The Cleveland Daily Banner

CLEVELAND GEEKSTER founder Rob Alderman, who created the event with friends Ryan Faricelli and Ashley Raburn, shows off his “inner Geekster” with his original Voltron that he had been seeking for years.

More than 1,000 attended this year’s Cleveland Geekster, making it one of the most successful in its nine years of existence and prepping organizers for a big 10th anniversary celebration in … more

By ALLEN MINCEY | 9/19/22

MASAHIRO OKA, lower right, a 4-H International Exchange student, was able to spend three weeks in Bradley County with the Caywood family, learning more about U.S. culture. One of the places he got to visit was the Chattanooga Zoo, with the host family's parents, Doug and Jill Caywood, and son, Xander.

Caywoods host international 4-H exchange student

Masahiro Oka was one of 11 international exchange students who the Tennessee 4-H program found host families for to teach them about American culture. Oka got to share his time in Cleveland and … more

By ALLEN MINCEY | 9/6/22

ARTHUR AND AMANDA ZAKOLSKI at the Little Diner on 1st will return to this year’s International Cowpea Festival and Cook-off to defend their crown. The pair won last year’s competition with a combination of creamy parmesan grits and smoky collard greens topped with black-eyed peas and a sriracha bacon on top.

Festival chefs to present variety of styles

The chefs who will compete for the International Cowpea Festival and Cook-off title are as varied as their dishes will be. The festival will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, at the Hoyt Berry … more

By ALLEN MINCEY | 9/4/22

SCOUTS PADDLE VIGOROUSLY as they begin the Great Hiwassee River Raft Race on Saturday on the Hiwassee River in Polk County. The annual event brings scouts to the river to test their skills, and also serves as a camping event for all of the scout troops participating.

Scouts participate in the Great Hiwassee River Raft Race

Pirates are known to take to the high seas, but rivers? And, the Hiwassee River at that?Well, Saturday was the Great Hiwassee River Raft Race, titled the Buccaneer Run 2022, and while there weren’t … more

By ALLEN MINCEY | 8/30/22

DANIEL KOOB left, with Cleveland Mayor Kevin Brooks.

Koob's commitment to veterans honored

You will see him at just about every event honoring veterans, or placing American flags at the Bradley County Veterans Cemetery, or visits to see veterans in area nursing homes.On Saturday, Aug. 20, … more

By ALLEN MINCEY | 8/27/22

TWINS JACKSON AND SHELBY LOWE pose with Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl at Superhero Saturday at the Bradley Square Mall.

Superhero Saturday held at Bradley Square Mall

Local students are either back in or preparing for school, so having a party to begin the academic year is a great way to start. And, if special guests like Spiderman, Wonder Woman, Pet Patrol and … more

By ALLEN MINCEY | 8/25/22

ALVIN JACKSON is overcome with tears of joy after learning of his new home. A special reveal recently of the upcoming home build was held at the Tribe of Judah Ministries.

A new home for Alvin and Zandra Jackson

Alvin Jackson was wounded in the Vietnam War and still carries a piece of shrapnel. He and his wife, Zandra, have been living in a Cleveland home that has been deteriorating for many years, including … more

By ALLEN MINCEY | 8/23/22

DONNA WARNER holds Coti, a coatimundi, while talking to visitors during Hump Day at the Ocoee Riverside Farm.

Ocoee Riverside Farm offers lodging and exotic animals

It is called a farm, but Ocoee Riverside Farm is much, much more. Not only are there cows and horses, but there are other animals one would not imagine in Polk County, and lodging in covered wagons … more

By ALLEN MINCEY | 8/20/22

BYRON DIAZ, 7, receives a free haircut from one of the many stylists — Alexia Jackson of Brillare — at the Peerless Road Church back-to-school event.

Students get backpacks, supplies as school starts

School begins in Cleveland and Bradley County this week, and many youngsters will be better prepared after three local events provided them with supplies, including backpacks.On Aug. 3, the Peerless … more

By ANNA SHAND and ALLEN MINCEY | 8/10/22

THE CARING PLACE will move from its Wildwood Avenue site, where it has been for just more than 20 years, to a new site near the Bradley County Judicial Complex on Blythe Avenue Southeast and Bower Lane Southeast.

