First responders say small fire started possibly by homeless camp

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Early Friday morning, first responders were seen in the woods near Church Street and Old Wauhatchie Pike. The Chattanooga Fire Department says they believe the fire may have been related to a nearby camp. One of the firefighters told us, “It was likely a warming fire from last night that got away from them.” They say…

Hixson Falls 20-14 to White Co

Hixson, TN-(WDEF-TV) Hixson lost a heartbreaker to White Co in the opening round of the state playoffs by a final of 20-14. The Wildcats were driving for the potential go-ahead touchdown when quarterback Jake Pollack was picked off with roughly 1:30 left in the game. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News

Murray County residents voice opposition to biowaste facility at town hall

A group of Murray County residents holding “Stop the Biowaste Facility” signs at Thursday’s town hall. CHATSWORTH, Ga. (WDEF)- Opposition continues to grow in Murray County to a proposed biowaste facility. It was a full house at the Cloer Barn in Chatsworth as numerous residents came out to voice their concerns regarding a proposed anaerobic digestion facility at a town…

Mocs Prepare For Wild and Crazy Road Trip

(gomocs.com) The Chattanooga Mocs men’s basketball team takes its Division I-leading winning streak out west for an extremely rare and unique non-conference road trip that features two games, in two nights, in two different states, against two high-level programs in RV Saint Mary’s (CA) and UNLV. Chattanooga (1-0) kicks off the trip Friday night in Moraga, Calif., with a matchup…

Boyd Buchanan Hires Red Bank Baseball Coach Matthew Roberson

(press release) Boyd-Buchanan School is proud to announce the hiring of Matthew Roberson as the new Head Baseball Coach and Gene Bowles as Assistant Baseball Coach for the Buccaneer baseball program. Together, Roberson and Bowles bring a strong combination of playing, coaching, and leadership experience that will help propel Boyd-Buchanan Baseball into its next chapter of success. “I am very…

Catoosa Chamber of Commerce hosts Showcase Catoosa Business Expo

RINGGOLD, Georgia (WDEF) — The Catoosa County Chamber of Commerce hosted a business event today. The called it the Showcase Catoosa Business Expo. Local businesses from around the county gathered at the colonnade in Ringgold. Everyone was invited to come and see what local vendors had to offer. A silent auction was hosted to benefit local non-profits, and an Angel…

New Goodwill Store Opens Today

FORT OGLETHORPE, GA. (WDEF) – Goodwill Industries of the Greater Chattanooga Area celebrated the opening of a new store and donation center in Fort Oglethorpe on Thursday morning. The event began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 8:30 a.m., followed by the store officially opening its doors at 9.  The new location is at 1873 Battlefield Parkway in the Battlefield Centre…

Carly Pearce Highlights Heart Condition

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Grammy Award–winning country artist Carly Pearce is helping raise national awareness about recurrent pericarditis, a rare heart condition that is frequently misdiagnosed.  Recurrent pericarditis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the pericardium, the protective lining around the heart, and can cause repeated episodes of sharp chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue. In the United…

Hamilton County Commission held first evening meeting Wednesday

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Wednesday was the first evening Hamilton County Commission meeting in recent memory. The body has traditionally met at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday mornings, but voted for a trial period of November and December to start meetings at 4 p.m. Commissioner Jeff Eversole spearheaded that effort to make meeting times more accessible for those who work during the…

Little Debbie Hamilton County Fair returns Veterans Day weekend

News 12 This Morning: Hamilton County Parks Director Matt Folz joins News 12’s Amelia Greer to preview some of the exciting festivities taking place this weekend in Sale Creek. The Little Debbie Hamilton County Fair is back and bigger than ever!  SALE CREEK, Tenn. (WDEF) — The annual Little Debbie Hamilton County Fair returns to McDonald Farm this Veterans Day…

Hamilton County allocates unused opioid funds for local food banks during government shutdown

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- As the federal government shutdown extends past day 35, over 34,000 people in Hamilton County are no longer receiving SNAP benefits. Soddy-Daisy Food Bank President Alan Gram said, “Our numbers have increased by about 50 percent the first service day of the month.” Mayor Wamp says this is a scene playing out across the county. He said,…

ChattTown Skatepark to Close for $4.4 Million Renovation

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — For years, the sound of wheels on concrete and dogs playing nearby has filled this Southside space. But soon, that sound will quiet — as bulldozers move in to start something brand new. Beginning November 10th, the City of Chattanooga will shut down ChattTown Skatepark and Chew Chew Dog Park to make way for a complete…

Veterans Bridge Flag Sponsorship

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – For years, American flags have been displayed along Chattanooga’s Veterans Bridge as a tribute to the men and women who served in the United States Armed Forces.  The display has become a recognizable part of the bridge and a visible symbol of the community’s respect for veterans. In 2014, the City of Chattanooga introduced a sponsorship…

Niña and Pinta Arrive in Chattanooga

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Niña and Pinta replica ships are now open in Chattanooga. The two full-scale replicas of 15th-century Portuguese caravels are docked at Ross Landing City Park and will remain in port through Sunday, November 23rd. During weekdays, the ships host scheduled guided group tours from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Walk-up guided tours for the public…

New floodplain maps released for Chattanooga

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The floodplain maps for the city of Chattanooga have been updated as it considers changing its floodway policies. This is due to a requirement from FEMA as they roll out their Flood Insurance Rate Map panels later this month. In response to this, a resolution will be considered by the Chattanooga City Council that would restrict what…

Raise awareness about Epilepsy this weekend

Daniel Grzesik and George Choyce join News 12’s Amelia Greer to remind the public of epilepsy awareness through an upcoming walk. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Epilepsy can affect anyone in your life, which is why the Epilepsy Foundation of Southeast Tennessee is hosting the Chattanooga Walk for Epilepsy Event to raise awareness. The event will be at the Tennessee Riverpark…

Golden Apple Award: Darren Hulgan, Chattanooga Valley Middle School

FLINTSTONE, GA (WDEF) – Darren Hulgan is on a mission to make the world a little bit better every day. He came to teaching later in life and students at Chattanooga Valley are sure glad that he did. Principal Wade Breeden says, “Mr. Hulgan he’s been here for three. This is his third year. He’s a… I’m sorry fourth year…

Son, husband of Sequatchie County murder victim make initial court appearance

DUNLAP, Tenn. (WDEF)- 50 year old Silvia Vilchez was found dead last week outside of her Sequatchie County home. Now, her son and father stand accused of her murder. 18 year old Gabriel Vilchez and 64 year old David Gardiner made their first court appearances Tuesday at the Sequatchie County Justice Center. An affidavit accuses Gabriel Vilchez of beating his…