Thursday, January 12th

From the Tennova Healthcare Cleveland News Desk, here are your news headlines for Thursday, January 12th on Mix 104-1 and Talk 101-3 The Buzz.

Our top story today from the Cleveland Daily Banner… The Bradley County Sheriff’s Office recently completed “Operation: Temptation” which resulted in 23 arrests, all dealing with prostitution and drugs. The official announcement ironically comes on what is now designated “Human Trafficking Awareness Day,” which began in 2010 by presidential proclamation. This is the second concentrated effort on human trafficking by the department since its first, “Operation: Clean Sweep,” which netted 13 involved in the sex and drugs trade — some from as far away as New York. Sheriff Eric Watson said almost without exception these cases involve drugs. Watson said his department recently received intelligence suggesting human trafficking was coming back into the county. Watson said the operation began last month, resulting in the arrests of nine individuals for various prostitution charges.  The second phase of the operation, which was coordinated just within the last few weeks, arrested and charged 13 people for their roles in prostitution activity and/or drug charges.

Also from the Banner…The Bradley Sunrise Rotary Club is among the many Rotary clubs which have been helping with relief efforts after the wildfires which swept through the Gatlinburg area last November. Fred Heitman, district governor for Rotary District 6780, recently visited the club and shared how Rotarians have been helping families in Gatlinburg get back on their feet. In the aftermath of the wildfires, the area’s Rotary clubs set up a large distribution center in the former Boyd’s Bear outlet store in Pigeon Forge. Heitman said this has allowed volunteers to help those who lost everything, thanks to many generous donors.He went on to describe how families had lost so much that day-to-day tasks were made harder. While many families were provided with hotel rooms, he noted many lacked everything from extra clothes to equipment they could use to prepare food.The Bradley Sunrise club is in the process of collecting supplies to assist with the ongoing relief efforts. In December, the club also donated $2,000 to the cause.While the Rotary organization has been spearheading some of the relief efforts, Heitman noted anyone can help with volunteer hours or donations.

Those interested in giving financially can do so online through the Oak Ridge Rotary Community Fund at https://portal.icheckgateway.com/RotaryCommunityFund

After an end-of-the-year break, amateur radio license examinations are set to resume this Saturday, January 14, at the Cleveland Amateur Radio Club.  A team of local volunteers working under the American Radio Relay League administer testing sessions on the second Saturday of each month for anyone seeking an amateur radio license.  Tests are offered for the three levels of licensing set up by the Federal Communications Commission. They are the Technician, General, and Amateur Extra.  Testing starts at 10 a.m. at the CARC clubhouse at 560 Johnson Boulevard. Participants do not need to pre-register to participate in the testing program but should arrive 15 to 20 minutes early to complete the required paperwork.  Participants will need a photo I.D. and $15 cash. Those possessing an amateur radio license should bring a copy of their license or a C.S.C.E. for recently attained credits.  More information about amateur radio and the Cleveland Amateur Radio Club is available by visiting their website, www.carc.cc, or the club’s Facebook page. 

This has been your local and state news. You can get news anytime by visiting our website, mymix1041.com, powered by Pioneer Credit. From the Tennova Healthcare Cleveland News Desk, this is Jeremy Gault reporting.