The Chattanoogan- A new federal suit in the tragic Woodmore Elementary School bus crash names the Hamilton County Schools and transportation director
The Chattanoogan- A new federal suit in the tragic Woodmore Elementary School bus crash names the Hamilton County Schools and transportation director Ben Coulter as defendants. The suit was filed by Chattanooga attorney Ronnie Berke, who represents two families. Six children died in the Nov. 21 crash on Talley Road in Brainerd. The suit also names bus driver Johnthony Walker and his employer, Durham School Services. The lawsuit says, “This horror was foreseeable, predictable and preventable.” Cleveland Daily Banner- Local law enforcement personnel want to remind motorists that there will be more people on roadways during the Christmas holidays, so those traveling out of, into or through Bradley County should be very cautious. “This time of year causes many of us to travel to various locations to simply enjoy the holiday season with our family and friends,” said Bradley County Sheriff Eric Watson. Lt. John Harmon of the Tennessee Highway Patrol said the main thing to remember is to use your seat belts. Harmon added it is imperative for motorists to slow down and leave enough room between them and the vehicle in front of them. Harmon noted that many fatal traffic accidents are the result of drivers being distracted. “Put that phone down,” he stressed. “It can be a distraction to motorists.” Cleveland Police Chief Mark Gibson added that all drivers need to pay close attention to their surroundings, “as many crashes are caused by distracted drivers.” The THP, the BCSO and the CPD will be out in force watching for impaired and distracted motorists. A record 103 million Americans are expected to travel for Christmas and New Year’s despite a spike in gas prices only a few short weeks ahead of the holidays. According to AAA, that number represents 1.5 million more people traveling than last year, which can be attributed to improvements in the labor market and rising wages since the last holiday season. Also,the Tennessee Department of Transportation will halt all lane closures on interstates and state highways for almost two full weeks, from 6 a.m. on Friday to 6 a.m. Jan. 3. Local – Two women are making history, in training to be the first paid female firefighters in Bradley County. Loretta Thompson tells a local news station she wanted a sense of adventure. She & Makala Ard found it at the Bradley County Fire Department. Both Thompson & Ard stand alongside the guys in training with no special treatment. Both hope to set an example to other women in Bradley County. “The more females see us involved and the more presence is shown, they’ll become more confident in their ability to do that if that’s their desire and what they want to pursue,” said Thompson. The total training program is twelve weeks long, ending with a number of state tests. They’re both hoping to graduate alongside their colleagues January 15th. Cleveland Daily Banner- Bradley County EMA Director Troy Spence has been chosen to serve another year as the chairman of the Tennessee Valley Regional Communications System, for the Public Safety Interoperable Communications advisory committee. The committee is comprised of members of police, fire and emergency medical departments covering more than 12 counties in North Georgia and Southeast Tennessee, and assists in helping to coordinate the Project 25 radio system. That system allows all public safety first responders to communicate with each other, on a common platform, during local emergencies or widespread disasters.
