Golden Apple Award: Jennifer Ellis, STEM School Chattanooga

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Teaching is a family tradition for Jennifer Ellis. Lessons learned from her mother’s 40 years in the classroom gave Jennifer a gift for explaining things quickly and clearly. Now, her students at STEM School Chattanooga are reaping the benefits. That earned Ms. Ellis this week’s Golden Apple Award. Jim David is Principal at the STEM School….

‘Operation Hands Free’ brings awareness to distracted driving

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) – Tennessee law enforcement kicked off Distracted Driving Awareness Month with Operation Hands Free.  “April is an important month for us. We are hitting our roadways, to start looking for motorists who continue to use their telephones in their hand, continue to talk on their phones, and continue to text on their phones.”  Operation Hands Free…

Mom to Mom – Birthday Cone Party Favors

Today on Mom to Mom we have a DIY birthday party favor idea that rules! Today we are making cotton candy ice cream cones. We always love a good party favor, especially during the summer, and these are good for all ages, but more so geared toward like the 5, 6 to 10 year olds that really enjoy this. But…

Soddy Daisy Celebrates 3-2 Walk Off Win Over Red Bank

Soddy Daisy, TN-(WDEF-TV) Soddy Daisy got a 3-2 walk-off victory over Red Bank Monday night. With the game tied at two in the bottom of the 7th, the Trojans loaded the bases. Gage Welch hit a grounder to second that was good enough to plate the winning run. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News Tags: Baseball, highschool baseball, Red Bank…

Local Republicans slam UAW, urge VW employees to vote against union

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Local and state Republican officials held a press conference Monday morning to discuss their opposition to a unionization effort at Volkswagen.  Democrats and pro-union activists voiced disapproval over some of their statements. Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp said, “A UAW victory here would be the best day for Democrats in my lifetime, and I think that…

Tennessee Aquarium ‘Rock Day’ begins penguin breeding season

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Monday was Rock Day at the Tennessee Aquarium. This signifies the beginning of breeding season for their penguins. “They know that it’s breeding season. They know that it’s nesting time by the length of day. So, their lights are either constantly getting- their days are getting longer or shorter. And so, they know that it’s time….

What’s Right with Our Schools: 3rd Graders Visit Catoosa County College and Career Academy

RINGGOLD, Ga. (WDEF) – Academics and Career Prep are side by side at The Catoosa County College and Career Academy. Students can follow several pathways to long term success. High schoolers aren’t the only ones getting a nudge in the right direction. We talked to some third graders about what they want to be when they grow up. It’s a…

Man facing attempted murder in shooting near East Brainerd ballfields

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A man has been charged with attempted first-degree murder after a shooting near some East Brainerd ball fields. That scene has rattled a youth league organization. Chattanooga Police say that 24-year-old Davonte Harris is the suspect in this incident.  Davonte Harris, the man charged with attempted first-degree murder in a shooting near East Brainerd ballfields. (From:…

Seven people displaced after early Saturday morning fire

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Seven people were displaced early Saturday morning after their home caught on fire. Chattanooga firefighters say they were called out to the 4200 block of 10th Avenue around 2:30 a.m. Saturday morning for a fire alarm. When they arrived, firefighters found smoke and eventually discovered a fire inside a stairwell. The homeowner told firefighters she was…

Hixson home damaged in Friday afternoon fire

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The cause of a Hixson house fire Friday is currently under investigation. The Chattanooga Fire Department says that before 6 p.m. Friday, they were called to a fire on the 900 block of Brynewood Park Drive. Flames shooting out of a Hixson home on Friday (Courtesy: Chattanooga Fire Department) They say neighbors saw flames shooting through…

Tennessee Innocence Project to hold Chattanooga event

Representatives with the Tennessee Innocence Project. (Courtesy: Tennessee Innocence Project) CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A non-profit law firm that works to exonerate convicts will be making their way to Chattanooga. The Tennessee Innocence Project has represented incarcerated individuals throughout their appeals process throughout the state at no cost. The executive director and lead counsel for the project, Jessica Van Dyke, said,…

Local alumni upset with Tennessee State board decision

MGN CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Some local alumni of Tennessee State University are voicing disapproval of the state’s decision to remove its Board of Trustees. The decision was made earlier this week as state Republicans argued that the school has mishandled their finances. TSU in a statement denied money mismanagement. Eric Atkins, who is the co-chair of the Unity Group, graduated…

Male Cleveland High School student facing felony sexual battery charge

CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF)- The Cleveland Police Department says a petition for sexual battery has been filed with the Bradley County Juvenile Court this week against a male student at Cleveland High School. News 12 spoke with the parent of the female victim in this case, Kathy Varnell, who says her daughter has been scarred since an incident inside of a class…

Foundation House Ministries receives $790,000 state grant

CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) – A ministry that serves mothers in crisis received a large grant Thursday. Foundation House Ministries in Cleveland has received a $790,000 grant from the State of Tennessee. Foundation House Ministries executive director Suzanne Burns speaking on behalf of the organization. (Courtesy: Foundation House Ministries) This is a part of over $20 million invested in non-profits by…

A New Twist on Existing Tech is the Katalyst for your New Years Resolutions

Smart Technology suit helps people improve health and wellness

CHATTANOOGA, TN – Was your new years resolution to get in better shape and maybe work or life in general got in the way? Well, you’re in luck. We have the head personal trainer from a new company called Katalyst that is going to show you how their new twist on some existing tech can help you hit those new…

Seven Players Participate in Mocs Pro Day

(gomocs.com) CHATTANOOGA—The Chattanooga Mocs had a 7-man contingent go through their paces in front of NFL scouts at the annual Pro Day. It started in the Wolford Family Strength & Conditioning Center before shifting to Scrappy Moore Field as the group was put through its steps. “It’s a big day for our seniors,” Coach Rusty Wright explained. “It’s great to…

Mayor Wamp delivers State of the County Address

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) – Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp delivered his State of the County Address Thursday morning.  “In the weeks, months and years ahead, we should refuse to allow our strengths to become our weaknesses. Instead, let us lean into those strengths,” said Mayor Wamp. Mayor Wamp addressed several topics that impacted Hamilton County, including the downtown Chattanooga…

Soddy Daisy Basketball Coach Bill Eller Steps Down

Soddy Daisy boys basketball coach Bill Eller has announced he’s stepping down after coaching the Trojans for seven seasons. Eller helped revive a struggling program, recently delivering the Trojans first winning season in 14 years. He has over 400 career wins as a high school coach. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News Tags: Bill Eller, High School Basketball, Soddy Daisy…