students receiving a GED are: Tina Aikens, Travis, Alexander, Amber Bankston, Mark Blair, Alias Botticelli, Dal Brown, Scott Bryceland, Kimberlee D’Amato, Cassidi Davis, Zamuson Forbes, Nathan Forgey, Brandon Gadberry, Matthew Gibson, Clinton Green, Justin Green, Heather Guthrie, Will Hair, Amber Hughes, Carla Jones, Heather Massengill, Cynthia McIvor, Tabatha Mitchell, Ashley Morgan, Matthew Morris, Zachary Mullins, Jonathan Myers, Tina O’Brien, Crystal Oliver, Jordan Patterson, Amanda Pavon, Will Rice, Stephen Robbins, Matthew Rose, Bailey Rush, Ida Scoggins, Joseph Shortoak, Sarah Smith, O’Bryan Stamey, Damian Szidiropulosz, Rodney Taylor, Jonathon Whitaker, Janessa Willis and Camilla Zanoska. These graduates bring the total to graduate from REACH Adult High School to 112. The number of GED diplomas earned during the 2007-2008 school year is 72. Congratulations to all of these adult students!

Pictured (left to right, back to front): Nathan Forgey, Chris Tindle, Jamie Terry; Stephen Robbins, Endelia Garcia, David Webb, Jessica Wright; Rodney Taylor, Scott Bryceland, Zachary Butler, Chris Starnes; Ashley Willis, Tabatha Mitchell, Kimberlee D’Amato, Ann Madden.

Cleveland Graduate Preps For The Real World

2008-06-02T12:06:00.002-04:00

From the University of Tennessee

The Office of Professional Practice – which serves University of Tennessee College of Engineering students by helping them get co-op and internship positions – held a “First Timers” meeting April 16. This event is held shortly before each work term begins in an effort to give students an idea of what to expect while on the job and how to get the most from their work experience.

As of May 23, the office had 76 College of Engineering students scheduled to head out for their first work assignment this summer. Among them is Clinton Epperson of Cleveland.

Brian Crawford, corporate recruiter for DENSO Manufacturing Tennessee, Inc., Maryville, spoke on company expectations and how to make a positive impression. DENSO works with automakers throughout their vehicle development process and has been placing UT College of Engineering students in co-op and internship positions for several years.

In addition, experienced co-op students shared lessons they learned in the field, giving the “first timers” a peer perspective and affording them an opportunity to ask questions of those with first-hand experience in the program.

For more information about the UT College of Engineering, Office of Professional Practice, visit www.coop.utk.edu on the Web or call (865) 974-5323.

Benefit Yard Sale

2008-05-30T14:17:00.002-04:00

150 Seniors Graduate As Tennessee Scholars

2008-05-29T14:49:00.008-04:00

WVHS

Walker Valley High School boasted the largest number of seniors graduating as Tennessee Scholars this year.

Seventy-one students received a certificate and medallion from the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce to recognize their efforts to be better prepared for college and the workforce.

CHS

Seniors graduating from Cleveland High School as Tennessee Scholars numbered 28. They each received medallions and certificates as part of the rewards-and-recognition program of the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce.

BCHS

Fifty-one Bradley Central High School seniors graduating as Tennessee Scholars received certificates and medallions during their senior awards banquet in May. Tennessee Scholars is a workforce development initiative of the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce. May’s pomp and circumstance at area high schools brought with it the largest group of graduating Tennessee Scholars to date.

Tennessee Scholars, a rewards-and recognition program, is coordinated by the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce and functions in cooperation with the Bradley County and Cleveland City School Systems and members of the local business community to give students an edge with college and industry recruiters.

The class of 2008 boasted 150 graduating Tennessee Scholars: 51 at Bradley Central High School, 28 at Cleveland High School and 71 at Walker Valley High School. These students have taken more rigorous courses, including four years of higher-level math; had 95-percent attendance; completed 20 hours of volunteer service; and had no out-of-school suspensions.

“Graduation gives us an opportunity to award certificates and medallions to our certified Tennessee Scholars,” Sherry Crye, coordinator of Tennessee Scholars, said. “Several of these 150 senior Scholars were also awarded a $1,500 scholarship to continue their education at Cleveland State Community College.”

This workforce development initiative of the Chamber of Commerce has grown steadily as students and their parents realize the benefits of participating in the Tennessee Scholars program. More than 800 students are currently enrolled in the program as they pursue their high school diploma.

