Meigs Co Football Coach Jason Fitzgerald Resigns

Meigs County head football coach Jason Fitzgerald has resigned. The Rhea County native led the Tigers to incredible success. Since taking over in 2014, Fitzgerald won nearly a hundred games, posting 89-victories. He turned the Tigers into a region powerhouse, ripping off a 30 game winning streak during the regular season. Fitzgerald also took the Tigers to the state title…

From The Archives: Tribute to Garry Mac

Former news anchor here at WDEF was a community treasure

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – As we mourn the loss of longtime Chattanooga booster and personality Garry Mac this week, we want to share a few stories from his past. Garry wore many hats in his long career of serving our area. He mastered radio on several local stations, tried his hand at TV news, dabbled in local politics and handled marketing…

Tennessee Senate Passes Drag Show Bill, Now Off to the House

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Tennessee Senate passed a bill that would criminalize certain public cabaret and drag performances. Tennessee senators passed the bill this morning with a party-line vote of 26-6. The bill creates an offense for a person who “engages in an adult cabaret performance” that is held on public property or could be viewed by a minor….

Chattanooga police searching for suspect after shots fired

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — An individual shot at multiple vehicles Wednesday on Bonny Oaks Drive, according to Chattanooga police. They are still searching for those responsible. Chattanooga Police say no one was injured. Witnesses of the shooting gave the CPD suspect vehicle descriptions. Police then started an area-wide search. One witness told officers that a white Kia was involved. Police…

Chattanooga Mocs Kick Off Spring Football Practice in Early February

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) The Mocs are trying to make February a spring month, by starting up spring football practice. Why such an early start? News 12’s Brian Armstrong springs into action for some spring football answers. Chattanooga Mocs football is getting an early jump on spring football practice Said receiver Sam Phillips: I actually don’t want to be in the weight room…

Mocs Get a Career High 24 Points From Jamal Johnson to Beat the Citadel 82-63

(gomocs.com) CHATTANOOGA – The Chattanooga Mocs men’s basketball team connected on 15 threes while Jamal Johnson poured in a career-high 24 points to help lift the Mocs to an 82-63 victory over The Citadel in Southern Conference action on Wednesday night inside McKenzie Arena. Following the win, Chattanooga snaps a three-game home skid and improves to 13-13 overall and 5-8 inside SoCon…

North Georgia Democrats react to Rep. Greene’s SOTU actions

Dade County Democratic Chair disappointed by representative's behavior; Greene has "no regrets" for calling President Biden a "liar"

DADE COUNTY, Georgia (WDEF) — Georgia Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene got plenty of national attention today following her words and actions at last night’s State of the Union address. During Tuesday night’s address, Greene was one of many Republicans booing President Biden following comments on the nation’s economy. As the GOP voiced their opinions in unison, Greene could be seen…

Driving Our Economy Forward: Zoe Angling Group

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The INCubator has helped plenty of Chattanooga businesses flourish, including Zoe Angling Group. This local business not only works in the fishing market, but it also creates jobs for those in need overseas. It’s another way Zoe Angling is driving our economy forward. “Zoe Angling Group started about eight years ago,” said Jeff Coffey, Founder and…

Cleveland PD uses Public Comment Portal to connect with Residents

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Cleveland Police Department released a statement detailing a new method to engage with the community through an online comment portal. Cleveland PD has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies since 2009. They are in the 4% of police departments nationwide that has earned accreditation honors. Recently, CALEA made a change…

Lee Guard Haley Schubert Turns Into One of the Lady Flames Most Prolific Scorers

Cleveland, TN-(WDEF-TV) The Lee women’s basketball team currently sits in first place in the Gulf South Conference standings. Senior guard Haley Schubert is a big reason for the Lady Flames success. She has turned into one of Lee’s most prolific all-time scorers. It seems Haley Schubert has that intangible trait all coaches love to see in a player. Said head…

McMinn Co Feeds Off the Energy From Head Coach Randy Casey

Athens, TN-(WDEF-TV) McMinn County is a win against Cleveland tonight from winning the district title. News 12’s Brian Armstrong shows how McMinn County Head Coach Randy Casey will be on the pacing up and down the sidelines, coaching his players, making sure they have fun and showing his typically enthusiastic emotions. Said Casey: We get in the huddle, hey coach,…

Doris Bruce Kelly remembered, honored by City Council

St. Elmo resident lived in community for more than 103 years; commemorative road sign to be placed near longtime home

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) — During Tuesday night’s Chattanooga City Council meeting, both council members and attendees honored Mrs. Doris Bruce Kelly — a St. Elmo resident who spent more than 100 years in the community. At the intersection of Tennessee and West 46th in St. Elmo, a commemorative street sign will soon stand to honor Kelly’s legacy. Her story and life,…

Social justice group protests outside City Hall

Concerned Citizens for Justice protest "police terrorism," call for dismantling of "entire system of policing"

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) — Local social justice organization Concerned Citizens for Justice rallied outside Chattanooga City Hall Tuesday night. They’re furious about the death of Tyre Nichols and what they call “police terrorism.” The group posted Sunday on social media that, quote, “the entire system of policing must be completely dismantled and abolished altogether.” They also stated that, quote, “government officials…

Local Politicians React to Lee’s State of the State

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Tennessee Governor Bill Lee gave his annual State of the State address last night in Nashville.  Governor Lee just started his second term as Tennessee Governor after his landslide re-election and celebrated this fact during his speech. Gov. Lee proclaimed, “I say with great pride that Tennessee is leading the nation. The state of our beloved…

Local Dispensary Owner Talks Safety Tips

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – News 12 spoke with local dispensary owner David Rutherford, who owns Journey Hemp in St. Elmo. Rutherford responded to the Lakeview Middle school incident. He said protecting kids from THC products is both the dispensary and the parent’s responsibility. For parents, one of the biggest tips is educating your child. “You just want to sit them…

Walker County Town Hall addresses Brownfields

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn (WDEF) — At a town hall tonight, Walker County officials will speak on a new program that will address the topic of brownfields. A $500,000 grant gifted to Walker County by the Environmental Protection Agency will allow up to 30 brownfield sites to be properly identified and cleaned. The town hall tonight will teach residents what a brownfield…

Local Church Organization to Hold Mental Health Summit

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A local church organization is looking to tackle the stigma of mental health care in the African American community. First Baptist Cares, a part of the First Baptist Church in downtown Chattanooga, is hosting a Mental Health Summit next weekend on February 18. The summit will be held at Orchard Knob Baptist Church. The goal of…