Chattanooga Zoo is offering families a chance to save this month

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Zoo officials announced a 15% discount on annual memberships for the entire month of February. The online promotional code MEMBER15 applies to both new memberships and renewals. Memberships give families unlimited access to the Zoo for one full year, making it easier to visit year-round and stay connected with wildlife from around the world. Jake Cash,…

Crowd concerns prompt Chickamauga Mayor removal meeting postponement

CHICKAMAUGA, Ga. (WDEF) – The Chickamauga City Council held a special meeting on Friday at 4 p.m. to consider removing Mayor James “Trey” Deck III from office. Council members have not publicly stated their concerns regarding the mayor. As residents formed a line outside, many said they simply wanted clarity about what was happening. Chickamauga resident Nina Brown said she…

TDOT reports improving conditions after snowfall

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – As conditions developed, crews with the Tennessee Department of Transportation moved into position and began monitoring travel routes across eastern Tennessee. Officials say teams were deployed as early as midnight to track changing road conditions and respond where needed. Although Hamilton County experienced only light snowfall, other parts of the region saw heavier impacts. TDOT Communications…

Big Game giveaway

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF)- There are plenty of places to watch the game, News 12s Brian Armstrong takes us on a trip to one. Tags: Sports, Twin Peaks, Watch party

North Cobb Christian Defeats LFO 61-58 in Region Showdown

Fort Oglethorpe, GA-(WDEF-TV) In a region showdown on Friday night at LFO, North Cobb Christian held off the Warriors 61-58. It was a battle of the region’s top two teams. The Eagles remain unbeaten in region play with the win, while the Warriors drop to 10-3 in region action. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News Tags: High School Basketball, LFO,…

Benton Elementary receives poor inspection report

BENTON, Tenn. (WDEF)- Concerns are rising in Polk County following a negative health inspection report of Benton Elementary School. According to a report from the Tennessee Department of Health, Benton Elementary scored a 68 on an inspection that was conducted last week. This report described 16 different issues. The report describes the following issues: “Observations & Corrective Actions 4: Muliple…

June Scobee Rodgers Keeps Challenger Memory Alive

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) –The 28th of January marks 40 years since the Challenger Space Shuttle Disaster that claimed the lives of seven astronaut crew members. It was supposed to be a routine mission. The crew was to release a commercial satellite into orbit and observe Haley’s Comet as it passed by. It was the first mission to have a civilian…

TechByte: Artemis Missions Take Humanity Back to the Moon

Humanity is returning to the moon before the end of this decade. On this week’s TechByte, we take a look at the roadmap to earth’s natural satellite. NASA is committed to returning humans to the moon before the close of this decade. The last person to set foot on the moon was Gene Cernan all the way back in 1972….

Wofford Stuffs UTC 81-55

(gomocs.com) – The Chattanooga Mocs men’s basketball team struggled mightily on both ends of the floor during an 81-55 home loss to Wofford during Southern Conference action on Thursday evening inside McKenzie Arena. Chattanooga has now dropped three-straight games and falls to 9-13 overall and finishes the first half of SoCon play at 3-6. Wofford earned its fourth-straight win and…

Calhoun Enjoying Another Successful Season

Ringgold, GA-(WDEF-TV) Calhoun beat Heritage on Wednesday to remain unbeaten in region play. Despite that perfect region mark and a 15-2 overall record, Calhoun head basketball coach Vince Layson still feels a little salty. Brian Armstrong explains why. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News Tags: Calhoun, heritage, High School Basketball

Group of residents oppose Hamilton County Sheriff partnership with ICE

A group of protestors in East Ridge opposed to recent actions of ICE. (Photo by: Astral Shoots) CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Since last March, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office has voluntarily worked with ICE on immigration enforcement. This has continued, even as ICE has received increased criticisms for violent incidents across the country including last weekend’s shooting death of protestor Alex…

BJ’s Wholesale Club Opening Preview

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – BJ’s Wholesale Club is preparing to open a new location at 401 Northgate Mall Drive, marking the company’s sixth store in Tennessee. The warehouse club will officially begin business, January 30th.  Ahead of the opening, the company held an employee event at the store on Thursday. The location includes an on-site BJ’s Gas station, offering everyday…

Love Without Reason to host Father-Daughter dance

Susan Matthews with ‘Love Without Reason’ joins News 12’s Amelia Greer as the organization gets ready to celebrate their 5th annual Father Daughter Dance ahead of Valentine’s Day. This masquerade ball raises funds for victims of human trafficking across the world. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Love Without Reason prevents human trafficking by performing free craniofacial surgeries, and they are hosting…

Bradley Central Downs East Hamilton 55-43

Cleveland, TN-(WDEF-TV) After leading by four at halftime, Bradley Central went on to beat East Hamilton 55-43 on Wednesday night at Jim Smiddy Arena. Jayden Haywood led the Hurricanes with 16 points on 7-of-8 shooting from the floor. Jermiah Brownlow topped the Bears scoring attack with 16 points as well. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News Tags: Bradley Central, East…

Calhoun Edges Heritage 77-73

Ringgold, GA-(WDEF-TV) After falling behind early, Calhoun rallied to beat Heritage 77-73. Trace Hawkins hit two big free throws with 11 seconds left to help seal the Yellow Jackets victory. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News Tags: Calhoun, heritage, High School Basketball

Former Hamilton County Teacher Sentenced for Abuse

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A former Hamilton County teacher, Duane Sanders, was sentenced today for multiple counts of sexual abuse of children following a lengthy investigation. Sanders was found guilty of continuous sexual abuse of a child, involving several young victims.  Investigators identified approximately 12 children who disclosed abuse, and forensic interviews were conducted with roughly 23 children, though only…

Romance under the falls at Ruby Falls!

Jaclyn Lewis with Ruby Falls joins News 12’s Amelia Greer as the historic area attraction gets ready for Valentine’s Day. ‘Romance at Ruby’ gives couples a chance to celebrate the holiday with special lantern tours! CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – It’s the “quiet” season at many tourist attractions, which makes it a perfect time to experience less crowds and enjoy more…

Radon Risks: What Homeowners Need to Know

Chattanooga, Tenn. (WDEF)- Radon, a colorless and odorless gas, could be putting families at risk inside their own homes. Health officials say long-term exposure to radon can cause serious health problems. It’s the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. “Since it’s a carcinogen, radon causes the highest number of lung cancer deaths after smoking,” said Ryan…