TDOT provides update on road conditions after snow storm

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF)-The Tennessee Department of Transportation is providing an update on road conditions after the snow.   “The sun is out today. Temps have warmed up a little bit, so some of that residual snow left over on some of the shoulders of our interstates and state routes may have melted, and there is definitely a possibility for refreeze…

Chattanooga to celebrate Dolly Parton

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – In a heartwarming tribute to a true Tennessee icon, Signal Centers is launching a special celebration for the one and only Dolly Parton’s birthday. Signal Centers, a local organization dedicated to empowering individuals through education, support, and inclusion, is pulling out all the stops to celebrate Dolly’s big day.  The event will feature several Dolly-themed activities…

Chattanooga Public Library kicks off Start Smart Initiative

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  The Chattanooga Public Library is launching a new program that will get rid of fines for the youths overdue books. The Start Smart Initiative is a two-fold plan to help increase the library accessibility for students ages 17 and younger. Starting January 13, 2025, until the end of February, all materials will be fine-free. No matter…

Dalton residential fire leaves $15k in damages

Courtesy: Dalton Fire Department DALTON, Ga. (WDEF) – Dalton Fire Department responded to a house fire call that caused nearly $15,000 in damages and an attempt to resuscitate a dog. The house fire call came around 1 AM Monday morning on 204 N Bogel Street after the female occupant noticed a fire beside a space heater. After attempting to put…

CDM hosts Dolly Days all week long

  CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – This weekend, the Creative Discovery Museum hosted Dolly Days, where the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library came together to encourage everyone to sign up and receive free books. This event highlights Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and the importance of reading. As Dolly herself said, “The seeds of these dreams are often found in books, and the seeds…

Catoosa County Fire Dept. offers a free certification CPR course

FORT OGLETHORPE, Ga. (WDEF) – As we head into 2025, Catoosa County’s volunteer firefighters are taking their CPR recertification class. Lieutenant Brian Mangum explains that it is mandatory that their volunteers take a CPR recertification course to stay up to date on the latest CPR training techniques. He explains that the Catoosa County Fire Department offers a free course to…

A wanted fugitive from Georgia has been located and arrested

Hamilton County, Tenn. (WDEF) — This morning, deputies were able to locate and arrest a wanted fugitive from Georgia for Aggravated Brandon Frady Assault, Simple Battery, Criminal Trespass, and two counts of Cruelty to Children. At around 8:00 a.m., deputies received an anonymous tip stating fugitive Brandon Frady could be found at a residence near the 2600 block of Banks…

A man arrested for shooting at a family playing in the snow

UPDATE (1/13/2025):  The man arrested for shooting at a family sledding in the snow has received additional charges. The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) released Monday morning that Benjamin Cook’s aggravated assault charges have now been upgraded to attempted First Degree Murder. Cook now faces the following charges: (2) Counts of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (6) Counts of Attempted…

Tech Keeps New Years Resolutions on Track

CHATTANOOGA, TN – Every year millions of Americans resolve to change something in the new year. More than 52% of Americans have resolved to exercise of get healthy in 2025. Unfortunately, 93% of us never see them through and the second Friday in January is known as Quitters Friday where people even celebrate ending their resolutions early. Joining us today…

Signal Mountain man arrested on child rape charges

  SIGNAL MOUNTAIN, Tenn. (WDEF) —  A Signal Mountain man was arrested on Thursday on child rape charges. Deputies with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) responded to a residence on Signal Mill Lane for a report of child rape. HCSO reported that the child’s mother had contacted authorities about this incident. She stated that her husband had raped their…

Country music star Pam Tillis coming to the Walker Theatre

Calling all country music lovers! Get ready to hear award-winning musician, Pam Tillis, at the Walker Theatre this weekend! CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – County music enthusiast can stay warm and entertained this weekend with a special acoustic performance from the award-winning Pam Tillis. Coming to the Walker Theatre on January 11, Pam Tillis is bringing fan favorite hits like “Memphis”…

UNCG Beats Chattanooga at the Buzzer 78-75

(gomocs.com) – In a back-and-forth thriller, the Chattanooga Mocs men’s basketball team suffered a 78-75 buzzer-beating defeat to UNCG during Southern Conference action on Thursday evening in front of 2,867 fans inside McKenzie Arena. Chattanooga (9-7, 1-2 SoCon) tied the game, 75-75, after Honor Huff connected on his first triple of the game with just 3.1 seconds on the clock. UNCG (10-6,…

PawPaw Ministry Provides for Less Fortunate During Frigid Weather

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – PawPaw’s Ministry, a community-driven organization, is on a heartfelt mission to ensure that no one faces the cold unprotected.  In the heart of Chattanooga, PawPaw’s Ministry is more than just a charitable organization—it’s a lifeline for those braving the harsh winter weather.  Volunteers distributed warm clothing, blankets, warm meals and other essentials to the city’s most…

Thursday Throwback: 1980 Ice Storm

Winter arrives on Friday with a snowy forecast. But snow isn’t always the worst thing that winter can throw at us. For our Thursday Throwback, we’ll show you what a major ice storm did to the city 45 years ago. Categories: Featured, From The Archives Tags: From The Archives, Thursday Throwback

Study: Chattanooga has second worst traffic in Tennessee

CHATTANOOGA , Tenn. (WDEF)- It’s not just the feeling you have, but data says Chattanooga’s traffic has gotten worse. A study by INRIX, a transportation analytic company who releases a yearly traffic report of hundreds of cities around the globe, has found that Chattanooga has the second worst traffic in Tennessee. We are only beaten out by Nashville. Their data…

Marion County man arrested on outstanding warrants, several firearms found

MARION COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) —  A Marion County man was arrested on outstanding warrants after a SWAT standoff Wednesday night. Kyle Colston was wanted on several active warrants including parole violation, evading arrest, and convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Colston is also the suspect in several investigations out of the Jump Off area including, thefts, burglaries, and arson….

Two repeat offenders arrested on gun and drug charges

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —   Two repeat offenders have been arrested on multiple weapons and drug charges after an operation led by the Chattanooga Police Department’s (CPD) Gun Team. One of the offenders was out on bond for the following: Second Degree Murder 14 counts of Auto Burglary 5 counts of Firearm Thefts 3 counts of Possession of a Firearm during…