EMPACT Program Awards IT Certifications to Nine Graduates

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) — “There is one word that comes to mind, for me, when I think about the Google IT certification program and this class, and that word is transformation,” said Dr. Rebecca Ashford, President of Chattanooga State Community College. Monday, nine people graduated from the City of Chattanooga’s EMPACT Google IT program, which provides successful students with a credential…

Community response to South Pittsburg crash that killed 4 football players

grief counseling, fundraisers for the families

SOUTH PITTSBURG, Tennessee (WDEF) – The healing is only beginning in the South Pittsburg community after four young men died in a crash over the weekend. All five victims in the vehicle were football players, between the ages of 16-22. Four were killed and the fifth is in critical condition. The community is coping the best they can: — South…

What’s Right With Our Schools: Middle Valley Elementary E-Lab

Hixson, TN (WDEF) – A strong background in Computer Science is essential as our world becomes more tech driven. Hamilton County is a global leader in training the coders of tomorrow. Are you not sure what coding is? Students at Middle Valley Elementary can explain. Allyson DeYounng is the Principal at Middle Valley. She explains, “This is a part of…

Benches clear in Lookouts late loss to Trash Pandas

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Chattanooga Lookouts were swept in a chippy doubleheader with the Rocket City Trash Pandas Saturday. Benches cleared in a sixth inning shouting match after pitcher Coleman Crow struck out Lookouts’ Francisco Urbaez to end the inning. Chattanooga led the game until that sixth inning. The Trash Pandas scored four unanswered runs in the last two…

Lookouts Hold Rocket City to Two Hits in Winning 10-1

(lookouts.com) The Chattanooga Lookouts scored eight runs after the sixth inning in their 10-1 win over the First Place Rocket City Trash Pandas. Along with their strong offensive showing later in the game the Lookouts pitching staff delivered a dominant performance. Led by starting pitcher Brandon Williamson, the Lookouts only allowed one run on two hits. Williamson’s only blemish of…

Dale Pruitt Steps Down as Marion Co Football Coach

There will be a changing of the guard for Marion County football. Veteran coach Dale Pruittis leaving the Warriors in order to return to his high school alma mater at Plainview high in Alabama. Pruitt coached Marion County the last two years, posting a 16-6 record. It was his second stint as the Warriors head coach. Pruitt of course is…

Chad Barger Named East Ridge Head Football Coach

East Ridge did not have to go far to find their new head football coach. They named assistant Chad Barger as their new sideline boss. He replaces Tim James, who announced he was leaving this week. Barger was the Pioneers offensive coordinator the last three years. He was previously a head coach at four different schools, including Coahulla Creek and…

Tennessee Shows What Future Renovations Will Look Like at Lindsey Nelson Stadium

With Tennessee is hosting the NCAA baseball regional at Lindsey Nelson Stadium, and the University decided to release sketches of what the upcoming renovations will look like at the Vols home park. More seating and more suites are on the way along with plenty of other amenities. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News, Sports – UT Vols Tags: Baseball, College…

Riverbend rocks Chattanooga on opening night

39th Riverbend Festival is the first held by city since 2019

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) — After a two-year hiatus, Riverbend finally returned to downtown Chattanooga. The festivities began early when Hollywood icon Leslie Jordan was welcomed home as the festival’s honorary host. “I’m so honored and I want to thank each and every one of you for this,” Jordan said. “It’s just wonderful. Thank you.” Due to the recent trend of mass…

Annual Battle of the Badges blood drive

Erlanger LIFE FORCE drive Saturday in Cleveland

LAFAYETTE/RINNGOLD, Georgia (WDEF) – For years, law enforcement in north Georgia have shown some good-natured, bad blood. The Sheriff’s Offices in neighboring Walker and Catoosa Counties have squared off in an annual Battle of the Badges. They see which community can donate the most to Blood Assurance. Summer is often a slow time for blood donations, even though the demand…

Future teachers receive scholarships as potential teacher shortage looms

HIXSON, Tennessee (WDEF)- As students leave the classroom for summer vacation, some teachers may follow but won’t be returning next fall.  A future teacher shortage is possible but some future and former educators feel that teaching is a rewarding calling. Seven scholarships were given out by the Chattanooga Hamilton County Retired Teachers Association to students who intend on becoming teachers…

Catalytic converter theft on the rise

CATOOSA COUNTY, Georgia (WDEF)- Catalytic converters continue to be an item stolen off of vehicles in the area. East Ridge Police and Catoosa County Law Enforcement have warned the public about an increase number of catalytic converter thefts. Catoosa County Sheriff, Gary Sisk, says they recently made an arrest in several converters being stolen. He says they are often stolen…

More To The Story: Donuts

Did you know the history of donuts and the Salvation Army?

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – Tony McInnis is the founder and owner of a very popular Chattanooga donut shop. Tasty Donuts. Tony’s a Louisiana native. He knows a good donut. In fact, all of the donuts come from his own recipes. So, asking Tony what his favorite donut is……is, well, a little tricky!! “Oh, that’s a very hard question. I guess it depends…

Community pool looking for summer lifeguards

First Cumberland Pool looking for 5-10 new lifeguards to avoid cutting pool hours

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) — The First Cumberland Pool has been a staple of the community here for more than 60 years. As the dog days of summer approach, the staff is concerned that hours at the pool could be reduced if they can’t find more lifeguards. The pool has been renovated. Now, it needs to be supervised. First Cumberland Presbyterian says…

Mocs New Golf Coach Blaine Woodruff Already Owns a National Championship

(gomocs.com) CHATTANOOGA—Blaine Woodruff is the Chattanooga Mocs new men’s golf head coach. His announcement Thursday marks just the third head coach in the program’s DI history joining Reed Sanderlin and recently retired Mark Guhne. “We’re excited to introduce the Chattanooga community to Blaine and (wife) Katie,” Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Mark Wharton shared. “He is coming from a…

2022 Riverbend Festival Preview

It will be scaled down as it returns from pandemic/ financial issues

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – The Riverbend Festival returns to the Riverfront this weekend for the first time in 3 years. And it will look a bit different. The annual music festival will be back at their Ross’s Landing site following a two year break caused by Covid. But this year’s event will be smaller. The footprint will be much smaller, with…

Georgia gas tax suspension extended to July 14

Catoosa County officials support executive order from Gov. Kemp

CATOOSA COUNTY, Georgia (WDEF) — Recently in some parts of California, gasoline now costs more than $8 a gallon. However, in Georgia, residents will get a little more relief at the pump for a little while longer. At the end of March, Governor Kemp suspended the state’s gas tax through the end of May. Now, he has extended that suspension…

Tim James Steps Down as East Ridge Football Coach

East Ridge, TN-(WDEF-TV) East Ridge coach Tim James is leaving his football home for a new opportunity. He’s stepping down as the Pioneers head coach to take over as the athletic director for the Hamilton County school system. Had to be a tough decision for James. His roots run deep at East Ridge. He played and coached there, and the…

College Enrollment Continues to Decline

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) — Overall college enrollment has fallen four point one percent since last year, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. Enrollment has declined the most among undergraduates, falling four point seven percent in the last year. “Some of what may be leading into that is certainly affordability concerns. That certainly is one area we’ve really focused on…

According to AAA: Memorial Day marked the beginning of the “100 deadliest days for teen drivers”

  CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – Memorial day kicked off the unofficial start of summer, but it was also the start of the “100 Deadliest Days” for teen drivers. AAA compiled data from crash reports and found that more than 30% of deaths involving teen drivers occurred during between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Former Chattanooga Police Officer John Collins recently opened…