The Cleveland Daily Banner- Commissioner Thomas Crye began his term of office last year thrashing what he saw as excessive spending by the Bradley Co
The Cleveland Daily Banner- Commissioner Thomas Crye began his term of office last year thrashing what he saw as excessive spending by the Bradley County Schools on travel, and bemoaning the need for middle school students to buy their own calculators. Things have changed. Crye invited Director of Schools Dr. Linda Cash to come before the County Commission and give a report on what is happening with the schools. But, it was Crye who spoke first. Crye said he had been “very impressed with what has recently happened.” From the $120 calculators in the middle schools for those math classes,”saying If you can’t afford one, there’s one there.” Crye then spoke about the planning process for a new Lake Forest Middle School. Cash then addressed the Commission with issues on which the school system is currently working. “At Walker Valley [High School], we still have some traffic issues we are working with,” she said. “We are very thankful for the work of the [Sheriff’s Office] on trying to make some things happen, along with the state.” She said there will be more meetings on the issue later this month, “to get a more clarified option on what we can do.” Cash said Walker Valley Principal Nat Akiona instituted safety and security procedures for students who drive as they arrive and leave the school’s parking lot. “We’re trying to make the students aware of their responsibilities as drivers,” Cash said. She also spoke about the system’s literacy initiative, “so we can connect college and career.” Cash mentioned the recent freshman job fair day attended by county and city freshman students. “It exposed them to job opportunities,” she said. “Our goal is to start when they’re young and get them through high school, so they are job ready.” Cash also acknowledged the hard decisions required by both the Commission and school board. “We know you support us. We know you’re heart is with our students, and the citizenship and productivity we can bring to Bradley County,” she said. The Cleveland Daily Banner- SPCA Director of Operations Adam Cotton has submitted his resignation, effective this week. It was a surprise announcement that ended the organization’s board of directors meeting Monday night and brought several volunteers to tears. SPCA?President Ed Elkins said he and Cotton had “a good discussion” a few weeks ago concerning Cotton and a new opportunity that had arisen for him following his nine months in the manager’s position. Cotton told the board and SPCA volunteers he was “looking for stability” and a lack of action by the Bradley County Commission had amplified those concerns. The SPCA’s current contract comes to an end in February, and there is no suggestion as to when or if it might be renewed. Cotton has been widely praised by volunteers, board members and commissioners for bringing organization and stability to the SPCA and the shelter it runs for the county. The only information about Cotton’s new position comes from his resignation letter, in which he wrote, “I will be continuing my efforts to better animal care and control in another community.” Cotton told the board and volunteers he, as well as his wife, who is a veterinarian, will continue for awhile to volunteer at the shelter on Sundays. “That’s the kind of person he is,” Elkins said. No date has been set for hiring a new operations manager. Office manager Kristin Harvey will resume the role of interim director she held before. Times Free Press- The Bradley County Sheriff’s Office will start its first citizens academy in several years on Oct. 5, Sheriff Eric Watson says. The free, 10-week course will be held on Monday nights from 6:30-9 p.m. Students will be able to tour the 911 Emergency Communications dispatch center, visit the jail and judicial facilities, attend a SWAT demonstration and participate in firearms safety, including a simulated shoot-out scenario. Space is limited; registration and a background check are required. Call Director Arnold Botts at 423-728-7300. Mail applications to 2290 Blythe Ave., Cleveland, TN 37311, or fax to 423-473-1505. Registration deadline is Sept. 30. Times Free Press- Authorities caught a man trying to steal a Caterpillar backhoe estimated at $60,000 Tuesday on Snowhill Road. James M. Cox, 55, was arrested after police were called because there were reports of a man trying to steal a piece of heavy machinery, according to a release from the Sheriff’s office. When authorities arrested Cox, they also discovered he had an outstanding warrant for burglary. The backhoe was returned to the owner. Cox’s bond was not posted as of Tuesday night. Channel 3- RHEA COUNTY, TN (WRCB) – Rhea County authorities are still working to notify family members before releasing the name of the person who drownedMonday. The drowning was reported to dispatchers around 6:45pm. First responders arrived to Watts Bar Lake shortly after that to find the person deceased. The sheriff’s office is still working to reach the victim’s family members who are out of state. Once they are notified the victim’s name and age will be released.
