Hamilton County Commissioners want vaccination rates to increase
Emotions ran high after Hamilton County Commissioners learned about another increase in COVID cases. They want to know why people aren't protecting themselves.
Brian Armstrong
Articles
Red Bank’s property tax increase passes first motion, increase less than originally called for
Red Bank Commissioners are a step closer to implementing a property tax increase.
U.S. reaches vaccination goal a month late, despite Tennessee, Georgia rates lagging
CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF)- If everybody’s able to get vaccinated it reduces transmission overall. Reduced transmission reduces cases. Reduced cases reduces the risk of mutation," said Pharmacist Jordan Morrison with Access Family Pharmacy. A month after the goal was…
Off the Grid Solar power
CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF)- Solar energy was on display this weekend in Chattanooga and is gearing up for a solar-powered weekend. Get off the grid showed the power of solar energy by powering the riverfront nights concerts and vendors.…
Skydiving school
JASPER, Tennessee (WDEF)- Many people, when they think of going skydiving they are thinking of a tandem jump. Although that’s an option Chattanooga Skydiving Company has a school training program for people to jump solo and get licensed.…
Christmas in July for a good cause
CLEVELAND, Tennessee (WDEF) -Shopping, painting, and family are all part of Foundation House Ministries Christmas in July event. Honestly, last year was awful right? Christmas was not a lot of fun for most people so this is…
White Oak Bicycle Co-Op receives special grant
RED BANK, Tennessee (WDEF)-White Oak Bicycle Cooperative in Red Bank is one of eight organizations nationwide selected for a grant. The Trust for Public Land announced that White Oak co-op was selected to receive a grant from TPL’s Equitable Communities…
Habitat for Humanity has its first EPB Zero Energy home
A new type of home is helping families in need save on energy costs thanks to a new effort between the Habitat for Humanity, EPB and green|spaces Chattanooga.
GA COVID-19 cases continue to increase as vaccination rates lag behind
DALTON, Georgia (WDEF)- According to the Hamilton County Health Department, it is seeing its highest number of COVID cases since March. Infectious disease director Sherry Gregory said North Georgia is seeing a similar uptick. "Just through the…
UTC financial aid post pandemic
CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF)-The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga students who have been negatively impacted by the pandemic will receive aid from the school. UTC is providing financial aid this fall to students in need. Assistant Dean of…
Eviction moratorium and its conclusion
CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF)- Buddy Presley With Presley Law Firm said although the CDC eviction moratorium runs through the end of the month, evictions have already started back up. "There were some federal court cases that determined the CDC…
Mayor; commissioner speak with Sale Creek community over farm
SALE CREEK, Tennessee (WDEF) - Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger and County Commissioner Randy Fairbanks spoke to the community about the newly acquired $16 million McDonald farm. Coppinger and Fairbanks said they wanted to set the record…
Teaching kids money habits while they are young
CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF)- Money Lit founder Stephanie Pyke said budgeting money is an important life skill but she feels it’s not talked about enough with kids at a young age, "I volunteered with the 11th grade and…
Tip-A-Cop for Special Olympics
CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF) - Law enforcement put a new twist of protect and serve Wednesday. Chattanooga law enforcement served dinner at a Chuy’s restaurant to raise money for the Special Olympics. Jennifer McAfee with the special Olympics said…
Marion County virtual school
MARION COUNTY, Tennessee (WDEF)- "There are some parents that are nervous, I'll be honest with you. I’ve heard from some of those parents especially regarding the way the numbers are," said Marion County Superintendent Mark Griffith. Marion…
Nakia Towns elected interim Superintendent for Hamilton County Schools
CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF)- Hamilton County deputy superintendent Nakia Towns was elected interim superintendent Monday. It was a 5-3 decision in favor of Towns over Zac Brown in the final vote. board member Jenny Hill voted for Towns.…
Veterans P.A.W.S. aiding veterans in need
CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF)- Veterans P.A.W.S. based out of South Pittsburg Tennessee was created to help fill a void in service dog availability in Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia. Veteran Ruth Koch with Veterans P.A.W.S. said the organization provides…
‘Tiny homes for the homeless’
CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF)- A Chattanooga man wants to bring tiny homes to the Chattanooga homeless population. Joshua Kapellusch brings water to homeless people in Chattanooga. He said as a veteran he wants to continue to serve his country…
Superintendent Bryan Johnson final school board meeting
CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF) - "My hope is that I have not just made the bed but I’ve made it a little bit better so that when you look at the days ahead you see a difference has…
Drug overdose deaths soared in 2020; hear from Chattanooga Recover Center about what can be done to decrease these numbers
2020 saw drug overdose deaths reach the highest number ever recorded.
