More To The Story with Staley – Bear’s Barber Shop

Dave introduces us to community icon, "Bear"

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – It’s a relatively small barber shop on Alton Park Boulevard here in Chattanooga. But there’s nothing “small” about the owner! “Good morning, Bear’s Barber Shop…..” That’s 74 year old Larry High answering the phone. But everybody knows him as “Bear.” March is always an anniversary month for Bear. Bear High has been here a long time. A LONG…

Addie Porter Brings Bulldog Mentality to the Mocs

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) It’s March first. Let the March Madness begin. Seems the madness is always there for Mocs freshman guard Addie Porter. UTC hopes to unleash her aggressive style in the SoCon tournament this week. If Katie Burrows needs a spark for her team, she knows Addie Porter can ignite it. Said head coach Katie Burrows:”She’s a Bulldog. She’s tough. Mentally….

Chattanoogans march in support of Ukraine

Ukrainian Gospel Church sending prayers, supplies back home

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – Members of the Ukrainian Gospel Church turned the Walnut Street bridge into a sea of blue and yellow Tuesday night. Youth Leader Assistant Maksim Mikhaylishin said their message not anger and violence, but rather, peace, love, and most of all — prayer. “We have a lot of family, a lot of relatives that are suffering,” Mikhaylishin said….

Chattanooga’s Truman Smith Runs Marathons All Over the World

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) Less than one thousand people, from all across the world, have run a marathon on all seven continents. Chattanooga is home to one. Truman Smith has finished more than 200 marathons, even after life-threatening health scares. News 12’s Angela Moryan has his story. Said Smith: “Finally seeing that finish line, it was overwhelming.” Chattanooga native Truman Smith is one…

Georgia State Senate Passes Permitless Carry Bill

Bill moves on to House

WALKER CO., Ga. — On Monday, the Georgia State Senate passed Bill 319, which would allow eligible people in Georgia to carry a handgun without a license or permit. The bill is an example of constitutional carry legislation, which Governor Brian Kemp vowed to support moving into 2022. “It goes back to the fundamentals of the constitution. Most people believe…

Weather in the Classroom Visits Cleveland Middle School

Cleveland, TN (WDEF): Weather in the classroom was on the road today to Cleveland Middle School. Meteorologist Bekah Birdsall gave two presentations to four hundred middle schools about being a meteorologist. The sixth grade students have been learning the weather and climate unit. They had lots of questions about tornadoes and severe weather safety. The teachers wanted the students to…

Golden Apple Award: Gordon Lee Middle’s Lester Galyon

Chickamauga, GA (WDEF) – Even in the rigid world of of mathematics, there can be more than one way to solve a problem. Good teachers like Lester Galyon realize that. Despite a lifetime of experience in the classroom, he is always  open to trying new things.” Chris Edge is the Assistant Principal at Gordon Lee Middle. He says, “Coach Galyon is…

Chattanooga on pace for record level of traffic fatalities

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF)-“Every traffic fatality that we have worked, speed has been a factor. Each and every one of them,” said Lt. Danny Jones. Chattanooga Police Department says Chattanooga has already had seven fatal accidents, as compared to two at this point in 2021. “We’ve got to have people sit down. If it’s not for anything other than for your…

Salvation Army serving women in need through ‘Mardi Bra’

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF)- The Salvation Army of Chattanooga is celebrating Mardi Gras by aiding women facing homelessness. This eighth annual Mardi Bra event handed out necessities such as bras, panties, and feminine hygiene items. Salvation Army volunteer, Claudette Andrews,  said these items are rarely donated due to cost and often being overlooked. “They can get what they need here. Things…

Legendary Football Coach Gary Rankin Introduced at Boyd Buchanan

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) The winningest high school football coach in Tennessee history will be on the sidelines for Boyd Buchanan next season. Gary Rankin was introduced as the Bucs new coach on Monday. He left his power-house program at Alcoa to be closer to family in Chattanooga. Sometimes the reasons for change can be small. For Gary Rankin. It was a grand…

Bob Corker says Vladimir Putin has turned himself into a pariah

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – Former US Senator and Chattanooga Mayor Bob Corker gave his thoughts on the Ukraine conflict today. Corker said Vladimir Putin has turned himself into a Pariah in attacking Ukraine. He expressed admiration for the nations that have come together to stand up to Russia. But he also expressed concern the conflict will result in civilian casualties and…

This couple wants back into Ukraine

Ringgold's Henry and Victoria Benach want to take humanitarian aid and gospel literature

RINGGOLD, Ga. — The war in Ukraine has continued into its fifth straight day. Ukrainian civilians are fleeing to neighboring European countries as the conflict continues. But only a week ago, Henry and Victoria Benach were trying to reach the front lines. “We had a team of about five people, including my wife, and we were taking a lot humanitarian…

What’s Right With Our Schools: Girls Inspired at Brainerd High

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) – Getting into the college is one thing. Graduating college is another. Some Brainerd High School students are developing a support system that should see  them all the way through. The women of tomorrow are getting help today through Girls Inspired. Jucinta Rome is a sponsor for Girl’s Inspired. She explains, “Girls Inspired was started in October…

More To The Story: Cleveland Greenway Bridge

Dave Staley has the rest of the story on an old bridge that is getting new life in Cleveland

CLEVELAND, Tennessee (WDEF) – Back in late January, we saw a ribbon cutting ceremony in Cleveland for a bridge. A completely renovated walking bridge that will be the centerpiece of a new greenway for folks to enjoy. Most people probably don’t know anything about the bridge. But it’s a hidden jewel. For you see, the Dobbs-Ford Bridge, by all accounts, is…

TECH BYTE: Digital Frames Make Pictures Perfect

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — You don’t necessarily need to print out a picture to put it on display in your home or office. That’s what digital picture frames are for! If you’re limited on space on your wall or table, but love showing off all of your pictures, it’s time to invest in a smart photo frame. Aura can hold…