Chip’s Good Word: Woman thanks unnamed good Samaritan who returned her bag

She lost it with all her valuables at the Lighted Boat Parade

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – We’ve got a great story about a local woman who needs some help to thank an anonymous Good Samaritan. Megan Sandilands and her daughter went to the lighted boat parade on Friday night. But while she was enjoying the festive lights, she somehow lost her sling bag. It held her wallet, spare key to both the house…

Songbirds Christmas Ornaments

The guitar ornaments will support music programs in our area

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – One Chattanooga staple is helping give back to our community by hosting an ornament drive. Starting now, Songbirds is selling customizable guitar ornaments to museum and concert patrons as part of its “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” charitable campaign. Each ornament costs $100 and will buy a guitar and 10 free lessons for one student in the…

From The Archives: 1991 Oh, Calcutta controversy

1991 debate: Should musical with nudity be allowed at the Tivoli?

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – The Tivoli Foundation is at a crossroads these days. They are still trying to survive the pandemic, while pushing a major expansion to the Tivoli Center complex. But 30 years ago, they were in the middle of a different kind of storm. Should the musical Oh, Calcutta be allowed at the Chattanooga theater. The play featured rampant…

96 Angels still need picked from the Angel tree

CHATTANOOGA Tennessee (WDEF)- 96 Angels still need to be adopted in the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree. There are only a few days left to adopt an angel. Even though there is not as high of a need as last year during the pandemic, Major Mark Smith says the Salvation Army and the Hamilton County community have still served thousands this…

Small Businesses likely will be impacted by Supply Chain issues in 2022

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF)-“Supply chain issues aren’t necessarily going to disappear even in the near term or potentially in 2022,” said Robinson. Supply chain backups are affecting every industry which is making it particularly tough for small businesses this holiday season. Mamenta Clay Robinson said containers are ridiculously pensive, shipping logistics are just a mess. He said small businesses now have…

Governor Lee offers clemency for Grundy County man

Adam Braseel served 12 years for a murder in 2006 before being freed in 2019

NASHVILLE (WDEF) – Governor Bill Lee announced executive clemency for 17 offenders across Tennessee, including one man from Grundy County. Adam Braseel served 12 years for murder, but always said he was innocent. He was convicted of first degree murder for the death of Malcolm Burrows in 2006. Burrows, who was a known drug dealer, was beaten to death on…

More events added for this year’s Main X 24

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – It’ll be a busy weekend here in Chattanooga. Not only will the high school football state championship games be played Saturday at Finley Stadium, but there’ll be a huge “Block Party” on Main Street! After taking a year off because of the pandemic, the “Main-Times-24” parade and street festival will take place Saturday, beginning at 8 o’clock in…

McCallie Excited to Play For State Title in Their Own Back Yard

Chattanooga, TN-(WDEF-TV) McCallie will chase their third consecutive state title in their own back yard. Finley Stadium is less than five miles from the McCallie campus. The Blue Tornado could almost walk over to Finley to battle MBA for the state crown Thursday evening. McCallie has a chance to be the first Chattanooga school to win the championship in the…

Erlanger receives Breast Milk donations from Mothers’ Milk Bank of Tennessee

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn (WDEF) – Did you know that nearly 40% of NICU mothers* aren’t able to produce enough milk?  But, thanks to Milk from the Mothers’ Milk Bank of Tennessee provides moms with this vital resource to enable their babies to survive and thrive right here in chattanooga.  Erlanger is now receiving safe, pasteurized breast milk donated by Tennessee donor mothers…

Project Return offers an opportunity for the formerly incarcerated get a second chance

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn (WDEF) – Project Return is a non profit organization that aims to help the formerly incarcerated gain access to opportunities that they may have otherwise been denied.”  Officials say that on any given day about 2,000 people are being released from state and federal prisons around the country. Here in Tennessee up to 15,000 will be freed into the…

