Son granted emergency conservatorship in Life Care Centers case

The emergency conservatorship hearing in Bradley County Chancery Court over Forrest Preston. CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF)- A hearing regarding who has control of essential documents and decisions at Life Care Centers of America was held in Cleveland Wednesday. Aubrey Preston’s motion to obtain emergency conservatorship over his father, Forrest Preston’s affairs, were approved by a judge in Bradley County. Forrest Preston…

Solar panels added to Development Resource Center

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Development Resource Center in downtown Chattanooga got some environmentally friendly upgrades. Solar panels were installed on the roof of the center recently as a way to save an estimated twenty five percent of energy bills. The installment will provide for greater resilience in the case of power outages at critical infrastructure locations. This change will…

AAA expects record high travel for Thanksgiving

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF)- AAA is expecting another record high as folks gear up to hit the road for Thanksgiving.  “Thanksgiving will be here before you know it, and we are expecting A record number of Tennesseans to travel over the Thanksgiving holiday period, the most ever and most ever for total travel and really all modes of transportation,’ said…

Man convicted of murder in death of Laken Riley, Georgia nursing student killed on jogging trail

A judge has convicted the man on trial for the killing of Laken Riley, a nursing student in Georgia whose death in February shook the college town where she studied, as well as the country. Jose Ibarra, 26, was found guilty Wednesday morning of murder and other charges related to Riley’s death. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of…

Collegedale election ends in tie, runoff possible

COLLEGEDALE, Tenn. (WDEF) —  The Hamilton County Election Commission confirms a local race two weeks ago ended in a tie. Collegedale voters were picking their city commission. Laura Howse and Tim Johnson won outright. But Debbie Baker and Billy Burnette tied for the final spot. Each candidate got 2,282 votes. Now the Collegedale Commission must decide whether they want to…

The Creative Discovery Museum turns into a Winter Playland

Mackenzie Steele joins News 12’s Amelia Greer to preview upcoming winter events at the Creative Discovery Museum. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Creative Discovery Museum keeps the fun in learning going and keeps the kids busy with their December events. The Creative Discovery Museum is bringing back their Winter Playland which features “un-brr-lievable” activities in addition to their winter decorations….

Cleveland Posts a 65-29 Season Opening Win Over Baylor

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) Cleveland beat Baylor 65-29 to open their high school basketball season on Tuesday. Lady Raiders star player Lauren Hurst did not play in the game one day after signing to play college basketball and volleyball at Tennessee. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News Tags: Basketball, Baylor School, Cleveland High School, Lady Raiders

Mocs Still Clinging to Playoff Hopes Heading Into Regular Season Finale

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) Chattanooga’s playoff chances may be on life support after their loss to Samford. UTC is now 6-5 overall, but they hope to maintain a playoff pulse with a victory over Austin Peay in their regular season finale. Said defensive back Jordan Walker:”There ain’t no doubt in my mind this squad is a playoff team.” Jordan Walker believes Chattanooga should…

Small plane crashes on Shallowford Road near CHA

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  We’re learning more about the plane crash that occurred this evening on Shallowford Road near the Chattanooga Airport. The Chattanooga Fire Department (CFD) reported this was a small, single engine plane. Two occupants where aboard the aircraft when the crash took place, both are still alive. CFD reported one occupant was already out of the plane…

Conservatorship battle over Life Care owner set for Wednesday

CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF)-  A significant legal battle is looming on Wednesday in Cleveland involving America’s largest private nursing home company. The future of Life Care Centers of America, headquartered  in Cleveland, will be determined in an emergency petition hearing here in Bradley County on Wednesday. The dispute is over who should be handling important documents for Forrest Preston, the company’s…

Attorney of East Ridge student arrested in 2022 viral video asks for DA to be removed from case

EAST RIDGE, Tenn. (WDEF)- The case of a viral arrest inside of East Ridge High School over two years ago still has not been resolved. The controversial arrest of Tauris Sledge inside of the East Ridge High School gym in September 2022 sparked much controversy in the community. His case remains in limbo over two years later, as his defense…

