MONDAY 161st YEAR • NO. 201 DECEMBER 21, 2015 CLEVELAND, TN 18 PAGES • 50¢ Habitat for Humanity takes No. 7 on Newsmakers By LARRY C. BOWERS houses being built on the back end of year as the new executive director. Woolen Mill in downtown Cleveland, Banner Staff Writer a very successful Women’s Build at the Smith is well known in the commu- recognized Habitat staff members, vol- start of 2015. These four structures TOP 10 nity, having served for years as the unteers and supporters, and led to Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland brought the number of houses spon- financial supervisor of the Bradley some very special first-time awards. Inc. worked through some highs, and sored by Habitat over its 25-year histo- EWSMAKERS County School System. Don Rollens and “Chuck” Haney lows, during calendar year 2015. It was ry to 124. N Willis came to Habitat late in the were announced as the first recipients also a hallmark year for the organiza- The organization lost two of its top year, from Florida, with a wealth of of the local Habitat’s Family Fathers tion, Habitat’s 25th anniversary. officers in mid-year when they were NO. 7 experience in the hospitality, resort Award. The much-respected organization, released by the board of directors due and nonprofit industries. He grew up Volunteer coordinator LaManda and its year full of headlines, was to alleged indiscretions. Board in Tennessee, and Willis is a graduate Bowers presented the awards during voted as the No. 7 story by Cleveland President Jeff Morelock, and other new executive director and chief finan- of the University of Tennessee. the anniversary celebration. Daily Banner staff writers and editors board members, refused to release cial officer, which was accomplished With new officers in place, Bowers said, “Without volunteers in the Top 10 Newsmakers of 2015 list. information or to make comment, con- over a period of months. Cleveland’s Habitat group closed out like you, Habitat would not be where it The local affiliate of America’s cerning rumors and allegations which Rick Smith was hired as the organi- the year with a gala event to celebrate is today. Thank you, and all the volun- Habitat for Humanity organization spread throughout the community. zation’s new financial manager, and the organization’s 25 years in the com- enjoyed a positive year with four new This action launched a search for a Chip Willis came on board late in the munity. The event, held at the Old See HABITAT, Page 4 Utility work, "#%%#&%%(!*+ trucks "*#+,&++$,-')*(.#+ ,"(+#''#',"(&&-'#,1 /#," ((+,)%+ (*,""(%#1+ " -'/"#"#+ #+ .(%-',*+-))(*, (*, to cost (&(0+*0), ,(!#.'(-,,"#+1* (',#('+&1&#%,(#*+, ''++'$(0 $1.5M %.%' (* *())( ,#*+,''++ '$, #,", Expenses caused by Inside Today growth, maintenance By RICK NORTON Associate Editor Keeping up with municipal growth and accommodating the demands of a diverse service territory require three common- alities of any public utility: properly maintained and updat- ed equipment, detailed planning and the money to pay for both. Contributed photo Cleveland Utilities is no PROSPECT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL students and staff gather for a photo before surprising students at Clifton Hills Elementary exception, as evidenced by a School in Chattanooga with gifts for the holidays. The Cleveland school “adopted” Clifton Hills for an effort called “Operation: Unite.” recent formal session of the C l e v e l a n d Board of Public Utilities when the five- Prospect brings Christmas member gov- erning body signed off on almost $1.5 Skid snapped Local elementary’s initiative embraces million in spending — all The Atlanta Falcons ended of which tar- their six-game losing streak with geted equip- Webb a win over Jacksonville. The kids in Chattanooga inner-city school ment, city Titans were dealt yet another growth and maintenance. loss. New Orleans and Detroit are By CHRISTY ARMSTRONG Ken Webb, CU president and ready for “Monday Night Football” Banner Staff Writer CEO, briefly addressed the action. The Cleveland Blue expenditures by pointing out Raiders’ weekend ended on a Students and faculty at a local elementary school recent- the local utility doesn’t like to winning note. The Atlanta Hawks ly carried out a mission called “Operation: Unite.” pose such spending requests to pulled off a close win over The mission, which Prospect Elementary School chose to the board, especially when the Orlando on Sunday. See Sports, accept, was to spread Christmas cheer by “adopting” stu- number of bids received for Pages 11-13. dents and faculty at another school. services or equipment are limit- Prospect guidance counselor Michele Dunkle, who helped ed. organize the effort, said faculty and staff were earlier this One example is the recom- Forecast semester refecting on all the support the school has mended purchase of a 2016 received from the community. Today looks to be mostly cloudy, model, 60-foot digger derrick After the school had received generous support from line truck to replace the utilili- with a high near 55 and a 70 per- local businesses and individuals to