From The Archives: 1992 Judge Walter Williams in Prime Time

This story previewed a profile of the local judge on the new CBS News show Street Stories

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – Traditionally, judges try to keep a low profile. But 30 years ago, the nation got their first look at a Chattanooga judge who was quite the opposite. Judge Walter Williams got quite a reputation for his style on the bench. And that led to a CBS News profile airing this week in 1991. Here is the preview…

Salvation Army and Community Kitchen Open Cold Weather Shelters

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – “We’re getting some pretty nasty weather coming in and some of our neighbors have nowhere to go,” says Major Mark Smith who is the Salvation Army’s Area Commander for Chattanooga. When temperatures are predicted to be below freezing for a sustained amount of time, the Community Kitchen on 11th Street opens their cold weather shelter. Tonight, the…

Councilwoman Coonrod named to national committee

The District 9 representative added to National League of Cities' Public Safety & Crime Prevention Federal Advocacy Committee

District 9 Councilwoman Demetrus Coonrod just added a new title to her name. She announced she is the newest member of the National League of Cities’ 2022 Public Safety and Crime Prevention Federal Advocacy Committee. Coonrod is expected to play a major role among the leaders in the group in helping to craft and focus the committee’s policy decisions and…

Stress from COVID surges creating “The Great Resignation” for health care workers

As of November 2021, 3.0% of health care workers quit the field; highest level this century

By now, we all probably know a person who caught the Omicron variant of COVID and spent the holidays in quarantine or in the hospital. But the hospital remains open – even as more and more health care workers are quitting in the middle of the pandemic. It’s being called “The Great Resignation.” As of November of 2021, three percent…

More To The Story: Why are people moving to Chattanooga?

Dave Staley looks at the new study on why people are moving here

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – People move around the country for all kinds of reasons. Here in Chattanooga, people come to us for our beauty, for our recreation, our cost of living, our life-style. That’s naming just a few. But according to a new survey by a national moving company, we’re growing moreso than most! According to this survey, 2021 was a…

Back to School Amidst Omicron

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – COVID-19 infection rates have reached an all time high in Hamilton County. Despite the surge, public schools are open with no virtual learning option and masks are not required. “We know what we’ve experienced the last two years, that there has been tremendous learning loss for a lot of students that haven’t been in the classroom,” says…

Baylor Beats Red Bank 66-49

Red Bank, TN-(WDEF-TV) Baylor made the short drive to Red Bank High School on Tuesday and beat the Lions 66-49. The Red Raiders jumped out to a 20-3 lead and never looked back. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News Tags: Basketball, Baylor School, High School Basketball, Red Bank High School

Local Restaurants and Food Bank Impacted by National Rise in Food Prices

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – The Consumer Price Index reports meat prices are up over 20 percent from a year ago. Food prices overall are up 6.4 percent. And the Chattanooga Area Food Bank says more people than ever need food assistance. “We’ve seen a spike in probably the last three months. We’ve had an increase in need. We’re still sitting at…

Golden Apple Award: Ryan Barton, East Lake Elementary

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) – Ryan Barton is a former Adventure Therapist. He traveled to some of the most remote spots on the globe before answering the call to become a teacher. His students at East Lake Elementary School are sure glad he did. Mr. Barton is creative, and he truly cares about their social and emotional learning. Melissa Coffelt is…

Officer involved shooting at gas station in Dade County, GA

DeKalb County AL officer shot a driver Sheriff says was trying to run him over

WILDWOOD, Georgia (WDEF) – One person was shot Monday night by law enforcement in northwest Georgia. Dade County Sheriff Ray Cross says the incident happened at One 9 Fuel stop off I 59 at Wildwood exit around 7PM. He says the officers were actually out of DeKalb County, Alabama. Officers got a tip about a stolen vehicle. Deputies from both…

Local COVID Numbers Slightly Decrease but Hospitals Fill with Other Respiratory Infections

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – While new Hamilton County COVID cases continue a slight decline following a pandemic all-time high last week, local hospitals report they are still seeing crowds. “So we had anticipated some increases just because of indoor gatherings, the holidays, traveling around, gathering perhaps with more people than we normally would when we’re being very cautious and not knowing…

What’s Right With Our Schools: REACH Program at Lakeview Middle School

ROSSVILLE, GA (WDEF) – A College Education is getting more expensive every year. In Georgia, the REACH program combines local sponsors with state funds to give 8th graders a head start on their tuition. Denia Reese is the Superintendent for Catoosa County Public Schools. She explains,”The REACH Scholarship Program is funded by the Georgia finance commission. It was started by…

Snow conditions in the Tennessee Valley

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – In the Tennessee Valley, we saw an elevation snow overnight. While sleet, heavy rain and strong winds brought down power lines all over the area, the snow mainly affected the mountains around Chattanooga. Most of the road issues coming out from Walden Ridge and the Signal Mountain, Montlake, and Flat Top mountain were treacherous this morning. The…

TECH BYTE: Apps for Quitting Bad Habits

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — We made it to 2022, and a new year means a fresh start. That means breaking bad habits, and tech can help! Many people picked them up during the pandemic to deal with the stress – like drinking more, or overeating. Those habits don’t have to continue through the new year. If you’re looking to drink…

Palmer powers to Southern Scuffle history

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Mocs wrestler Brayden Palmer gave a new meaning to Chattanooga Strong in the Southern Scuffle this weekend. After losing in the opening match, the sophomore won six straight — three in overtime — to advance to Sunday’s medal round. Palmer wrestling Iowa’s Cullan Schriever in the 133-pound third place match. It was close. Palmer picked up…