Tennessee murder suspect investigation continues

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) -The FBI is continuing the manhunt for the Tennessee man who allegedly staged a fake bear attack in an attempt to cover up a hiker’s murder. Nicholas Hamlett, the suspected murderer, stole the identity of a man named Brandon Andrade, dialed 911 the night of Oct. 18 while hiking in Polk County, and told police he was injured…

Local firefighters receive railroad training from Norfolk Southern Train

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- This is how Chattanooga area first responders learn to handle dangers surrounding trains and rail lines, the Norfolk Southern Safety Train.   “So we are training first responders in the region on how to safely respond to rail incidents, going through different types of scenarios with them, how to read our train paperwork and just build their knowledge about railroad…

Reported price increase in Gateway project causes controversy at commission meeting

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A report over the weekend from the Chattanooga Times Free Press claimed the cost of the Gateway school project had doubled to $80 million dollars. It had been initially proposed to be roughly $40 million as part of a $250 million dollar bond issue to fund several school projects across the county. Multiple commissioners voiced their frustration…

Erlanger discusses future after Health Department acquitision

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)-  Erlanger is thinking about what its future looks like beyond the acquisition of the Hamilton County Health Department. Announced Tuesday, Erlanger will acquire the 60 year old building on third street to expand their downtown campus. The hospital’s CEO, Jim Coleman, says they are currently in the exploratory phase of what to do on that property after…

Driving Our Economy Forward: Peak Symposium

The 10th annual Peak Performance Symposium took place recently at the Pie Innovation Center in Cleveland, Tennessee. The symposium gives manufacturing professionals a chance to share ideas through technology and workforce development. Tonight we take a look at how the event continues to Drive Our Economy Forward. “Is just the tip of the iceberg you know. So it’s going to…

New parental leave policy proposed for Hamilton County employees

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp has proposed a new parental leave policy for Hamilton County government employees. This new policy includes eight weeks of paid maternity leave and two weeks of paid paternity leave. “As a father of five, I know firsthand how crucial those first several weeks are for parents to bond with their…

More than 55 million people have voted early in run-up to Election Day

Washington — More than 55 million people have cast their ballots either in person or by mail during early voting, according to recent figures, weighing in on the presidential contest and down-ballot races ahead of Election Day on Nov. 5. Data compiled by the University of Florida Election Lab shows that more than 29 million early votes have been cast at polling places in-person,…

Demystifying Death Conference offers lessons of death and grief

News 12’s Amelia Greer previews the Demystifying Death Conference with Sherry Campbell. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The upcoming Demystifying Death Conference is an opportunity for people to learn about death and how to handle grief. The event was brought together by Welcome Home of Chattanooga and will be at the First Baptist Church of Chattanooga on November 1 at 830…

Mocs Expect Another Good Football Game Against Western Carolina

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) The Mocs are chasing a SoCon title, as they head down the stretch this season. Since it’s Halloween week, UTC is hoping their trip to Western Carolina doesn’t turn into Western ‘Scary-lina’. Mocs coach Rusty Wright doesn’t sugar coat what lies ahead for UTC this weekend in Cullowhee. Said Wright:”Play probably the most talented team in our league. I…

New plans for the Chattanooga Zoo

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – Various members of the community came together Tuesday for Chattanooga’s weekly City Council Meeting. As many important topics were discussed, one topic of interest was the passing of the new expansion plan for the Chattanooga Zoo and Friends of the Zoo Incorporated.    The Chattanooga Zoo is planning to add the 19,296 square foot indoor complex that is…

Hamilton County sells health department building to Erlanger; to relocate to Engel Stadium site

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)-The future of the Hamilton County Health Department was announced this morning. However, that future will impact a historic Chattanooga site. Built in 1930, Engel Stadium served as the home for the Chattanooga Lookouts for nearly seven decades. However, as the team has moved on to new ballparks, this site has sat nearly empty for the last 25…

Chattanooga’s 4th Street to receive beautification

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- It took 8 years and three different government entities… “This is a gateway groundbreaking for the first of what will probably be many TDOT projects across the state to beautify the interchange,” said Chattanooga Mayor, Tim Kelly.   Now, the 4th street beautification project kicked off with the help of Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and T-DOT.   The project will…

Golden Apple Award: Andrew Barnett, St. Jude

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) – Teaching second graders can be extremely challenging and extremely rewarding. Andrew Barnett meets that challenge every day at St. Jude Elementary School in Chattanooga. We spent a little quality time in Mr. Barnett’s classroom for this week’s Golden Apple Award. Joshua Overton is the Principal at St. Jude. He describes Mr. Barnett thusly, “He’s a dedicated…

South Chickamauga Creek Greenway closing for wastewater improvements

EAST RIDGE, Tenn. (WDEF) —  The South Chickamauga Creek Greenway will soon be closed temporarily for wastewater improvements. The City of East Ridge said they were notified by the Chattanooga Wastewater Department of a “significant infrastructure project to improve wastewater.” South Chickamauga Creek Greenway Closure / City of East Ridge The project will consist of the construction of two 1.5…

Three sentenced to life for Fort Oglethorpe murder

LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, Ga. (WDEF) —   The Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit Superior Court sentenced three individuals to life in prison for murder. Keishann Rowe, Keonte Ragland, and Deonna Ragland, were found guilty of Felony Murder and Aggravated Assault in connection with the murder of 19-year-old Jaylon Eberhardt in 2021. On September 23, 2021, Keonte Ragland, his sister Deonna, Rowe, and Malachi…

Drury Hotels opens first location in Chattanooga

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Drury Hotels Company has opened the Drury Plaza Hotel Chattanooga Hamilton Place, marking the company’s fifth location in the state. The new hotel, located off I-75 at 7301 Shallowford Road, brings 210 guest rooms and over 2,500 square feet of meeting space to the Chattanooga area. Just four miles from Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport, the Drury Plaza…

Mom to Mom – Candy Corn Punch

Today on Mom to Mom, we have a fun and creative Halloween treat! When Halloween comes around, you usually think candy corn, but a lot of people don’t like candy corn. So we found this fun and creative way to do candy corn, but with a drink! It’s called Candy Corn Punch and it’s really easy! You just need three…

David Beg-Knows Chattanooga and gives his own story

CBS’ David Begnaud shares his own story of becoming a well-known journalist with News 12’s Chip Chapman. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – CBS’ David Begnaud was sent to Chattanooga to find a story in 48 hours and made time to stop by the News 12 station to give us his story. As part of his “Beg-Knows America” segment on CBS Mornings,…

Collegedale Police Officer Enoch Hurd Dies After Off-duty Motocycle Accident

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – A police officer injured earlier this month in an off-duty motorcycle accident in North Carolina has died. He was escorted home this past Sunday. 52-year-old Corporal Enoch Hurd died this past Friday evening from injuries sustained in the crash that occurred on Oct. 13th. According to the initial release by the Collegedale Police Department, Hurd was riding…

Honoring First Responders: A Day to Recognize Bravery and Commitment

October 28th is National First Responders Day; this is a time to recognize the dedication and bravery of those who serve our communities in emergencies. These heroes are often the first to arrive at the scene of emergencies, providing critical care and support. News 12 had the opportunity to speak with Amy Maxwell from Hamilton County EMS about the vital…

Walking Pneumonia on the rise in Children

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF)- Health Experts are seeing a surge in Pediatric walking pneumonia in Hamilton County.  “It’s circulating in our community, and it is also circulating nationwide. I have many, many colleagues around the country who I have spoken to the high volume of mycoplasma illness they are seeing,” said Dr. Jeffery Bennett, Erlanger. Walking Pneumonia rises during the…