Golden Apple Award: Lindsey White, Boynton Elementary

RINGGOLD, GA (WDEF) – Parents know that Lindsey White’s classroom is a fun learning environment. The Boynton Elementary school teacher balances effort and love to make her students the best they can be. All that earned her this week’s Golden Apple Award. “Hello. Hi, hi everybody. On behalf of Food City and news Channel 12, I’m presenting you with the Golden…

Novonix agrees to partnership with large auto manufacturer

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A battery manufacturing plant in Chattanooga has entered into an important new partnership. Novonix came to Chattanooga in 2021, and aims to be a critical part of American energy independence. Their production of synthetic graphite has positioned them into a partnership with one of the largest auto manufacturers, which they say is a huge win for the…

Chattanooga Fire Department opens new baby box

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Chattanooga Fire Department and Local Agencies came together Tuesday for the new Safe Haven Baby Box.  “This community came together and said, Hey, we do not want to find a baby in a dumpster. Let us do something. Being proactive is key, because that means this is now available for a mother that needs it. So we…

LaFayette High School gun incident involved unattended young child

WALKER COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) —  The gun incident that occurred at LaFayette High School (LHS) involved an unattended young child. On the morning of November 11, 2024 a young child was left unattended, and was able to access a handgun from the vehicle they arrived in. Walker County Schools stated the child proceeded toward the school’s entrance with the handgun….

Ocoee Middle School to add new school wing for special needs classrooms

Groundbreaking for a new school wing at Ocoee Middle School. CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF)- Special needs students at Ocoee Middle School in Cleveland will soon have an exciting addition to their education. A groundbreaking was held this morning for a new school wing that will contain two classrooms to help enhance the education of students with disabilities. School leaders say the…

Mom to Mom – Turkey Pumpkin

Today on Mom to Mom, we have a super cute idea for those leftover pumpkins from Halloween! We are turning your leftover pumpkins from Halloween into cute little turkeys that your kids are absolutely going to love, and you can actually use this for your decorations at the Thanksgiving Day table. You’re going to need small or miniature pumpkins; some…

“Breathe Easy” with a lung cancer screening from CHI Memorial

News 12’s Chip Chapman, Dr. Rob Headrick, and Cathy Fiacco discuss Lung Cancer Awareness month and the importance of getting yearly lung screenings. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – November is Lung Cancer Awareness month and CHI Memorial is making it easier to “breathe easy” by having a lung screening mobile unit. Every year, the Breath Easy coach travels to a high…

Chattanooga Honors Veterans at Moving Veterans Day Ceremony at National Guard Armory

The Chattanooga community gathered today to honor all those who have served in the U.S. military during a special Veterans Day ceremony at the National Guard Armory. The ceremony began with the posting of colors by local American Legion posts, marking a powerful start to the tribute. Event Chairman Tommy Mitchell expressed his honor in organizing the ceremony, calling it…

What’s Right With Our Schools: Hunter Middle School’s Adaptive P-E Program

OOLTEWAH, TN (WDEF) – Friday mornings are a magical time at Hunter Middle School. That’s when students of all abilities gather in the gym to take part in the adaptive P-E program. Everyone has a great time, and you can see why in tonight’s What’s Right With Our Schools. “Uh Friday mornings is our club time. So we’re in here…

Jacobs discusses future of Tennessee Republicans at Pachyderm Club

Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs speaking with Hamilton County Republicans at this week’s Pachyderm Club meeting. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Hamilton County Republicans discussed what is next for the party after big election wins last week. Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs was the guest speaker at this week’s meeting. He came to prominence as the WWE wrestler “Kane”, and has been…

UTC celebrates Veterans day with annual luncheon

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- UTC and Special Guest, Dr. John Harbison paid homage to Local Veterans on Veterans Day.  “Well, today is the Chancellor’s luncheon to honor the veterans. I am the guest speaker today. I served 22 years in the Army. I now work at UTC,” said John Harbison, Army Veteran. The Veterans Luncheon is an annual  celebration that honors…

