UTC and Chattanooga State Create Applied Leadership Program

  CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Adults looking to return to school have a new option here in Chattanooga. UTC and Chattanooga State have signed an articulation agreement to streamline a Bachelor of Applied Science in the Applied Leadership discipline. This will allow any adult learners with previous work, military, or college experience to take 60 hours of coursework at Chatt State…

Qcells Expands in Northwest Georgia

Renewable energy provider creates more than 2500 new jobs

DALTON, Ga. (WDEF) – Qcells, one of the largest and most recognized renewable energy solution providers, is expanding its operations in Georgia once again. Cartersville will get its first facility, while Dalton is adding its third. These expansions will create more than 2,500 new jobs in northwest Georgia, and over 500 new jobs solely in Dalton. Commissioner Jevin Jensen says…

Mom to Mom- Stress Balls

Today on Mom to Mom, we’ve got a fun way to help your kids get rid of the grumpies. The holidays are over and I don’t know about you, but my kids have been extra grumpy recently. So today we’re making homemade stress balls. So, we have some pretty basic, simple ingredients that you have right in your home. We…

More to the Story with Staley – Skillet Curling

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — It’s billed as a combination of bocce ball and curling. “Skillet Curling!” And that’s what almost 100 good folks will be doing come later this month on “Ice On The Landing” at the Choo Choo. Chattanooga’s fourth annual “Skillet Curling Tournament” will be double elimination. Four people per team. Eight times back and forth. Throwing frying…

Nokian Tyres to Add New Jobs in Rhea County

DAYTON, Tenn. (WDEF) — The excitement was palpable at the Nokian Tyres plant in Dayton Wednesday morning.Nokian Tyres officially announced that they will be doubling their tire production. They will be adding 75 new jobs to the facility in Dayton. The tire company plans to construct a tire warehouse to increase production, with the ability to store up to 600,000…

McMinn Co Steals a 68-60 Win Over Bradley Central

Cleveland, TN-(WDEF-TV) McMinn County’s pressure defense paid off against Bradley Central on Tuesday. The Cherokees collected 15 steals in knocking off district foe Bradley Central 68-60. Hayden Smith led McMinn Co with 22 points, while Caiden Botts paced Bradley Central with 20. McMinn  Co improves to 5-0 in the district. They travel to Cleveland on Friday, who is also 5-0…

Ladd McConkey celebrated at North Murray High School

Coaches, staff say former Mountaineer is building legacy both on and off gridiron

CHATSWORTH, Georgia (WDEF) — Two seasons, two trophies, two rings for former North Murray Mountaineer Ladd McConkey. There are numerous folks at North Murray who say the young receiver is leading by example both on and off the field. There is no doubt among those at the school that McConkey’s legacy is far from over but has already impacted his…

Town of Cohutta discusses destroyed police center

Mayor Ron Shinnick says no immediate timeline for new building

COHUTTA, Georgia (WDEF) — Cohutta leaders are discussing the future of their police department tonight after a large fire destroyed their Police Services Center last month. Right now, officers are having to operate out of trailers. Cohutta Mayor Ron Shinnick says the department lost “pretty much everything,” including radios, ammunition, and some firearms. Shinnick says it could be a while…

Golden Apple Award: Kate Campbell, Soddy Elementary

Soddy Daisy, TN (WDEF) – Long division is no problem for students in Kate Campbell’s fourth grade class at Soddy Elementary. Through kindness and patience, she makes sure every child can find their own solution. That earned Ms. Campbell this week’s Golden Apple Award. Kim Roden is the Principal at Soddy Elementary. She explains, “Ms. Campbell is an excellent teacher….

