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…

Tips to avoid a house fire during the winter months

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- As temperatures go down outside, you likely will turn up your temperature inside. However, this seesaw can end in disaster if safety steps are not taken. According to statistics from FEMA, over half of all house fires caused by heating devices occur between December to February. With the outcome of this disaster being the complete loss of…

The Salvation Army’s holiday campaigns kick off on Thursday

Major Douglas McClure joins News 12’s Amelia Greer as the holiday season kicks off in Chattanooga. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The season of giving is here and The Salvation Army will be hosting a Christmas Kickoff this Thursday, Nov. 6th at Hamilton Place Mall! Both the Angel Tree Program and Red Kettle Campaign starts on Thursday which benefits children and…

Mocs Beat Union 92-39 For 500th Career Victory at McKenzie Arena

(gomocs.com) – After celebrating last season’s historic NIT championship run with a pre-game ceremony, the Chattanooga Mocs men’s basketball team opened its new campaign with a convincing 92-39 victory over NAIA-member Union Commonwealth (Ky.) on Monday evening inside McKenzie Arena. The win marked the 500th all-time for the Chattanooga program inside the famed Roundhouse. The Mocs are playing in its 44th season…

Regional Health Council addresses community health and wellness

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Hamilton County Health Department hosted its monthly Regional Health Council meeting today. Each month, community leaders gather to discuss local health and safety priorities that impact residents across the county. This month’s agenda focused on violence prevention, results from the Picture of Our Health survey, and updates to the Community Health Improvement Plan, also known…

Early detection and prevention for Alzheimer’s disease

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Both June and November are recognized for Alzheimer’s Awareness, symbolizing the changing solstices and the light families continue to seek through the disease. News 12 spoke with a local neurologist who says newer treatments are now using tests we’ve had for years, advancing the way doctors approach this condition. Dr. Berneet Kaur, MD, with Erlanger Neurology,…

What’s Right With Our Schools: Chattanooga Woodworking Academy

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) – With A-I disrupting a wide range of businesses, the trades are becoming more attractive to young people. The Chattanooga Woodworking Academy lets students progress at their own pace, starting with basic carpentry. That’s a skillful example of “What’s Right With Our Schools.” Bill Carney is the Director of the Chattanooga Woodworking Academy. He explains, “We are…

Hamilton County Residents Attend LIHEAP Drive-Thru at City Hall Midtown

Chattanooga, TN (WDEF)- Hamilton County residents stopped by City Hall Midtown this week for a drive-thru event hosted by the Office of Family Empowerment. The event aimed to help residents learn how to apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP. LIHEAP provides financial assistance to low-income families struggling with rising home energy costs. This year, the program’s…

Hamilton County to not participate in Northgate Mall TIF District after city fails to inform them of proposal

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Hamilton County will not participate in the Northgate Mall tax increment financing proposal. The proposal would dedicate a portion of city sales tax revenue generated by new businesses at the Hixson mall to replace its aging sewer infrastructure. There were plans to include the county’s portion of sales tax revenue into that plan, which would have been…

Hamilton County debuts state’s first Overdose Prevention Team

  CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp, Hamilton County EMS, and Hamilton County Health & Social Services today announced the official rollout of the Overdose Prevention Team (OPT)—the first initiative of its kind in Tennessee— is now fully staffed and ready to respond countywide. OPT represents a coordinated effort to combat the opioid crisis by delivering life-saving…

Pet of the Week: Letti Spaghetti

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Meet News 12’s Pet of the Week: Letti Spaghetti! Letti Spaghetti is 7 months old with a big heart. She is cuddly and friendly. She would do best in a cat-free home. If you or anyone you know is interested in adopting Letti Spaghetti, please contact the HES. Categories: Hamilton County, Local News Tags: Humane Educational…

Grateful Gobbler 5K returns for its 26th year

Stan and Betsy McCright join News 12’s Amelia Greer  to talk about the 26th annual Grateful Gobbler 5K.  CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Grateful Gobbler Walk celebrates 26 years of Thanksgiving tradition! Build up an appetite on Thanksgiving by participating in the Grateful Gobbler 5K which kicks off at Coolidge Park at 8 A.M. All proceeds of the event goes…

Final Disc Throws at AT&T Field

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Chattanooga Lookouts gave fans one last chance to take a shot at AT&T Field, but not with a bat and ball. Instead, players teed off with discs during the “Aces Around the Bases” disc golf event. The one-day event featured a 9-hole course built right into the ballpark, with tee times running from 9 a.m….

Helping Adults Finish College Faster

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A new 2025 National Student Clearinghouse report shows more than 43 million Americans have attended college but left before earning a degree or credential.  Many cite financial strain, work schedules, or family obligations as reasons for stepping away. Now, higher education institutions are expanding programs that make it easier for adults to return without starting over. …

13th annual Celebrity Spelling Bee in Dalton

DALTON, Ga. (WDEF) – Community leaders are sharpening their pencils for a good cause in Dalton. The Whitfield Education Foundation is hosting its 13th annual Celebrity Spelling Bee at the Dalton Convention Center. The event brings together local business owners, educators, and public figures to compete on stage while raising money for student programs and classroom grants across Whitfield County…