Mom’s vow of silence with family til they learn sign language for her daughter

Ashleigh Hill's daughter is profoundly deaf

BENTON, Tennessee (WDEF) – A local mom has gained a national following for insisting her family use sign language. Ashleigh Hill of Polk County has taken a vow of silence with her family, insisting they only communicate with sign language. Ashleigh herself is hard of hearing and last year she gave birth to a beautiful baby girl diagnosed with hearing…

Athens’ police chief fired, city manager suspended

ATHENS, Tenn. (WDEF) – The city of Athens, Tennessee, is experiencing some major shakeups in their city’s government. “This had been a matter that had been an issue for a while.” On Friday, October 8th, Cliff Couch was dismissed as the police chief. Lieutenant Fred Schultz promptly filled his position. “The council felt like this was an appropriate response.” To…

Bradley County Commission approves Essential Employee Bonuses

BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn (WDEF) – On Monday, the Bradley County Commission approved a $21 million plan to distribute funds they received from the government. A chunk of that $21 million is going right into the pockets of Bradley County’s Essential workers.”  Bradley County was given $21 million as part of the Federal American Rescue Plan. Mayor Davis and the county commission…

Golden Apple Award: Jennifer French, Alpine Crest Elementary

RED BANK, TN (WDEF) – Jennifer French is passionate about getting her young students at Alpine Crest Elementary off on the right foot in Math and Science, but she also has an infectious smile, a wonderful sense of humor and a dedication to create well-rounded learners. Ashley Cross is the Principal at the Alpine Crest Elementary. She says, “Ms. French…

Potential of mixing and matching COVID-19 vaccines

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF) – “There was not any vote taken about mixing and matching,” said N.C. State/public health scientist Dr. Julie Swann. The official guidance is to get the same vaccine for your COVID vaccine booster dose as you did previously. “The official guidance that has been recommended is if you’ve had two of Pfizer then you should go ahead…

More To The Story: Senior workouts

Dave Staley visits the morning workout at Morning Pointe Senior Living facility

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – It’s a daily workout class at the Morning Pointe Senior Living facility on Shallowford Road. A good number of seniors taking part, to include Clyde Edwards. Clyde’s first stop at this center was 2018. He’s “all in” with these workouts. CLYDE EDWARDS, RESIDENT; “It keeps you young. I’m 90 years old. (I was just going to ask…

What’s Right With Our Schools: Reach One Teach One

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) – It’s never too late to make a positive change in your community. After serving more than 7 years behind bars, Reginald Yearby has dedicated his life to helping students through the Reach One Teach One tutoring program. Reginald remembers, “It all came to me maybe 14–15 years ago when I was incarcerated. I am a convicted…

Startup Week Chattanooga Begins

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn (WDEF) – Chattanooga startup week focuses on celebrating entrepreneurship and innovations. The 5-day event offers multiple opportunities for entrepreneurs to learn more about how to grow their businesses. The 5-day event is free to anyone and offers over 80 workshops and events for local companies to learn about capital, recovering from mistakes, and networking.  “Startup Week is a week-long…

Chattanooga State ‘Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week’

Chattanooga, TN (WDEF): Chattanooga State kick-started their Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week today. Each day they will focus on a different challenge. Today, Chatt State volunteers were at the Chattanooga Area Food Bank to build food boxes. In 2019, Chattanooga State held a voluntary survey where they found some of their students were experiencing food insecurity and homelessness. Since then,…