Investigator describes child molestation case against cheerleading coach

James Everett Sisson faces child molestation charge

RINGGOLD, Georgia (WDEF) – Since they announced the arrest of a private cheerleading coach on Tuesday, Catoosa investigators have heard from a lot of concerned parents. Andy Santoro spoke today with the lead investigator. “If you have a private lesson with a coach, my suggestion would be you better make sure you know who you’re child is dealing with.” Detective…

New Stadium in the Cards For the Chattanooga Lookouts as They Announce New Investors

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) A new stadium is very much in the near future for the Chattanooga Lookouts. The Lookouts welcomed 11 new owners Wednesday. At the announcement, managing owner Jason Freier said the next step is to build a new facility. Major League Baseball told the Lookouts that needs to be the team’s number one priority. Said Freier: “We know the existing…

Commissioner Tim Boyd announces he will not seek re-election

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – One of the louder voices on the Hamilton County Commission made a surprise announcement this morning. And he didn’t beat around the bush. At the end of their meeting on Wednesday, Tim Boyd simply said “I just want to make one announcement. Tim Boyd will not be seeking election to any office in 2022. Thank you very…

LaFayette’s Aidan Hadaway With a School Record 48 Points in Win Over Ridgeland

Rossville, GA-(WDEF-TV) LaFayette opened their high school basketball season with a big 88-52 win over county rival Ridgeland. Aidan Hadaway had a monster season debut for the Ramblers tossing in a school record 48 points. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News Tags: Aidan Hadaway, Basketball, High School Basketball, Lafayette High School, Ridgeland High School

LFO Downs Heritage 60-45

Fort Oglethorpe, GA-(WDEF-TV) The LFO boys basketball team stayed unbeaten on the year knocking off Heritage 60-45.  Jamichael Davis scored 22 for the Warriors, while teammate Brent Bowman had a game high 26 points. Kaleb Gallman had 13 to lead the way for the Generals. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News Tags: Basketball, Heritage High School, High School Basketball, Lakeview…

UTC announces new Cybersecurity Workforce Certificate Training Program

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn (WDEF) – UTC is now offering a Cybersecurity Workforce Certificate Training program to help combat the growing need for cybersecurity job placement. This new workforce development program is completely online and it comes at no cost to participants. Officials say there is a major global shortage of trained personnel for cybersecurity jobs, which is very concerning since there is…

Mocs Softball Coach Frank Reed Will Enter His 21st Season at UTC This Spring

The Mocs Frank Reed is ready to embark on another decade of coaching the UTC softball team. Reed will enter his 21st season this spring. He has already accumulated over 1,100 victories during his career. He recently spoke with News 12’s Rick Nyman about his coaching journey, which includes some tall tales on the recruiting trail. Frank Reed never dreamed…

Golden Apple Award: Jennifer Turner, Westview Elementary

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) – Jennifer Turner has a passion and a joy that shines in all she does. That enthusiasm makes learning fun for students in her Westview Science Lab. Debbie Caudle is the Principal at Westview Elementary School. She explains, “I cannot say enough about Miss Turner and the time that she gives to the school, and the investment…

Mayor Tim Kelly Expanding Family Forward Services with Partnership with Signal Centers

Mayor Tim Kelly Speaking at Chattanooga City HallMayor Tim Kelly Speaking at Chattanooga City HallChattanooga, TN (WDEF): “By focusing on programs and investments in young children, we as the city of Chattanooga have the potential to help break the violence of multi – generational poverty, prevent violence in our neighborhood, and ensure the young people are prepared for school and…

Private Cheerleading coach charged with child molestation

James Sisson coached young girls at "Culprit Athletics"

RINGGOLD, Georgia (WDEF) – The Catoosa County Sheriff says a cheerleading coach working for private companies has been arrested for child molestation. The suspect is 49 year old James Everett Sisson, who they say worked for Culprit Athletics. Sheriff Sisk says his investigators got a tip about inappropriate contact with an underage female while working with the coach. He says…