SkyRidge Medical Center Appoints New Assistant CEO

2008-05-29T14:16:00.004-04:00

SkyRidge Medical Center recently announced that Lisa Childers has been appointed Assistant Chief Executive Officer and assumed her position March 2008.

“I welcome the opportunity to serve our community in this capacity,” said Childers. “As a native of Bradley County it is a privilege to work everyday with many people I have known for years.”

Childers brings 10 years of healthcare experience to SkyRidge Medical Center. Most recently, she served as the Vice President of Physician’s Services for Park Ridge Hospital, a three hospital system in Chattanooga. During her two years there, she was involved in one of the largest physician practice acquisitions in the tri-star division.

As Assistant CEO at SkyRidge, Childers will work to develop product lines and drive the physician recruitment and development processes.

“To be able to bring Lisa back to Cleveland is a tremendous win for the hospital and community. Her level of experience in medical facility management makes our executive management team stronger. She will do an outstanding job,” says SkyRidge CEO, Coleman Foss.

Prior to her position at Park Ridge Hospital, Childers served as Director of Clinic Operation and Development with the former Cleveland Community Hospital; Area Manager and Practice Support Specialist with Columbia Hospital in Chattanooga and other management capacities since 1994. Childers’ professional activities include the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce and the MGMA.

Childers graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Organization Management and received a Master of Business Administration with a Management Concentration from Southern Adventist University.

Students Say Hospital Week Is The B.E.S.T!

2008-05-29T10:33:00.005-04:00

Black Fox students tour SkyRidge for Hospital Week.

Hopewell students visit SkyRidge for Hospital Week.

Amanda Sneed, Human Resources and Melinda Haley,

Women's Center, prepare the sign for the students.

SkyRidge Medical Center recently played host to fourth and fifth grade students from Hopewell and Black Fox Elementary Schools for Hospital Week. The students toured the newly remodeled campus and painted hand prints and other artwork on the walls. A great time was had by all!

SkyRidge Medical Center is partnered with Hopewell and Black Fox Elementary Schools in the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce's BEST Program (Business and Education Serving Together).

Congratulations, Frankie!

2008-05-29T10:21:00.003-04:00

Local Mechanic Has "Tons Of Fun"

The first winner of free Southeastern Championship Wrestling tickets is Frankie Qualls, who said, "If I were a professional wrestler, my name would be TONS-OF-FUN! I would dress as a joker and be totally wacko! And of course my weight being about 305 lbs in real life would fit the name also."

We've got more tickets to give away! To win, answer this question: If you became a professional wrestler, what would your wrestling name be? Send to Editor@BradleyNewsGroup.com by Thursday at 4:30 p.m. Be sure to include your name and daytime phone number!

Special Edition Podcast Available

2008-05-28T17:56:00.004-04:00

The 15th installment of Lunchtime With Bradley News is completed and now available for your listening pleasures. And for those who are afraid of long conversations, this is right up your alley. Less than eight minutes long, this week's podcast is a quick sitdown with Bradley County Mayor Gary Davis to find out what he was up to on Memorial Day. The interview was prompted by community members asking why the Mayor did not attend the Memorial Day celebration on Monday. Click here and head to episode 15 to find the answers!

Strange Sighting

2008-05-28T15:23:00.001-04:00

This strange mechanical contraption was sighted walking down Oak Street NW, guided by a standing human.

Museum Center Announces Appalachian Basket Exhibit

2008-05-28T14:49:00.003-04:00

From The Museum Center at 5ive Points

A retrospective exhibit of the Appalachian white oak baskets of Kathleen and Ken Dalton will be on exhibit at the Museum Center at 5ive Points from May 31 to July 12, 2008 in an exhibit entitled Ken and Kathleen Dalton: A Basketmaking Legacy. The exhibit is sponsored by the Bank of Cleveland.

The exhibit brings together white oak split baskets made over the Daltons’ long and successful international career. In the early 1970s, when Ken and Kathleen Dalton were living in Coker Creek in Monroe County, Tennessee, the craft of Appalachian basket making had almost died out. The Tennessee Arts Commission offered a series of classes by some of the few remaining teachers to try and revive the craft. The Daltons took the course and found their calling in making oak split baskets. Over the course of their career, they have created hundreds of exquisite baskets, had numerous museum exhibits of their work, taught hundreds of students and represented America at Euro Disney.

