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Monday, April 20th

Here is today's news on mymix1041.com, sponsored by Toyota of Cleveland: From the Chattanooga Times Free Press… Just two days after a local church b

Here is today’s news on mymix1041.com, sponsored by Toyota of Cleveland:

From the Chattanooga Times Free Press…

Just two days after a local church brought a lawsuit against the city alleging a violation of the U.S. Constitution, Mayor Andy Berke is allowing drive-in church services.

Berke posted the message on social media Saturday morning, saying he had “spoken to pastors who assured me they could operate drive in church safely, with spaces between the cars and no collection plates.”

The mayor previously barred drive-in services for fear of spreading the coronavirus. On Thursday, Metropolitan Tabernacle Church brought a lawsuit against Berke and the city, alleging the order violated its First Amendment rights to the free exercise of religion, to assemble and to free speech.

Metro Tab, led by Pastor William Steven Ball, held its last in-person worship service on March 15 and was planning to begin drive-in services on Easter, when visitors could listen to the service in their vehicles through a short-range FM transmitter. Berke’s ban, announced just before Easter, prompted the local church to bring the lawsuit. 

In news today…

The latest statistics from the Tennessee Department of Health indicates there have been a total of 7,070 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Tennessee, with a total of 3,344 recoveries, 724 hospitalizations, and 148 fatalities. Bradley County’s total confirmed case count stands at 37, with a total of 33 recoveries and one fatality. Hamilton County’s total confirmed case count stands at 116, with a total of 58 recoveries and 12 fatalities. Polk County’s total stands at 5, with a total of 4 recoveries and no fatalities. In Davidson County, the total stands at 1,638, with a total of 791 recoveries and 19 fatalities. Shelby County’s total stands at 1,778, with a total of 572 recoveries and 35 fatalities. You can get full statistics from the Tennessee Department of Health website at tn.gov/health, updated at 3PM daily.

Also in news today…

On April 13th at approximately 6:23 a.m., deputies from the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office and fire fighters from the Bradley County Fire Rescue reported to a structure fire on Washington Ave. The fire was extinguished by Bradley County Fire Rescue and BCSO detectives were called to the scene to conduct and investigation. Investigators learned that the occupants of the home were able to escape the residence with minor injuries prior to BCSO and BCFR arrival. 

Further investigation revealed that Leroy Pierce, the homeowner’s ex-husband, entered the residence, setting it on fire with three occupants inside. At the time of the incident, Pierce had an active order of protection against him. Pierce was later apprehended and is currently booked at the Bradley County Jail on three counts of attempted first degree murder, aggravated arson and violation of an order of protection.

And finally…

Mix 104-1’s Steve Hartline will be interviewing Tennessee’s Commissioner of Economic Development, Bob Rolfe, this morning at 9:30AM. The interview will air LIVE at 9:30 on Mix 104-1. We will be discussing the federal government’s stimulus plans and their impact on small business, as well as the $2.8 billion that Tennessee is receiving. Everyone is encouraged to listen, especially owners and employees of small businesses.