PIE Innovation Center opens new Wacker Commons

BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — The PIE Innovation Center opened Wacker Commons: a 14,000-square-foot, gathering space on Tuesday. This new space will hold athletic events, business events, conferences and more in Bradley County. The venue, formerly known as the Conclave, was redesigned and renamed in honor of Dr. Alexander Wacker. “What we are most proud about is that when people…

WWTA To Pay EPA Fines, Upgrade Sewer System

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Sewer customers in portions of Hamilton County will likely notice an increase in their sewer bills in the coming years. The executive director of the Hamilton County Water and Wastewater Transmission Authority (WWTA), Michael Patrick, explained why. Patrick said, “Approximately 8 years ago, the WWTA began negotiating with the EPA for a structured settlement for violations…

Historic Fort Oglethorpe Home Up For Auction

The former band barracks building on Barnhardt Circle in Fort Oglethorpe. FORT OGLETHORPE, Ga. (WDEF)- A historic home in Fort Oglethorpe is being auctioned off this evening. The Band Barracks home at 309 Barnhardt Circle has been an AirBNB the past few years. It was built in 1904 to accommodate 28 men when Barnhardt Circle used to be the 6th…

Golden Apple Award: Kevin Parsons, Central High School

HARRISON, Tenn. (WDEF) – The written word comes to life in Kevin Parsons English class. At least one of his Central High School students calls him, “the best teacher ever.” Adding, “You just can’t hate him.” Phil Iannarone is the Principal at Central. He says, “Well, we’re pleased to see Mr. Parsons win this award. Mr. Parsons has been teaching…

Mom to Mom – Football Snack Bag

Today on Mom to Mom, we are making game day football snack bags. We’re always looking for different and cute ideas for those game day snacks. And why not create a lunch bag that kind of looks like a football and it’s super easy to do. All you need are these brown paper lunch bags, some white masking tape, some…

Chattanooga National Cemetery to expand to Meigs County

MEIGS COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — Chattanooga National Cemetery is expanding to a new home in East Tennessee, which is a big announcement for local veterans. The Chattanooga National Cemetery was established in December 1863. After reaching capacity, the federal government has bought land for a new cemetery. The Department of Veterans Affairs purchased property in the Blythe Ferry area of…

What’s Right With Our Schools: East Lake Level 5 Status

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – We continue our tour of local schools that have achieved Level 5 Status. At East Lake Elementary, teachers from as far away as Knoxville are driving in to be a part of that success. It’s easy to see why. April Gregorich is a 4th grade Math and Science teacher at East Lake. She says, “We have…

Fatal Downtown Shooting Suspect had Long Rap Sheet

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – We are learning more about the suspect in a murder of a prominent Chattanooga businessman. On late Thursday night, Christopher Wright was shot and killed near Patten Towers. On Friday, Chattanooga Police arrested 57-year-old Darryl Roberts in connection with the shooting. Darryl Roberts, the suspect in the murder of Christopher Wright last week in Downtown Chattanooga….

Fall allergy season ramps up in Chattanooga

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Fall season is here, but for those who have allergies, the weather-change may be troubling.  “Now we are hitting the second biggest season of the year and that is fall. In the fall there is weed allergy and what I mean by that is ragweed. Ragweed is a number one allergen that we see, and it…

Tennessee Supreme Court Rules on DUI Convictions and Probations

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF)- The Tennessee Supreme Court has ruled those convicted of vehicular homicide while intoxicated are ineligible for probation. The ruling upholds a 2017 amendment to the Tennessee state code that was created to force those who kill while drunk driving to serve more time in prison. The Court listened to a case that came out of Nashville where…

More to the Story with Staley: COVID Update

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The updated COVID-19 booster shot is now becoming available. Although not every outlet that usually supplies the shot has it yet. But most experts say when you can, the best way to protect yourself against the virus is to get “the jab.” And, for example, the COVID-19 Vaccine Education and Equity Project believes children six months and…

