Tuesday, March 20th

From the Tennova Healthcare Cleveland News Desk, here is your news for Tuesday, March 20th, on Mix 104-1 and Talk 101-3 The Buzz.

Topping our news today…

This spring’s severe weather season is underway, with the first major threat of severe weather yesterday afternoon and evening. Numerous thunderstorms moved across northern Alabama and Georgia, prompting severe thunderstorm warnings as well as tornado warnings. As of news time, there were reports of a few possible tornadoes in northern Alabama, however the National Weather Service had not yet confirmed actual tornadoes. It is expected that NWS officials will review the damage today and determine whether tornadoes touched down in those areas.

The line of storms moved through our listening area just before 10PM last night. By that point in time, the storms had largely weakened, and dropped below severe thresholds. No watches or warnings were issued for Bradley County.

Schools in our area dismissed early yesterday due to the possibility of severe weather. It is important to understand that the exact timing, locations, and severity of these storms are difficult to predict, and it is important we stay prepared and take precautions for our safety.

The Spring severe weather season is just beginning, and now is a good time to ensure you have a NOAA Weather Radio, as well as a plan for what to do in the event of severe weather. If you live in Bradley County, you may also sign up to receive weather alerts for free via Nixle by sending a text message to 888777 containing the letters CBCEMA. You may also receive weather alerts and local coverage on Mix 104-1.

Also in news today…

U.S. Senator Bob Corker on Monday released the following statement after Volkswagen announced it will invest approximately $340 million to build a new five-passenger SUV at its Chattanooga plant.

“Following a collective effort by so many in our community and state to bring a major auto manufacturer to Enterprise South, one of the most meaningful days in my public service career occurred nearly ten years ago when I received the call that Volkswagen had chosen Chattanooga,” said Corker. “And over the years, we have worked hand in hand with Volkswagen leadership in Germany and our state officials to ensure the company would continue to thrive in our city. This important partnership has benefited thousands of families and generated extensive economic activity in surrounding communities while solidifying Tennessee as the premier location for automobile manufacturing. I am thrilled to see Volkswagen realizing its full potential and congratulate the hardworking employees on their continued success.”

From the Cleveland Daily Banner…

Much progress is being made on the campus of Lake Forest Middle School, where a new academic building is currently being constructed.

Douglas Caywood of Lewis Group Architects gave the Bradley County Board of Education an update on this progress during a recent session.

Despite some rain delays, he explained crews with Tri-Con Construction are making quick work of the new two-story, 138,000-square-foot building.

All interior masonry walls are complete, and plumbing, electrical and HVAC work is about 90 percent complete. In addition, workers are about halfway done with interior painting.

The building is tentatively expected to be completed in May, and students will be attending classes in the new building beginning in August.

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