Golden Apple Award: Demetrius Leonard, Ridgeland High School

ROSSVILLE, GA (WDEF) – Encouragement is always part of the lesson plan in Demetrius Leonard’s classroom. He makes sure his students at Ridgeland High stay on the path to graduation and more success after that. Dr. Leonard’s determination earned him this week’s Golden Apple Award. James Morrison is the Principal at Ridgeland High. He says, ” Number one, (he) always…

Health Experts urge kitchen safety on Thanksgiving

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Thanksgiving is next week, and Doctors are making sure folks are cooking wisely in the Kitchen.  “If I was going to give some advice to patients and their family members regarding working in the kitchen around the holidays, my number one piece of advice would be fire hazard, and that’s frequently mentioned at the holidays, but make…

Wellpoint hosts free 500 turkey giveaway for those in need

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – As the season of giving is approaching quickly around the area, individuals all over are doing their part to help those in need. Wellpoint, alongside community volunteers, are planning to distribute turkeys to individuals and families in need. The event will take place at the James A. Henry Community YMCA.  Wellpoint, alongside community volunteers, are planning…

Chattanooga hosts the Future of Freight Festival

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – With Chattanooga being the heart of Freight Alley, the Chattanooga Convention Center was the perfect place to hold the Future of Freight Festival (F3). Business professionals from across the country are coming together for a 3-day event hosted by the Chattanooga native company FreightWaves and its CEO Craig Fuller. The event brought together individuals to discuss…

Mom to Mom – Stuff the Turkey

Today on Mom to Mom, we have a simple Thanksgiving-themed activity for your toddler! If you’ve got a busy toddler, they’re absolutely going to love this! It’s a game called “Stuff the Turkey,” and it gets their fine motor skills working as well. What you’ll need for this DIY is a small plastic bottle, some feathers from the craft store,…

See the most anticipated films of the season at the Tennessee Aquarium’s IMAX

Alison Pryor with the Tennessee Aquarium joins News 12’s Amelia Greer to preview the upcoming films at the IMAX theater. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The IMAX theater at the Tennessee Aquarium is busy this season with many highly anticipated films hitting their massive silver screen. The holiday movie season kicks off at the Tennessee Aquarium’s IMAX theater with a visit…

Shop the Market At brings Christkindlmarkt to Coolidge Park

Robert Davis, Shop the Market At founder, joins News 12’s Amelia Greer to preview the upcoming Christkindlmarkt. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Shop the Market At offers a German inspired Christmas market called the Christkindlmarkt throughout November and anticipates that the last market will be the biggest one. The next Christkindlmarkt will be in Coolidge Park on November 23 from 10…

Free turkey giveaway at Red Bank and The Point Church

Senior Pastor Dr. Sam Greer joins News 12’s Amelia Greer to talk about the upcoming turkey giveaway at Red Bank and The Point Church. RED BANK, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Red Bank and The Point Church will be giving a helping hand with the Thanksgiving holiday and is giving away turkeys to the public. The church is giving back by…

Planet Fitness helps everyone defy gravity with a “Wicked” workout

Planet Fitness regional manager, Chad Ortego, joins News 12’s Amelia Greer for a “Wicked” morning workout. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Planet Fitness is helping everyone feel their “wicked” best with a workout that will make you feel like “Defying Gravity.” Chad Ortego, the Planet Fitness regional manager, came to the News 12 studio to show off some Wicked themed workouts…

Lee Basketball Teams Sweep Doubleheader

Cleveland, TN-(WDEF-TV) The Lee University basketball teams swept a doubleheader on Monday night at Walker Arena. The Lady Flames defeated Bryan College 70-37. The Lee men then took care of business against Lane College 94-55. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News Tags: Basketball, Lee University, Sports

Cleveland’s Lauren Hurst Signs With the Lady Vols

Cleveland, TN-(WDEF-TV) Cleveland high school senior Lauren Hurst is one of the top female athletes in the state of Tennessee. On Monday, she announced she’s staying in the Volunteer State to play college basketball. During a signing ceremony at Cleveland, Hurst did the shirt reveal…showing that she is headed to the University of Tennessee. Her brother Grant is already on…

The costs of not having crop protection tools

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – With inflation on the rise, we have all seen food costs go up, which is why Bayer’s Crop Science is now warning communities that the targeting of crop protection tools could lead to much higher food costs than we’re already experiencing. A new study shows that if tools such as pesticides or herbicides were to become…