make improvements to ty’s existing Unit #115. The cent chance of rain. Tonight’s fore- the school, faculty began brainstorming ways to “pay it for- equipment replacement was cast calls for rain showers off and ward.” included in CU’s Fiscal Year on through the overnight hours, “Really, the Lord just gave us the vision to want to bless 2016 budget at $310,000. with a low around 53. Tuesday another school,” Dunkle said. “We hoped it would also However, the only bid received should be cloudy, with a 60 percent teach students it is good to give, rather than just to get.” came from Terex Utilities in the chance of rain and a high near 65. Prospect raised money for the project by holding a amount of $323,496. This is the Tuesday night calls for clouds and “penny drive” in October during which students took spare same contract price through the an 80 percent chance of rain, with Contributed photo change to school with them. The successful endeavor National Joint Power Alliance, SHOWING OFF their new hats, two students from Clifton Hills raised some $2,300. a low around 59. Webb explained. Elementary School in Chattanooga enjoy the festivities during a visit NJPA is a national coopera- from students and staff of Prospect Elementary School in Cleveland. See PROSPECT, Page 10 Index See UTILITY, Page 4 Classified................................16-17 Comics...........................................8 Editorials......................................14 Horoscope......................................8 MINI Page......................................5 Sissy Hilliard loves people, best Obituaries.......................................2 Sports......................................11-13 TV Schedule..................................9 Weather........................................10 known for her ‘Fluffy’ personality Around Town By LARRY C. BOWERS where she journeys regularly to be Banner Staff Writer PERSONALITY around residents, and visit with staff and Doug Storey being protected administrators. She began with her mom, Dianne “Sissy” Hilliard has multiple then an uncle when he became ill. This by his loving pet pooch as he families, and what she calls a “fluffy” PROFILE later expanded to include several other took a nap ... Diane Hampton personality. wishing her Banner friend a With a heart as big as a mountain, and residents. Merry Christmas ...Wendy White The big thing about Hilliard, which It all has to do with the mission on a propensity to help, care and comfort, you’ll hear more than once when talking making a new friend ... Hilliard has developed a following in earth she believes God selected for her. to her, is she loves people, and that’s the Samantha Tilley waiting on a Cleveland’s beauty shop community. That mission is “To love, care for and customer for the first time ... She has been the owner-operator of big reason she claims multiple families. comfort people” she comes in contact Dana Teasley having a good Sissy’s Beauty Shop on Harrison Pike for She has her personal family, her beau- with. laugh about a childhood event. more than 24 years, and was at other ty shop family, and her church family at Several of her close friends and ladies’ care centers prior to that. Right Philippi Baptist. acquaintances know her by the nickname out of high school she worked at During the past 10 years she has “Fluffy,” which she acquired years ago. Burlington Industries and later at Collins gained a nursing home family, Bradley Manufacturing. Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, See HILLIARD, Page 4 Sissy Hilliard 6489076 75112 2—Cleveland Daily Banner—Monday, December 21, 2015 www.clevelandbanner.com OBITUARIES (USPS 117-700) Periodical Postage Paid at Cleveland, TN 37320-3600 Post Office POSTMASTER: Send Address Changes to: Banner, P.O. Box 3600, Cleveland, TN 37320-3600 Donna Beaty Minn.; and several nieces and Brenda scoggins daughters: Caroline and Hannah; Published at 1505 25th Street, NW (P.O. Box 3600) Donna Anderson Beaty, 78, of nephews. Brenda L. Scoggins, 49, of as well as many nieces, in Cleveland, TN 37320-3600, daily except Saturday Cleveland died Sunday, Dec. 20, Visitation will be in Bowman Cleveland, died on Sunday, Dec. nephews, and cousins. and Christmas day by Cleveland Newspapers, Inc. Phone (423) 472-5041. 2015, in a local hospital. Hills Seventh-day Adventist 20, 2015, in a local hospital. The family wishes to extend Church Tuesday from 5 to 6 p.m. Survivors and funeral arrange- Survivors and arrangements appreciation to those who cared Stephen L. Crass Jim Bryant ments will be announced by Fike- Pastor Dwight Herod will conduct will be announced by Companion for Carolyn at Baroness Erlanger Randolph & Son Funeral Home. the service at 6 p.m. at the church. Funeral Home. Hospital, Siskin Hospital for Editor & Publisher General Manager In lieu of flowers, memorial con- Physical Rehabilitation, tributions may be made to Signature HealthCARE, Tennova Member of The Associated Press Bowman Hills Worthy Student Healthcare, Hospice of The Associated Press is exclusively entitled to the use for publication of all news dispatches Fund.