Hamilton County Judge Sends Migrant Youth Worker Sexual Battery Case to Grand Jury

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – Three female employees of the Baptiste Group were arrested in 2021 on various charges of sexual misconduct against minors staying at their shelter for migrants in Chattanooga. Today, Randi Duarte, Rebekah Perez and Florencia Morales had an opportunity to speak before a Hamilton County Court Judge. “These victims were all in a migrant camp here in Chattanooga…

Golden Apple Award: Lauren Grimes, Dalewood Middle School

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) – Sixth grade Math the can be challenging. The problems get more complex.You need a good teacher to properly explain the process. Dalewood Middle School’s Lauren Grimes blends high energy with great expectations to get the most out of her kids. Rashaad Williams is the Principal at Dalewood Middle. He says, “Miss Grimes is a phenomenal teacher….

Body found in debris of old Ricky’s Restaurant after fire

Not discovered until 48 hours after the fire

from Chattanooga Fire Dept. CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – The burned ruins of the old Ricky’s Restaurant on 4th Avenue has now been roped off as a crime scene.   Fire officials say a body has now been found in the debris.   Firefighters originally missed it when the condemned building burned in the early morning hours on Sunday.   Crews fought…

Much Anticipated Peach Cobbler Factory Hosts Grand Opening

Peach Cobbler FactoryChattanooga, TN (WDEF): Today is the grand opening of the Peach Cobbler Factory. Located on 301 East MLK Boulevard, it is the 7th open location to date in four states. The first Peach Cobbler Factory started up in Nashville. They currently have agreements for fifty more locations in 12 states in the works. The restaurant sells different flavors…

What’s Right With Our Schools: Chattanooga Christian Surf Club

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) – As far as states go, Tennessee is just about as landlocked as they come, but our geographic disadvantage was only a minor obstacle for a highly motivated Chattanooga Christian teacher. Travis “Chaplain” Hutchinson is the Surf Club Sponsor for CCS. He explains, “Every year our school has something called interim where we take kids for a…

Investigation Into Hamilton County Child Rape Crosses State Lines, Public Assistance Needed

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – Ryan Andrew Meyung was arrested in December on multiple counts of child rape, aggravated kidnapping and other related charges. An arrest affidavit says Meyung was a motocross stunt rider. Meyung has a YouTube page with dozens of videos, including one where he announces his new business. “I decided to go ahead and start my own business. So,…

TECH BYTE: CES 2022 Spotlights Transportation

LAS VEGAS, Nev. (WDEF) — The Consumer Electronics Show is back in Las Vegas, and better than ever. CES is in person this year, but because of the recent surge in COVID cases, some companies still decided to attend virtually instead. Transportation is taking the spotlight at CES this year. They may not be flying yet, but the future is…

Mocs stay perfect in SoCon, beat Citadel

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (UTC Athletics) — Behind a fantastic defensive effort from Darius Banks, 27 points from Malachi Smith, and a double-double from Silvio De Sousa, the Chattanooga Mocs men’s basketball team ran away with an 85-67 victory over The Citadel in Southern Conference action inside McKenzie Arena on Saturday afternoon. Chattanooga has now won its last four games and improved…

‘Crimson Crane’ takes over Fan Central

INDIANAPOLIS (WDEF) — As Georgia and Alabama get ready for Monday’s National Championship, fans from both sides have descended on Playoff Fan Central in the Indiana Convention Center. There, fans can pose with the national championship trophy, test their football skills in different challenges, even see team themed Indy cars. I mean, it wouldn’t be Indianapolis without them. One thing…

Walker Valley Knocks Off District Leader Howard 64-53

Cleveland, TN-(WDEF-TV) Walker Valley handed Howard their first district loss of the season as they beat the Hustlin’ Tigers 64-53. The Mustangs raced out to a 21-4 lead at the end of the first quarter, and Howard could not overcome the big deficit. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News Tags: Basketball, High School Basketball, Howard School, Walker Valley High School

Alabama and Georgia Arrive in Frigid Indianapolis For National Title Game

Indianapolis-(WDEF-TV) Alabama and Georgia are turning Indianapolis into ‘Title Town’. The SEC combatants play for the national title Monday in Indy. Both teams landed in town Friday, and News 12’s Angela Moryan was there to greet’em. Angie: A fridge is 17° welcome to Georgia and Alabama to Indianapolis here tonight it might be freezing on the tarmac however Monday is…

Georgia Governor Visits Lafayette Factory Hiring 600

WALKER COUNTY, GA (WDEF) – “This is just so good for our state because we’re strengthening rural Georgia,” says Georgia Governor Brian Kemp. “We’re making sure sure people have opportunity no matter what part of the state they live in, what neighborhood they live in or what zip code they live in.” GE Appliances is infusing more than $118 million…

More To The Story: Fire Department Anniversary

Dave Staley looks at how much work a 150th anniversary can create

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – Firefighters do what they do. And a whole lot more than that. The Chattanooga Fire Department is right there with all of their peers. Maybe moreso. CFD celebrated its 150th anniversary by going non-stop. In layman’s terms…..there was no shortage of work. DAVE STALEY, NEWS 12 NOW; “2021 was a very busy year for the Chattanooga Fire…

Gov. Kemp visits Roper plant in LaFayette

LAFAYETTE, Georgia (WDEF) – Georgia Governor Brian Kemp brought his re-election campaign to LaFayette today. He visited the Roper Corporation to congratulate them on last month’s expansion announcement. The expansion of their production line promises hundreds of new jobs over the next few years. Governor Kemp talked about improving the supply chain solution by making products closer to home. The…

Teen Temps to Greet Bama and Georgia in Indianapolis

It’ll soon be title time for Alabama and Georgia. News 12’s Angela Moryan made her way to Indianapolis Thursday to begin our coverage. She found the temps about as low as the points allowed from the Tide and Dawgs defenses. Angie: I made it were in Indianapolis for the national championship and I got to say I don’t think I’ve…

Dalton State Falls to Number One Ranked Loyola 85-57

Dalton, GA-(WDEF-TV) Dalton State entertained the number one ranked team in NAIA on Thursday at Mashburn Arena in Dalton. The Road Runners took on Loyola Louisiana, and the Wolfpack played like the nation’s top team winning 85-57. Dalton State was down 12 at halftime, but Loyola helped seal the win with a 22-4 run in the second half. The Wolfpack…

Chip’s Good Word: The Sexy Pest Control guys

Local Pest Control company makes tongue-in-cheek calendar for charity

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – A local pest control company has come up with a way to get some publicity and help a couple of their favorite charities at the same time. They have come up with a calendar, featuring some of their technicians in “tastefully revealing” poses. You get some tank tops, short shorts and a roll in the leaves among…