Best known for their traditional-style oak split baskets, the Daltons also experimented with their materials. Unique to their work are Kathleen’s “spun baskets.” Kathleen created a remarkable technique in which she makes a fibrous thread on a special bulk spinning wheel. Kathleen takes the wood shavings left over after Ken shaves the oak splints during basket preparation and spins the shaving on the spinning wheel to create the bulky, but pliable wood thread. This wood thread is then woven into a basket to create a contemporary work of art.

Thanks to an Arts Builds Communities grant from the Tennessee General Assembly, administered in cooperation with the Tennessee Arts Commission and the Southeast Tennessee Development District, the Museum will publish a fully illustrated color exhibit guide with essay by guest curator Roy M. Overcast, Jr.

Learn more at MuseumCenter.org.

Blood Drive To Benefit T.J. Bruno

2008-05-28T14:37:00.001-04:00

From Blood Assurance

Blood Assurance is hosting a blood drive to benefit 9-year-old T.J. Bruno at Walgreens, located at 35 25th Street in Cleveland, on Friday, May 30 from noon to 5 p.m.

T.J. was crossing a two lane road when he was hit by a car. He suffered a fractured skull and a broken femur, which required surgery. He is expected to undergo physical therapy for the next 10 years, after which doctors are expecting him to regain approximately 80 percent of the mobility in his leg.

T.J.’s father is an employee at Walgreens in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, and the blood drive is part of an effort by Blood Assurance and several Walgreens locations to assist the family.

Visitors can also register to win a trip for two to anywhere in the continental United States as part of Blood Assurance’s “Rock the USA” promotion. Blood donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be healthy. All donors will receive a complimentary patriotic T-shirt and snack.

Wednesday's Top 5 Is Up

2008-05-28T13:21:00.000-04:00

• Morning Wrecks
• Motorcycle Fatality
• Tinsley Pool Opens
• Free Swimming Classes
• New Museum Exhibit

Get the hot stories right now at Bradley News TV.

Police Beat

2008-05-28T12:08:00.003-04:00

Deadbeat Dad Brought To Justice

From BCSO

Owing child support in excess of $46,000, Timothy Wayne Tallent is in custody.

Tallent was arrested by Murray County Georgia Sheriff’s officers and was brought to the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office on Friday after signing a waiver of extradition.

Tallent has held the top spot on the “Hall of Shame” since it debuted a few weeks ago on bradleysheriff.com.

All persons posted on the website are wanted for either non-support or contempt of court charges. Sheriff Tim Gobble said the purpose of the “Hall of Shame” is not to embarrass anyone who has fallen behind in their child support payments because of a temporary financial setback. It is aimed at parents who owe large sums of court-ordered support to their children.

Tallent is the third Dead Beat Parent to be apprehended since the list became a feature on the Sheriff’s Office website.

If you know where one of the offenders on the Hall of Shame can be found contact the BCSO warrants division at 423-728-7390 or 423-728-7393.

Commission Drinks, Demos And Rides The Bus

2008-05-27T23:06:00.000-04:00

By Daniel Brantley

With a number of dignitaries present – including County Board of Education Members Mark Kelley and Terry McGuire, retiring Director of Schools Bob Taylor, Director Elect Johnny McDaniel and County Planner Corey Divel – Monday evening’s County Commission meeting promised to be a knockout.

Representing District 1, Commissioner Ben Atchley was the first to speak before the Commission. He stated that the house at 180 Bailey Circle is in great disrepair and has been abandoned. As no one is living there, it has become infested with rodents. But the issue goes beyond being an eyesore.

“These houses are close together,” Atchley explained. “Not only is it an eyesore, it’s a safety hazard for the children in the neighborhood.” Atchley went on to explain that the issue has already gone to environmental court, and the judge stated that the property has to be demolished. Atchley suggested that though the Finance Committee voted against the move, the County should consider demoing the house.

“I know we’re not really in the business of demolishing houses,” Atchley explained, “but when irresponsible homeowners walk away from their responsibility, it seems to me the only people to turn to is our local government.” So far, County Building Inspector Tina Rice has received two bids for the demolition, the cheapest being $4,500. Since the demolition is under a court order, Atchley explained the County would put the demolition fee against the tax lien. Once the people pay their property taxes, they would have to pay this. “If they choose not to pay their property taxes, it goes into the file and we take possession by default,” Atchley said.

That’s when Commissioner Jim Smith jumped in. “Are we sure that $4,500 fee is collectable at tax time? Is that legal?” he asked.

“I been assured because it’s going through environmental court [that it is legal],” Atchley responded.

“Have [the owners] been notified?” Commissioner Roy Smith asked.

