Former Rhea County Sheriff, Ola Harris, passes away
RHEA COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) - Rhea County Sheriffs Department announced on Christmas the passing of former Rhea County Sheriff, Ola Harris. Harris served as Sheriff for two terms in 1968 to…
Khristine Arnold
Articles
Catoosa County Firefighters rescue a variety of animals on Christmas
CATOOSA COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) - A variety of animals saved from a house fire on Christmas Day. Just after 1:30 PM, Catoosa County Firefighters responded to a house fire on Pine…
Entrapment rescue on Christmas
SIGNAL MOUNTAIN, Tenn. (WDEF) - Signal Mountain Fire Departmet responded to a Motor Vehicle Crash with injuries on Laurel at around 6 PM on Christmas. The vehicle was found to be wedged…
UPDATE: Toddler discovered shot in head on Christmas morning survives, is in critical condition
UPDATE: The 2-year-old who was found with a gunshot wound to the head on Christmas has survived surgery and is in critical condition, according to Sheriff Steve Wilson. The investigation reveals the father returned home late on Christmas Eve and…
Santa Claus is coming to News 12!
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - This Christmas Eve, News 12's Chip Chapman has an in-depth conversation with Santa Claus where he asks the real questions like how to get off…
Start the new year off with a scary good time at Dread Hollow!
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - While the holiday season features lots of merry moments and holiday cheer, it doesn't hurt to change up the holiday routine with a great fright!…
Large brush fire in Murray County
CHATSWORTH, Ga. (WDEF) - A large brush fire has broken out in Murray County in the Chatsworth Area. According to the Murray County Sheriff's Office, the call came in at around 3:41 AM at Old Federal Road South. Georgia Forestry and…
Ways to stay unplugged and unwrapped on Christmas
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Influencer Rachel Leonard Kennedy shows us how to stay unplugged and in the moment during the holidays, while also relieving the stress of wrapping a…
Mobile home catches on fire in Sequatchie County
SEQUATCHIE COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) - On Sunday morning just after 10:30 AM, Dunlap Fire Department responded to a residential…
Behind the Curtain – Dollywood Christmas Shows
PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WDEF) - News 12's Amelia Greer took a trip to the great Smokey Mountains and got to look Behind the Curtain at Dollywood's Christmas shows! Dollywood…
Spend “An Afternoon of Holiday Cheer” in Downtown Chattanooga this weekend!
Carmen Davis with Chattanooga Parks & Outdoors joins News 12's Amelia Greer as the city gets ready to put on a festive event ahead of Christmas. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)…
Give the gift of discovery with a Creative Discovery Museum Membership
Mackenzie Steele joins News 12's Amelia Greer as the Creative Discovery Museum hopes to bring the gift of discovery to families this year. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Give the gift of…
Several Soddy Daisy Schools close due to a water main break
SODDY DAISY, Tenn. (WDEF) - Due to a water main break in the Soddy Daisy area, several schools are closed on Wednesday, December 17. The following schools are closed: -Soddy Daisy High School -Soddy Daisy…
Large fire at Lumberjacks Hardwood Center
UPDATE 12/17/2025 7 AM Chattanooga Fire Department says the fire was put out by 3 AM. CFD continues to monitor the scene. The fire was marked out at 3:09 AM. There are still areas…
Tis the season for ‘Holidays Under The Peaks!’
Alison Pryor brings the holiday spirit and joins News 12's Amelia Greer as the aquarium heads into peak holiday activities. 'Holidays Under The Peaks' featured SCUBA Claus and festive attractions for the…
Free toys and plenty of pie at Cracker Barrel this holiday season!
