Lee Visits Chattanooga to talk Economy, State Parks

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee walking a trail at Booker T. Washington State Park. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Tennessee Governor Bill Lee was in the Scenic City today and made two stops. One stop he made was at the Booker T. Washington State Park. That park is 85 years old and was initially created as a segregated park for Chattanooga’s African-American community….

More Friends React to Sudden Passing of Kevin West

Kevin West, Chattanooga Police Department CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)-  More close friends of the late Kevin West are reacting to his sudden passing Monday. West died after suffering a medical emergency Monday morning. One of his close friends was Captain Mickey McCamish. Captain McCamish shared the bond of being a Naval captain with West, who served as a Naval Captain in…

Mom to Mom – Button Rewards

Today on Mom to Mom, we are making a button behavior jar. I don’t know about your kids, but my kids are always constantly changing and the way we punish them and reward them changes with every age. So, we like to find different ways to kind of get them involved and excited about earning things that they like in…

White Lightning Harley-Davidson holds 2023 Veteran’s Mission

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The 10th annual Veteran’s Mission was held at White Lightning Harley-Davidson this year. “Veterans around the community come out and support each other. A lot of the vendors and everything are donating money to homeless veterans,” said Sales Manager for White Lightning Harley Davidson, Craig Nabors. “Also, veterans’ organizations such as Veterans Mission, in order to…

Running Back Ailym Ford Leaving a Legacy at UTC

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) You can argue that Ailym Ford is now the best running back in Mocs history. He rushed for 126-yards in Chattanooga’s win over the Citadel to become the school’s top rushing running back. Brian Armstrong has more on Ford’s legacy. Said head coach Rusty Wright:”I thought he ran the ball hard with a better purpose tonight.” On Saturday Ailym…

What’s Right With Our Schools: Dade County Lessons in Finance

TRENTON, GA (WDEF) – High School is the perfect place to get young people ready for college or career, but even after you land a good job, properly managing your money makes all the difference. Dade County students are learning lessons that will really pay off. Al Barton is an advisor at Dade County High. He explains, ” Our main…

Chattanooga hosts Tennessee Governor’s Conference for 2023

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Tennessee Governor’s Conference was held in Chattanooga this year. It’s a two-day conference, taking place on Monday and Tuesday this week. Hundreds of state and local leaders attended on Monday.  The event kicked off with a conversation with both Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly and Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp.  “We are here selling Southeast Tennessee,…

Small Brainerd Latin grocery targeted three times by thieves

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A small business in Brainerd is struggling with a series of break-ins. The Tiendra Martinez grocery store is a small business located near the intersection of Brainerd and Moore Roads. The store and building owner say that on September 7, September 11, and this morning, they have had three separate break-ins to their business. Their frustrations…

CHI Memorial to offer music therapy

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – CHI Memorial has announced they are offering a new form of therapy. They have announced that neurologic music therapy will be offered to patients recovering from strokes, Parkinson’s and other trauma. Medical professionals say by using music and rhythm, patients can relearn lost cognition skills at a quicker rate by helping a damaged brain regain its…

More to the Story with Staley: Batman

GOTHAM CITY (WDEF) — This past Saturday was the third Saturday in September. That means we celebrated “Batman Day.” We’ve done so every year, dating back to 2014. Batman remains as popular a super-hero now as ever before. And a new gaming experience brings “Gotham City” to a whole different level. He was created in a comic book back in…

Mocs dominate in SoCon opener

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF)- Chattanooga Mocs scored on five straight possessions including four straight touchdowns enroute to a 48-3 win over the Citadel Bulldogs. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News Tags: Chattanooga Mocs, College Football, Football, NCAA, SoCon opener

Free annual dental clinic offers services in Cleveland

CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) — Winn Smiles in Cleveland held a free dental clinic on Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pre-existing patients and newcomers could attend the clinic.  Patients could choose one free service — from cleanings to fillings.  Employees of the dentistry say that this event brings out many each year.  “To get those patients immediate pain relief…

Cleveland honors Olivia Weatherford with celebration of life

CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Cleveland community has been sincerely touched by one little girl’s battle with cancer. Many have been impacted by her strength and resilience. Nine-and-a-half-year-old Olivia Weatherford fought a hard battle with cancer for four and a half years. She passed away on Tuesday, September 12.  Surrounding communities have continued to support her and her family.  People…

Grundy County sheriff appears before POST Commission

GRUNDY COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — Grundy County Sheriff Heath Gunter got a scolding in Nashville from a fellow sheriff. Sheriff Gunter appeared before the POST Commission again on Friday. His department has been called on the carpet since an inspection last fall found several deputies weren’t certified, and other paper-work issues. They are making progress on the paperwork. But POST…

More to the Story with Staley: Brazelton Exhibit

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — An exhibit at Ruby Falls documents the talent and works of a very important man. A man that many people probably haven’t heard of. It’s been up and running for several weeks now. It highlights the photography of Horace Brazelton, one of Chattanooga’s first Black photographers. He was a trailblazer. For many years, he had a…

TECH BYTE: Apple Announces New iPhones, Watches

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — If you’re looking to upgrade your iPhone, you’re in luck! Apple just announced its latest batch of phones and watches. A nice new perk of the iPhone 15 lineup is the cable you use to charge it. Say goodbye to Apple’s traditional lightning connection, and hello to a USB-C charging cable that even works with non-Apple…

Walker County Animal Shelter temporarily closed due to animal influx

CHICKAMAUGA, Ga. (WDEF) – Staff at the Walker County Animal Shelter are caring for a multitude of seized animals. Animal rescuers recently removed dozens of dogs, pigs, rabbits and chickens from a home on Old Lafayette Road.   “It has been an ongoing issue at this particular residence. I cannot commend the diligence of the community for keeping on reporting…

Susan G. Komen ‘More than Pink’ walk upcoming this Saturday

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Susan G. Komen Foundation will host its annual “More Than Pink Walk” on Saturday. The walk will take place at Hamilton Place Mall this year. Organizers are gathering the community to help fight breast cancer. Photo: Susan G. Komen / Instagram They also plan to remember those who passed away from breast cancer and celebrate those…

Elementary student charged in Cleveland school threat

CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) – An elementary school student is in custody after Cleveland Police say he sent threatening emails to a school administrator. Cleveland City Schools were closed on Thursday due to this threat. Cleveland Police say a nine-year-old boy has been charged with threats of mass violence on school property and harassment.  They say that boy sent emails to…

McCallie Nationally Televised Game on ESPNU With Brentwood Academy a ‘Win Win…Win’

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) McCallie’s game Friday night at Brentwood Academy is getting the ultimate hype. It’ll be televised nationally on ESPN-U, starting at 8 o’clock. The Blue Tornado and Eagles are getting the national spotlight, since both teams feature several college prospects. For awhile, it looked like McCallie was going to secure a nationally televised game from Chattanooga at Finley Stadium. Said…