What’s Right With Our Schools: Heritage Middle Teacher Appreciation Week

CATOOSA COUNTY, GA (WDEF) – It’s always a good idea to let teachers know just how much you appreciate them. The good folks at Heritage Middle School have put a new spin on the time-honored tradition of teacher appreciation week. Melissa Travillian is the Principal at Heritage Middle. She says, ” Our academic coach came up with a wonderful idea…

Family wants answers after 22 year old man suffers brain death in Hamilton County Jail custody

A photo of Christopher Ayala, who his family says is brain dead after being in custody at the Hamilton County Jail. (Courtesy: Ayala Family) CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A family is asking for answers after they say their 22 year old son died while in the custody of the Hamilton County Jail.  22 year old Christopher Ayala according to Hamilton County…

Residents want details about potential Soddy-Daisy property tax increase

  SODDY-DAISY, Tenn. (WDEF) – Some Soddy-Daisy residents are saying they are against potential property tax increases from their municipal government. Residents with Concerned Citizens for District One say they have received word that the Soddy-Daisy Commission will be discussing a property tax increase at their meeting this upcoming Thursday They are upset that there has been no public notice…

Dolly Days Festival in Ringgold

RINGGOLD, Ga. (WDEF) – Downtown Ringgold had their third annual “Dolly Days” festival this Saturday afternoon. The event shuts down the streets, shops for food vendors, and a live band dedicated towards Dolly Parton. “We celebrate dolly in Downtown Ringgold if you want to know why because she got married here in May, so her wedding anniversary is actually at…

Mocs Take on Florida State in NCAA Softball Regional

GoMocs- The Chattanooga softball team learned its fate Sunday evening at the Ultra Club at Finley Stadium. The Mocs will head south to Tallahassee to take on #15 seed Florida State in the NCAA Regionals. The game will be aired on the ACC Network at 4:30 p.m. Friday. In the other side of the bracket is UCF and Auburn in…

Signal Mountain crushes Soddy in regional title win

Soddy Daisy Trojans were dominated by the Signal Mountain Eagles in Sunday’s lopsided regional championship defeat. After a 9-8 Signal win last week over Soddy, we were expecting more of the same this week. Signal put that to rest early scoring 7 runs in both the 1st and 2nd innings. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News Tags: high school sports,…

Lookouts fall in Rhett Lowder’s debut

LOOKOUTS- Chattanooga Lookouts starting pitcher Rhett Lowder was solid in his Double-A debut, but the team fell short, losing 5-4 to the Tennessee Smokies. Lowder the Reds’ number two prospect, allowed three runs in five innings, but struck out five and only allowed one walk. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News Tags: Baseball, Chattanooga Lookouts, Rhett Lowder

South Pitt wins regional baseball title

SOUTH PITTSBURG- (WDEF)- Camden Wellington on the mound was dealing early with a regional title on the line and the Pirates put up 3 runs of support in the bottom of the second. Even though that’s all the runs they would need south Pitt added six more to win 9-0. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News Tags: high school sports,…

Reds 2023 Top Draft Pick Rhett Lowder Joins the Chattanooga Lookouts

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) The Cincinnati Reds top pick in the 2023 Major League draft is now with the Chattanooga Lookouts. Former Wake Forest pitcher Rhett Lowder has been called up to Double-A after only five starts in A-ball. Lowder is expected to pitch this weekend. He was fantastic with the Demon Deacons last season posting a stellar 15-0 record. Said Lowder:”Everybody knows…

Here is where you can find Chattanooga firefighters for Fill the Boot

Fill the Boot Drive. Photo: Chattanooga Fire Department CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Firefighters across the nation are participating in the Fill-the-Boot campaign to raise funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The Chattanooga Fire Department is participating in the event this week. The 2024 Fill the Boot Drive takes place from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. through Saturday, May 11. Firefighters…

Verizon Tech helps with Mother’s Day and The Great Outdoors

Google Pixel 8 and wireless headphones help you take tech to the great outdoors

CHATTANOOGA, TN – As school is ending, you’ve already bought your mom the epic mothers day gift, what else do you need for your summer adventures? Well our friends at Verizon are here to show off some cool new gadgets that you’ll need. You’ll still have time to get Mom some of this tech if you haven’t finished shopping.  This…

Thrillville Fair returns to East Ridge

EAST RIDGE, Tenn. (WDEF) — The annual Thrillville Fair is back in Hamilton County with funnel cakes, fast rides and a good time for everybody. With more than 30 rides, a petting zoo and live entertainment from sea lions, there is something for everyone this fair season. Thrillville employees had plenty to say about all the fun animals that will…

Mocs Golfers Can Endure Marathon Rounds During College Tournaments

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) The Mocs golf team tees off in the NCAA Regionals next Monday. Hopefully Chattanooga won’t need too much patience on the course in the regionals. College golf rounds can be notoriously long. Guys walking and carrying their own bags and sometimes competing for 36 holes in one day. Talk about a mental grind. College golf is certainly fun, but…

Driving Our Economy Forward: Smart Factory Institute Cyber Security

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Strong cybersecurity is vital in today’s business climate.  In May, we paid a visit to the Smart Factory for a lesson in heading off hackers.  This conference helped numerous businesses protect their investment. It’s just a small example of how they continue to drive our economy forward. Denise Hall with Peak Performance Smart Factory said, “Today,…

No solution to vacation rental debate in Hamilton County

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The debate over vacation rentals in Hamilton County continued to intensify Wednesday.  The Hamilton County Commission held a committee session to debate the matter. The resolution at the heart of this debate was presented a few weeks ago by Commissioner Gene-O Shipley. His resolution would ban vacation rentals in unincorporated portions of Hamilton County. This has…