Monroe County murder suspect extradited back to Tennessee

UPDATE (11/15/2024):  Nicholas Wayne Hamlett was extradited back to Tennessee late last night. Hamlett is facing First-Degree Murder charges for the death of Steven Douglas Lloyd near the Cherohala Skyway. Law enforcement has charged Hamlett’s wife in South Carolina with being an accessory after the fact. Hamlett was also being investigated in several states for identity theft scams. According to…

22-year-old woman arrested for outstanding homicide in Nashville

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — A woman was arrested by Chattanooga Police last week after a fatal shooting in Nashville. 22-year-old Shakia Davidson killed Dorothy Stephenson on September 8. The two women got into an argument after dating the same man. Davidson fired at the victim who died at the scene. Chattanooga Police took her Davidson into custody on November 6….

Discovering the voice of the Walnut Street Bridge, Matt Hicks

Musician Matt Hicks joins News 12’s Chip Chapman to discuss his journey and his surprise encounter with CBS’ David Begnaud. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Nearly every night, the Walnut Street Bridge is graced with beautiful singing from local musician Matt Hicks who strives to use music as a way to connect with others. Hicks’ artistry was recognized by CBS’ David…

Blood Assurance gives back to our veterans through a blood drive

Blood Assurance Media Coordinator, Brooke Katz, joins News 12’s Chip Chapman to discuss the Veteran’s Day Blood Drive. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Help save lives in honor of Veteran’s Day by donating blood to Blood Assurance. For every blood donation on November 11, Blood Assurance will donate $5 to the Special Operations Patriot Fund which helps military veterans and their…

Athens honors dozens of veterans in annual ceremony

A group of veterans reciving Quilts of Valor in Athens in honor of their service. ATHENS, Tenn. (WDEF)- There have and will be numerous events through Monday  to honor our veterans all across the Tennessee Valley. Sunday afternoon was no exception in McMinn County. A large crowd came out to Athens Veteran’s Memorial Park where those who gave their all…

CaveSim at Ruby Falls

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – A new attraction came to Ruby Falls this weekend for all to experience. An opportunity to experience a journey through a simulated cave. CaveSim, which is an educational experience that allows for participants to learn more about caves, was brought to Ruby Falls for a once in a lifetime experience.  The cave experience allowed participants to explore…

The Little Debbie Hamilton County Fair

SALE CREEK, TN (WDEF) – The Hamilton County Fair took place in Sale Creek this weekend at the Old McDonald Farm across the 2,100-acre area. Presented by the sponsor Little Debbie, the weekends fair continues to build on tradition, heritage, and history. The beloved autumn tradition served as a backdrop for families to make memories for generations.  With the famous…

Salvation Army kicks off Angel Tree program

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)-  An annual tradition to help out children in need this Christmas held its kickoff Saturday. Its organizers say they need your help to make someone’s Christmas more than ever.  The Salvation Army celebrated the start of their Angel Tree Program at Hamilton Place Mall The program allows volunteers to pick a child to buy Christmas presents for….

Robotics competition held at Chattanooga State STEM Center

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – The Tennessee Valley Robotics and Chattanooga State Community College welcomed new competitors to a tournament for the Vex Five robotics competitions.  This was a tournament designed for new teams who were able to benefit from a “low stress” introduction to the competition environment as all team, coaches, and/or organizations were required to be new to the Vex…

“Mike’s Journey” by American Legion supporter Carylon Smith

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – As Veterans Day is this Monday, November 11th, organizations all over Hamilton County are helping veterans obtain various ways of support whether that be access to medical appointments or a home cooked meal. With the American Legion being the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization, many individuals come from all over to provide any assistance they can. …

Central’s Ronye Watson Close to Reaching 100 Career Touchdowns

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) Central High school play-maker Ronye Watson is getting close to an incredible football milestone. How about 100 career touchdowns. He’s sitting at 95. But in order to reach that mark, the Purple Pounders might need to get on a mini-run in the playoffs. News 12’s Brian Armstrong has the story. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News Tags: Central High…