Golden Apple Award: Patrick Parris, Heritage Middle School

Ringgold, Ga. (WDEF) – A positive attitude can be contagious. That’s just what Patrick Parris brings to Heritage Middle School each and every day. It’s one of the reasons why kids love his social studies class. Melissa Travillian is the Principal at Heritage Middle. She says, ” Mr. Parris came to us four years ago. He’s an incredible educator. He…

Chattanooga Airport gets grant for direct flights to west coast

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Chattanooga airport has plans for a new direct flight destination in the near future after receiving a small community air service development grant. Denver is the place they are hoping for, but they have their eyes on Houston as well. President and CEO of the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport, April Cameron said, “Earlier in the month,…

Bradley Central’s Tito Williams Plans to Take His Talents and Perfect GPA to Northwestern

Cleveland, TN-(WDEF-TV)  Said Bradley Central defensive back Tito Williams: “We’re all real close with each other. I mean, we’re, we’re with each other all day in school and out of school. So that’s a big part of it. And then just being able to play with each other’s weaknesses and strengths is just another big part of it too.” Bradley…

Leslie Jordan Honored with Star on Palm Springs Walk of Stars

PALM SPRINGS, Ca. (WDEF) — Tuesday, October 24 marks one year since Chattanooga native and Emmy award winning actor Leslie Jordan passed away. Now he’s being recognized with his own star on the Palm Springs Walk of the Stars in California. Leslie’s sister, Cricket Jordan, accepted the honor on his behalf last Friday. Courtesy: Del Shores Foundation/David A. Lee Photography…

Mom to Mom – Halloween Mac-N-Cheese

Before your kiddos head out to trick or treat, I’ve got the cutest way to help fill up their bellies. Today we are going to treat your kiddos with a festive Halloween dinner that you can make in just five to 10 minutes. It is our Halloween Jack-O-Lantern Mac and Cheese. It’s super easy to do. What you’re going to…

Are wildfires becoming more common in the Chattanooga area?

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – If you have noticed ‘wildfires’ in the headlines a little more, you’re not wrong. Aubrey Brown, Wildland Urban Interface Specialist says, “From the fire world we kind of know this time of year when we start seeing those red, yellow, orange looking leaves. We know fire season is around the corner. Therefore, wildfires get elevated at…

UTC names new health science building

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga has announced the name of their new Health Sciences Building. It will be the Dorothy and Jim Kennedy Health Sciences Building. The Kennedys are UTC alums who are giving $8 million to ensure the project is completed. The future Dorothy and Jim Kennedy Health Science Building at UTC (Courtesy: UTC) It will…

What’s Right With Our Schools: Catoosa County College and Career Academy

Catoosa County, Ga. (WDEF) – The medical professionals of tomorrow are getting the training they need today at the Catoosa County College and Career Academy. Juniors and seniors from all three county high schools should have good jobs waiting for them upon graduation, or they’ll have a solid head start their further education. All that adds up to a healthy…

Ketner’s Mill welcomed many to Whitwell over weekend

WHITWELL, Tenn. (WDEF) — Ketner’s Mill is a southern tradition for many in the Sequatchie Valley. The festival was founded in 1977 and has been packed with guests and vendors for almost 50 years. Vendor of The Fun Co. and longtime attendee, Brian Greer said,  “Well between me and my dad, we’ve probably been coming up here 35 probably plus…

Bradley County Fire and Rescue extinguish series of fires

BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — Bradley County first responders have extinguished a series of fires over the weekend. At around 4 p.m. on Sunday, Bradley County 911 received a call reporting a small, active brush fire on Dalton Pike near Waterville Community School. Authorities then discovered ten additional locations along Dalton Pike reporting similar brush fires, and creating a series…

J103 impacted by wildfire on Lookout Mountain

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Local radio station, J103, experienced damage due to a wildfire on Lookout Mountain. The wildfire is keeping J103 from broadcasting on the airways. J103 FM’s main tower was affected by the wildfire on Lookout Mountain near the Lula Lake Land Trusts property Saturday night. “If you think about J103, it’s made up of two different radio…

Wreaths Across Chattanooga opening celebration held in Hixson

HIXSON, Tenn. (WDEF) — Wreaths Across Chattanooga recognizes fallen service members. An opening celebration was held at the Hixson Walmart for the local veteran effort. Mayor Tim Kelly delivered remarks at the ceremony of the opening celebration of Wreaths Across Chattanooga. A Presentation of Colors was made by the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 203 color guard. Last year, Chattanooga…

Witch and warlock paddle takes over Tennessee River

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Witches and warlocks floated down the Tennessee River Saturday for the second annual ‘Witch and Warlock Paddle’ by River City Company. People of all ages gathered downtown to embark on their spooky journey across the river. The annual paddle started off at Rivermont Park and finished under the Market Street Bridge. River City Company partnered with…

Austin Hatcher Foundation wins first place at Green Prix

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Drivers started their batteries and hit the track for the Green Prix. Rick Bowers, Executive Director of Green Spaces said, “Many of you know about Green Spaces. We have lots of exciting programs we do. This is one of my favorite and everyone’s favorite is the Green Prix that we do every year.” The Green Prix…

Future of Downtown Chattanooga Discussed Amid Recent Events

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The past few weeks have been difficult as leaders and citizens how to make downtown Chattanooga safer. In the wake of Chris Wright’s murder late last month and subsequent public safety actions by the city of Chattanooga and Hamilton County, many are wondering what’s the next steps for the future of downtown Chattanooga. This was a focal…

Pride of the Southland Marches into Chattanooga

The Pride of the Southland Marching Band performing the Circle Drill halftime show, a tradition dating back decades. They traditionally perform the show every time the Vols play Alabama. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The Third Saturday in October weekend wouldn’t be complete without a visit from a marching band here in Chattanooga. Friday, the University of Tennessee’s Pride of the Southland…

Zarzour’s Cafe closes after 106 years of business

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) –The well-known family business, Zarzour’s Cafe, saw an overwhelming number of longtime customers for lunch Friday on Rossville Avenue. The iconic cafe was packed as hungry customers got their last Zarzour’s meal. With only ten tables inside the restaurant, owner Joe ‘Dixie’ Fuller managed customers from as early as 9 a.m. “It’s been busy today. We opened…

TECH BYTE: Football Helmet Goes High Tech

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — AT&T is teaming up with one university to make one of their football helmets more high tech. This isn’t your traditional helmet. “This helmet is a result of about two years’ worth of collaboration with Gallaudet University,” said Andrew Bennett, AT&T. Bennett says it has 5G connectivity inside. “The coach has a tablet on the sideline…