ROSSVILLE, Ga.Walker County is celebrating a major milestone with the official grand opening of Adventure Acres, the county’s first signature park. The new family-focused destination features a treehouse-themed playground, a free splash pad, a walking trail, a pavilion, and other outdoor amenities designed for visitors of all ages. County leaders say Adventure Acres was created to give families a unique…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) People from across the Chattanooga area came together today at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center for a forum focused on faith, dialogue, and unity within the community. Organizers say the event brought together individuals from different religious backgrounds, beliefs, and perspectives for open conversation aimed at strengthening relationships across the region. The goal of the gathering was…
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) – A black bear spotted high in a tree drew attention in Cleveland Wednesday morning as residents stopped to watch the unusual scene unfold. Cleveland Police and Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency crews responded to the area as the bear remained in the tree for an extended period and bystanders gathered at a safe distance. Early onlookers Stephanie…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Congressional District Health Dashboard has released updated data showing SNAP participation by congressional districts across the United States. The dashboard now allows users to track SNAP enrollment trends over time, including quarterly changes, alongside other health and economic indicators. The tool is designed to give a clearer view of how participation in the Supplemental Nutrition…
From left to right: Sandy Pricer (I), Dr. Ruth Walker (D), and Ashley Dillon (R), the three candidate for Hamilton County District 3 School Board. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Longtime Hamilton County school board chairman Joe Smith announced earlier this year that he would not seek reelection in his district. Three candidates are looking to replace him, and whoever does so…
The website where fans can apply to see Spain’s training session. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- With the American World Cup just three weeks away, Chattanooga soccer fans may soon be able to get to see some of the world’s best players up close. The Spanish national football team will be hosting a community training session at The Baylor School on June…
Something new is crawling into view at the zoo and it comes with a personal touch thanks to the efforts of a local Scout.
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – State and County leaders highlighted major progress and long-term investments during this year’s State of the County address at UTC’s Wolford Center, focusing on education, economic growth, infrastructure, transportation, public safety, and outdoor recreation. One of the biggest successes centered on career and technical education. Hamilton County Schools has raised its “Ready Graduate” rate from 39.5%…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Chattanooga’s motorcycle community is continuing to mourn the loss of two bikers in the past week. Lucas Weaver says he was friends with both Riley Hairsine and Dathan Thomas, who were killed in separate crashes in Hixson in the past week on their motorcycles. Hairsine’s crash was on Tuesday on Highway 153, and Thomas’s crash was on…
RINGGOLD, Ga. (WDEF)- Volunteers wanted to make sure Ringgold was ready for Memorial Day. Over 2,100 flags have been planted across town. Each flag is attached to a cross bearing the name of a Catoosa County native who served in the military. The annual tradition has grown as families apply to have their veterans be honored. Drew Sherrell with the…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Community leaders are moving forward with a new vision for Pavilion Park, announcing the BlueCross Healthy Place project near Finley Stadium during a public event. The project will focus on creating a more connected gathering space around First Horizon Pavilion, adding new recreation areas and shaded spaces designed to encourage year-round activity. Leaders say the effort…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Buying a home has become increasingly difficult for many first-time buyers as housing prices and upfront costs continue rising nationwide. Now, leaders in Chattanooga say a new partnership aims to make homeownership more accessible for working families. The city has officially launched a new Down Payment Assistance Program in partnership with the Tennessee Housing Development Agency. …
CATOOSA COUNTY, GA (WDEF) – Getting young people to love reading is a team effort in Catoosa County. Last year, the School District teamed up with Citizens for Literacy and the Public Library to create Catoosa Reads. That’s a page-turning example of “What’s Right With Our Schools.” “Today we have Catoosa Reads which started last year as a collaborative of…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – As Military Appreciation Month and Mental Health Awareness Month continue, Benjamin Hightower is using his platform to speak openly about mental health and life after military service. Hightower, an Air Force veteran and Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter, gained national attention following his breakout performance on America’s Got Talent. Now, he says he wants to help reduce the stigma…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The IRONMAN 70.3 returned over the weekend, bringing athletes to a course built around a downstream Tennessee River swim, rolling regional roads, and a downtown run lined with spectators. The event’s local history began in 2014, when the first full IRONMAN race was held following a 2013 announcement that the city would join the global endurance…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – As Chattanooga celebrated another year of the Ironman 70.3 Chattanooga, athletes from across the country crossed the finish line with stories of perseverance, discipline, and determination. Charlie Baker and Andrew McBurney could be heard shouting, “Ironman 2026!” For many competitors, months of training and sacrifice led to Sunday’s race. “I worked too hard for this. I’m…
COHUTTA, Ga. (WDEF) – The Town of Cohutta is seeing another major leadership change. The Town of Cohutta’s Attorney, Bryan Rayburn, confirmed that Ron Shinnick has resigned from his position as mayor. Over the last several weeks, News 12 has covered allegations surrounding the former mayor’s wife, Pam Shinnick, continuing to work as Town Clerk after town meeting minutes indicated…
CHICKAMAUGA, Ga. (WDEF) – Down Home Days Festival returned to Chickamauga today for its 52nd year of celebrating community traditions and local entertainment. The annual festival featured live music, food vendors, family activities, a KidZone, and entertainment throughout the day, drawing community members and visitors to downtown Chickamauga. Residents said the festival continues to be one of Chickamauga’s longest-running community…
UPDATE: On Sunday afternoon, close family members and friends gathered at a memorial created in honor of their loved one. Friend Michael Wright reflected on the emotional loss. “We are here at the memorial of our best friend and fallen friend, Dathan Thomas. You don’t get to say goodbye at the end of the day. So being able to do…
CHATTOOGA, Ga. (WDEF) – The family of Elder Aguilar-Macario is calling for his release after the Trion High School student was detained by ICE following a motor vehicle crash earlier this month. On May 1, Aguilar-Macario was involved in a crash that resulted in his arrest and transfer to an ICE detention center. Today, the Chattooga County Democratic Party hosted…
Duluth, GA-(WDEF-TV) The Dalton Catamounts are state champs again in soccer. Dalton beat Midtown 1-0 in the 4A s tate finals on Friday in Duluth, Georgia, to claim their 8th state crown. Rigo Torres scored the only goal of the match on a header in the second half off a corner kick. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News
Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) The Pensacola Blue Wahoos had the bats working against Chattanooga on Friday, as they defeated the Lookouts 9-3. The Blue Wahoos built a 3-0 lead in the second inning and never looked back in collecting the victory. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News
Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) It has been a week to celebrate for the Boyd Buchanan softball team. They got a walk-off win to advance to Spring Fling. It marks the Bucs first trip back to Murfreesboro in over two decades. Brian Armstrong reports. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News
Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) The Baylor soccer team came up just short in advancing to spring fling on Friday. The Red Raiders dropped a 1-0 decision to Briarcrest Christian in the state quarterfinals. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News