Chattanooga Zoo unveils Magnolia’s Beer Garden to honor Beth Lapina

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Chattanooga Zoo has opened a new gathering space called Magnolia’s Beer Garden. The garden was created in memory of Beth Lapina, the beloved late wife of a long-time board member and Zoo supporter. Mr. Lapina also served as board president during his years of involvement. Zoo staff say the space honors Mrs. Lapina’s warmth, her…

Baylor Beats Dalton 74-42

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) Dalton coach Jonathan Adams did not enjoy a happy homecoming at Baylor’s Duke Arena on Tuesday. The former Red Raiders standout saw his Catamounts team fall to Baylor 74-42. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News

Golden Apple Award: Kathlina Alford, Hixson High School

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) – Kathlina Alford spends every school day making sure that students at Hixson High School get all the support they need to succeed. From her Biology classroom to the lunchroom students know they can always turn to her for help. That kind of dedication earned Ms. Alford this week’s Golden Apple Award. “Wow. I mean, she goes…

Gratefull Dalton Brings Community Together

DALTON, GA. (WDEF) – The annual Gratefull Dalton celebration brought the community together today in downtown Dalton for a Thanksgiving meal focused on fellowship and generosity.  Organizers offered a free hot meal to anyone who attended, ensuring that every person, regardless of age, background, or circumstance, could sit down and enjoy a full Thanksgiving style plate. Attendees also donated food…

Lifestyle curator brings festive DIY ideas to the Thanksgiving table

News 12 This Morning: Rachel Leonard Kennedy joins News 12’s Amelia Greer with some helpful tips and tricks to elevate your Thanksgiving festivities. From DIY Charcuterie Wine glass toppers to ‘BEARY Thankful’ DIY candles, Rachel brings your hosting dreams to life! CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The season of giving is upon us, and with that comes an influx of holiday…

Lee Company delivers donations to Chattanooga Area Food Bank

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Last Friday, News 12 and Lee Company came together to fight hunger through a community food drive. This morning, News 12 visited the Chattanooga Area Food Bank as Lee Company dropped off all of the nonperishable items that had been collected. Their hope is that every family in the region will have a warm and enjoyable…

Coolidge Park Gets Tourism Boost

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – City and state leaders gathered at Coolidge Park on Monday as the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development presented a $90,000 Tourism Enhancement Grant to the City of Chattanooga. The grant is part of a statewide effort that awarded more than $2 million to 30 communities to strengthen local tourism assets and increase economic impact.  Chattanooga will…

What’s Right With Our Schools: Hunter Crochet Club

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — There is a certain satisfaction that comes from creating something with your hands. The Hunter Middle School Crochet Club makes everything from oven mitts to afghans one stitch at a time. And that is a crafty example of “What’s Right With Our Schools.” “Why a crochet club?” David Moore, Chief photographer asked. “I have had a crochet…

Holiday fun in the Smoky Mountains with Dollywood

Ellen Liston is back and joins News 12’s Chip Chapman as Dollywood celebrates the holiday season!  PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WDEF) – There’s always fun things to do at Dollywood, especially at the end of their season which the holiday spirit is in full swing! This winter season, Dollywood is all decked out for the holidays with bright lights, great holiday…

Town Hall brings out concerns over Northgate redevelopment

HIXSON, Tenn. (WDEF) – Councilman Jeff Davis of District 3 hosted a town hall meeting Sunday at the North River Civic Center, giving Hixson neighbors a chance to voice their concerns and hopes for the future of the Northgate redevelopment project. News 12 attended the meeting, where residents spoke openly about what they want and don’t want included in the…

Last Chattanooga Holiday Market of the season

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The First Horizon Pavilion hosted the final Chattanooga Holiday Market of the season this weekend. Local vendors offered handmade crafts, gifts, jellies, jams and many other unique items at their tables. As happens every week, a wide variety of festive foods were available for families and friends to enjoy. Mix It Up, the Chattanooga Market’s beverage…

Police respond to weapon incident inside Hamilton Place Mall

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – This evening, a frightening incident took place at Hamilton Place Mall, sending crowds of people running out of the building. Kristy Cranford says she was upstairs leaving Belk when chaos suddenly erupted. “I was leaving Belk upstairs and walking to Dicks, as a matter of fact, and suddenly, a huge herd of people started running towards…

Thanksgiving Turkey Drive hosted by Nooga Strong Construction

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Nooga Strong Construction and Courtney Christmas Trees came together this Saturday to host their inaugural Thanksgiving Turkey Drive. Their goal is to build hope and provide meals for as many local families as possible. During the event, community members dropped off turkeys and non-perishable food items. Justin Wolfe, the owner of Nooga Strong Construction, said his…

Olive Rustica brings old-world flavors to Chattanooga

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – There’s a gourmet shop on 1700th Broadway Street that’s bringing a taste of Europe right here to Chattanooga. The owner, Audrey Hart, describes it as an authentic old-world market, the kind you might find tucked away overseas, filled with premium extra-virgin olive oils, aged balsamic vinegars, fused oils, hand-selected pastas, sauces, and gifts. She says everything…