“Yes, sir,” Atchley responded, after naming the owner as Douglas Wright. “It’s done went through the whole court system as far as environmental court. The deputy has been in contact. There’s been a refusal to act on [Wright’s] part.” Atchley then commented, “Owning a piece of property requires responsibility from the homeowner and then they walk away. They’re holding the neighborhood hostage.”

With the demo process well discussed – despite Commissioners Howard Thompson and Lisa Stanbery both being absent, Commissioner Louie Alford complimented the City for voting to fund the Foothills County Fair as they originally agreed last year. “That’s a good example of Bradley County and the City of Cleveland working together on projects,” Alford said.

Buy You A Drink
Commissioner Jeff Yarber then brought up a previously discussed topic. He said he had been in contact with the owners of a beer and tobacco mart on North Lee Highway who had been affected by the County’s distance requirement between alcohol-selling and –serving establishments and churches, schools and other public meeting places. According to Yarber, the 1,000 foot requirement caused the business to have their beer license revoked.

“I don’t know that this is the proper way to handle this,” Yarber said. “We gave a beer license, allowed them to open a business up and then over a discretion of 75 feet, we shut them down.” Yarber then stated he wanted to vote the following week on an amendment to allow the County’s policy to match the City’s, as long as the distance requirement was not less than 500 feet. He later asked that the change would be reviewed by the Beer Board.

“My concern is that we currently have a business that’s going under because of this issue,” Yarber said. “In today’s times, I don’t’ know that’s the proper way to handle it with the economy the way it is.”

School 2.0: Budget
When Plumley asked for representatives from Bradley County Schools to present their budget, Director Bob Taylor was the first to speak. Rather than the budget, he gave heartfelt praise to Director Elect Johnny McDaniel. He also included a comment from a book he recently read that stated, “One man’s ceiling is another man’s floor.”

Having built up McDaniel, Taylor made way for Business Manager of Bradley County Schools Rick Smith. Smith started by emphasizing the difficulty the Board had creating this year’s budget. “The budget process this year, this has been a challenge,” Smith began. “Poor economy, rising gas prices, have made the budget a challenge this year.” Smith said this time last year, the School Board expected to receive additional funds from BEP (Basic Education Plan) 2.0. Unfortunately, the money never came in. However, Bradley County did bring on 50 new positions last year, though none went to the middle schools. Smith said that will change this year, as they plan to bring on six new classroom teachers, with the desire to put all six in Bradley County middle schools.

Smith also mentioned that some $800,000 of BEP inflation costs had been earmarked for teacher raises. When Alford asked the percentage of pay raise these would afford teachers, Smith told Alford to call him tomorrow. Following a brief chuckle over that comment, Smith explained that much of the school’s reserves had been used on escalating fuel costs. Currently, bus drivers are compensated when fuel costs go above a base level that is set every semester. According to Smith’s calculations, Bradley County Schools will pay approximately $150,000 for extra diesel fuel purchases this year alone.

After a little more money talk, Plumley grabbed hold of the meeting once again. “I would like to publicly say that I congratulate you on your retirement,” Plumley told Taylor. “I would also like to thank you for your dedication to keeping education on the forefront of Bradley County.” Plumley then welcomed McDaniel to the stand.

“I come to this position with a heart for children,” McDaniel began. “I was so glad that Mr. Taylor had a system in place where someone from Florida could come here and interview.” McDaniel also said he was pleased with the direction Bradley County Schools is headed and hopes to see it continue to improve. He finished his short talk by applauding those who work in the schools every day. “I think adding six teachers would continue our promise to middle schools. We would like to provide help to our teachers. I believe that the teachers and our employees are the heart of what makes this system a really great system. We have really great people who work with our children every day.”

And so the meeting commenced with little fanfare and a trickle over 60 minutes passed.

City Tosses In A No For Good Measure

2008-05-27T22:30:00.000-04:00

By Daniel Brantley

Starting out Monday’s 4 p.m. City Council meeting, Mayor Tom Rowland congratulated Council Member Bill Estes for being recognized for his superb teaching skills by Lee University. This announcement led to a slow-building round of applause and moved seamlessly into the Mayor’s recognition of Junior Miss 2008, Lauren Ledford. After reading a litany of Ledford’s accomplishments, the Mayor made way for Ledford to speak.

“I’m sorry, my voice is a little bit different,” Ledford said, explaining the issue with one word: “Allergies.” Ledford then explained her future plans, which include going to the State Junior Miss Competition on July 19 at Memorial Auditorium in Chattanooga. She also said she hoped to be active in community service this summer.

