Lodge Manufacturing expanding production in South Pittsburg

Expansion should create 230 jobs

SOUTH PITTSBURG, Tennessee (WDEF) – Tennessee officials announce that Lodge Manufacturing is expanding in South Pittsburg. The $56 million expansion should create 239 more jobs. Lodge has been making cast iron cookware in South Pittsburg for 126 years, making them the oldest such manufacturer in the country. But demand for their products is growing so their production line will grow…

Remote Area Medical free health clinic back at Camp Jordan this weekend

EAST RIDGE, Tenn (WDEF) – The Remote Area Medical or RAM clinic is back in the Tennessee Valley this weekend.  The RAM clinic is a nonprofit provider of pop-up clinics delivering free, quality dental, vision, and medical care to underserved and uninsured individuals.  All services are free, and no ID is required.  Services available at the clinic will include dental cleanings,…

Top Ranked Oakland Beats South Pittsburg 49-10

South Pittsburg, TN-(WDEF=TV) It was David vs Goliath on the high school gridiron Thursday as 1A powerhouse South Pitt entertained 6A powerhouse Oakland. All Patriots as they won it 49-10. The Patriots are considered one of the best teams in the country. They’re ranked 25th in the country in the latest USA Today Prep Poll. The Pirates actually grabbed the…

Do you recognize Fort Oglethorpe arson suspect?

Investigators think he may behind a series of fires in the north Georgia area

FORT OGLETHORPE, Georgia (WDEF) – The Catoosa County Fire Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying an arson suspect from last night. The fire happened just after midnight, early Wednesday morning in Fort Oglethorpe. The video shows a man in a hoodie walking toward the back of the building at Lafayette Road and Riddle Street near the Cloud…

Hamilton County lawmakers react to Coppinger retirement

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – After Mayor Jim Coppinger announced that he won’t be running for reelection, more Hamilton County lawmakers are addressing his legacy. “I think he’s been a great leader. He’s been great to work with, there’s no doubt. And I think he’s been forward thinking as well,” says County Commissioner Sabrena Smedley. “I think that Hamilton County government…

City of Chattanooga looking to buy hotel to be repurposed for Low-Income housing

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn (WDEF) – The city of Chattanooga is looking at the possibility of buying a hotel near Bonny Oaks.  Officials say the Airport Inn hotel could potentially be turned into apartments for low-income residents. The Airport inn is located on Lee Highway and would be purchased for $2.8 million.  Money from the American Rescue Plan Act would help finance the…

White House rolls out plan to vaccinate children between the ages of 5-11

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn (WDEF) – Ever Since vaccinations have become readily available to the public,  children under the age of 12 have been left out, leaving them vulnerable to the virus. But that is expected to change soon as the White House announced they are completing operation planning to make sure those vaccines are easily accessible to everyone- including children.” “Kids have…

Five people escape a house fire in Eastdale

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Five people were able to escape a house fire this morning in Eastdale. The fire happened after 3:30 this morning in the 3700 block of Hemingway Drive. According to the Chattanooga Fire Department, the fire started at a car that was in the driveway and spread quickly to the house. Firefighters were able to contain the fire…