The Caring Place: new facility, new services

The Caring Place for 20-plus years has served the community and soon will do it with expanded programs at a new location.The new site, which will be called The Caring Place Care Center, will be … more

By ALLEN MINCEY | 8/6/22

BOBBIE REAGAN (right to left) stands with Shane Lawson, Joe White and her grandson, Tallin Floyd. Shoes can be placed at several locations around Cleveland and Bradley County.

Shoes for Orphan Souls: boxes now open

The annual Shoes for Orphan Souls collection drive is underway. Local lead coordinator Bobbie Reagan said the boxes and signs would be up starting over the just-passed weekend. Shoes for Orphan … more

By ANNA SHAND | 8/2/22

NEW BOARD CHAIR ANDREW DINSMORE is flanked by 2021-22 "Volunteer of the Year" Mark Gravelle (left) and "Ron Braam Award" recipient Ken Jones at the Junior Achievement of the Ocoee Region annual meeting held July 20.

Junior Achievement aims to help 5,000 students

After reaching more than 3,500 students through its programs, Junior Achievement of the Ocoee Region is shooting to increase to 5,000 this coming year.The organization recently held its annual … more

By ALLEN MINCEY | 7/30/22

Birth announcement

Bill Asseye Gawu Kodjovi and Afi Elom Gawu of Cleveland announce the birth of their son on July 13, 2022, at Tennova Healthcare – Cleveland. He weighed 10 pounds and was 22 inches long. He is … more

7/30/22

Mortified by marriage

Dear Annie: I've been with my girlfriend for seven years and lived with her for four. She wants to get married and have kids. For the past three years, I've promised to propose every six months, but … more

ANNIE LANE | 7/30/22

Dealing with inflation

Dear Heloise: You recently had a letter about dealing with inflation from Harriet S. Your answer was correct. I would like to say, I try to shop by only buying things on sale ⏤ all the time, not … more

HELOISE | 7/30/22

MAGGIE HAIMELIN, MISS SCENIC CITY, left, was named 2023 Tennessee Distinguished Young Woman at Lee University's Dixon Center late Saturday. She was congratulated by 2022 Tennessee DYW Amy Pham.

Chattanoogan named 2023 Tennessee Distinguished Young Woman

She has been dancing since she was 5 years old, and it has become her greatest passion. That talent helped Miss Scenic City, Maggie Haimelin, become the 2023 Tennessee Distinguished Young Woman late … more

By ALLEN MINCEY | 7/25/22

Blevins, Paul plan July 30 ceremony

Lori Michele Blevins and Walter Tyson Paul, both of Canton, Georgia, announce their engagement and forthcoming marriage.The bride-to-be is the daughter of Mike and Donna Oliverio of Rock Springs, … more

7/25/22

INA KAGEL is surrounded by fellow Daughters of the American Revolution members at her 100th birthday party held at Garden Plaza. From left are Maggie Evans, Leigh Ann Boyd, Mary Charles Blair, Ina Kagel, Jane Lucchesi, Laura Hixson, Joanne Swafford and Gussie Ridgeway.

Two Garden Plaza residents celebrate special birthdays

A birthday party for Ina Kagel was held Monday for her 100th birthday at Garden Plaza, and those attending were advised a fire drill might occur during the celebration.Kagel smiled as she said since … more

By ALLEN MINCEY | 7/24/22

ROARIN’ 50S MEMBER LINDELL BRUMLEY, seated, celebrated her 100th birthday this year, and was honored by fellow Roarin’ 50s members at a special birthday party.

Roarin' 50s Group brings back memories with music

Many men and women in local nursing homes can be taken back to their younger years when they hear music they grew up with ⏤ one of the goals of the Roarin’ 50s Group.Joyce Moser is a member of … more

By ALLEN MINCEY | 7/24/22

LIBRARY CORNER

SUNDAY | July 17 Virtual STEAM Challenge Science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics challenge at 1:30 p.m. on Facebook Live. Explanation of the ideas behind the challenge on Thursday … more

By KERISA SHORTHOUSE | 7/15/22