“It just goes to show you that the next generation is in good hands because of good people like Lauren,” the Mayor exclaimed.

No Nays
The Council then ripped through two public hearings, neither garnering discussion by anyone in the audience. The first regarded the amendment of Cleveland Municipal Code. Essentially, this amendment stated that lot sizes for planned unit development (PUD) in Cleveland be reduced to one acre. Following this was the second public hearing, an amendment to raise floor elevation requirements in special flood hazard areas from the current one-foot requirement to two feet above the base flood elevation.

With these knocked out of the way, the Council forged ahead, approving the following 10 items on the consent agenda:

Resolution No: 2008-45 – Approving the fiscal year 2009 appropriations.
Resolution No: 2008-46 – Directing the payment by the Cleveland Utilities Board to the City of Cleveland tax equivalent payments for the Cleveland Utilities Board’s water and wastewater system.
Resolution No: 2008-47 – Regarding the Cleveland City Schools federal project fund.
Resolution No: 2008-48 – Adopting the provisions of the Federal Register Vol. 70, No. 2, Section 24.404 of the entitled Replacement Housing of Last Resort.
Resolution No: 2008-49 – Authorizing a loan up to $600,000 to the Airport Authority to deposit the required funds with the State of Tennessee.
Final Passage of Ordinance No: 2008-17 – Adopting the fiscal year 2009 budget.
Final Passage of Ordinance No: 2008-18 – Adopting the 2008 tax rate of $1.65 for fiscal year 2009.
Final Passage of Ordinance No: 2008-19 – Extending the solid waste contract with Waste Connections of Tennessee, Inc., for a period of six months, from July 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008.
Final Passage of Ordinance No: 2008-20 – Establishing the residential sanitation user fee through December 31, 2008.
Motion – Authorizing the Mayor to sign a contract with Arnett, Kirksey, Kimsey, Sullivan and Lay to audit accounts of the City of the Cleveland for the period from July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2008.

Denied In The Open Court
“I had a conversation a few days ago with Mr. Winters,” Mayor Rowland stated when it became time to discuss unfinished business. “He asked if it would be possible to withdraw. It’s sort of a reverse motion. This is one to deny, not to approve, and withdrawing would have no effect whatsoever.”

The Mayor then asked if City Attorney John Kimball agreed. “When I spoke with [Weathers], I was left to think he just wanted to postpone the second reading a couple weeks,” Kimball said. “I said I didn’t see any reason the Council would do that.”

With this conclusion, the Planning Commission’s recommendation to deny a rezoning request from Winters Holding LLC of approximately 2.75 acres located on 20th Street NE from R1 single-family residential to R3 multi-family residential was read and approved.

“This Council has always been pro-development,” Council Member Richard Banks said, “but with this particular instance, the cost of improvement, access to 20th Street, added congestion and concerns of residents” were all signs that the proposed condominium construction by Winters was not a good idea.

You Scratch My Back
A few minutes later, Banks had the attention of the Council once again. This time, he was asking the Council to reconsider their previous vote to lower their funding efforts of the Foothills Country Fair from 50 percent to 20 percent. “It’s important to note this Council went on record supporting the efforts of Foothills Country Fair for this,” Banks said. “It’ll increase interest in our city, generate sales tax. Historically, I think we have funded this at 50/50 level traditionally.” With that, the Council agreed to provide the complete 50 percent off funding.

Council Member Bill Estes then mentioned the City’s website, stating it could use some work to become more robust and useful.

As the Council continued in their meeting, they approved 10 new business items, including an amended code that will make tossing a cigarette on the ground liable to result in a $50 fee.

Tuesday's Top 5 Is Up!

2008-05-27T12:33:00.000-04:00

• Exit 20 Delays
• Sex Offender Registry
• Church Parking Study
• County Schools Budget
• Taylor Retirement Party

Get it now at Bradley News TV!

Get Free Wrestling Tickets By Being Creative

2008-05-27T12:29:00.000-04:00

If you want free tickets to Saturday's Southeast Championship Wrestling tournament, here's how.

1. Come up with a name you would use if you were a professional wrestler. (Example: Awesome Al, Battling Betty, etc...)

2. Send it to Editor@BradleyNewsGroup.com, fax it to 339-2135 or call it in at 472-2882.

3. If your entry is chosen, you will be contacted and told how to claim your prize.

Ready, set, go!

