Driving Our Economy Forward: Cocoa Asante

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Valentine’s Day may be over, but we don’t need an excuse to have some good chocolate. Especially if it’s made by a Chattanooga company like Cocoa Asante. Let’s look at how they’re driving our economy forward. “Cocoa Asante is an artisan chocolate company where we handcraft chocolate bars in bonbons that are literally almost too pretty…

Affidavit reveals circumstances behind Valentine’s Day Murder

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A suspect is in custody after being charged with criminal homicide in Chattanooga on Valentine’s Day. Police responded to the Cypress Hill Courts yesterday afternoon around 4:30 p.m. to a report of shots fired. This has left a man dead. According to the police affidavit, the incident began far before yesterday afternoon. Chattanooga Police say 33-year-old…

Chattanooga Police Unveil New Training Simulator

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – At their press conference today, Chattanooga Police unveiled a new police driving training simulator. This is being housed inside of their headquarters on Amnicola Highway. The simulator allows trainees to simulate driving in emergency conditions in a variety of scenarios. It also can simulate the various types of police vehicles such as sedans, SUVs and motorcycles….

More to the Story with Staley: Rugby Inspiration

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Under the lights at Montague Park here in Chattanooga. That’s where these women gather. Twice a week. For at least two hours a session. Practicing with an egg shaped ball. The sport of rugby. It’s the ‘Nooga Queens. A club team, in only its second year of operation. And the momentum is growing! “Normally, getting a women’s…

New multi-sensory exhibit at TN Aquarium

The Ridges to Rivers exhibit features species from Southern Appalachian streams

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Tennessee Aquarium will be opening a new exhibit on March 1. This new addition will allow visitors to see, hear and touch many species native to Southern Appalachia. The gallery is called Ridges to Rivers. It is replacing the Discovery Hall exhibits that date back to 2002. The featured aquatic life is native to the…

Mennonite family injured in buggy crash

from DeKalb County Daily News POWELL, Alabama (WDEF) – Four family members were injured in a buggy crash on Sand Mountain on Monday. Police say a car hit a horse drawn carriage driven by a Mennonite family in the Powell community. The DeKalb County Daily News reports the adults were seriously injured, but the children are in better shape. The horse…

Josh Owensby Resigns as Hixson Head Football Coach

Hixson head football caoch Josh Owensby is stepping down in order to take a job on the Soddy Daisy staff. Owensby coached the Wildcats for three seasons…getting Hixson to the playoffs last year for the first time since 2016. Owensby is also a former head coach at Bledsoe County. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News Tags: Head Football Coach, Hixon High…

CARTA receives new board members through 2028

Eight new members appointed by Mayor Tim Kelly look to advance public transportation among city growth

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) — The Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority is looking to “drive” its city transit forward. Some of CARTA’s newest board members received a round of applause after having their appointments confirmed by the city council Tuesday. In a press release, Mayor Kelly said that “these new appointments come at a pivotal time” as Chattanooga grows on and says…

Senior Callie White Provides Leadership and Spark For Northwest Whitfield

Tunnel Hill, GA-(WDEF-TV) The Northwest Whitfield girls basketball team went 8-2 in region play this season with just one senior on the team. Point guard Callie White. White helped the Bruins come up big, even though she’s usually the smallest player on the court. If you miss Callie White on the court, it might be understandable. Reporter:”How tall are you?”…

Damar Hamlin and American Heart Association challenge people to learn CPR

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Damar Hamlin and the American Heart Association are teaming up to challenge people to learn CPR. CPR saved Hamlin’s life after he experienced cardiac arrest during an NFL game on January 2nd. Now, he’s challenging people to learn the skill so they might be able to save someone’s life, too. it’s often up to a bystander…

James “Dustin” Samples Act Fights for Legislation for First Responders

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Cleveland community gathered together after firefighter James “Dustin” Samples took his own life in December 2020. Captain Samples was diagnosed with PTSD in 2014 and tried to seek help before taking his own life. “We are our own worst enemy. It’s not cancer, it’s not fires, we’re taking our own lives,” said firefighter Nate Kuzdzal….

Decatur woman charged with arson at rehab clinic

from TBI DECATUR, Tenn. (WDEF) — A Decatur woman was arrested for setting a fire at a rehabilitation clinic. She was arrested and charged with aggravated arson and vandalism, TBI said. The TBI identified Tifanny Pearl Extine as the person responsible. They said she set fire to a rehab clinic in Anderson County. The clinic is located at 17 Ridgeway…

Two separate car accidents result in fatalities

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — There were two fatalities in Hamilton County on Sunday, according to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office. The two fatalities were separate incidents, both being vehicle accidents. One accident happened on the 9300 block of East Brainerd Road shortly before 1 p.m. Officers said this accident was a two-vehicle collision. They said occupants in both vehicles…

Name a baby porcupine at the Chattanooga Zoo

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — A porcupine family at the Chattanooga Zoo has a new daughter. The zoo teamed up with the Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union (TVFCU) to host a naming contest for the newest addition. You have until Friday, February 17 at 5 p.m. to submit a name for the baby porcupine. After the submission period ends, over 500…

Man charged with breaking into Shallowford Nursing Home

My Le, from Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – Residents at the Lantern at Morning Pointe got a scare over the weekend. Chattanooga Police say a man broke through a window into the lobby. Witnesses tell us it happened in the early morning hours on Saturday at the facility on Shallowford Road. Police say they found the suspect standing…

Strong Second Half Carries Notre Dame Past CAK 59-41

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) After trailing by two at halftime, Notre Dame rallied to knock off Christian Academy of Knoxville (CAK) 59-41 in the quarterfinal round of their region tournament on Monday night. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News Tags: Basketball, Christian Academy of Knoxville, High School Basketball, Notre Dame High School

Collegedale hosts first-ever “Galentine’s Day” event

Roller disco held for local women, small businesses; inspired by "Parks and Recreation"

COLLEGEDALE, Tenn. (WDEF) — While Valentine’s Day is meant to celebrate the romance between couples, Galentine’s Day is meant to celebrate … well, the gals! Monday night in Collegedale, the city’s Parks and Recreation Department kicked off its first-ever Galentine’s Day event — one they hope, or “Knope” with a ‘k,’ is the first of many. In 2010, Amy Poehler’s…

Haletown VFD unveils subscription service

HALETOWN, Tenn. (WDEF) – Those who live in Southeastern Marion County rely on a small firefighting force when emergencies arise. The Haletown Volunteer Fire Department is composed of 14 firefighters, who all volunteer their time to help their community. They say all of their funding now comes from $40,000 from Marion County, plus any additional grants and donations they receive….