Inaugural ‘Coolidge Park Kickoff Market’ held on Oct. 1

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Local artists celebrated the first day of October outside in Coolidge Park on Sunday.  An inaugural kickoff market was held at the park with many unique vendors lined up on the lawn.  The ‘Coolidge Park kickoff Market’ was held for the first time on Oct. 1.  Various vendors set up at the park Sunday from 10…

Electric vehicle festival takes over Chattanooga State

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Chattanooga Drive Electric Festival took over Chattanooga State Saturday, September 30, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Car enthusiasts along with newcomers were able to experience electric vehicles for free. “Sustainability is in our DNA. It’s not just the right thing to do for the planet, it’s the right thing to do for our economy…

Walden’s Ridge Park outdoor attraction opens to the public

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — A seven year outdoor collaboration came to fruition Saturday on Signal Mountain. Hamilton County’s next outdoor tourist attraction ‘Walden’s Ridge Park’ officially opened to the public on Saturday, Sept. 30. The park is located at the flank of Signal Mountain just off the W road. Walden’s Ridge Park will feature over ten miles of trails that…

Baylor Alum and Chattanooga Businessman Killed in Market Street Shooting

A still image of Christopher Wright during a feature made by Baylor School in 2018. (Courtesy: Baylor School) CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- We have just learned that a man suspected of killing a prominent Chattanooga businessman and Baylor alum has been arrested by Chattanooga Police. Late Thursday night shortly before midnight, Chattanooga Police responded to a call of a person shot…

Erlanger Opens New Pediatric MRI Center

The inside of the new children’s pediatric MRI unit at Erlanger’s Kennedy Outpatient Center. (Courtesy: Erlanger) CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Erlanger Children’s Hospital unveiled a new MRI center today for children. They celebrated the opening of their Pediatric MRI and Outpatient Procedure Center at the Kennedy Outpatient Center. It is the first of its kind in our region. The MRI machines…

Baylor vs McCallie Rivalry Week

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — It is rivalry week between Baylor and McCallie. The matchup dates back more than 100 years. “Baylor McCallie, and everybody’s interested in it,” said McCallie head coach Ralph Potter. Baylor McCallie is one of the premier rivalries in all of high school football. “It’s something we should all be grateful for. We’ve got two historic schools…

Aetna Mountain trail phase one unveiled to the public

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Phase one of the Aetna Mountain Trails had its official grand opening Friday afternoon in Chattanooga. The Tennessee River Gorge Trust partnered with the city of Chattanooga and other participating organizations to make the trail system possible. “I think this trail system is going to bring a lot more people into the Tennessee River Gorge. Get…

Senator Colton Moore suspended from Georgia Republican caucus

DADE COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) — A local state senator has been censured by his state party. (Colton Moore / X) Republican State Senator Colton Moore was suspended by the Georgia Senate Republican state caucus on Thursday. Senate Republicans said that frequent rule violations led to their decision. They said it was not because of Senator Moore’s position of calling for a…

Thousands flock to Knoxville Oliver Anthony show

Songwriter plays show at Smokey Stadium after viral song “Rich Men North of Richmond”

(see more on the event at Chad and Natasha’s YouTube channel) KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF) – If you thought the Oliver Anthony viral moment would end quickly, think again. The singer became an “overnight” sensation when country music fans latched onto his song “Rich Men North of Richmond.” Anthony was unknown until the song struck a chord in the culture wars….

More to the Story with Staley: Alpaca Farm Days

TRION, Ga. (WDEF) — For animal lovers willing to take a short ride to Trion, Georgia this weekend, “Alpaca Farm Days” is waiting for you. “Wonkey The Donkey, Axel Rose and Itty-Bitty” would love to see you. It’s a sanctuary, owned and operated by Maryann Marsh and her husband Marty. That’s “Cowboy” to most who know him. And they’re getting…

TECH BYTE: Using Phone Etiquette

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Most of us have cell phones. And just like there are rules at the dinner table, there are also ways to be polite while on the phone. Some phone etiquette advice you hear nowadays might surprise you! A recent article from The Washington Post explains that leaving a voicemail apparently is now a thing of the…