Ben Benton

Ben Benton is a news reporter at the Chattanooga Times Free Press. He covers Southeast Tennessee’s Bledsoe, Bradley, Franklin, Grundy, Marion, McMinn, Meigs, Rhea and Sequatchie counties. Ben has worked at the Times Free Press since November 2005. Ben was born and raised in Cleveland, Tennessee, a graduate of Bradley Central High School. He has a bachelor's degree in communications from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Contact Southeast Tennessee reporter Ben Benton at bbenton@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6569.

Franklin County authorities investigating discovery of woman’s body

by Ben Benton ·February 3, 2023

Remains identified as Winchester woman reported missing

Franklin County Sheriff's Office / Deputies with the Franklin County Sheriff's Office investigate the discovery Thursday of a 53-year-old woman's body Thursday on Lightfoot Lane, off of AEDC Road near Woods Reservoir.

Bradley County, Cleveland schools closed Friday due to illness

by Ben Benton ·February 2, 2023

Due to an increased amount of illness throughout both of the county's school districts, Bradley County Schools and Cleveland City Schools will be closed Friday to conduct a thorough cleaning of facilities, according to a joint statement issued Thursday by the school systems.

Prisoner transport van carjacked at gunpoint Monday leads Marion County deputies on high-speed chase on I-24

by Ben Benton, Ellen Gerst ·January 31, 2023

One man linked to Monday’s Ooltewah-Georgetown Road shooting in Hamilton County

Cleveland City Hall to move into historic 1928-era Cherokee Hotel by 2024

by Ben Benton ·January 29, 2023

Plans call for restoration to former glory

Staff photo by Olivia Ross / Cleveland City Manager Joe Fivas gives a tour of the building on Friday, January 27, 2023. By 2024, Cleveland City Hall will be moved into the 1928-era Cherokee Hotel. The city will use $6.1 million in ARPA and $2 million in bond funding to renovate the building.

East Ridge intersection at South Moore extension and Ringgold Road to close for three days

by Ben Benton ·January 27, 2023

Starting Monday, Talley Construction crews will close the intersection at the extension of South Moore Road and Ringgold Road in East Ridge for work in the city's ongoing $8.6 million-plus multimodal project.

Staff File Photo by Ben Benton / Starting Monday, South Moore Road Extension leading to the Food Lion grocery store, a bank and nearby homes will be closed for an expected three days. Seen on Jan. 5, Talley Construction crews work at the intersection to be closed next week.

Pair identified in apparent murder-suicide in South Pittsburg

by Ben Benton ·January 26, 2023

Authorities have released the names of the two people found dead early Tuesday in what is being described as a murder-suicide in South Pittsburg, Tennessee, where police also found a toddler and infant unharmed.

Staff File Photo by Ben Benton / South Pittsburg Police Department patrol car is seen as photographed in August 2016.

Marion County authorities investigating apparent murder-suicide in South Pittsburg, Tennessee

by Ben Benton ·January 24, 2023

Toddler, infant found alive at the scene

Water leak causes damage, closure of offices at Polk County Courthouse

by Ben Benton ·January 24, 2023

Offices expected to reopen Monday

Staff Photo by Robin Rudd / The Polk County Courthouse in Benton, Tenn., shown in 2020, is an art deco building that was completed in 1937.

McMinn County private school principal, secretary charged in sex with minors case

by Ben Benton ·January 23, 2023

The principal and school secretary at a private school in McMinn County, Tennessee, have been arrested on multiple charges related to sexual assault allegations involving five underage victims in an ongoing investigation launched last summer, the Sheriff's Office said.

McMinn County Sheriff's Office / Brittany Branham, 28, of Athens, Tenn. and Jason L. Kennedy, 46, of Athens, Tenn.

Cherokee seek congressional delegate promised in New Echota Treaty of 1835

by Ben Benton ·January 21, 2023

The Cherokee Nation, nearly a half-million strong, is holding the U.S. government to a 188-year-old promise for congressional representation for the tribe.