Golden Apple Award: Janice McDaniel, Oakwood Christian

CHICKAMAUGA , GA (WDEF) – First grade is big adjustment in a child’s life. The frivolity of kindergarten takes a back seat to more serious learning, but that doesn’t mean first grade can’t be fun. Oakwood Christian’s Janice McDaniel has poured her heart and soul into teaching for the past 25 years. Vicki Garner is the  Pre-School and 1st Grade…

Local missionaries still seek help in aid for Ukraine

Benach family & JEM Ministries continue humanitarian efforts despite further Russian escalations

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – The Russian escalation in Ukraine isn’t just something that’s worried all of Europe or the United States government. There are people right here in the Tennessee Valley and over the border in North Georgia that are taking up the effort to help rebuild the embattled country. And one local family needs your help to do it. The…

District Attorney Candidates Defend Perceived Weaknesses at UTC Debate

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) — Last night, all three candidates for Hamilton County District Attorney made their case for election before a crowd of college students, attorneys, and members of the public. “I have been an attorney for a long, long time,” said Democratic candidate John Brooks. “I would like to hit the refresh button,” said Republican challenger Coty Wamp. “We have…

Weather in the Classroom Visits Dupont Elementary

Weather in the ClassroomHIXSON, TN (WDEF): Meteorologist Bekah Birdsall went up the road in Hixson today for weather in the classroom. The third graders at Dupont elementary school have been learning about different types of weather and climate. They are about to study natural hazards and how it impacts humans and the environment. The students asked lots of questions about…

Ringgold house fire

RINGGOLD, Georgia (WDEF) – This morning, a house caught fire in Catoosa County, Georgia. The fire took place in the 300 Stanley Drive in Ringgold around 9 a.m. The home was still burning when News 12 arrived on the scene at 10. First responders were unable to give comment on the fire, at that time. No injuries were reported, but a…

Dalton Soccer Edges Baylor 2-1

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) After trailing 1-0 at halftime, Dalton scored twice in the second half to beat Baylor 2-1 on Monday night at the Baylor school. Fabian Rodriguez and Fernando Guerrero scored the two goals for the Catamounts. For the Red Raiders it was their first loss of the season as they fall to 7-1. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News, Sports…

South Pittsburg coffee shop experiences tragedy

One co-owner dead, the other arrested and charged with criminal homicide

SOUTH PITTSBURG, Tenn. (WDEF) — Authorities say a 911 call was made around 8:30 a.m. central time Monday morning from Dragging Canoe Coffee Traders — a local favorite coffee shop. Marion County Sheriff Ronnie “Bo” Burnett said that business co-owners Kevin Hudson and Robert John Bateh got into “an altercation.” Shortly after, the situation “turned deadly.” “One employee was killed,…

Hatching Out a Compromise: City chicken ordinance has family crying foul

City & family seek compromise in raising urban chickens on certain amount of land

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – The term “urban chicken” is not a reference to a chicken sandwich at a fast food restaurant. It refers to raising chickens in a city. Chattanooga allows for urban chickens, but the city ordinance has one family crying foul. Now, both sides hope they can hatch out a compromise. Urban farming isn’t a new idea. It’s usually…

What’s Right With Our Schools: STEM School Chattanooga’s 4K Microscope

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) – When you look through a 4K microscope, the world racks into focus in a whole new way. Even the most ordinary things contain a treasure trove of information. Students at Stem School Chattanooga get a first hand look.   Sam Tugman is a Senior at STEM School Chattanooga. He says, “4k class, at least to me,…

More To The Story with Staley: Pioneer Frontier Playground

Dave takes a look at the newly revamped playground in East Ridge

EAST RIDGE, Tennessee (WDEF) – When you cut a ribbon, it usually means you’re dedicating something. That’s what East Ridge City Mayor Brian Williams and a number of important people in East Ridge did Saturday morning. Honoring the new and improved Pioneer Frontier Playground! This little park was built back in 1994, and the city certainly made good use of it….

Mental Health Awareness Course Offered to Local First Responders

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) — In 2007, a furniture store in Charleston, South Carolina, caught fire. In responding to the incident, nine firefighters lost their lives in what was the deadliest firefighter disaster since 9/11. Marine veteran Travis Howze was one of the firefighters who responded to the blaze, and the event changed him. “You’re having nightmares that are so bad —…

TECH BYTE: Apps to Help with Vacation Planning

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — We’re in the middle of Spring Break season! Whether you’ve already booked your trip, or you’re planning one for the summer, some smartphone apps can help keep you organized, and make your vacation even better. With temperatures warming up, it’s time to start planning your next vacation. The Tripadvisor app can help you with planning and…

Kidney for Cooper

COLLEGEDALE, Tennessee (WDEF)- “Basically, my kidneys don’t work and I need a new one,” said Moore. Tami Lloyd says her Seventeen-year-old son Cooper Moore has struggled since before birth with chronic kidney issues blocking his urinary system. “Over 17 years of time this condition causes kidney failure. The left kidney for Cooper does not function any longer, the right kidney…

Dinos and Dragons

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF)-Dinosaurs have been extinct for millions of years, but they still capture our wild imaginations. It makes it all worth it when you see the community come out and such large numbers. “What’s your favorite one?” “These colors, I like it when it’s the color pink,” said Ella Tour manager Brian Galentine says it takes a lot of…

East Ridge replacement playground

EAST RIDGE, Tennessee (WDEF)-Kids have a new place to play in East Ridge after the old wooden playground needed to be taken down. Back in 1994, the original wooden playground stood for kids to play.  Now years later in the same spot a new metal and plastic playground stands in its place.  The playground connects both with the old and…

Animator’s artwork on display in Chattanooga

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF)-An artist’s and animator’s work is on display in Chattanooga which will bring people back to their childhood. The Beatles along with Scooby-Doo, Rugrats, and the Flintstones artwork were on display and for sale all based on the 50-year career of the late Ron Campbell.  Campbell is known for animating or childhood creating extremely popular cartoons like Popeye,…

Chatt State and Cleveland State Split Softball Double Header

Cleveland, TN-(WDEF-TV) Chattanooga State and Cleveland State split their softball double header on Friday in Cleveland. Chatt State won game one 8-2 with Cleveland State taking the second contest 4-2. The two schools will play another double header on Saturday. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News Tags: Chattanooga State Community College, Cleveland State Community College, college softball, Softball

Red Wolves Captain:”We’re Going to be Most Dangerous Team in the League”

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) Chattanooga Red Wolves season opener goes down Saturday night as they host Forward Madison. Jose Carrera Garcia will help lead the charge for Chattanooga. Garcia is in his second season with the team, and now he has been named a team captain. After watching the Red Wolves make the playoff semi-finals.last year, Garcia is confident the club can take…