General Manager Josh Clinton joins News 12's Amelia Greer as the old country store decks the halls this season. Cracker Barrel is offering several festive menu items in addition to their classic…
Pedestrian struck in hit-and-run on Brainerd Rd
UPDATE 12/16/2025: Chattanooga Police Department has announced the victim of the pedestrian struck accident on 5321 Brainerd Road has died from his injuries. He died on December 15, 2025. They have identified the victim as Robbie Wimpy. The crash remains…
Show your love for News 12 and your community with Battle of the Bells
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Jingle all the way to help out a great cause by participating in 2025's Battle of the Bells! Local media stations all come together for a friendly competition…
PawPaw’s Homeless Ministry brings a “Miracle on 11th Street”
Mike Rice of PawPaw's Homeless Ministry shares their upcoming donation drive "Miracle on 11th Street" that will help ensure 250 unhoused individuals be prepared and warm during winter. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -…
Fatal wreck involving tractor trailer and passenger cars shuts down I-24
UPDATE: Around 4:30 a.m. on December 10, a trooper was dispatched to a wreck on I-24 East in Dade County. It was found a white Chevrolet Savana…
Enjoy a free holiday, candlelight concert with The Roueche Chorale and Orchestra
Jeff Roueché and Nora Monteith join News 12's Amelia Greer to encourage the community to join The Roueché Chorale and Orchestra's 23rd annual candlelight service. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -…
Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office discover over a year old decomposing body in a residence
CHATTOOGA COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) - Chattooga County Sheriff's Office discover a decomposing body inside a residence. On Monday, December 8, Deputies and Investigators from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office were called to a residence south…
Cuatro Cinco “stays glossy” this season with a food drive and Christmas party
Local artist Cuatro Cinco brings some of his tour mates as they get ready to end the year with a celebration like none other. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Cuatro Cinco is…
Get the holiday scoop with Clumpies
Ashley Bottoms with Clumpies joins News 12's Amelia Greer as the ice cream company cranks out their holiday flavors. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Get a perfect scoop of holiday cheer…
Reduce waste during the holidays by signing up for Chattanooga’s pilot recycling program
Director of Sustainability Madison Rollings joins News 12's Amelia Greer as families celebrate the holidays and more trash piles up around the city. She wants to recruit volunteers to sign up…
Prevent allergic reactions this holiday season with the Chattanooga Allergy Clinic
Dr. Marc Cromie from the Chattanooga Allergy Clinic (CAC) joins News 12's Chip Chapman as he shares some tips on how you can keep your family safe this season through CAC's…
FBI seeks interviews with Democrats who urged US troops to defy illegal orders
By JOEY CAPPELLETTI and MIKE HOUSEHOLDER Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) - Democratic lawmakers who appeared in a social media video urging U.S. troops to defy “illegal orders” say the FBI has contacted them to begin…
Holiday fun in the Smoky Mountains with Dollywood
Ellen Liston is back and joins News 12's Chip Chapman as Dollywood celebrates the holiday season! PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WDEF) - There's always fun things to do at Dollywood, especially at the end…
Shutdown on I-24E due to vehicle fire
MARION COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) - I-24 Eastbound in Marion County is shut down due to a vehicle fire at mile marker 134.4. The fire was reported at 5:45 AM EST and has caused a signficant back up. Avoid this area…
Bradley County Sheriff’s Office arrests man for assault on local judge
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) - On November 19, Bradley County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of an assault involving a local judge in Cleveland, Tenn. The local judge reported, while walking their dog…
HCSO responds to fight after a Tyner HS – Howard HS game
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office responded to a large fight at Tyner High School on November 20. The incident occurred in the school parking lot after the end of the Tyner High School - Howard High School…
Christmas comes to Anakeesta
Austin Martin takes a trip to the Scenic City to visit News 12's Amelia Greer and bring the spirit of Christmas! GATLINBURG, Tenn. (WDEF) - Anakeesta is decking the halls up in Gatlinburg…
Girls Inc. provides essentials through their Family Resource Center
CEO Toccora Petersen joins News 12's Amelia Greer to remind the public of their Family Resource Center. Girls Inc. of Chattanooga is celebrating 65 years of inspiring young women. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)…
Behind the Curtain: Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights
LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, Ga. (WDEF) - Now through January 4, 2026, Rock City is twinkling bright on Lookout Mountain for their 31st annual Enchanted Garden of Lights. With…
Help restock the CHATTFoundation Community Kitchen’s shelves this week!
Tabi Upton with Moody Radio joins News 12's Chip Chapman to remind viewers to come out and support the CHATT Foundation this season. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Support your community with…
Enjoy a free Thanksgiving meal with the Union Gospel Mission
Rev. John Rector with Union Gospel Mission joins News 12's Amelia Greer to remind the community there will be a meal the Wednesday before Thanksgiving free of charge. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)…
Suspect arrested after a high-speed chase in North Carolina
CHEROKEE COUNTY, N.C. (WDEF) - One man is arrested after a high-speed chase and running into the woods to evade law enforcement. On November 14, members of the Cherokee County…
Multiple people injured in Dunlap multi-vehicle crash
DUNLAP, Tenn. (WDEF) - A multi-vehicle accident in Dunlap sends multiple victims with serious injuries to the hospital. On Tuesday at 5 PM, Dunlap Fire Department was dispatched to a multi-vehicle accident…
Hamilton County Coalition offers wrap around service to those struggling with addiction
Jarrod Dunn and Kate Parsons join News 12's Amelia Greer to remind viewers of the importance of recovery resources. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - The Hamilton County Coalition is responding to several counties…
Come one, come all to 2025 Gratefull!
Dawn Hjelseth from River City Company joins News 12's Amelia Greer to remind viewers 'Gratefull' is right around the corner. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Lots of free food and good community with Gratefull…