History of burned Highland Baptist Church

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF)- Curator of Collections, Lindsay Stuber, with the Chattanooga Historical Society says the start of the church dates back to the 1890s.  “Highland Baptist Church actually started out as Orchard knob Baptist Church back in the 1890s. It’s not until the 1920s that they built the church that unfortunately was affected by the fire,” said Stuber. She says…

More To The Story: Lavender Farm

The Lavender Farm has just opened for visitors in Rising Fawn

RISING FAWN, Georgia (WDEF) – For this story, we’re traveling a little dusty road. Over the babbling creek. Up the hill. A unique experience awaits. You are about to enter a world of lavender. “Lookout Lavender” to be exact. Without further ado, let me introduce you to Bill and Alice Marrin. This is Bill! And this is Alice. After living in…

Silverdale RB Connor Delashmitt Commits to UTC Mocs

Silverdale running back Connor Delashmitt announced on social media Sunday that he has committed to play college ball at UTC. Delashmitt has been a beast in the backfield for the Seahawks. Last year he rushed for over 1,300 yards with 18 touchdowns. For his Silverdale career, he racked up over 6,000 all purpose yards with 45 touchdowns. Categories: Sports –…

90 year old celebrates birthday by skydiving

JASPER, Tennessee (WDEF)-Irene Hammontree, from Dalton,  celebrated turning 90 this weekend by visiting the Chattanooga skydiving company. “Whenever you start on the free fall, I want you to throw your hands out and yell real loud. I said I’m afraid too, I’m afraid I’ll lose my teeth,” said Hammontree. Her family says she’s been talking about this for a while…

Georgia Receiver Ladd McConkey Returns to Chatsworth Home For Autograph Session

Chatsworth, GA-(WDEF-TV) Georgia receiver Ladd McConkey was back in Chatsworth Saturday, signing autographs and taking pictures with fans  at J&W Sports Apparel.  McConkey was sporting his Georgia national championship ring. The North Murray high school graduate says it’s surreal being back in his hometown as a college football celebrity. Said McConkey:”Yeah it’s kind of weird to think about it first….

United Way celebrates 10th anniversary

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – The United Way of greater Chattanooga is celebrating its birthday with 100 days 100 ways campaign. This birthday celebration campaign is meant to encourage simple acts of kindness throughout the community. This is all leading up to impact days where the community will volunteer all together on September 16th and 17th. The United Way of Greater Chattanooga…

Old Highland Park Church burns

11:25 UPDATE: Fire Dept. extends “shelter in place” to 5 blocks around church ______________ 11 PM UPDATE: from Chatt. Fire Dept. “Residents living within these blocks: 3rd Street to Highland Park Avenue, 3rd Street in between Glenwood Parkway and Highland Park Ave, extending South to East Main Street at Highland Park Ave and up to Dodds Avenue are asked to…

Does Chattanooga Have a Gang Problem?

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) — Do we have a gang problem in Chattanooga? “Yes,” said Public Defender Boyd Patterson. An affidavit from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms has confirmed the presence of three known gang members from two different gangs at the scene of the McCallie shooting. With this information, some are wondering if gangs are a significant problem in…

Mental health’s impact on shootings

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF)-After mass shootings, in Chattanooga, over back-to-back weekends, and other mass shootings across the country, the impact of mental health has become a focus. “We’re not being proactive. The whole city, we’re being reactive,” said Pursuit Of Happiness CEO, Michael Gordon. Last Sunday morning 3 people were killed with 14 people shot near McCallie ave. The weekend prior,…

More To The Story: Hospice home expanding in Chattanooga

Welcome Home of Chattanooga

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – Welcome Home of Chattanooga was started in 2015. Providing shelter and support for those who need end-of-life care. The non-profit just moved into its new five acre facility in 2020. And now, phase two of expansion is complete. An additional three-bedroom home. Specifically for homeless cancer patients. Who need shelter to receive treatment. While the first home…

Police identify victims killed in McCallie Ave. shooting

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – Chattanooga Police are identifying the three people who were killed in the McCallie Avenue shooting over the weekend. 24 year old Darian Hixson was an athlete at Central High and Cleveland State, where she played on the basketball team. Friends and family held a candlelight vigil for Darian at Central High on Thursday evening.     35…

Call to action event held for Chattanooga’s youth

Councilwoman Demetrus Coonrod wants Chattanooga's children and teenagers to feel safe

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) — “Have you had enough yet?” This was one of several questions addressed at tonight’s “Our Youth Matters” discussion just off MLK Boulevard. Tonight, plenty of concerned Chattanoogans spoke on the matter. But it was the kids’ voices that had the most emphasis. District 9 Councilwoman Demetrus Coonrod says it’s imperative that the city support the “ideals and…

Deeper dive into Garrian King shows several arrests

King is charged with possession of a firearm as a felon in connection with the deadly shooting along McCallie Avenue this past Saturday

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – With the arrest, it leads to more questions about who Garrian King is. King has had some run-ins with law enforcement in the past. The latest one puts him on the scene of the deadly shooting last Saturday. The 28-year-old King only has a federal charge in connection with the shooting outside Mary’s Bar last Saturday: possession…

Chattanooga hold first public workshop for POP Plan

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) — Outdoor enthusiasts flocked to the Bessie Smith Cultural Center to provide their input on the future of Chattanooga’s parks. Tonight was just the first public workshop that revolve around the city’s new Parks and Outdoors Plan. The goal in mind is to provide top-quality park access to all Chattanoogans, regardless of background and zip code. From industrial…