Planned Parenthood’s plans in Chattanooga
CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF) - Planned Parenthood said they wanted to answer the questions being asks as they feel there is some misinformation going around Chattanooga. At Wednesday's meeting community organizer Kamari Sharard, and public health educator Chequita Webb…
Net Resource Foundation serving the community while navigating the pandemic
CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF) - Net Resource Foundation continues to navigate the pandemic while still feeding families in need in South Chattanooga. The right hand feeding organization was established by Net Resource Foundation to help meet the nutritional needs of families…
Incentives to donating blood to Blood Assurance during shortage
CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF) - "Blood Assurance says every donation can save up to Three lives but right now not enough people are doing this," said Brian Armstrong "When you donate with Blood Assurance it stays local. We are…
EURO Watch party
CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF)- Seeing soccer on the Red Wolves Jumbotron is nothing new, but soccer fans got a new experience today. The CHI Memorial Stadium welcomed fans to watch the Euro Finals between England and Italy from The field on the…
Christmas in July
CLEVELAND, Tennessee (WDEF)- Christmas in July will be happening in Cleveland this year through Foundation House Miniseries. The Christmas in July event will take place at the end of the month on July 29th through the 31st. The…
Wife of former Erlanger CEO recovered
Judy Spiegel's body was recovered on Friday, July 9 according to Judy's son Josh on Instagram. He called it one of the hardest days of his life but said he is thankful for all the first responders who were able…
Hiking through Chattanooga to prevent veteran suicide
CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF) - "I do it because I won’t be able to help others that’s why I do it," said veteran Steve Cowart. Irreverent Warriors bring Veterans together using humor and camaraderie to improve mental health and…
Get Vaccinated Chattanooga block party
CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF)- Get Vaccinated Chattanooga made a stop at East Lake park today to help more people have access to the COVID vaccine. The block party had music, food and of course the COVID-19 vaccine. Matthew Kodsi…
Child abuse cases on the rise in 2021
Officials with the Children’s Advocacy Center of Lookout Mountain judicial service has already received 175 reported cases and is on pace for an all-time high of 350 compared to 260 in all of 2020.
Chattanooga Skydiving Company went skydiving with the American flag to celebrate freedom
JASPER, Tennessee (WDEF)- The Chattanooga skydiving Company flew an American Flag to honor all those who make America’s freedoms possible. "It the closest I’ll ever get to be in a rockstar. Our songs only about 30 seconds," said…
Selfie with the ‘Declaration of Independence’
CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF)- Taking a selfie with the Declaration of Independence also took place over the holiday weekend. The first facsimile of the Declaration of Independence is on display at the Charles H. Coolidge National Medal of Honor…
Hamilton County students graduate from BASF’s TECH Academy
CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF)-Eight Hamilton County high school juniors and seniors completed BASF’s annual TECH Academy. "Getting to meet everybody. Coming in and seeing new faces and getting to see the stuff I didn’t know about," said student…
Fireworks are back in Collegedale post-pandemic
COLLEGEDALE, Tennessee (WDEF)-This year will be much easier to celebrate the 4th of July as compared to last year. Last year the Collegedale commons looked a lot different than it does today as Collegedale was forced to…
CPD unveils Dragonfly Community Connect
CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF)- The Chattanooga Police Department unveiled a new program called Dragonfly Community Connect that can address crime in real time. Dragonfly Community Connect is a volunteer program that directly links security systems owned by Chattanooga businesses…
Small business tips from ‘Say Yes to the Dress’ TV show
CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF)- At the Chattery in Chattanooga, Suzanne Dulin used a successful wedding dress TV show as inspiration to aid Hamilton County small businesses coming out of the pandemic. "I love the show. It’s been running…
Hamilton County DA’s Office joins Baptiste Group investigation
CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF)- Hamilton County District Attorney General Neal Pinkston has joined the investigation allegations of illegal activities involving the Baptiste Group In a statement, Pinkston said, “We will be working with CPD and will vigorously prosecute any…
Reach One Teach One and Kids Art Box teaming up for kids vacation
CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee- Two Chattanooga-based organizations are partnering together to provide a unique opportunity for nearly 60 area kids. Reach one teach one and Kids Art Box are holding a fish fry fundraiser to raise money for at-risk kids.…
U.S. unlikely to reach Biden’s 70% vaccination goal due to people under 30
CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF)- More than 70% of Americans age 30 or older have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine Despite that the US is likely to fall short of President Biden’s goal of 70…
NOVONIX expansion, taking over former Alstom building
CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF) - A major manufacture expansion in Chattanooga will create nearly 300 new jobs. "Those are jobs that are created that then have the potential to impact the rest of the site," said VP of Economic…
Lumber prices let up giving hope to homebuyers
RINGGOLD, Georgia (WDEF)- "They’re not as good as they used to be. The golden egg is broken," said Junior. Lumber such as 2x4s were viewed almost as gold over the last several months but it’s changing. "We…