Polk County Takes Bradley County's Unwanted Money

2008-05-26T15:41:00.000-04:00

From the Office of Representative Eric Watson

Rep. Eric Watson and Sen. Dewayne Bunch were proud to announce that Polk County will receive a $10,000 grant from the Administrative Office of the Courts.

Bradley County was to receive this $10,000 grant to enhance the security of the Bradley County courthouse. However, on Monday, May 19, the Bradley County Commission declined to accept the money with a 9-3 vote.

"I heard in the news that the Bradley County Commission declined to accept the $10,000 grant and my first response was to contact Rep. Watson," Polk County Commissioner John Pippenger stated. "County Executive Mike Stinnett also contacted Rep. Watson about the County of Polk being able to utilize the money. I thank Rep. Watson and Sen. Bunch for their quick response to get approval to switch the money designation from Bradley to Polk County."

"Since Tuesday, my office received more than a dozen requests for the money from other counties. However, Sen. Bunch and I wanted to keep this money within our district," said Rep. Watson. "Polk County was quick to respond, needing the money for their judicial facilities within the county. This $10,000 will be used to enhance the security of the judicial faculties in Polk."

"We appreciate the Administrative Office of the Courts working with us to be able to direct this grant to our local courthouse and judicial complex in Polk County," stated Sen. Bunch. "Rep. Watson and I know that the grant is needed and will be put to a good use for our citizens."

Bradley County Commissioner Lisa Stanbery stated, "I had hoped that more of the other commissioners would have joined me in voting to accept this much needed grant money for Bradley County court security. However, Bradley County's loss is Polk County's gain. I appreciate Rep. Watson's and Sen. Bunch's hard work to secure this money for Bradley County, and I hope that in the future the commission will vote to take advantage of this type of opportunity."

This was part of a $2 million appropriation from the Tennessee General Assembly to the State Courts' systems budget for this fiscal year, according to Elizabeth Sykes, Administrative Director of the Courts.

"The Administrative Office of the Courts believes the safety of our courtrooms to be a critical issue and it should be a top priority," Sykes said.

"The money will be used for video monitoring of the court rooms, restraints, court officer protective equipment and other much needed items to run a safe and secure court venue in Polk County," concluded Commissioner John Pippenger of Polk.

Seen Around Town

2008-05-26T15:34:00.000-04:00

Andrew Millar captured this image during today's Memorial Day service at the Courthouse. See more photos in this week's Bradley News.

Monday's Top 5 Is Up

2008-05-26T15:33:00.000-04:00

• Fatal Wreck
• Memorial Day Salute
• Exit 25 Traffic Lights
• Grant Handed Over
• Carnival in Town

Bradley News TV

Podcast # 14: Special Guests = Commissioner Lisa Stanbery and Madyson Foster

2008-05-26T08:45:00.000-04:00

With Lisa Stanbery in the house, it was obvious that things were going to get interesting. And well, they did. We talked tax committee, House Bill 9 and whether Stanbery will run again for Commissioner next time around. Then we spent some time with Madyson Foster, Tennessee’s current Outstanding Teen. Foster shared about her passions, her preparation for the upcoming national contest and more. To check it out, click here and go to episode 14. Enjoy!

Take A "Tripp" On The Wild Side

2008-05-24T22:07:00.000-04:00

CMS 8th-grader Tripp Hathcock received the 2008 Mark Stringfield Memorial Award at the Cleveland Middle School Honors Program last week.

Express Yourself

2008-05-24T21:55:00.000-04:00

It’s Time To Make Music & Be Creative

By Melissa Snyder

Westmore Church of God has a wealth of talented musicians and creative artists and they want to pass on their knowledge to the children in the community. To get the creative juices flowing for those ages 8-12 they are hosting a Music Camp on June 16-20 from 1-3 p.m. The camp will include many activities such as exploring keyboard instruments, creating and improvising movements and melodies. Cheryl Graham, Director of the Westmore Music Academy said, “Come enjoy exciting adventures in music as we learn about composers and popular music themes.”

For children ages 4-10 who are interested in Art, the Children's Art Camp on June 16-20 from 9-11 a.m. will introduce them to many styles of art and many types of crafts. Each camper will be exposed to art from all around the world while having lots of fun!

To register for the Music Camp, please call Amanda Lackey, (423) 715-7575
To register for the Art Camp, please call Stephanie Wright, (423) 331-2010.
Please register by June 12, 2008. The Music Camp is $50 per student. The Art Camp is $50 per student or $80 for two.

Pictured: Music Academy Directory Cheryl Graham with a student at Westmore Church Of God.