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…

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…