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…

Kurt Napier Proud to See Older Brother Billy Get Florida Gators Job

Chatsworth, GA-(WDEF-TV) Chatsworth, Georgia, is now Gators country. Murray County native Billy Napier is Florida’s new head football coach. Napier’s youngest brother Kurt lives and coaches in Chatsworth, and he’s digging his brother’s new job. Kurt Napier says growing up, Billy was your typical older brother. Said Kurt:”They would pick me up by my ankles and hang me upside down.”…

Local health officials express concerns over Omicron variant

health officials say there are a lot of unknowns when it comes to the Omicron variant 

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn (WDEF) – The Omicron Covid variant was first identified by scientists in South Africa. Although little is known about this new variant, World Health Officials say the omicron poses a “very high” global risk. Now the race is on to determine if existing vaccines will stop its spread.” The Omicron variant has now spread to at least 14…

Mayors, Police Chief, and NFL Player On Hand for Lung Cancer Awareness Proclamation

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – “We hereby proclaim the month of November as Lung Cancer Awareness Month,” said Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger to a full Courthouse lobby. The lobby was filled with officials, police officers, and first responders , all to honor Lung Cancer Awareness. Mayor Coppinger and Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly presented the proclamation to CHI Memorial Hospital’s Chief of…

What’s Right With Our Schools: OLPH Helps the Chattanooga Community Kitchen

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) – At Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Chattanooga, children learn 3 core values. They are to know, love and serve. Even the youngest students put those values in action. Dr. Caroline Carlin is the Principal at OLPH. She explains, “Today, we have invited the Chattanooga Community Kitchen which has been a partnership with our school over…

Cyber Monday Shopping Tips from BBB

Chattanooga, TN (WDEF): “Cyber Monday is a huge shopping day, we see billions of dollars spent by consumers,” says Michele Mason, President of the Better Business Bureau for Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia. Shopping has never been easier these days with just a click of a button. However, the Better Business Bureau says you still need to take your time…

A former police chief and current mayor talk about Lung Cancer

It was part of a Lung Cancer Awareness Rally

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – A “Who’s Who” of Chattanooga Officials – including a former NFL player – met at the Hamilton County Courthouse this morning for a Lung Cancer Awareness Rally. Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly and Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger proclaimed November Lung Cancer Awareness Month at the rally. The Courthouse lobby was filled with police officers, sheriff’s deputies, fire…

Christmas at the Zoo

RINGGOLD, Georgia (WDEF)- Christmas at the Zoo took place over the weekend. Boynton United Methodist Church inviting the public out to celebrate an early Christmas with food, a petting zoo, and other kids activities. Pastor of the church, Nena Jones said after a tough past two years it’s important to be together safely this holiday season. “Last couple of years…