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….

Lee University alumnus wins Latin Grammy

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A Lee University alum recently won a Latin GRAMMY for Best Children’s Album. Robert Acevedo Jr. served as the percussionist for the award winning album. He graduated from Lee in 2018 with a degree in pastoral ministry, but was heavily involved in the School of Music. Acevedo’s skills impressed everyone he came across during his time…

Two-year-old accidentally shoots older brother

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — A two-year-old boy shot his 13-year-old brother on Saturday, Chattanooga Police said. Police say this was an accidental shooting. They were told the two-year-old found the gun in his home on the 500 block of Arlington Avenue. It happened around 9 p.m. on February 11. The 13-year-old had a gunshot wound, but his injuries were not…

Salvation Army Hosts Super Bowl Party for ‘Unhoused Neighbors’

Chattanooga citizens join Salvation Army volunteers and workers for good food and good company

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Salvation Army hosted it’s annual super bowl viewing party for Chattanooga’s ‘unhoused population.’ From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. , the Salvation Army opened it’s doors to Chattanooga’s homeless and hungry neighbors. “I think it has a wonderful impact because it gives them a sense of community. And because they are less fortunate and or…