Bradley County Affordable Housing 10 Month Waiting List

Woman lives out of her car as she waits to move up on waitlist for affordable housing

BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) – Cynthia Derryberry says she’s been on the waitlist for an affordable housing complex for almost 11 months. She is currently living in her car and is 6th in line. Cynthia says she receives monthly social security and disability payments but still struggles to find affordable housing options that don’t have a waiting list. There are…

Men Urged to take Care of their Mental Health

Warning: This Story Contains Mention of Suicide. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, you can always contact the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- With the start of a New Year, many make resolutions on various things they want to improve about themselves. One thing experts are imploring people to take a…

Ringgold Coach Robert Akins Stepping Down to Take Administrator’s Job in Tennessee

Ringgold, GA-(WDEF-TV) Long-time Ringgold head football coach Robert Akins is stepping down. He’s leaving the gridiron to return to school administration. Akins is taking the head administrator’s job at Fayette Academy in Somerville, Tennessee, which is near where Akins grew up. The 68-year-old Akins has been in coaching over forty years. But now he’s leaving the Tigers after a 16…

Cleveland cuts ribbon on downtown affordable housing

Mayor Kevin Brooks says new apartments are only the beginning of "the new Cleveland"

CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) — Cleveland is undergoing some major renovations to its historic downtown, including new affordable housing for the community. In partnership with the city council and outside developers, Cleveland Mayor Kevin Brooks is prepared to see his city take some of its older properties and transform them into something new. Monday’s grand opening of the brand-new Sanda Mill…

Childhood Obesity Guidelines Updated for First Time in 15 Years

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The American Academy of Pediatrics released recommendations for anti-obesity medications and surgery for the first time ever. Dr. Joani Jack, Medical Director of the Healthy Eating and Active Living Center at Erlanger Children’s Hospital, says obesity is the leading chronic illness facing children today. She believes these new recommendations will create a positive cycle between practitioners…

What’s Right With Our Schools: Morning Music at Chattanooga High Center for Creative Arts

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Talent takes center stage early and often at the Chattanooga High Center for Creative Arts. In fact, beautiful live music is part of the morning routine at CCA. It’s a melodious example of what’s right with our schools. Vincent Hale is the Dean of Fine Arts at CCA. He explains, “So morning music is an opportunity…

James Carpenter pleads guilty to child endangerment from Daycare fire

Investigators say he was drunk when the fire hit Little Lambs daycare during nap time

(Video from our story on Little Lambs fire last February) CLEVELAND, Tennessee (WDEF) – A Daycare worker pleaded guilty today in court to charges that stemmed from the Little Lambs Daycare fire last year. The fire hit the Cleveland Daycare during naptime last February. It was called in by a neighboring business. Firefighters managed to get all of the children…

CPD and McKamey Animal Shelter Looking for Suspected Animal Abuser

Asha, a dog who was abandoned and abused, currently receiving treatment at McKamey Animal Shelter. (Courtesy: McKamey Animal Shelter) UPDATE: There’s a tragic update in this story. McKamey Animal Center announced earlier Sunday afternoon that Asha has passed away from her injuries. They thank the community for the support for Asha over the weekend. They added that the investigation is…

Hope Community Fridge Holds Grand Opening to Public

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- There is a new resource available for those struggling with food insecurity in our community. A new food pantry called the Hope Community Fridge held its grand opening today. It is located at the Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church on East Brainerd Road. They had plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables available at today’s opening. The founder,…

Second Annual ModelCon Held in Chattanooga

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Scale model enthusiasts in our community gathered at the Chattanooga Convention Center today. The annual Chattanooga ModelCon drew scale modelers from all over the region. It was hosted by the Chattanooga Scale Modelers club. There were models of airplanes, tanks, race cars, and plenty of other vehicles. Visitors could also purchase scale model kits for them to…

Memorials Dedicated to Late Marion County Detective

JASPER, Tenn. (WDEF)- This week, two different memorials in memory of the late Marion County detective Matt Blansett were unveiled to the public. Blansett was killed in a fatal helicopter crash right off of I-24 in Marion County on August 23rd of last year. One memorial is a mural that has been painted inside of the Walmart in Kimball. It…

Wreaths Across Chattanooga Asking for Volunteers for Wreath Retirements

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)-  Wreaths Across Chattanooga is asking for volunteers to help retire the wreaths on graves at the Chattanooga National Cemetery. There were over 30,000 wreaths placed the week before Christmas, as a sign of respect and goodwill to those who have served. They will meet at 8:30 a.m on Saturday, January 21st to begin the wreath removals. They…